Do teachers throw away home made gifts??

[Mammyofonlyone]

My daughter and I have started making gifts for her Reception. teacher and teaching assistants ready to go in a hamper to say thank you. We have always made them gifts since she started nursery aged two. However, I have read a few threads saying that teachers throw things away that are homemade??? Is this true???? I feel a bit sad if it is!
We have spent a long time growing and cooking things in some cases! Most importantly, should I keep the sloe gin to myself if it isn’t appreciated??

Well how about first ask if parents throw away home made gifts?

If you suspect yes, sometimes or maybe then its fair to assume likewise for teachers. After all how many teachers keep an attic full of home made gifts, artwork, nitnacs, etc overr the span of a long teaching career? Although if it was something truly amazing or held extra special meaning maybe that would maybe be kept. Personally I would go for something edible (that could also be eaten) or something disposable such as flowers.

of course everyone is different. Personally I'm a self confessed (recovering) sentimental hoarder

Thank you sorry much MrsC! I was actually slightly despairing. Thank you.
I understand it’s each to their own, and we are all in our own individual circumstances but I was really starting to feel sad and foolish with some of the responses.
Christmas is a time to be kind, especially with someone who has been so so kind with my child, and I wanted to show we were willing to give time back. Nothing is fresh so it won’t be germ ridden. Plus I do try to observe basic hygiene standards so as not to take out my own family with bacterial disease, never mind the teaching staff we appreciate so much

Story no 4 on your list was what I was thinking about and was having trouble articulating. There are no wolves directly outside our door and plenty of families struggle more than we do...imagine the child whose parents genuinely can't afford to buy that extra gift or make a hamper for the teacher and how it makes them feel to be the empty-handed one.

Customs of consumerism like this increase pressure and create a divide. I don't like them.

Well I always ate them and I’m still here to tell the tale.

I have cards from kids from years ago somewhere.

Hardly vitriol OP.

I work in 6th form and receive few Christmas gifts compared to those in primary. Cards go up on my bit of staffroom wall, behind my computer, and the sentiments within keep me going throughout the rest of the academic year. Chocs get shared with colleagues, students or family and mugs go into my classroom as penpots unless they're big enough for a really good cuppa. Nothing is expected and everything is appreciated.

I retired nearly 20 years ago and still have gifts and cards my pupils gave me. I did appreciate them; it is an ethnically diverse , deprived area and it was a lovely way the families expressed their gratitude.

We make (small) thoughtful things eg plant pots, bookmarks etc. I know they probably end up in the bin - although I know the teacher kept it last year.
As far as I'm concerned, making the gift gives us pleasure and receiving the gift seems to give pleasure (albeit maybe only shortly) so the job is done.

Years ago my DD had a teacher she particularly loved. I bought one of those mug kits where you decorate it yourself and DD made a total hash of it but it was really sweet and she proudly handed it over. Fast forward about 6 years and I found myself working at the school, DD long into secondary education. I was so touched to see that her mug was being used daily by the teacher who told me it was one of the nicest things she'd ever been given. It appears to me that a little bit of effort is appreciated by some!

My old schoolfriend was a primary teacher in Soho, of all places, in the 1970s & used to get a mountain of presents from her kids then. (That was the first time I'd ever seen a panettone - most of the families were foreign & had shops or restaurants.)

Mammy, you clearly appreciate & value all your daughter's teachers & I'm sure they'll be happy to receive your cards & nice words & a token gift

Not to say that I sure most teachers really appreciate the warm and effort behind every home made gift even if they don't hold on to them forever for practical reasons. And maybe that felling received from the gift and the though behind it (even if disposed of over time) is far more a gift than the item its self.

Should say, this is only an end of year gift for staff who children or us think have "deserved" them (for want of a better word).

You too! I think carry on making the hamper anyway - sounds like a lovely activity to do with your little one. xxxxxxxxxxxx

We love homemade gifts in our school OP.

I really appreciated all of the cards and presents I received but being brutally honest I wouldn't eat or drink home made stuff, sorry.

A parent made me shortbread last year. Not only was it delicious but I hid it in the cupboard so I didn’t have to share it with my family. Result.

If you’ve made stuff anyway just give one thing (jar of chutney - that sort of thing) and a nice card would be awesome. It’s lovely to be appreciated.

and, fwiw, my DD teaches at a private high school in the US, & although she gets some amazing presents at Christmas, what she loves most are the sincere & heartfelt personal notes of appreciation from some of her students

I give them a card with a note of thanks and a £5 voucher to Costa or the like. They can re-gift if need be.

I've only made homemade cakes once and the head said he and his daughter had eaten and loved them so he appreciated them.

My aunt was a teacher and she kept homemade ornaments for years and she loved those the best of all presents.

I'm sure it varies with the teacher though. I think its lovely you want to do something nice for the teacher.

Sorry you got such snarky replies initially OP.

I'm not a teacher, but my two very good friends are and they absolutely love this kind of thing.

You're being kind and in my book, that's always a good thing.

Thx Lapdance

What's the issue with homemade things?

I have friends and neighbour who gift homemade preserves and sloe gin and stuff. What on earth would someone throw them away?

Whilst a homemade prickle is a nice idea, it still isn't immune from bad hygiene. If the jars aren't fully sterilised then there can be a risk of botulism. Likewise if the proportions of vinegar aren't quite strong enough to full preserve it, if the maker was a bit sloppy with measuring quantities.

I don't eat any home made pickle, chutney or jam unless I'm VERY sure of the conditions it was made under.

Just to add, please be assured that myself and my colleagues would never be so rude and unkind as to let a child know what is likely to happen to their homemade edible gifts. We are gracious in acceptance.

And you Bette. Some of the initial responses made me feel really sad! Have a nice weekend