To give kids' teachers Christmas decs they've made as prezzie - or is that mega stinge

[Schoolquestionz]

Just that really.

They've made them...

Is that REALLY stinge or should I nip out and buy wine?

[shovetheholly]

A vote for both the decorations AND a bottle of wine from me!

[Candlestickchick]

I think it's thoughtful. I don't think teachers expect expensive gifts and this takes more effort than a bottle of wine. Shows appreciation. I don't know what kind of school it is but my bro works in a state school where quite a few parents don't have much money and he feels guilty when they buy stuff.

[WelliesAndPyjamas]

Xmas decs is fine (add a mini chocolate decoration too if you still feel bad). It's the thought that counts. Save the bottle of wine for the end of the academic year.

Unless you are in competition with other parents for who is the biggest spender 😜

[PlinkPlonkPlunk]

As long as they didn't make them in class; that'd be a bit off. I'd maybe include a tin of biscuits or something for the teacher and teaching assistants to share.

[JesusDontWantMeForASunbeam]

We've done homemade decs and chocolates melted and shaped in xmas moulds.

[SloeGinandTonic]

No it is crap. Would you want the decorations of random children on your tree?

[2014newme]

Decorations are fine but give it sellotaped to wine

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

I think it's a lovely idea, and will stand out from all the tatnthat teachers get at this time of year. A handwritten note from the kids would probably go down well too

[ReallyTired]

A simple homemade card is sweet. Teachers don't want mountains of tat.

[CJCreggsGoldfish]

I think it's fine - they must get so much tat that the parents just picked up in desperation at the last minute, that something thoughtful will make a nice change. At the end of the day, you don't have to give anything and you don't really know what they like.

[WelliesAndPyjamas]

They're not random kids to the teacher, though.

We have some pretty weird but well-meant decorations on our tree from dh's former pupils over the years. He can't throw them away because they went to the effort of making them for him. The wines and chocolates were appreciated but long forgotten!

[DailyFail1]

Sil is a teacher and loves getting 'well made' decoration gifts from her kids. So stuff where adults have cut out/assembled but kids painted - she pulls them out for birthdays/xmas every year.

[Schoolquestionz]

Oh dear - not sure these fall into the 'well made' category...

But they are sweet :-) They are salt dough ones.

I think I'm going to hedge my bets and get a little something else too.

Last minute Lil as ever!

Thanks all.

[BarbarianMum]

My MiL still treasures a model of an owl that a little boy in her class made for her 30 years ago (she still has a shoebox of cards too). I'm sure teachers don't keep all the homemade things their given but that doesn't mean that they aren't appreciated at the time.

[BarbarianMum]

They're not their. My old teacher would not be impressed.

[Schoolquestionz]

I took in the wine.

Nine bloody bottles of the stuff.

(Lots of TAs...)

Cost me £30 odd quid but I'm glad I did it and didn't just rock up with the (still very cute) decs.

I don't think it's wholly appreciated though as it just goes in the mix - and it's a lot for anyone to pay just before Christmas.

[MrsMattBomer]

It's lovely, but I'm walking home clinking today thanks to presents off my students, so you know my stance on this.

I'll just say that most teachers would prefer alcohol, to be honest.

[Pestilence13610]

One of my classes grouped together and bought me three paperbacks, I am well chuffed. They are all adult learners.

[MazDazzle]

I'm a teacher. I don't expect anything and I'm grateful for everything I get, especially the lovingly made gifts!

One of the nicest gifts I ever received was a small handmade cardboard box and inside was tiny folded up bit of paper. Written on each one they'd written little notes!

[chickenowner]

Things made for me by children in my class are always lovely gifts. I have kept some for years and years, such as a photo of a child in a wooden frame that she painted and decorated with sequins. Teachers don't expect expensive presents, I say go for it!

[Babypassport]

I'll echo MazDazzle and say handmade gifts are the best, and also nice notes and cards. It means more to me than anything shop bought (though of course I appreciate the wine and chocolate too!)

[MrsKCastle]

I'll just say that most teachers would prefer alcohol, to be honest.

Decorations are fine but give it sellotaped to wine

A vote for both the decorations AND a bottle of wine from me!

Bloody hell, no wonder teachers get a bad name on here sometimes. I don't know if all these posters are actually teachers, but views like this really make me cross. A bottle of wine costs at least a fiver, I would never expect any parent to spend that. There's no expectation to get any gift, and all gifts are received with gratitude here. I'm genuinely most touched by the personal messages in cards. Last year I had one card with a sachet of hot chocolate and a chocolate coin inside, I thought that was a lovely gesture.

[Caboodle]

Teacher here. Home made decorations sound lovely. Cards written in by the children also lovely. Wine / other gifts absolutely not required or expected in any way. Please, next year, save your money!

[crashdoll]

I'm not a teacher but I was a nursery nurse. I felt uncomfortable getting presents because, while many were wealthy, there were some very low income people. I didn't expect presents. I loved hand written cards and drawings. I still have them. I don't have random candles or mugs. Obviously, I was massively grateful but I really didn't want people to spend their money on me.

[isitginoclock]

Teachers get a lot of homemade stuff. What would they do with 30 homemade baubles per year? I do homemade cards and then booze/ vouchers.