<p>The 2 security guards at my son’s school have, for the past 2 years, gone out of the way to make a connection to my kid. They seem like really great guys and I really appreciate what they’ve done. I was planning on writing end of the year thank you notes to all his teachers, and including them as well. I was also thinking that I might slip a gift card into their notes because I feel like the things they did were above and beyond their job descriptions. I was thinking maybe $10.</p>
<p>I don’t know these guys at all, other than that they seem very nice, they clearly like kids, and they are both middle aged. There’s a Starbucks a block away from school. Would that be a good choice? Or maybe Barnes and Nobles figuring that most people would like a book or a magazine or a CD? $10 doesn’t seem like enough for a movie or restaurant gift card.</p>
<p>Or would you do something more tangible like something edible?</p>
<p>Gift cards are always nice, but for individuals who have “gone out of the way” have you considered writing a note to their supervisor or even head of school?</p>
<p>Twice I have done that with individuals at my son’s school. As it turned out, my letter made a difference with one of them when layoffs were announced in that this person kept his job (or so I was told).</p>
<p>I’d up it to $25 if you can and make it a gift card of some kind. You can’t really do much with $10 anymore.</p>
<p>Starbucks is a possibility unless they don’t drink coffee. You can also get gift cards to various restaurant chains which would more or less allow them to share it with their spouse/family and let them participate in the appreciation gift, which is really a nice thing and IMO better than just cash. Another option is something like a Visa gift card. Chances are your grocery store or drug store has a whole rack of gift cards to various places you could buy.</p>
<p>Edit - The note to the supervisor/principal as mentioned above is a great idea as well and you can do this whether you decide to also do the gift card or not.</p>
<p>I have often given Starbucks cards with a note that includes something about taking a break. Starbucks has plenty of non coffee drinks and most people do see it as a luxury, which makes it an extra treat.</p>
<p>Ten dollars goes a bit farther at a Dunkin Donuts or 7-11, so those are options too.</p>
<p>I never give gift cards anymore. They get lost, or recipients are not necessarily enamored with your taste.</p>
<p>Cash <em>never</em> goes out of style, and it is always appreciated, especially by those who earn less than a Trump. It is not considered any cruder to give someone $20 in cash than it is to give them a $20 Dunkin’ Donuts gift card.</p>
<p>Cash plus a note to the supervisor is the nicest thing you can do, short of sending their kids to college!</p>
<p>I think $10 is fine - unless you want to do more. $10 still buys me 3 drink stops at Starbucks or another coffee/donut shop. Gas cards (a station near the school) can be nice as well, but THAT is a place where $10 doesn’t go far!!! (though they could probably use the card for purchases in the convenience store inside??)</p>
<p>Home Depot and Lowe’s also have gift cards. We give one to my DH’s barber every year. One year my Dh asked what type of gift card he really enjoys receiving, and that’s what he said.</p>
<p>Last year at Christmas time Starbucks had a deal on insulated travel cups that came with free coffee refills for the month of January. We (at the store) got them for our delivery drivers – it was much appreciated especially since our store is in the same plaza as a Starbucks so we knew they’d get at least 4 refills out of the gift. And it was a nice cup too.</p>
<p>Security guards are on their feet all day long. If you prefer to stay around $10-15 price range, you might consider ONE high quality pair of well-padded men’s socks, the kind used for hiking. If you’re in a cold weather climate, thermal socks are especially appreciated. That was my gift for some great schoolbus drivers when we lived in Canada because they’re in the cold a lot. At first I hesitated, thinking it was too personal, but I got good response.</p>
<p>Also, by all means, write the note to their supervisor. Someday that could keep them their job. Priceless.</p>
<p>Thermal socks are a great suggestion, they are outside a lot, but I feel weird giving something that he won’t be able to use for another 4 months. </p>
<p>I think I heard that there’s a rule against cash donations to staff, which I why I’m thinking GCs.</p>
<p>I love that you are going to give these guys a little gift. It is a nice idea. They sound like nice people when in such a position they could be such jerks. I like the idea that the other poster said about sending a letter to their supervisor. That would likely mean a lot to them at some point. If it helps keep good people working in what could be a difficult position to actually be a nice person in, then it is a great idea. We have all run into security types that are on a power trip and are a little scary because they do have some power. Someone that is doing a good job needs to be appreciated. </p>
<p>A little cash is always good. A Starbucks card would be nice as well. If there is one that is close by then they probably use it on a regular basis. if they don’t go to Starbucks, they probably know someone that would love to have it. I got one recently and gave it to my daughter, who was very happy to have it.</p>
<p>I also think that homemade cookies is nice. People love to get snacks to enjoy at work.</p>
<p>You know, you’re right that there’s potential for a security guard to get power hungry and abuse his/her position. I have to say though, that both at my son’s school, and at the school where I work, the security guards are the nicest people around. </p>
<p>The only reason why you suggest homemade cookies, is because you haven’t tasted my cooking.</p>
<p>Considering they’ve had such a positive influence on your son, consider taking them both out to a dinner with your family on top of the card w/cash or giftcard and a positive letter to the supervisor.</p>
<p>My parents did that with several teachers who had a positive influence on me AFTER I graduated from elementary/middle/high school. Plan to do the same with my Profs if the chance presents itself.</p>
<p>A gift card for Target or Giant would probably be as useful as cash, if you are not comfortable with cash. But in addition, a copy of a letter to their supervisor would be terrific.</p>