To want to get school staff member a decent gift

[Beanso]

Any teachers out there that can suggest a gift that you would actually appreciate? A particular staff member has gone above and beyond to help my ds and he’s now leaving the school so I’d really like to get a decent gift. This is a state secondary school. Home made gift is not an option. Willing to spend up to about £100 but I’m really struggling for ideas.

It's likely they wouldn't be allowed to accept a gift over a certain amount anyway, there are usually rules in place. Our school would query it. Could you put together a nice gift basket of things and then put a gift card in there too?

Honestly write a nice message, send email to head etc. Buy some gift vouchers. Coffee shop? But not for more than £20. The message is what counts.

In a similar situation I bought a beautiful bouquet with a card, made sure to have five minutes with her to explain how much impact she had made and emailed the head of the academy to inform them they had an exceptional member of staff and write a very detailed account of what they had done and the impact it had on my child and our family.

A plant, nice bottle of wine or something like a moleskine notebook? I'd say £30 max is best

Receive anything over £50 at my job and you have to fill out a form to HR declaring it

A heartfelt letter of thanks and a gift for about £20 would be more suitable.

Anything over £35 means reporting it to the LA and HMRC. It's just a PITA.

Personally I'd do 3 x £35 vouchers for m&s waitrose or similar

I wpuld not do flowers because while some people love them others think they are a total waste of time.

Do check that more expensive gifts are allowed before you commit yourself.

We normally all chip in as class parents and get some kind of vouchers - e.g., last year we all knew that DD's class teacher is a keen cyclist, so we gave vouchers for a local bike shop near the school, probably about £250-£300. One of the parents set up an anonymous online fundraiser so people could contribute without it becoming embarrassing/competitive.

I was once given a special rose bush by a student. I think of her every time it flowers

teacher biscuits, a step up from supermarket biscuits but not too expensive that they'd need to be declaring them.

THIS.

This is a really thoughtful gift and way to express your gratitude.

A personalised Chilly coffee cup?

I would avoid hampers like these like the plague - the products are usually poor to maximise profit for the seller.

My heart sinks when I get one because I know the buyer has been ripped off.

I think you are really kind - teachers expect nothing (well most of them), and it is the homemade cards that mean the most. We're just doing our jobs and in this day and age, any appreciation/support at all is greatly received. That being said, if you are adamant, a voucher for somewhere they sell things they like would be nice. If you're not sure, do Uber Eats do vouchers yet? Also second coffee shop vouchers. Or Boots? 😂

What a brilliant idea

wonderingwhatsnext · Today 18:21
In a similar situation I bought a beautiful bouquet with a card, made sure to have five minutes with her to explain how much impact she had made and emailed the head of the academy to inform them they had an exceptional member of staff and write a very detailed account of what they had done and the impact it had on my child and our family.

Telling their superiors how good they are is THE absolute best thing you could do,

Voucher for local nice independent coffee / lunch spot. Afternoon tea for Betty's ?
Voucher for a salon appointment ?
Spa / facial ?

My DS’s teacher has been incredible. So I’ve got her a £20 voucher for a local ice cream parlour for her to take her 2 children in the holidays

Chocolate or alcohol unless you have reason to suspect they wouldn't be relevant, but the message in the card would definitely be most appreciated.

Thanks for all the advice. I don’t want to get flowers as I know she’s going away and probably won’t be there to enjoy them so it would feel like a waste. I think the best thing might be to get a small selection of chocolate/biscuit/wine. I didn’t know about the £35 limit so it’s a good job I asked!

The £35 limit is not one I'm familiar with. We do not have that rule in my school

I am a teacher and the best thing that anyone can do for me is either come to see me or send me a card/ letter telling me (genuinely) that I have done a great job. That is why I am there and it feels worthwhile when my effort is recognised by the students.

£40 for nine biscuits? Bloody hell. They look really pretty but I'd rather my students got me Border biscuits from Asda or some cookies from the extra special range. £40 is extortionate!

That's a lovely pressie, @Giraffe888. I'd love that if I was the recipient.