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 isn't a nationwide rule. Some schools may set limits but not all do. Nor are they expected to do so.

It will very much be a school by school approach. None of the schools I've worked at have had a set notifiable amount.

Staff at my school regularly get class presents of vouchers, and/or gifts, worth fairly high amounts (result of 30 families contributing) and they don't have to be declared.

That's really kind but our policy is not to accept gifts over £25 in case it's seen as bribery.

I'm looking at two orchids on my windowsill that students gave me last year. I also remember them when the orchids flower. 😊

I love the idea that a present at the end of the year might be a bribe. September would surely be a better time!!

That is so lovely of you! I’m a teacher, personally a letter detailing your thanks always make me teary, even better an email to the head teacher saying how wonderful the teacher is. On top of vouchers somewhere that you can buy a wide rang of things- maybe John Lewis or M&S

Our teachers end up with about £300 of contributions per class that go into vouchers mostly, so definitely not a £35 rule at our school. We ask what they’d prefer usually (garden centre, particular shop). John Lewis vouchers are good as you have so much choice on what you can buy

personally I’d love a Dipytique candle and if you can stretch to it, a carousel to put over it, which rotates when the candle is alight. Or if not a white company candle with a reedes glass dome/cover.

A personalise travel mug. I was given one that is leak proof and I’ve used it every day this school year. Chocolate is always a good shout.

Oh these biscuits are so overrated and overpriced.

£35 gift cards to Amazon or major superstore near you with a nice bottle of something. Letter to the Head praising staff member's efforts would also be appreciated by many.

wine …. As a teacher I speak for a lot of us … we like wine 🤣🤣🤣 never anything personalised or clutter. I get rid - my house can’t handle stuff in the loft forever

There is a rosebush named Thank You.
I second telling their senior colleagues how they have gone above and beyond.

The loveliest thing I have ever received is an engraved bookmark.
I love anything from the children - but cards and words are the best

Gorgeous idea 🌹

There were a couple of teachers (a couple) who retired at the same time my DD left. They had both made a real difference to her in various ways. We got the £150 of vouchers for our local theatre, which we knew they'd use.

A bottle of wine or a box of lindor.

please please don't spend 100 quid!

They are really awful biscuits with thick icing on them
I dont know anyone who hasn't just binned them

A parent gave me vouchers for a nice independent cinema that I could take my own children to, that was a really thoughtful gift.

I took cuttings from plants & grew them on as we were on a budget, the tiny plants were very well received & she said every time she looked out of her window she thought of my child & felt so appreciated.

I always sent heart felt thank you cards & emailed the head teacher, even a box of M&S biscuits for the hidden office staff who did so much behind the scenes.

Very tragically the teacher has since died but knowing that she knew what a difference she made & was loved brings us some comfort for her loss.

You just can't go wrong with a gift card

Yes. Please please please do spend £100.

And yes find a way to convey your appreciation in a card and in person.

Amazon seems a popular voucher choice nowadays.

I learned on here that teachers really appreciate it when you send a personal reference of the teacher to the head that can be added to their personnel file and used when applying for future jobs.

I also learned on here that teachers routinely buy classroom supplies out of their own pocket. An Amazon voucher to subsidise this cost (or get something for pleasure) would probably be appreciated

I’ve never worked in a school that actually does this! I wouldn’t worry about it. I think a rose bush is a lovely idea (if they have a garden). Or a John Lewis voucher? Or something like a Jo Malone candle?

A voucher (M&S) and a heartfelt card. Other gifts are great, but I do love being able to buy a new bra or a dine in meal.