To spend this much on presents

[GinTonicOnIt]

So I have 2 DC.

DC1 has special needs. I have bought an Xmas present for his Teacher, morning TA, therapist, second TA (who does afternoons) and the school SENCO.

DC2 I have bought presents for his two job sharing teachers.

Also one for the head.

So in total that's 8 presents. Spent £3.50 on each so less than £30 in total. They're each getting a box of Aldi shortbread biscuits (in a nice tin) and a choc bar. Also a card signed by the dc.

Are these presents a bit crap? I'm considering a dash out to buy a mini wine bottle each to add? I can't express how much these people have done for my dc, feeling a bit cheap? Or am I being mad, they will appreciate the thought?

I’m sure they will understand the sentiment, op. It’s not about the goody value but the thought. I think you’ve done well x

OP they sound lovely and it is very kind of you to have thought of them. I'm sure they will see it like this as well. You sound like a very kind and thoughtful person. to you though only virtual.

You have been very generous and I am sure they will appreciate your gift.

Thank you. I feel so sad tonight, like I have dropped a ball by not buying something better. I know it's silly but I don't want them to be disappointed I didn't get more I was so lost before my special needs child started school, they have changed our lives.

I'd write exactly that in a card to go with the gift. The words will mean just as much, if not more, than the gift itself xx

Agree with Olive that you should say exactly that in a card to go with each gift. That will be perfect.

I think the gifts you have bought are perfect and, if you put what you said in your last post, then they'll know just how much you appreciate all they've done for your family.

As an ex teaching assistant in a special school I can categorically say it is definitely the sentiment behind the gift that counts and not the monetary value. Your gifts sound wonderful and I would've loved to receive them

They sound lovely ❤️

I'm now in floods of tears, not quite sure why though?!? I'll add a little card for each of them personally to say how grateful I am. I think I'll buy the wine too, so I can shake the guilt! 🤣

Aware you've all said the presents are enough, but I think I need to add more in, just for peace of mind....

I work in a school and if I had a card with the sentiments of your last sentence in, it would make my day.
Biscuits/chocolates would be an unexpected bonus

Snap rainbowlou. Parent's often think it's the gift that matters, but I don't know a single teacher who wouldn't rather have the card on its own with such a nice message in. A gift as well is lovely of course, but they're not the things we treasure!

Write your thanks in a card . I promise you they will keep it for ever . The presents are perfect btw . A card will be treasured .

@Olivetreekeeper

I'd write exactly that in a card to go with the gift. The words will mean just as much, if not more, than the gift itself xx

This x

Teachers get so much at Christmas. Friends of mine give quite a lot to a local food bank because it wouldn't be healthy to eat all the chocolate and biscuits they are given. The staff will be very grateful for anything you give them but a sincere card saying what you wrote in your post will mean so much more than all the chocolate in the world.

When my last D.C. left their primary school I wrote to the teacher who taught them all in reception thanking her for everything she had done for our family. That was 17 years ago and she is retired now. I see her at local events occasionally (euphemism for often run into each other in the beer tent) and she still mentions the letter and how much it meant to her.

As a teacher the best Christmas present I could get from parents is a thank you (sounds cheesy but it's true). Second would definitely be shortbread

It's the thought that counts, as they say. your gifts are fine. The people would probably not wan't you to spend more on gifts anyway. They may also receive gifts from other people.

I was so lost before my special needs child started school, they have changed our lives

I suspect that the above means far more to the staff than any gift you could buy in a shop.

I've thought this and not given a gift because it wasn't equal to what they're worth. But nothing is. I've ended up not giving them anything which I've then regretted but in reality if that's how you feel no value of gift will match up. The card and sentiment will be more than enough for them im sure. But teachers like these are priceless!

This sounds lovely OP.
I’ve seen a lot of threads about presents for teachers lately and I’ve been gobsmacked at the amount of money people seem to spend!
The sentiment is there in writing (card) and gesture

I've worked in many schools and can promise you that they'll be delighted with anything edible and tasty. No teacher or TA is going to be snotty about any gift - unless they're total dicks, and they don't sound like they are - and those sound perfect. Please don't buy 8 small bottles of wine as well!

Op.. The gifts sound really lovely ( as do you ) at everyone receiving them will love them.

Have a look at the thread on here called 'Teachers gifts _the saga'.. (sorry I can't do a link).. Its shockingly bad!

@notsodimwit I have read that one, I think that's what triggered my thoughts on here... £20 for one teacher is crazy huge, but then is £3.50 crazy tight!? If I did £20 times 8 £160, it's more than I'd spend on even my own kids or husband 🤪

@GinTonicOnIt

Thank you. I feel so sad tonight, like I have dropped a ball by not buying something better. I know it's silly but I don't want them to be disappointed I didn't get more I was so lost before my special needs child started school, they have changed our lives.

Write some kind words of gratitude in a card. This will mean more to them than the monetary value of the gifts- guaranteed!