Presents for Teachers

[Keef]

I think schools should discourage this, or request that only presents made by the children should be given. Not saying teachers dont deserve a present, but this creates pressure on parents to buy something, and for some people it's probably an expense they could do without.

[The Nappy Lady]

I don't feel there is pressure at school to buy gifts. Some do, some don't. Personally, having seen my daughter blossom over the past 3 years, making huge leaps in her learning I want to show the teachers involved my appreciation. What I think this thread shows is that it isn't about the money spent. Christmas is so expensive these days an extra few pounds either way is fairly academic (thinking ?5-?10 for a bottle of wine, flowers, nice Boots gift - 3 for 2! Or a Pannetone).

Keef, I do see your point, but I'd be curious to know whether it changes a few years down the line when your daughter starts school.

I make that anti Trick or Treat, anti teachers gifts....I'm starting to think you are a grumpy old man (wink).

[Keef]

I ended up buying a massive tub of sweets for trick or treat, and still have most of them. My teeth need help. I'm not at all against giving the teacher something, but for me, something made by the child is the way forward.

[Pugwash]

In appreciation of her secondary school art teacher, who was also her form tutor, when she left for a promotion, my daughter discovered which artist Ms. B liked and went to IKEA to get various prints by this artist and had some of them framed.

Was very pleased when Ms. B. hugged her and was delighted with the present. Having met the teacher over the years, I was aware that this was the teacher who had drawn out my very shy daughter and encouraged her love of art and music, and that they shared a similiar sense of humour. She had also arranged for the Art Appreciation school trip to the South of France, and it was whilst on this trip that my daughter had discovered her teacher's faviourite artist.

[Keef]

See, I think that is lovely. When I was at secondary, we had a music teacher who went way beyond the call of duty to help me and others. Sometimes there are just special teachers.

[born&brED]

A pannetone is a great idea, Nappy Lady - I love the beautifully wrapped ones in Panino D'oro at ED Deli.

As a primary teacher, the best presents I received were 2 x cinema tickets, a cath kidston make-up bag, a body shop gift set and a big cosmos for my garden - needless to say I have loved all the name mugs, 'best teacher' tat and chocs too!

Remember a hand drawn (or hand-written at least) card - they get kept!

[The Nappy Lady]

Ah Keef, I just knew you're not as tough as you'd have us all think, come here and have a hug.....!!!!

[ladywotlunches]

Reviving this thread for end of year pressies.

Any more ideas? I'm thinking handmade sweets that my DS can help with.

[pebbles]

also thoughts for nursery cos obviously there are quite a few teachers in nursery

i'm liking the handmade sweets idea

[supergolden88]

What would give a male teacher? My daughter is in Reception and she loves her teacher but I always found him very arms length and I have no idea what he would like - not even sure about wine...

Thanks for this thread I had no idea this was a the done thing. Even after 20 odd years in this country I still don't undertand some of the customs. Like the obsession with greeting cards for every occasion.

[Pickle]

This will be my first year giving presents too. Do you think if I baked a selection of home made biscuits etc. and just gave one big tin as a combined present that would work? I'm assuming they would just share them out in the staffroom or something? Otherwise I'm scared I'll miss someone out, as there are lots of different teachers/assistants in my son's nursery class.

Also - in the age of allergies etc. should I be listing out ingredients?!

Aaaaagh the stress!

[BB100]

Male teachers always seem to get the wine. One year a female friend of mine worked with a male teacher and so got lots of wine too - she said it was the best year ever! A nice box of biscuits can be more welcome than sweets and chocolates too.

[supergolden88]

So in theory a teacher could end up with 30 bottles of wine... Not bad!

[sophiesofa]

As a teacher (although secondary so I never get presents) I would welcome wine! I like the idea of homemade sweets or biscuits. I wouldn't over-think it and I don't think anyone would mind/notice if you didn't get them anything.

[supergolden88]

What about afterschool club carers?

Now am stressing

[Curly]

and the lollopop lady/man..............

[Coach Beth]

and the headteacher.....

[ladywotlunches]

Oh dear - didn't mean to stress anyone out. SG88, calm down :)! Surely a male teacher will eat biscuits? And I happen to know you are a dab hand at baking up some gorgeous treats, so why not do as Pickle suggests and whip up a lovely box of cookies/cakes to take in for the Teacher and assistants?

[supergolden88]

I will hand the baking duties to the hubby whose cakes are so good he was drafted for the school fair - a complete stranger came up to him and demanded some.

But baking and so on is time consuming and we are rather sort of time in these parts. I think some nice Prosecco and chocs with a handmade card will have to do. Maybe baking for the afterschool club seeing as there are several people there.

I draw the line at the headteacher. And no lollipop lady around far as I know.

[Pam50]

...and don't leave it till the last few days of term when the staff room is awash with goodies.

Do your 'thank you' card and goodies next week!

[Coach Beth]

At the Goose Green Primary School Summer Fair this Saturday (12 to 4pm)- which is being held on the Green itself - there will be over 50 stalls, many of them featuring local craftspeople selling all sorts of lovely things. So maybe you'll find something there that would make a unique gift for teachers et al?

[ladywotlunches]

Ooh Beth, nicely done!

And not to miss out, it is also Fairlawn School's summer fair on Saturday, 12-3, for those over this side of the 'Hill' Not so much arts and crafts, more fun and games I think - though there will be a homemade sweet stall - so I might be able to pass some of them off as my own!!

Interesting piece on Radio 4's Women's Hour this morning about presents for teachers. I think my homemade idea will go down well....