will i have to buy gifts for the whole class and teachers?

[booyhoo]

ds is in p1 so this is all new to me. is it normal for the children to get each other gifts and the teachers and TAs aswell? i am really stony broke but i can't have ds being embarrassed if he hasn't got presents to give out.

No not for the whole class.
Teachers/TA presents optional.

thanks gruesome.

how are things with you? do you feel like you are getting enough support from ptofessional bodies? (i haven't been on your thread in a while)

I've never known anyone give gifts to the whole class. Sometimes the teacher and TA get a small gift, but only if you actually feel they deserve a thank you.

booyhoo Things are going OK. Hopefully life will be back to normal by the end of next week!

If I had to buy gifts for the whole class, I'd home educate.

wow, that's sounding really good. you honestly have been such strong mum. i know I'll see you around again but i really do wish you and your family all the happiness you so truly deserve and a great xmas.

cat chocs are a great idea. i was thinking a plant or something but no, you're right. they can go round all the staff that way.

Gawd no. Christmas cards aren't actually necessary either.

oh goodness, what's wrong with me this year??? i haven't even thought of xmas cards. for anyone!! thanks for reminding me mary.

Keep it very simple if for teacher. A homemade card is so much the best thing for a teacher of a little one. Or a homemade chocolate cake/square/bun she has made with you. I agree no Xmas gifts for friends; will just make other parents anxious. if she has really special friends invite a small group round for a DVD and a treat/snack in the holidays. Some schools have post boxes and they do like to send little cards, but homemade are best as most fun for the child to make. TAs can get forgotten but only gift if your child wants to.

Home made is often most appreciated, especially if made by the child (doesn't matter if it is inedible).

I have bought little tree decorations again this year. (we are Y1, so I think thats P2?)) This year's are SO cute- little owls, which I thought was appropriate for educators, being wise owls and all.
I am wrapping them in Paperchase tissue paper and in little boxes

I think they are super cute, but I figure if they don't like them, they don't seem a big waste to throw away, but if they like them, then they can recall that years class when they do their Christmas tree each year, or even just put them on the class tree.

Have bought for teachers, TAs and the ladies that run the after school club.

We will do a card to every member of the class again this year, as we did last year. DS liked doing and got back about 20 cards which he was very proud of.

Homemade cards etc might be lovely, but we dont have time to do that I am afraid!

I do small Christmas decorations too. How can you ever have too many? I get nice but cheap ones (no more than £1 each, I have 6 teachers to buy for!) and I bag 1 each up with 4/5 chocs, roses or similar, from a big box. Last year we had little colour-in Christmas paper bags from Baker Ross but they weren't very good quality - might try to find something similar or just use pretty cellophane ones. The kids input by helping choose the decorations and the chocs!

DreamTeamGirl, owls sound lovely - where did you get them please?

Having said that, I wish someone organised a class collection (obv not me!), but it hasn't really happened at our school. You are probably still early enough to ask around and see if anyone is interested in that?

I have never bought for the whole class. If dd wants to, she can buy for specific friends from her pocket money.

I have never bought presents for teachers and my dc are 11 and 14.

I think it's quite vulgar, sorry.

The only exception was a teaching assistant who was also a family friend.

Badpoet

They are here from Paperchase

Ooopsdaisy I can appreciate not wanting to, and would never say anyone SHOULD, but what is vulgar about it? Genuine question, how is a little thank you gift vulgar?

I've known a couple of parents send bags of chocolates in for sharing around the whole class - but not presents... some don't even do cards (considering I'm generally still finding Xmas cards in July I tend to thank the Lord there aren't more going around to be honest!).

Thanks DTG!

What's vulgar about saying thank you? You may feel it unnecessary, but vulgar? Are you a member of the Royal Family?

I wouldn't dream of buying for the class but will contribute or get a small gift for the teacher/TA.

Oopsadaisy there are many vulgar things in life, but a tiny,inexpensive gift for a much loved teacher is not one of them.

No need to send a gift, but judging others for doing so makes you an apalling snob and completely lacking in class.

Sorry - I have obviously offended some of you with my comments here.

vanitypear - I am about as far from the Royal family as anyone could be. Council house and benefits and free school meals and drunken step-fathers on the dole and beating up the neighbours etc in my childhood.

I was brought up to believe that buying gifts for people other than people you love and genuinely care for in your life is just spending money to show that you have it to spend and that is the worst form of bad manners.

Clearly this view is not the same as many of you and I apologise if it has offended you but I am entitled to that view, just as you are entitled to give gifts to your DC's teachers.

if you want to give to the teachers/tas make some simple biscuits or something with your ds and take them in