What are you buying your dc's teacher for Xmas?

[sleepyhorse]

Hi just wondered what you are buying your dc's teachers for Xmas? As there are a few different teachers I need to get for I was thinking of maybe buying one of those personalised mugs you can get online saying 'Keep calm mrs xxxx and carry on teaching' and then filling it with Chocolates. Do you think it's a bit cheesy though? Looking for ideas so any suggestions welcome. Thanks!

Last year we gave DD's teacher a lovely scarf (£15) in a beautiful colour. She loved it and wore it to school many times in the winter & my DD was so pleased about it!

I wanted to give something that the teacher would keep & remember my DD by, coz she had worked hard with her on some challenges & together we had been able to turn things around. So it was a rather special gift for a special teacher. Also she was among the older teachers & I wanted to make her feel special.

A teacher wading in ... we really do not expect presents, but what we do receive is always appreciated. My top tips would be...

Please not mugs or ornaments! We get lots. Sorry.

Toiletries only if you know they will be used, otherwise they appear on the tombola next summer. Again, sorry.

Wine is a safe bet if the teacher has mentioned it.

Likewise chocolate - we have been known to drop hints if your children listen carefully!

Useful gifts are fab - stamps with messages that fit with your school's mark scheme.
Stickers if they are used.
Nice whiteboard pens.
Funky post-it notes.

Sturdy bags for carrying books - either decorate your own from Clever Baggers or these Good bags are a really useful size and very strong as well as fun (I've got two!)

Nice scarf, necklace (or tie for the chaps) in a style that you see them wearing.

Amazon or John Lewis vouchers if it's a class collection.

But, the best gift ever, really, truly... is a heartfelt message written in a card to let us know that we're appreciated. They touch us and we keep them.

Love the 'good bag' bags - so useful for carrying resources, marking etc. would love post it's etc or a scarf. Would equally love a nice card. It's nice that people do but it's not expected

Emma Bridgewater candle in a tin with a candy cane Sellotaped to the top

Candles bought less than half price in Jan sale, candy canes 99p for 12 in 99p shop.

DD does a handmade card for the teacher and TA each year - it's literally just a piece of A4 paper, folded, that she then decorates herself and writes her own note in. I couple that with a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates.

Agree - I think a handmade card which you've only supplied paper/ scissors/ glue and maybe helped with spelling of teacher's name is essential.

If you can't afford to buy boxes of chocs/ wine for a long list of teachers - then bake them biscuits.

HTH

The Starbucks type reusable coffee cup but you can get cheaper elsewhere as teachers aren't allowed to walk around with mugs - cld fill it with some chocs.... I saw some in pound land but wondered if that was being too tight but if I filled them with bits and pieces that might be ok....or wine....

Box of (cheapish but nice) chocs. DS is also making some Christmas decorations for her. His idea but I'm encouraging!

My sister's a primary teacher and her favourite things are always, always the cards and notes from pupils and parents, especially if they show evidence of things they've been taught that year!

I've decided this year to give personal gifts to the Brownie and Guide leaders who give up their time voluntarily.

I'll probably just buy some biscuits for the staff room that every one can share.

I tend to buy more for teachers at the end of the school year.