Teachers and Christmas

[Frostyfoxy]

I know this has probably been done before but does anyone have any inspiration for Christmas presents for teachers?

Last year my ds decorated a mug for his 2 teachers but as he has ASD it was really hard to get him to decorate it in anyway that looked like anything nice! I just hoped that his teachers would appreciate something that was homemade (very homemade looking!) and not chocolate!

I have no inspiration this year though.....

[TellMeLater]

I always get them wine, would love to make them something home made but can't stand the thought of them throwing it away for hygiene reasons - my time and effort is too precious.

[3bunnies]

At the end of year we took an old video box, took out the ancient video and chucked it, and took out the paper sleeve, then got some new paper the same size and the dc decorated them with dried flowers, stickers etc. We then filled them with useful teacher things - stickers, blu tack, drawing pins, hot chocolate, coffee sachets etc. Then they wrote a card, and said something they really liked about their teacher. We put it inside their box. The teachers were really enthusiastic about it. At Christmas we tend to give a homemade decoration and some truffles.

[Anythingforabitofpeace]

I have got DS teacher and classroom assistant a lovely little note book that opens up and has nice post its on one side and a writing pad at the other. I also got them a little tea bag plate in the shape of a gingerbread house from harrods.

[chicaguapa]

Snowman soup is a kit to make a mug of hot chocolate, with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows and a sugar cane for stirring. It has a lovely poem that goes with it.

There are different way of presenting it, but I do the cones and buy the bags off eBay. Google snowman soup and have a look at the images. I'm pretty sure I got the idea from MN so there should be plenty of info on here.

I've found they've always gone down well.

[Marzipanface]

Blimey. I never knew you had to get Christmas gifts for your kids teacher! This is NOT something that we ever done when I was primary school.

[80sMum]

Bear in mind that the teacher will probably receive upwards of 20 gifts from pupils, so I always think consumables are best. Get them something that they don't feel obliged to keep!

[Mspontipine]

Am about to google "snowman soup."

Hope it's something nice this time...

Shudder

[Frostyfoxy]

What is Snowman soup?!

[chicaguapa]

I make Snowman Soup kits and get DC to make the labels by drawing a Christmassy picture and then I print the poem on the other side. DC love putting them together.

[mammyemcbe]

I was thinking my dcs teachers the oxfam gifts, the ones were I pay for a piece of equipment and then get a card to give saying it was donated in their name. I usually made edible homemade gifts with the kids but I thought it would make a change. Not sure if its a good idea or a no-no.

[CailinRua]

I'm a primary teacher and honestly we don't expect anything but are delighted with anything (well in my school anyway). However, since my own Ds has started school, I do understand the whole teacher present issuebetter as I am so keen to get my DS's wonderful teacher something small but special to show how much I value her.

I agree you can't go wrong with wine, especially around Christmas where it can be given to guests or passed on where not wanted. (not in my house though, where it would be lucky to last 1 night!!!). Any edibles are good! I also have loved getting christmas decorations, candles, mugs, handcreams, scarves etc. and I can tell you exactly which child bought each item (still using a mug bought by a child from 10 years ago and have a photo frame in my living room from a child from 12 years ago!).

BUT while we may appreciate and cherish our gifts from children,we do not notice or care if children do not buy gifts. We all know that Christmas is an expensive time and that lots of families are under pressure. And although it may be a real cliche, what I have appreciated the most is a heartfelt note of thanks/appreciation from parents in card or note or even a quick chat.

If anyone is interested I have bought my DS's amazing teacher an inexpensive (but lovely) scarf and a ceramic Christmas tree decoration. Classroom assistants are getting wine!

[Frostyfoxy]

Some fab ideas, thank you!! The lottery ticket reminded me of the "pot of gold" that someone on here talked about last year I think. You put a lottery ticket, some gold coins etc into a gold box/pot and put a message on it saying something like "here is a pot of gold for you" (obviously you word it a bit more eloquently than that!!)

[jennymac]

I think it is hard to go wrong with a bolttle of wine - even if the teacher doesn't drink wine it will still be handy if they have visitors over christmas.

[chimchar]

Yes please to Costco pastries. One for teachers, one for tas. All the male Teachers i work with are greedy bastards! I wish I worked in your kids school

[cantpooinpeace]

I always go with a paper chase pen & a tree decoration to remember tour child by .

[cazza2878]

For dd's teacher and ta, I have done mugs using the 50% off photobox code. I've put their names on it along with the group class photo saying "xx class 2012/13" will prob fill with some nice chocs too.

[spottymoo]

I did a lottery ticket in a nice card last year teacher loved it, it was the gift that carried on giving as he won £10 with it

[amck5700]

thanks ProP - that's not a bad idea - maybe a Beano one or something would be good.

Son has just said that his teacher needs new Hair straighteners as his are broken and he is having to share with his wife!!

[ProPerformer]

amck We got DS's male Nursary assistant a funky notebook and pencils last year.

[ProPerformer]

Ecolady the bags are such a great idea!! I've been fretting over what to get the girls at DS's nursery as we have hardly any money for presents, but these are PERFECT!! Our local pound shop has some fabric pens for decoration - Can now get things for all the girls for under £10 and I was thinking we'd have to either spend a fortune or just get them chocs to share. I know they don't need anything but they're so fab and DS loves them to bits.

[amck5700]

.......so what do you do for male teachers? We have always gone down the beer route (a few fancy beers, not a 4 pack of Tenents :o) This will be my youngest's last year at primary and his teacher is really great - eldest had him for 2 years as well. Although he is a young trendy wee guy, he is a very committed teacher and puts loads of extra hours in to do nice things for and with the kids.

[chimchar]

Or what about a lovely book that the teacher could read with the class....and put a label in the front from your ds.

My favourite is a pop up book about Alice in wonderland....

here