Gift for mentor

[Puffinsareblackandwhite]

I am nearing the end of the first year of Teach First. My mentor at school has been incredibly helpful and supportive - I went through a really rough patch in my first term and got through it in large part because she realised before I did that I needed help.

I obviously want to get her a nice gift, but we are vv skint (in debt). I was thinking a bottle of wine and hand-knitted (by me) yoga socks, as I know she loves yoga. Does that sound alright? Should I get her some flowers too? There would obviously be a thank you card too! I worry it is not big/ expensive enough, but I simply don't have any cash to flash .

[MagentaRocks]

I have mentored people. The last 2 got me a box of chocs and a card with a lovely message in. I was thrilled at the thought and what they wrote.

[Puffinsareblackandwhite]

Thanks for your reply! TF mentoring is pretty full-on compared to other streams I imagine. Chocs hadn't occurred to me - great idea! We're secondary so unlikely we'll be overloaded with chocs from kids.

[ConfessorKahlan]

OP I too am nearing the end of teacher training (SCITT) and don't know what to get my mentor as a thank you gift. The mentor's role in these types of programmes is very full-on and I want to let him know that I appreciate his help. However, I too am skint and in debt-mature student with teenage children, mortgage and bills-no more student loan payments-so no income until I start my job in September. I also want to get my TA something as she has been great.

Any ideas would be appreciated!

[TreesAreLeafy]

I gave my TF mentor a vase.
Seems random but it was relevant to them

[ConfessorKahlan]

I think your ideas sound lovely as they are personalised and you have put thought and time into the yoga socks.

[TreesAreLeafy]

Oh and confessor I got my overworked TA a spa treatment at the local spa

[ConfessorKahlan]

Trees that sounds like a great idea for TA. I was HLTA for many years before going on to teacher training and I absolutely know how overworked and invaluable they are!

[TheFallenMadonna]

Sounds perfect!

[FinallyHere]

It might sound a but old fashioned, but i would write a letter of thanks. Not just a card, but a real, general note of appreciation and thanks. Pick a coupe of specific things to mention as examples of what you have found particularly helpful or useful.

It will take you some effort, but think how lively it would be to have such a letter to read. We all want to be valued and appreciated: this would give your mentor solid evidence of your appreciation. I can i imagine your mentor reading it and being glad that their efforts have been worthwhile.

[Bobbiepin]

I'd go for the socks over chocolate every time. Its so much more personal and thoughtful. Also, getting lovely messages in cards is one of the best parts of the job. I think you're spot on.