To ask teachers and teaching assistants what you would really like for Christmas from a parent?

[Whosthecrazy]

Dd is in nursery and has I think 4 teachers in her class, 2 she is very attached to! I’d like to get them all something nice for Christmas but don’t want to fall into the trap of smellies or boring chocolates! So please, what would you really like if you could give a wish list?!

Just a card with a personal message is the nicest thing I got
It meant the world to me

A nice mug each?

Never a mug. Ever. Wine. Alway wine or chocolates

Not wine - I don't drink, there are lots of people who don't, and I get a little bit fed up of reading that EVERYONE appreciates a nice bottle of wine!

A picture drawn by the child or a handwritten card would always be my preference!

A card (or picture) from DD.

I’m sorry to say I only remember two standout presents from students. But I have kept every single note and card that has been given to me and I cherish them. If I am having a bad day, I haul them out and read through (often with teary eyes) and remember all of those wonderful students (even the worst students become wonderful when they are no longer in my class).

FYI - the two presents I really remember were a beautify, necklace and earrings set made very professionally by a student and my favourite shop bought cake (it had become a running joke with the class that term). But actually, I remember the card with the cake more. It had a cake on it along with some beautifully kind words.

A box of different teas, hot choc sachets etc for the staff room. Last longer than biscuits or chocolate.
That's if you really want to buy a present. A card with a few words about how they've helped your child is lovely.

A card with a drawing is always the best, I treasured mine.

You know, there's a reason why so many people get boring smellies or chocolates.

It's because all of the interesting presents are highly dependent on personal preference.

So just to clarify, a nice mug, but never a mug. And wine, but not wine.

@merryhouse

You know, there's a reason why so many people get boring smellies or chocolates.

It's because all of the interesting presents are highly dependent on personal preference.

This, exactly. Which is why cards and pictures are the best presents! With smellies there'll always be someone who is allergic, or doesn't have a bath, who who hates "Bayliss and Harding shit". Alcohol I have already mentioned. Sweets/biscuits again you have allergies, dislikes etc. There is essentially no "safe" gift guaranteed to please everyone.

Nothing! Please no mugs. They go straight to the charity shop.
Honestly, a card is best.

If you really wanted to a small gift card is always well received by teachers I know and work with. Just enough for maybe a nice coffee or piece of cake sometime. But no one expects anything

A card with a nice message. I keep all the cards with messages, they're a wonderful thing to have.

I know its not popular on MN but we always did a class collection for my dcs teachers. Never did anything other than inform parents that x was doing the collection and if they wished to contribute could they do so by x date. Parents that wanted to give could then do so, whatever amount they felt comfortable with and we then got vouchers with the money. We tried as much as possible to get vouchers that we knew would be appreciated, so the teacher we knew that played a lot of sport got a sports shop voucher, another got a theatre voucher and so on.

Something made by your child, a drawing or even just a heartfelt card written by you on their behalf. I also love chocolate! Definitely no mugs. Alcohol can be good but a bit risky as some staff won't be drinkers

I have been considering a Christmas decoration. Small, can be tucked away and brought out yearly but still looks thoughtful. Can get something personalised/based on initials too

@Caterinasballerinas

I have been considering a Christmas decoration. Small, can be tucked away and brought out yearly but still looks thoughtful. Can get something personalised/based on initials too

(I'm now highly invested in this thread)

This is a lovely idea!

Glad to help at least one person. Next do wooden letters wearing a little bobble hat which I think are cute.

@WhatsUpDucky

Just a card with a personal message is the nicest thing I got It meant the world to me

This.

A hand drawn card is best.

If you must spend money, a voucher for nice coffee at Costa or Starbucks.

Book token.

I don’t think many teachers would really want random Christmas decorations for their trees. I wouldn’t be keeping one and bringing it out every year. You’ve got to remember that there are thirty kids in every class you teach every year for decades. I think it’s good to be realistic about how meaningful that sort of thing is really going to be.

Something consumable that will be either used or can be passed on. Chocolates, biscuits, fruit hamper, wine.

Not "stuff".

TBH though, a thoughtful card. OTT presents are exactly that and a bit embarrassing all round.

@PurpleDaisies

I don’t think many teachers would really want random Christmas decorations for their trees. I wouldn’t be keeping one and bringing it out every year. You’ve got to remember that there are thirty kids in every class you teach every year for decades. I think it’s good to be realistic about how meaningful that sort of thing is really going to be.

I’m hoping not everyone has the same idea and that this idea is better than the generic mug/wine ideas

@Minimamame

A nice mug each?

Just wondering, are you a teacher? Mugs aren’t a good idea. The teacher could have 25 or 30 kids, imagine if they all bought mugs? Or half or them or even 5 kids- that’s a lot of mugs. Then 5 again the next year etc. How many mugs does one person really need.

Agree with PPs who say a nice handwritten or handmade card with personal message is best. If you really want to get a present, consumables are best such as chocolates or wine (if they don’t like/eat choc or don’t drink then these can be regifted to family members at Christmas). Maybe a nice candle at a push.

Lovely that it might seem to you, the idea that a teacher wants a keepsake from your child, one child in a class of 30 kids each year is a bit bonkers.