DD1 doing PGCE. I want to buy her a Christmas present

[Awks]

What would be good? - I've thought of a mug with Miss xxxxx on it or lots of reward stickers - am stumped now. Is there anything that would be useful in her placement or when she hopefully gets a job. She's doing Upper Primary.

All ideas welcome, ta.

[BackforGood]

I wouldn't get her a mug, as it's a common present for pupils to get for their teacher and she'll end up with lots.

What about putting together a big pencil case with Pritt Stick, Sellotape, a good quality pair of scissors (left handed if need be), good quality pencil sharpener, a hole punch, some post-its, a stapler and some staples in it?
Always a nightmare to get any of them from schools, but really helpful to have around.

Another good gift (well, useful IME) is a book on assemblies (timeless, and you can use over and over), or poems, or songs if she is musical.

[gleegeek]

Looking back to when I did my PGCE it was hell I would have really appreciated anything which added comfort to my life eg snuggly slippers, great music, make up/pampering type stuff, comfy pjs (spent a lot of time planning lessons in my pjs!) lots of chocolate/biscuits/treat of choice. HTH

[sassytheFIRST]

A teacher's planner if she doesn't already have one.

A good coat for duties!

a stamper that says "Miss XXX thinks this is brilliant" (websites to get these made)

[Starsaboveyou]

A really nice pen for marking with?

Reward stamps are good.

I like the mug idea for a primary teacher.

[KittyandTeal]

Lots of lovely colourful pens for her to mark with. I love good quality pens in bright colours.

[Expedititition]

A laminator

A guillotine/strimmer

Nice board pens

Post it's

Highlighters

Memory stick with huge memory

[Expedititition]

Laminator and pouches

Guillotine/strimmer

Highlighters

Post it's

Nice biros.

Nice A4 folders

Plastic wallets

Nice board pens.

[makeitabetterplace]

A whistle with her name (miss x) engraved on it.

Stickers with 'miss x thinks you're a star' (www.superstickers.co.uk do loads of stuff you can personalise)

[BackforGood]

Oh yes, definitely a whistle - can't believe I didn't think of that.



Of course, don't forget the chocolate. there are a LOT of times during your PGCE yr and NQT yr when you need chocolate

[arrrghhhhwaiting]

Rather than a traditional mug, teachers seem to always use lidded thermos mugs these days

[TheReluctantCountess]

A copy of The Lazy Teacher Handbook by Jim Smith. It is the most marvelous book.

[MissMillament]

I would have loved
Laminator - A3 if possible for making resources at home
Guillotine
Insulated mug - most schools don't let you outside the staffroom with a normal mug these days
Reward stickers are great
Lanyard to hang keys and memory stick from so she doesn't lose them

[superstarheartbreaker]

Tbh when I did mine I wanted wine, pampering stuff and/ or luxury pyjamas, jewellery. Definitely NOT stationary unless a lovely fountain pen.

[HettyD]

Agree with all of these but I also really appreciated 'chicken soup for the soul' which has uplifting thoughtful anecdotes in it. What about a tear-a-day calendar of historical/geographical/scientific/funny facts??

[Pointlessfan]

A book of starters and plenaries.
If you get a mug you could fill it with chocolates and get some good quality tea/coffee to drink in it.
Comfy but smart shoes, she'll be on her feet a lot.

[Pointlessfan]

Or a spa treatment voucher to cash in when she's tired and stressed?

[Awks]

These are absolutely brilliant! Thank you so much! This has made my life so much easier. I've got her the pampering stuff but wanted something teacher-y as am v proud of her.

[HalfSpamHalfBrisket]

Yes to the laminator and stash of pouches - this was the most useful thing to have at home

Look at Avex Contigo vacuum mugs - they are the only ones you can confidently hurl into a bag and know it will not leak. (I got a 2 pack off ebay for £20)

And the one other thing is a really good sturdy leather bag, big enough to chuck folders into - I have been using the same one (a boden factory sale one) for the past 6 years and it's still going strong.

[Pointlessfan]

I've just thought of another - what about a really nice bag eg satchel style or laptop bag for her to carry her planner/resources/laptop etc in?

[HalfSpamHalfBrisket]

Oooh... and SHARPIES.
You can never, ever have enough Sharpies.
Especially when WHSmith do that offer when you can get 24 for £6.99.

[Awks]

These are just brilliant! I've put a note in my phone for her birthday (next June) for the laminator and guillotine as she will hopefully have finished and be job hunting. Every single idea on this thread I'd buy if I had enough cash so tyvvm.

[breward]

Frixion pens (Google them, they are a God send). Great as they write like an ink pen (available in red too) but they can be rubbed out. Brilliant if you make a mistake in a child's book, especially marking when tired!

[toastedmarshmallow]

Electric pencil sharpener, I'd love one!

[BackforGood]

I LEURVEd my electric pencil sharpener when I had one but suspect they might be a bit expensive. I was gutted when I left that school and had to leave it behind

[sashh]

stamps and stickers she can give to children.

A teacher's planner?

Get a ring binder with punched pockets containing useful things such as stickers, notes for when she is down, times tables etc.

I actually have a satchel as my teaching bag like this www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Floral-Satchel-Messenger-Handbag/dp/B007UJJM2G?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

I'm doing supply at the moment and mine has in it:

Pencil case congaing pens, pencils etc - you could get some printed with "stolen from miss X" so they are returned if she lends them out.

A notebook/ planner.
a small pack of tissues and hand gel
a coin purse with change for vending machines and 1 debit card - just in case my bag is ever stolen
white board pens in different colours
mini fan
stickers (I mainly teach 16-19 - they still love stickers)
a mug (old so I won't miss it if it breaks)
packet of tea bags