re teacher's presents

[wandymum]

Our class had a collection for the teacher and we'd agreed we'd get vouchers with it so she could choose something she'd actually like/need.

There was a pool of about £200 and I've just heard that the vouchers are for... Harvey Nicholls.

AIBU to think that's insane!

She's probably not paid a fortune and so giving her vouchers for a shop selling only high-end designer luxuries seems crazy. Also does Harvey Nicks actually sell anything costing under £200?

[FreddoBaggyMac]

I think it's great! I'd be over the moon about being given £200 worth of Harvey Nicholls vouchers, would never be able to afford to buy anything from there with money of my own!

[RinkyDinkyDoo]

I'm a teacher and that is a ridiculous amount to give as an end of year gift.

[cantspel]

£200????????

Clearly their are alot of parents with more money than sense regardless of what sort of vouchers they give.

[FreddoBaggyMac]

It's certainly generous, but given that the vouchers are for Harvey Nicholls I'm guessing it's a school in an affluent area and parents can afford it...

[wandymum]

RinkyDinkyDoo - it's from the whole class so everyone was asked for £10. We usually do something more sentimental so DS and I have made her a big gingerbread figure of her.

Just thought that if someone was going to give me that much I'd rather have more choice as to what I could buy with it. Not just bitter that I'd never fit into clothes from there honest

[cantspel]

Would it not have been better to split the money between the teacher and TA or have you done a separate collection for them?

[TroublesomeEx]

Ah it's that time of year again

I think I'm going to be able to chart my years on Mumsnet with annual threads on teachers gifts!

But, YANBU, that's a fortune!!

[RinkyDinkyDoo]

I'm not even sure I'd be able to accept that amount of money-is it really just an end of year gift, or the teacher is leaving/getting married/having a baby?
I was given a £1 lucky dip once as a thank you, got 4 numbers and won £30 :)

[LoveBeingUpAt4InTheMorning]

Sounds better than 20 boxes of choc or mugs to me

[SJisontheway]

Can't you get make-up there? I'm sure she'll find something to spend it on

[Kaekae]

Wish I got presents from work every year.

[CloudsAndTrees]

£200? Are you going to share some of that with the TA?

I don't think Harvey Nichols vouchers are a bad idea, as long as you live near one. They sell plenty of affordable things.

[badtime]

Harvey Nichols sells lots of stuff under £200.
Presents are usually luxury items anyway; with £200 she could buy some nice toiletries/cosmetics or underwear or towels or posh food and drinks or...
(I used to work in Harrods, just along the road. I was a poor shop assistant sales associate and still bought quite a lot of small things from Harrods/HN)

[DontmindifIdo]

She wil be able to get things for a lot less (I'd hit the make up counters with it) but somewhere like John Lewis might be better for next year.

[Reastie]

I'd be pleased with that, but equally I don't live near a Harvey Nicholls - assume you must do? John Lewis much more useful IMHO

[TroublesomeEx]

kaekae It depends where you work, I've never had anything like the presents I read about on here!

[wandymum]

There's a separate collection for the TA - and one for the class rep too.

Thanks, for the replies feel better about it now if most people would be pleased.

[EarlyInTheMorning]

Not judging or anything like but... this is a private school right?

[LayMizzRarb]

Harvey Nichols sell many many things that cost under £200. And just because she doesn't earn hundreds of thousands doesn't mean she would not get pleasure from a pair of shoes that cost £200, or a luxury item for her home. They have a lovely supermarket where you can buy unusual vodkas and gins. They even sell Heinz baked beans...
She could buy make up, perfume, clothes, stuff for her home or kitchen.

Do you think that as she possibly doesn't earn a fortune that she should set her sights a little lower and be given vouchers for Poundland or Wilkinsons?

[foreverondiet]

I think its a stupid idea - John Lewis would be ok - could buy designer clothes or other useful stuff. She can spend it on expensive make up and cosmetics if that's her thing.

We do same - £10 per family so £300 - generally £200 for teacher and £100 for classroom assistant etc would be vouchers that can be spent at any shop at local (quite big) shopping centre (ie john lewis / marks and spencer / h&M / boots / monsoon / clarks and countless other shops.)

[StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes]

thank god we did not have all this present malarky when mine were young, its ridiculous, they get paid y'know, it's a JOB. A thanks and a card is enough.

[Doingthedo]

jeez, if I get a couple of boxes of chocs and some bubble bath I think I'm doing well! Also the home made cards with a personal message that bring a tear to the eye are priceless and much more appreciated

[SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius]

I think it is a lovely idea - and if she doesn't shop at HN that often, I honestly think it will be even more of a treat.

[wandymum]

LadyMizzRarb - not at all. I was thinking that if someone was going to give me £200 I'd rather not have to spend it in one of the country's most expensive shops because it would be a lot to me too.

[NicknameIncomplete]

I think presents for teachers is a silly unneccessary thing.

My mum never did it when we were young and i dont do it for my dd and she hasnt had a different experience from those in her class who gave the teacher something.