what to get for HT, school office and childminder

[powerpint]

I would like to give a christmas gift to my dc's head mistress, she is absolutely amazing and i really like her as a person. She goes the extra mile and is just a decent human being.

Our school secretary is always sweet and supportive so ideally i'd like to give a small gift to the office staff (fancy biscuits, chocs?)

Finally my childminder, I have no idea what to get her, what are you going to get for your childminder?

thanks!!

Nothing. They are paid to do their job!

Just kidding - couldn't resist!

Ha! they are indeed and i am really try to stay away from too much X-mas related consumerism and shopping but i would like to show my appreciation to the head mistres and feel I sort of have to buy something for our childminder as she gives dc as small gift too.

I'm a cm and I wouldn't dream of not giving my mindees something special, but I spend so much with them. I get given bottles of wine, yankee candles, boxes of biscuits... and it's so unnecessary. I'm grateful but you are right that it feels like giving for giving.

Don't have any answers really. Gifting is so personal and that's why it is hard because these aren't personal relationships so it's more like a gratuity.

Spend so much time with them*

I take in (naice) biscuits for the staff room a good week before the end of term.

I gave the HT and school secretary vouchers for lunch at a cafe I know they both like, and was both sad and embarrassed by how much the secretary thanked me for hers. I don't think she gets many presents.

"These aren't personal relationships so it's more like a gratuity."
YY and i do feel grateful and want to show my appreciation

I usually do a box of nice tea, coffee and hot chocolate, marshmallows and biscuits for the staff room and send it in at the start of December.

As a childminder the best gift is a heartfelt message in a card (great to show ofsted!) And I never say no to wine or gin :)

Wine!

Ooh Glen that's a nice idea.

I got the large (£5) ones for the kids' teachers today - buy more than 3 and they are £4 each but the mini box of ten would be good for a staff present?

Mini hamper in a gift bag- mini Christmas pudding, mini Christmas cake, bar of chocolate and a mini bottle of prosecco! Quite cheap if bought from the likes of Aldi/Lidl.

Or get lidded jars from the £ shop and make a layered gingerbread man mix - add a festive cookie cutter, looks pretty too!

oh, some lovely idea

Then some food gifts or candles or wine is all lovely. Trying to go more personal could just go very wrong.

I just always feel like they should have got me something. I love my job and the stuff is often wasted or refitted. Trusting me to care for their children and paying me for the privilege is the best gift. I know that sounds twee, but there you go.

Shouldn't, not should

Regifted not refitted

Gravy you sound like a lovely cm!!!

freudian slip?

maybe it was!

Fuck all.