To wish I’d never offered to sort the class teacher gift?

[Lilmzsnowflake]

Even before I offered I told myself it was madness.
Then I thought, what’s so hard about collecting money and buying an Amazon voucher and a card to sign? Easy.

No. No it is not. There were the usual complaints about how we should shop local. What interests the teacher has that could be used. Which MLM mums are in the class group and we could support them too.
I said from the start that if Amazon vouchers were ok I would do it, but I’m not traipsing around shops. So far I’ve not responded to any of these suggestions and no one else is offering to take on the job.
I wouldn’t dream of buying clothes or toiletries for someone without knowing their size or preference. Books are great but for someone who reads a lot, chances are they have either read it or have specific genres they like. Food can be a minefield with allergies, diets, preferences.
The teacher in question is lovely and her neighbour, who I am friends with, has said she often takes in Amazon boxes for her. Vouchers seems like a good, if impersonal choice.
AIBU to think I should have just kept quiet?

Please tell me your class gift horror stories to make me feel better! I have another 4 years with dc at the school so I really don’t want to fall out with anyone.

WillSantaBeComingToTown
“An amazon voucher is going to go on loo roll or similar
A John Lewis Voucher (useable at Waitrose) allows for a luxury purchase.”

I don’t think that’s true at all - I’ve bought loo roll in Waitrose loads of times, but never dreamed of ordering it from Amazon, and I don’t think most people do either.
Also, a lot of people don’t live near a John Lewis or Waitrose, especially people in (whisper it!) the North.
Basically, a person can buy whatever they like with Amazon vouchers and get it the next day.

This sounds exactly like our class whatsapp group!! Very grateful that someone has offered to organise but some of the present suggestions are dubious! Teachers don't necessarily live local to the school and why would they want to travel to the town of their work on a day off?!
Stick with your amazon vouchers!!!

Amazon vouchers would be appreciated I’m sure. I spend a fortune on Amazon for my class as do most other teachers I know!

Amazon voucher isn't ideal. It's just feeding the rich.

Why not a Waterstones voucher?

I always organised vouchers when I did the teacher present. Either for John lewis or the local shopping centre that contains a mix of department stores, restaurants and H&M up to designer stores. This year Amazon would probably be most appreciated so I'd happily go with that.

We do vouchers for our teachers and have for years. Generally Amazon or John Lewis. Teachers are always thrilled. Can't believe people are moaning about it OP! Tell them to sort their own collection if they don't like it.
And as for MSM. Sod off...

@liveitwell

Amazon voucher isn't ideal. It's just feeding the rich.

Why not a Waterstones voucher?

Do they sell loo roll?

Do you buy for just the teacher or the teaching assistant as well?

“Also, a lot of people don’t live near a John Lewis or Waitrose, especially people in (whisper it!) the North.”

Ahem, we have a Waitrose in our town and we are in the north!! It’s not all Poundland and Iceland up here you know...!!

@WillSantaBeComingToTown

You wanted to be the tiger mum

Amazon is a crap gift. Carp from a local store is an awful gift. The only acceptable vouchers are John Lewis- if you are at a school that collects for a joint gift that is the basic knowledge required to set your self up as queen bee

What utter bollocks! Amazon is brilliant for gifts because the selection from there is FAR superior to bloody John Lewis lol

What happened to boycotting Amazon and trying to buy local or at least support uk businesses you're literally funding a billionaire playing with space rockets in the desert. I know it's convenient but it's fucking awful.

Vouchers every time! Our school has said instead of teachers gifts this year to support charity of schools choice, this is good and I suspect it’s also because the teachers don’t really want lots of crappy best teacher gifts too! I don’t know why people would be snotty about amazon gift vouchers at all? I would reply and say as we don’t know teachers likes and dislikes etc it would probably be best to get her vouchers so we can ensure she gets something she actually wants, so not to look like a dictator I would probably add that if they are all very against amazon, would they like to suggest another national retailer instead?

Or cash- give her cash rather than m2m stuff!

@Grasses

What happened to boycotting Amazon and trying to buy local or at least support uk businesses you're literally funding a billionaire playing with space rockets in the desert. I know it's convenient but it's fucking awful.

Which uk businesses are you suggesting, which will be easy for op?

You’ve all cheered me up no end!
I suspect most of the parents have no issue, I’ve already had a number of PayPal transfers this evening.
Amazon seemed a safe bet for all the reasons above, it’s over 20 miles to the nearest JL/Waitrose/M&S/Waterstones etc. The nearest town has a Boots and New Look, that’s the lot. Delivery services all the way here. Like it or not, in some rural areas people don’t have an awful lot of choice over who they can shop with, and I don’t have the time or inclination to drag myself out to the shops when I have no need to.
I will post again tomorrow thanking those who’ve contributed, giving an end date and reassurance that people are of course free to do whatever they prefer themselves.
I will not worry any further!

@Namechangeforthis111

I didn’t say nowhere in the North had a Waitrose, I said lots of people, especially those in the North don’t live near a Waitrose. I live in the North myself (that’s how I know!). I also wouldn’t be seen dead in Poundland or Iceland , so don’t worry, I know that too!

Just for proof though, I’ll attach this map of Waitrose stores.

And of course we do have Booths though - the Waitrose of the north!

We do vouchers. Simple... and usually the teacher's prefer this.

@2020hello both, previously we’ve collected the money and then split it 70/30 for the teacher and TA. I’m not going to rock the boat on that one!

We have been told vouchers only due to covid. We also do kudo boards instead of cards now. I like the way its handled at dds school. Everyone transfers £25 to the rep in Sept and that covers all gifts for teachers/TAs/ admin staff for the academic year. Much easier than collecting coins at pick up time,even more so now with covid

[quote Shoppingwithmother]@Namechangeforthis111

I didn’t say nowhere in the North had a Waitrose, I said lots of people, especially those in the North don’t live near a Waitrose. I live in the North myself (that’s how I know!). I also wouldn’t be seen dead in Poundland or Iceland , so don’t worry, I know that too!

Just for proof though, I’ll attach this map of Waitrose stores.[/quote]
🤣🤣

I think the amazon voucher is a good idea.

To add to a PP who said that apparently every teacher wants John Lewis vouchers - I'm a teacher and I would prefer amazon.

Perfect gift.

We used to get John Lewis vouchers as a “nice” company and bound to be something you want there or just do a posh Waitrose food shop.

Most people just bloody grateful some kind soul taken this on!