That's going to get real expensive, really fast.

My nephew is special needs. Here's what my SIL does. A gift card to the classroom teacher, usually to someplace the teacher can get classroom supplies. For everyone else, the one-on-one aide, the home nurses, the bus diver and aide, the therapists--she has my nephew make a card or a pencil holder or cookies or something else as gifts.

My nephew's in fifth grade now and has a teacher, a teacher's aide, his own one-on-one aide, the bus driver, the bus aide, five different home nurses, physical therapists--home and school, occupational therapists--home and school, speech therapist, music therapist, two swim therapists (I don't know what they are really called, but they've worked some miracle and he can now swim unassisted), 11 doctors, the brace maker, the wheelchair guy, the mobility specialist and probably a few other people I'm forgetting.

In your case, I'd give $25 gift cards to the teacher and the therapists. Then I'd give some sort of gift basket to the classroom--the teacher and the aides--something that they can easily split up amongst them. Cards for everyone else, handmade if your son can do that, or at least signed by him however he signs his name at this time. If you don't feel the card is enough, you can include a little thank you note of your own, thanking them for all the progress your son has made under their care.

If you haven't had contact with someone, there's no need to give them anything at the holidays. I'm sure they won't be expecting it. (The nurse, the liaison.)

This post was edited by camlan on Fri, Dec 7, 12 at 11:28

As a special education teacher, I can honestly say that we do love primary reinforcers. A box of candy or plate of cookies will make most everyone happy and won't break the bank. The mother of one of the students in one of my co-taught classes makes the most delicious eggrolls-paper plate covered with foil-not fancy, but oh-so-delightful.

On behalf of all teachers I thank you for your thoughtfulness!

I have 3 kids, one with autism, and I did 20 teacher gifts this year (and I didn't even do gym, art, etc...)

I got the most for the full time para with my dd. She's her main teacher, and I know she doesn't earn in the same range as the main teacher. Then I do all the therapists, bus driver, etc, at a lower level...this year I got them $5 starbucks cards, handmade cold pressed soaps, and chocolate.

When my dd was in preschool, I got her main teacher a bigger gift, and then all the therapists, aides, etc a smaller gift.

One thing I did for her teachers at her last year of preschool that I think they really appreciated (for teacher appreciation week, not Christmas)was that I made them all lunch one day. I noticed that the teachers had a luncheon and all sorts of events in their elementary school, but nothing at the preschool level. So I made lasagna, bread, salad, etc....nothing too fancy, but I felt like my baking made much more of an impact to them than to my other dd's teachers, who were getting so many extra things for them.

Here is what I do for all the "extra" staff I want to recognize. I copy a favourite recipe I think they'll like and sometimes (but not always - depends on my wallet situation) I buy a key ingredient to go with it (for example, this year I am giving a recipe for a warm salad with maple syrup in the dressing. I found small bottles of maple syrup on sale and am including that).

If I were you, I would just write a card to those that work with your child telling them how much you appreciate their efforts. I wouldn't think it is necessary or expected to even give a card to those that don't work with him.

Great ideas above as well.

Thank you all! I appreciate the feedback and suggestions. Time is running out but I am off on Friday so I am going to decide on Friday. :)

Good luck. I'm sure you'll find what works for you.

I agree with above; if they did not work with my child yet; no gift; but I would consider an end of the year gift if they do work with the child later on.

It gets complicated as they get in higher grades depending on your school system. My daughter went to a K-4 school; then a 5-6; the middle school was 7-8 with high school 9-12. She did not switch classes until middle school; at that point she was special ed & had a case worker who we were really close to. I used to bake rolled cookies back then; brought a large tray of cookies for her to bring home or share with her department. I also baked brownies & made rice krispie treats; then added Andes mints; M&M's; & Peanut Butter cups. I found the holiday trays at the dollar store. Thinking back; she probably thought I was funny bringing a huge tray of treats to her. I then made smaller plates for teachers or bus drivers.

I usually stopped the gift giving by high school because the kids felt they were too old to bring holiday gifts

During the spring; I used to bring bouquets of roses from my garden.

Another idea is a gift card to a new site I've been using this year. It is called Teachers Pay Teachers. I am in no way affiliated with this site, I've just started purchasing things from it this year and find it invaluable. It is a place where teachers can put up resources that they've created and other teachers can buy. I've bought everything from lesson plans to gorgeous graphics for decorating my classroom. Today I downloaded number cards to play a math game. I could have made my own, but it would have taken me 1/2 hour and wouldn't have been nearly as nice. I think it cost me less than a dollar. A ten dollar gift card would go along way. I like it because I'm also supporting other hardworking teachers.