Christmas presents for teachers/classroom assistants?

[Mamamoor]

What is the etiquette(?) for giving Xmas presents to staff (dd1 is in Reception). Do you, and risk looking like you are sucking up, or don't you, and look mean and ungrateful?. Also, what to give that doesn't cost the earth? Hrlp please!

i usually get them (5 of them) either small hand made chco from Thorntons or small box roses/celebratations

There was a thread about this recently with some really good ideas - lots of great suggestions of something from Oxfam Unwrapped

IME teachers usually get xmas gifts from some of their class. I never expected anything from the kids but always appreciated their gifts, no matter what they were. I would always get tons of chocolate (perhaps a bit too many), wine (which I always like ), biscuits, ormanents etc. The best things were the gifts chosen by the children- one obviously spent her pocket money on some sparkly nail varnish for me and she was delighted when she saw me wearing it, although I did feel a bit guilty knowing she'd spent her own money on it. Homemade things always go down well - lots of the kids I taught couldn't afford presents so would draw a special picture for me, which I'd put on the wall.

HTH

I discussed this with my son's wonderful nursery teacher. The nursery is in a pretty poor area and she said she would rather that people without a lot of money spent it on their families - however, they were very happy with boxes of chocs coz they could be shared out at staff meetings with all the many people who help out in the nursery. They just work through them during the year.

I think I'll get my dd to make a coaster out of hama beads for her teacher. What do the teachers amongst you think of that - okay or not?

I hope it is OK HMC, as my DD has made a couple of little candles.

Well I was thinking Kittypickle - it's perhaps a bit more meaningful from the child's perspective if they have put something into the act of giving? I suspect that you and your candle making dd agree

Well that is the theory, but there were times during our very long candlemaking session when I thought it would have been much easier to go for the chocolates option

lol, yes I can imagine

I don't expect it from any pupil and don't think parents are ungrateful if there isn't anything. Something that the student put time and effort into is lovely, a card or drawing.
If parents want to buy a bit more, that is very lovely and generous, but please check with TA or similar for things like teetotal, or diabetic, or simply if the teacher can't stand Cadbury Roses! Vouchers to a bookshop or M&S are also good.

i make rocky road or white choc fudge and include the recipe so they know what it is in..... wrap it in a nice bowl - usually found in discount shop and cellophane....

recipes here:

here

Right thanks all, so it's generally the thought that counts. Perhaps I will suggest she makes then each a special card and add a small something from us as a family!

My DD is giving her teacher a sweetie school house, I don't normaly do anything more than a card but DD spotted them and she really likes her teacher

I think the homemade (by the child!) thing is nice, but if you're going down the 'tin of Quality Street' route, how about presenting them to the office on about Feb 15th in that long, cold grey drought between the end of Xmas good cheer and Spring?!

OK have bought them each a small tin of biscuits in a funky tin and will get DD to make a card! Sorted! Phew! Thanks for advice all! Now just have to do the family!!!

At my school when we get tins of Chocs we just spread them through the year.
I tend to buy a tin of something as both dd2s have so far been in classes with quite a few teachers/Tas