to not buy DC's teachers a Christmas present?

[ChocobananaBalls]

Or an end of term/end of year present?
Or not get DC's to make one? Or a card?

[NadiaWadia]

It's only October so I wouldn't worry yet.

[MrsKeithRichards]

'sup to you!

[NettoSuperstar]

I never have, and not starting now.
Up to DD if she wants to send a card

[ClippedPhoenix]

Not if you don't want to, there's no rule saying you have to. I always got his form teacher a bottle of plonk though much more useful than a forever friends teddy

[ChocobananaBalls]

I just don't get where this trend has come from though. From reading on MN it seems almost as if you have to do it. It seems odd not to IYSWIM.

At the end of DS's school year I took his teacher to one side and thanked her profusely (and genuinely) for everything she had done for DS. She was a fantastic teacher and DS loved her. But I didn't buy her a present..............?

[ChocobananaBalls]

Is it really bad form not to buy a present?

[ShatnersBassoon]

You might change your mind in the next 11 weeks.

[ClippedPhoenix]

It used to be an apple for the teacher didn't it? Think it stems from that?

[PiratesKnittingTreasure]

YABU.

I would never speak to your child again if they didn't buy me an end of term present . . . .

Of course, YANBU. Teachers don't expect a present, a card is lovely but we don't expect that either. We're always very grateful for what we do get though .

[ENormaSnob]

Yanbu at all

[ChocobananaBalls]

YABU.

I would never speak to your child again if they didn't buy me an end of term present . . . .

My DS (Reception) randomly takes in a flower (aka daisy/weed that he has seen by the side of the road as we walk along to school) for his class teacher. It is a bit moth eaten and wilted by the time we arrive but he presents it with great florish and tells her it is because he loves her :)

[DialMforMummy]

YANBU I am a teacher and do not expect presents.
However, a weed given by a loving pupil sounds lush

[JakeBullet]

YANBU as it can get silly. I know teachers don't expect it.

OTOH I always buy a little something and a card for DS's teacher and 1-1 helper as they are utterly brilliant with him (he is autistic). It's just an extra thank you though.

[LadyInDisguise]

One thing to take into account though. Your dc might want to give something to their teacher because everybody else does and they would feel left out if they didn't.

I know I have always avoided doing to 'let's give a present to your teacher' for Christmas or end of the year only to find myself running like a headless chicken on the last evening before the holidays so that the dcs could bring something to their teacher.

[EldritchCleavage]

Competitive present-giving got so bad in my nephews' school the school banned all presents and only allowed parents to contribute to a big thank you meal for teachers arranged via the PTA.

[FolkGhoul]

No you don't have to do it.

I'm a teacher, I don't expect it. More parents don't than do IME.

I'm a parent, I don't do it.

[Shinyshoes1]

I can't afford to add another person to the Christmas present list even if it is 'just' a bottle if wine.

So I won't be doing it this year

[LittleprincessinGOLDrocks]

YANBU
DD takes a card for the teacher and support staff, that is it.We just put it in her book bag and she puts it in the post box they have for class cards, so no idea if others bother with a card or not.

I did go through a phase of buying gifts for staff in preschool, but it got silly when there were 3 teachers and 5 support workers. I always worried I had left someone out unintentionally etc. Plus the teachers never seemed to like what I bought (one year it was expensive biscuits and a mug per person- nice ones) and they didn't even say thank you to DD.
So instead of giving gifts to teachers who didn't like it, I let DD choose a card to write herself / make for them and use that money to buy a gift for a sick child through a charity.
The children really appreciate the gifts and I am better at buying for kids my DDs age lol.

[chickydoo]

Class Reps have a fund, and a joint pressie comes out of that. good idea...maybe,but this year the reps wanted £20 from all 30 parents.
That is a kitty of £600!!! that will be some nice gift.

[beamme]

I make chocolates with the DC's at Christmas to give. I do give end of year presents, usually a box of choccies. But since my DD has started school I have been a bit OTT with her Teacher and TA's. My DD is disabled and they do a hell of a lot to include and support her. I like to show them just how grateful I am, mainly because I feel they go above and beyond for her.
On the other hand I am a TA and do not expect anything from the children. But I do love a handmade card or a "weed" picked on the way to school.

[LittleprincessinGOLDrocks]

£20 :o chickydoo

Seriously that is a huge amount to find at a very expensive time of year!
I will stick with my charity I think...

[LittleprincessinGOLDrocks]

• not opps!

[ISingSoprano]

Certainly don't do it if you don't want to or just because everyone else is. My dd once made some shortbread for a teacher she was particularly fond of and occasionally I have written to teachers, LSAs and other random staff who have really made a difference. I have never routinely sent in Christmas or end of term presents.

[elliejjtiny]

I get 2 tins of quality street when they are £4 each and DS1 and DS2 each give one to the staff in their class to share. If I'm feeling organised we'll make cards for them all too.