Weird Thing #13 Buy two teacher gifts

Every June, emails and memos go out asking parents to contribute to a group teacher gift and most parents respond with their cash contribution.  Why then do so many moms (including us!) insist on also buying a separate gift for the teacher?  Yes, teachers work hard.  Yes, they deserve appreciation.  But isn’t that the point of the group gift?  And if you want to give them $20 or $30 dollars instead of ten, then why not contribute that to the group gift certificate?  We doubt the teacher needs another paper weight, apple mug or note pad–and we don’t think moms are currying favors at this point either.  Your child is done for the year!  We honestly cannot explain this behavior.  It’s just weird.