thread about a thread so shoot me- what exactly do you buy teachers at end of year?

[knittedbreast]

OK so my ds is in reception and i (cringe) didnt know you were supposed to buy teachers end of year gifts.

I feel quite bad now as his nursery (part of the school) had the most amazing teachers and i didnt get them anything :( i just didnt think.

So some questions:

what do you buy the teacher?

If you are considering wine how do you know if its appropriate -what if it turns out they dont drink? how can you be sure?

lastly, how and when do you give them the present? do you send your child in with it? seems a bit inapropriate to send a 5 year in with a bottle of wine you know

Thanky wanky

[MorelliOrRanger]

Good question - hanging out for suggestions also

[Grockle]

Apparently nothing if they go on strike...

In my previous schools, some children would bring something on the last day - I taught KS2 and they'd bring wine but that is probably no longer allowed. Is it?

Otherwise chocolates, mugs, flowers, candles etc seem to be typical gifts. I never expected anything but was always truly grateful to those that sent something to show their appreciation.

Lovely of you to think about it.

[Grockle]

I also loved book token type things. Some children would remember conversations we'd have - 1 child gave me a little nail varnish set because we'd talked about her having her nails done and I'd said how lucky she was. She was very excited to be able to give me the same treat!

I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[Riveninside]

Home made card

[Fontsnob]

Home made card is a lovely idea. I love getting gifts/cards from my kids, not because of what the gift is (usually chocolate) but because it is usually the A level kids that do it, and as it comes from them it is a genuine thank you.

[Fontsnob]

...in fact I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy just thinking about some of the lovely kids I've taught.

[TheRhubarb]

Teachers - bottle of white wine because almost everyone can drink white whereas there are a few weirdos who can't tolerate red.

For the TA's I'll buy some little gift boxes and then get a large pack/box of minty chocolates from Aldi. Put some inside each box and wrap it with a bow. It makes a pretty little gift.

[hugeleyoutnumbered]

I do wine, the teaching staff at our school are amazing, i do wine at christmas and end of year flowers at easter, its a genuine thankyou without getting them best teacher this that and the opther which willno doubt end up the charity shop.

[Flisspaps]

DH is very grateful to receive a bottle of wine (any colour) or chocolates, but I think he's kept a few of the cards he's been given. It's about the thought and the sentiment. Although he was delighted beyond belief when one parent bought him a football shirt, but that was as a thank you after five years of being their child's form tutor.

[5Foot5]

Home made lemon curd. Everyone likes lemon curd don't they and you can get your DCs to help and write out the labels.

If they are old enough to be trusted carrying a bottle though, definitely wine.

[mummyosaurus]

i got DDs reception teachers a potted miniature rose, very pretty, healthy and they could plant it in the garden if they wanted.

This year I have got them some cute umbrellas with rain clouds on. I was bit unsure, but they will be useful for rainy playtimes if nothing else.

I found it hard too as giving teachers gift was unheard of when I was at school. However, I like the teachers, want to show appreciation for the hard work they do, I think DD would be embarrassed to go in empty handed if others take gifts (she is 6). She will take home made cards too.

[TheMagnificentBathykolpian]

Last year it was a basket of chocolates.

This year I think I'll go with a big box of luxury biscuits.

[Riveninside]

I go for cards or it would cost a fortune as dd has two class teachers plus an LSA plus resource base teacher.

[TheRhubarb]

Just a word about chocolates and biscuits - they are usually taken straight up to the staff room where they have so many that most are still there way after the new year. Some choccies have even been known to be recycled and given as presents to pupils - so said a MN thread some moons ago

[BornToFolk]

My sister's a teacher and she always goes on about cards and letters that the kids have made. They really mean a lot, more than any bought gift.

She's not so keen on food and drink for various reasons but I am as she passes them on to me!

[TheMagnificentBathykolpian]

Really? Bugger. Well, I'm not sure what to get them then. I don't really want to have to go get an individual gift for everyone. And I'd feel mean just getting the teacher and TAs something. I thought they'd like something that can be put in the staffroom and shared.

[TheRhubarb]

Bag of humbugs?

[Igetknockeddownbutgetupagain]

wine, wine, wine

I love end of year when DH brings home his stash.

He prefers handmade cards with nice things written in - no idea why!!

[MMQC]

I have two children in two separate classes, between them they have three teachers and two teaching assistants. I can't manage carefully chosen gifts for all of them so tend to end up sending in a big tin of chocolates for all to share. No-one has complained yet!

[Flisspaps]

Rhubarb0 What kind of weirdo school was that? Any biscuits/chocolates put out at break were usually gone by the start of lunch, and that was no matter how many boxes/tubs were put there.

[Blatherskite]

I'm considering a small potted plant for DS's Pre-school keyworker. I was going to get him to decorate a plant pot to put it in.

Sound good?

She can then plant the plant in her garden or leave it on a windowsill and she can bin swap the pot if she wants. Seemed more appropriate than wine from a 4 year old, she's always telling me about her diet so I'm sure she'd not want chocs and it was her that did all the planting with the children last term so I'm fairly sure she likes gardening....

[TheRhubarb]

Most of the staff were on diets Fliss and only ate salad leaves. Plus it seemed that every single parent had gone to the same supermarket and bought the same tin of chocs that were currently on offer so it was a case of over-supply.

[MarioandLuigi]

A personalised mug from DS - I have got one for each of his preschool teachers . In my defence he is leaving to go to full time school and they have been so brilliant with him and coping with his disabilities.

[harpfairy]

Teachers - are smellies ok? I have done in past but always something nice, occitane, neal's yard, molton brown - have also done posh bottles of room scent.
Or are vouchers better? We tend to do a collection for a John Lewis voucher but as it's only £5 each I like to get a little something on top. I don't really like things that say the amount if they are from just us (silly maybe).

[Igetknockeddownbutgetupagain]

Blimey harpfairy, molton brown etc ok? They'll be biting your hand off!!