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AIBU?

Teachers presents?

107 replies

justalittlelemondrizzle · 09/11/2017 16:33

I'm trying to keep costs down this Christmas. Not because I'm skint. We're not. But we're far from rich and i'm sick of constantly throwing money away because I feel like I have to.

Anyway, I've made these today for dd1s teachers at school and the guides leaders. I have another 5 to do for dd1s "people". They work out to just over £1 each including the chocolates, cellophane and ribbons. Dds will attach a personal note/poem to the side.
Not bothering with swimming teachers or the people who run the various clubs that I pay through the nose for this year.

Are they a bit naff?

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justalittlelemondrizzle · 09/11/2017 16:33

This would help...

Teachers presents?
OP posts:
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SoulStew · 09/11/2017 16:35

Why are you giving gifts? I’ve never given a teacher a gift. Don’t intend on starting either.

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silverychicken · 09/11/2017 16:37

They’re fine, you shouldn’t need to feel you have to give a gift, it gets tedious over the years, if you have a few children and have to add lots of extra numbers to your list.
I gave less this summer, just some small items, and I will do so at Christmas too.
Let others spend lots if they feel the need to..😀

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Fruitcorner123 · 09/11/2017 16:38

No thats a nice idea although you can get a choc orange for £1 in poundland. Wasmt.going to do anything but cards for beavers/ballet teacher etc. It just gets silly.

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justalittlelemondrizzle · 09/11/2017 16:38

It's always been the thing at our school. It's in quite an affluent area and some people have more money than sense. Someone I know gave each teacher £100 Debenhams vouchers last year. Yes each! But that's a whole other thread. Grin

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justalittlelemondrizzle · 09/11/2017 16:39

I thought it would be a bit nicer than a choc orange or the like fruit I atleast wanted it to look like I made an effort and it be something a bit unique and personal without the expense.

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Theresamayscough · 09/11/2017 16:41

Never do them for teachers they are paid to do a job. Volunteers yes and your gifts are lovely.

3 years ago I phoned around all 6 siblings and said no more Christmas presents as we couldn’t afford it. We have 5 kids and they all have kids to.

The relief was great and all the family were happy with it. So we just do kids, grandkids and our parents. Much much better.

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Twopeapods · 09/11/2017 16:42

I give the teacher wine. Grin

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PinkHeart5914 · 09/11/2017 16:42

My dc are only babies so I don’t have one at school but Gifts for teachers was always a thing even when I was at school, and My nephew is a teen and still gives a gift to his favourite teacher.

Them gifts are fine OP, lovely little token gift. I prefer gifts I can eat personally

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justalittlelemondrizzle · 09/11/2017 16:44

I usually give wine aswell. But you never know which wine a teacher likes or if they even like wine. And it annoys me to think my gift has been immediately re-gifted. Atleast with these.. I'm pretty sure the teachers will eat them.

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Fruitcorner123 · 09/11/2017 16:45

justalittlelemondrizzle true. You are more thoughtful than me!

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Fruitcorner123 · 09/11/2017 16:47

Wine - even if you buy fairly cheap stuff or in a bulk offer- is a lot of moneg soent once you've included teachers, teaching assistants, beavers leaders etc.

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justalittlelemondrizzle · 09/11/2017 16:47

Only to teachers (everyone gives something and I don't want to single my dds out for the sake of a quid) and the volunteers as they are doing it out of the goodness of their hearts. They deserve a little something.

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Blondephantom · 09/11/2017 16:48

I’d love that as a teacher gift. Especially the poem part. Though I don’t expect them, I do feel very special when someone thinks of me. A token something is the best thing. It lets the teacher know you value them but doesn’t make them uncomfortable x

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agapanthus1979 · 09/11/2017 16:49

For what it's worth, as a teacher (in an affluent area) I don't expect gifts. I always get a fair number, and to be honest it makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. I'm doing a job, and getting paid good money for it.

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LaurieFairyCake · 09/11/2017 16:50

Dh is a teacher and would LOVE that

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soapboxqueen · 09/11/2017 16:54

They look lovely and will be very much appreciated. However, if you don't want to give a gift, don't. It's other parents that perpetuate this ritual, not staff.

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Dahlietta · 09/11/2017 16:54

I'm a teacher and I would think that was a really lovely gift, OP. I am a secondary teacher though so generally I'm lucky if I get a card Grin

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EmilyChambers79 · 09/11/2017 16:56

I buy a Teacher's present, TA's present, 4 cub leaders, swimming teacher and music teachers a present, so 8.

Everyone laughs and scoffs when I buy these as apparently I buy for too many people and the same people laugh and scoff when I start my Christmas shopping in August but by shopping early, I managed to get the Chocolate Orange deal in Tesco where it was £1 buy one get two free so I spent £3 on 9 chocolate oranges and all the above presents were covered by a chocolate orange each.

I think its nice to give a small gift to say thank you and I think your presents OP will be appreciated.

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recklessgran · 09/11/2017 16:58
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JennyBlueWren · 09/11/2017 17:42

I've had things like that and loved it! Far better than a candle or ornament I'm not going to use (but will give to someone else/charity shop).
Depending on child's age, could they do some baking or draw a picture? I love children's pictures both at the cute and wow stages.

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Nikephorus · 09/11/2017 17:48

A token something is the best thing. It lets the teacher know you value them but doesn’t make them uncomfortable
^ This.

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ychafi · 09/11/2017 17:54

I once gave a present to the school cook - she had taken lot of time and trouble to research gluten free food for my son, and go on a special course. Would have liked to miss out the teacher, who wasn’t helpful - but didn’t want to make my dislike too obvious.

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thepatchworkcat · 09/11/2017 18:01

I’m a teacher and I think they look lovely and would appreciate that you’d put the effort in. And DC putting a note or whatever on makes it even better. Also would say it’s lovely to get gifts but not at all expected and anything expensive would make me uncomfortable. Honestly don’t think I could accept a £100 voucher, I’d have to speak to the head about something like that and possibly share it!

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Allthebestnamesareused · 09/11/2017 18:05

Our school actually sent a note out saying that teachers were not allowed to accept gifts from one student unless the total for the academic year was under £50. It is an independent school and I think some people were giving Christmas presents, Easter chocs and year end. I tend to do wine (not everyone likes chocolate either) but don't mind if they regift because in effect it saves them the cash equivalent.

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