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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

15 presents - childminders, teachers, TA's

65 replies

fia101 · 19/12/2017 13:45

I am thoroughly appreciative of everything my childminders, after schools club helpers, pre school teachers and primary teachers and assistants all do for my kids but I've calculated I need 15 presents.

Even a box of ms biscuits and wine each will set me back over £130.

Blush
OP posts:
trinity0097 · 19/12/2017 13:47

It doesn’t need to cost that much. Buy them all a terrys choc orange.

BringOnTheScience · 19/12/2017 13:49

Biscuits OR wine... no need for both.

Or just a note of thanks in a card, as that's what they truly value. Smile

Marcine · 19/12/2017 13:50

Why not just write/make a nice card to each of them?

LittleOwl153 · 19/12/2017 13:51

Cost me about £5 for 15, took the kids an afternoon to make and were very much appreciated!

15 presents - childminders, teachers, TA's
DianaPrincessOfThemyscira · 19/12/2017 13:52

We aren’t doing cards or gifts for teachers. We never have. They have a nice gift at the end of the year.

I don’t think they expect them (maybe a card - but we aren’t doing cards at all) and if they did I’m not sure how I’d feel about that.

Seniorcitizen1 · 19/12/2017 13:57

You don't need to buy any of them anything - I wouldn't

TwoBlueFish · 19/12/2017 13:58

Send a box of biscuits/chocolate or tea/coffee/snacks to the whole of the staff and then a card to the individual teachers/helpers.

pinkyredrose · 19/12/2017 14:00

When did this buying presents for teachers thing start? Didn't happen in the 70s and 80s! Just give them a card and a big thank you. Or use the money you would've spent on gifts on a charity donation instead.

AlexanderHamilton · 19/12/2017 14:01

£1 box of maltesers from Poundland will do. But seriously when mine were in primary I used to give the class teacher a nominal Oxfam present & the TA chocs but nothing else.

Tiredmum100 · 19/12/2017 14:02

Between ds1&2 I have bought for 11 teachers, TA, S.A.L.T, bus assistants. I have got them a Christmas decoration (£2) and some of them little lindt chocolates. It's more of a token with a message in a card thanking them.

Liverbird77 · 19/12/2017 14:03

Please don't feel you have to buy the teachers gifts. I never expect anything. I am sure we all do our jobs as well as we possibly can, but we get paid for it. Extras, although lovely, are not expected at all.

ghostyslovesheets · 19/12/2017 14:07

Mum was a teacher in the 80s and got gifts - not that new

I got plonk for the cm and head teacher (had a rough year with dd3 being very ill and he’s been lovely) and a plant £3 Morrison’s for TA and teacher - not a huge amount

If I had that many to buy for OP I’d get each class some celebrations or some such or make bickies

BrieAndChilli · 19/12/2017 14:08

I got pens (pack of 3 nicely patterned ones for £1 in Wilkinson’s) and put a pen in each card.

pringlecat · 19/12/2017 14:10

A handmade card from the kids per person you feel you need to thank, plus a big box of biscuits to share in the staff room should do the trick.

christinarossetti · 19/12/2017 14:12

Absolutely agree that a thoughtfully worded card is all that you need to do.

miraclebabyplease · 19/12/2017 14:13

Decent teachers expect nothing. However, if you are getting presents, head to Home Bargains. You can get cheap chocolate or a lovely smelling Christmas candle for 49p.

Foxyloxy1plus1 · 19/12/2017 14:14

I was a teacher in the 80s and had gifts too.

But as many people have said, the best present is a card or note of thanks, with a copy to the Head. That makes you feel really appreciated! I once had a fridge magnet with a cheesy sentimen, but I absolutely loved it!

Roomba · 19/12/2017 14:16

I'm not spending sing that on my kids put together! You really don't need to buy all that, people appreciate a nice homemade card or a few mince pies (bake them yourself, even cheaper) just as much. I'm not buying gifts for teachers but they'll get a nicely written home made card from DS each.

YorkieDorkie · 19/12/2017 14:22

The loveliest thing I received from a pupil this year was a "sweet cone" except it was handmade, chocolate with some red stuff at the bottom and googly eyes with a brown pipe cleaner which looked like Rudolph! He made one for all the teachers and it couldn't have cost more than £1.

I have also received a "proper gift" which is a large glass jar candle holder. I could keep fish in it, it's so big! As nice as it is, it really wasn't necessary. A little bit of chocolate or even a picture is lovely. I don't expect to be gifted at Christmas. It's an enormous pressure for families that just isn't needed. Keep your cash and perhaps buy a box of quality street for the staff to share? That way the team can benefit. I always feel a bit sorry for our TAs who don't get gifts as often but work their socks off. If we get a tub of chocolates it's just a lovely treat for us all.

Marcine · 19/12/2017 14:26

The teachers/tas won't like you more if you get them an expensive gift, and probably won't notice if you don't.

Get something nice for the childminder though.

Armi · 19/12/2017 14:29

Please don’t spend your money. Just send cards. I am a teacher - we appreciate being appreciated but don’t need presents. If you feel you must do the present thing, then a communal tin of Celebrations for the staffroom is great.

I am always horrified by the amount spent on this sort of thing. Honestly, we can buy our own wine and biscuits - a card is perfect.

NancyDonahue · 19/12/2017 14:34

I always get a small gift for teachers. I appreciate the hard work they do. It's never more than a small box of Roses though, £2 tops!

MiaowTheCat · 19/12/2017 14:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MiaowTheCat · 19/12/2017 14:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

calzone · 19/12/2017 14:39

Honestly?

Don't.

No one will mind and if they do- tough.

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