Amazing end-of-year present for a primary school teacher

[Bonsoir]

We are looking for inspiration for DD's class teacher, who is unanimously seen as a star. Collective gift, we will raise lots of money. We don't want to give vouchers. What do teachers want?

That us so nice, you brought a tear to my eye! What about a spa day voucher? I would like to start the summer holiday like that! Plus some of my parents might be reading

why not vouchers?

They want what we all want - expensive toiletries, jewellery, scent, a Mulberry bag... Or maybe that's just me off on a flight of fancy

We did spa vouchers two years ago (lots of same parents) but I don't think this teacher is a spa sort! She was an actress before she became a primary school teacher and she is putting on a play with the children in a proper theatre. She needs something that shows that we appreciate the strong cultural dimension to her teaching... and she is just so lovely and all girls worship her and want to be like her!

how about an artpass

Sorry stuffed up link www.artfund.org/nationalartpass1?gclid=CMui0-3pwLcCFTMRtAodKh8ArA

DD gave her Nuxe Prodigieux Le Parfum for Christmas. We are looking at something much bigger for end-of-year - maybe you are right and a handbag...

A bit of silver jewellery? I got someone I know to make an inexpensive necklace to give to a friend/teacher who has been a godsend over past few years. So it's a one off, but didn't cost too much.

We are in Paris, by the way.

Honestly- vouchers would be best unless you happen to know something about her hobbies & interests outside of school. Often we are given lovely things to use in our classroom and while that is always nice, if you want to actually thank her as an individual- something she can spend on herself would be more than welcome.

The best presents I have ever received (in no particular order)

• A case of mixed wines- all selected with thought & information about them in a card
• A handmade puppet of me (hilarious & clearly a lot of effort & thought put in)
• Handmade card with heartfelt message *john lewis vouchers (can't afford to shop there usually- was nice to have the excuse!)
• Vouchers for a posh local restaurant *engraved jewellery box
• coffee mugs with message on them (Have received a few of these over the years, but they are one of my treasures since I get to use them each day!)

Presents that are the most common (whilst appreciated, don't feel that personal)
*chocolates
*candles
*hand cream

Whatever gift you give- add a card with a heartfelt message, it does mean a great deal & if you go for the option of giving vouchers it would add that personal touch as well.

Arts Council membership? You'd have to check she hasn't got already though. Personally I think the surprise element in fab gifts is overrated - someone (another member of staff?) needs to suss out what she wants. You could commission a piece of jewellery or give her a fabulous print but if she doesn't share your taste then it will be an enormous waste of dosh.

Ok Paris.... A cool photo on a big canvas?

What about a weekend in London by Eurostar + hotel + theatre tickets?

Theatre vouchers? Are you near London? Membership of Royal Academy, or there is some kind of ArtsPass which gets you in to loads of exhibitions FOC. Or could you get an experience day voucher that gives her a wide choice of what she does with it?

Tiffany necklace, everyone loves the blue box.

Can our find out her interests ? My sons teacher mentioned in passing he had always wanted to dive with sharks so we've bought a discovery set of DVDs about diving with them.

Weekend away top quality plan but does she have a partner or would this just be for her? If so she might not be up for holiday on own?

She has a husband and two small DC. We would need to check that she could park the DC for the weekend!

Obviously would be weekend for two! I think this sounds good but want MN approval before I submit to other parents.

Ah you all sound so nice! I am sure whatever you do will be appreciated. My favourite present was a little poem (wouldn't have cost a lot but the words were lovely) -ethched onto glass. Also another year (when I got married) I got a beautiful large piece of pottery/frame. What was nicer was when the following year the parent sent us an anniversary card - I wasn't teaching the child then. It meant so much. It is not the expensive things that matter.

I agree that a spa wouldn't be the most suitable - and when it is gone it is gone.

A really nice handbag or jewellery would be lovely.

Yes, we gave spa vouches to two teachers who did a job share and just worked for the fun of it (they were EXCELLENT teachers) and didn't need the cash because they had high-earning DHs. Not sure this year's teacher is quite in the same DH league.

Collective gifts are great. All the thought and trouble the parents went to in order to coordinate such a lovely, thoughtful gift will be appreciated too. Make sure you all send her a lovely card too echoing your words in the op (and one from your child.) Your kind and heartfelt words will mean the most to her I'm sure.

Gift vouchers honestly are a great gift. John Lewis, beauty salon and theatre vouchers have been my favourite. If I get John Lewis vouchers I usually try to buy something to remember the class by (a picture or a mirror etc...) plus some treats that I wouldn't ordinarily be able to justify the expense.

I agree that vouchers for a nice meal or a night in a hotel is a great idea. You could discretely ask a TA or another member of staff whom you think knows her well for their opinion/ideas? You all sound like fantastic, supportive parents. Let us know what you decide.

A TIFFANY NECKLACE!

For a teacher present?

Fucking hell,i chose the wrong job,what's wrong with.........nothing,they get paid don't they?

My best present is home made fudge made by the father of two children I've taught (had both children twice) but alas I don't have a child from that family this year

This is hilarious.