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Original poster

End of year gifts

15 replies

divinedestiny · 18/05/2023 20:22

Posting for traffic as I need all the ideas I can get.

It's my son's final year of primary school. His school have been absolutely incredible from reception all the way up to Yr 6. I want to make a hamper to leave in the staffroom at the beginning of July so staff can help themselves because I can't buy individually for them all. Problem is, I don't know what to put in the hamper. All I can think of is keyrings, chocolates, biscuits, pens, post its. What else can I add for both males and females? I'd like to add some things that they can have as a keepsake, along with other random bits.
Please share your awesome ideas :)

OP posts:
modgepodge · 18/05/2023 20:23

In all honestly I’ve never met a teacher who particularly wants key rings and so on. Edibles go down very well, and alcohol. Maybe glue sticks in current times!!!!

lovely idea though!

Blendintothebackground · 18/05/2023 20:25

Not stationary or key rings!
Useful things would be teabags, coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits etc. stuff that will last in the staff room.
failing that, could you buy individual cans of cocktails or G&T? Chocolate bars, shower gels? Home bargains do it all cheap and they are unisex gifts that staff can unwind with x

LadyMonicaBaddingham · 18/05/2023 20:31

A nice letter, sent to the headteacher, mentioning any particular teachers who have impressed you or your DC, or happy memories your DC has of time at school would be more valuable than any material gift you could offer. It may sound trite, but it really means more than anything.

Nevermind31 · 18/05/2023 20:36

I wouldn’t do keepsakes or things like key rings. If people have key rings they will be something meaningful to them, not from a random child at school (keep in mind that they gave classes of 30 year after year).
Edibles sound good, stuff they can enjoy in the classroom.

fajitaaa · 18/05/2023 20:41

They won't want keyrings 😂i think remember your child is one of many so they will naturally mean more to you than your child does to them. Get a bunch of tesco vouchers

fajitaaa · 18/05/2023 20:42

Blendintothebackground · 18/05/2023 20:25

Not stationary or key rings!
Useful things would be teabags, coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits etc. stuff that will last in the staff room.
failing that, could you buy individual cans of cocktails or G&T? Chocolate bars, shower gels? Home bargains do it all cheap and they are unisex gifts that staff can unwind with x

Don't buy cheap shower gel either!

Elenorrigbywoes · 18/05/2023 20:52

I would avoid keyrings and cups. How many teachers are there? You could get a large chocolate bar for everyone and a nice handwritten thank you note with the reasons why your child enjoyed their time in the school.

Finchgold · 18/05/2023 20:55

I always get my child to make a card and choose a bar of chocolate to give their teachers.

FluffyPJs · 18/05/2023 21:17

I feel bad admitting it but the keepsakes I have been given end up in my classroom cupboard. On average I get about 10-12 a year, and after more than 20 years of teaching that's a lot to keep! Last year I got a framed photo of my class, but I can't take it home cos of GDPR and my new class wouldn't want to see it, so it's in my cupboard at school. I do smile when I see it but it does feel like a bit of a waste.

Not all teaching staff drink so anything alcoholic would go to some not all of them. Edible things that won't go out of date for a while would be good, like biscuits and nice crisps etc. Nearly every day there'll be someone in the staff room looking for a quick snack!

But honestly the teachers won't be expecting a gift. A lovely hand made card with a thank you message would be amazing. Those I do keep at home

Original poster
divinedestiny · 18/05/2023 21:29

Thank you for all your ideas so far. I'm glad you set me straight on the key rings and stationary being a no go.
I've written to the head of school a few times mentioning particular teachers so wanted to do something different, but I will write again at the end of the year.
@Blendintothebackground I love the idea of individual cans and the other things you mentioned too.
I've got some great ideas now so this is a good start. M&S is calling!
Thank you :)

OP posts:
Original poster
divinedestiny · 18/05/2023 21:34

@FluffyPJs thank you for this. It's good to keep these things in mind when shopping for them. I'll also see if I can find some non-alcoholic drinks too. I didn't mention food bits in original post as I always feel like everyone is on some sort of healthy eating plan, so thought it would all just go to waste.

OP posts:
QuillBill · 19/05/2023 13:28

I'd get a couple of different coffees, massive box of tea bags and some celebrations for the staff room.

People don't want candles and shower gel. The best things are the things the children are really excited to give you.

aintnospringchicken · 19/05/2023 13:45

Slightly different circumstances but still a gift to leave in the staff room.Coffee,teabags,sugar,biscuits,chocolates and other snacks.I did similar to leave in the coffee room when I retired.It went down very well.I even added in some teaspoons since they always seemed to grow legs and leave the cutlery drawer.

purser25 · 19/05/2023 13:59

Working in a school for years every uses notebooks.

Original poster
divinedestiny · 19/05/2023 15:47

Thanks everyone, I will be using all your ideas. This has been a great help 🙏🙂

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