Start of year gifts

[MinonsMovie]

I love the idea of an apple for the teacher.

Something that says, "I value and respect the role you will play in my child's life this year and we are here and ready to learn".

I'm thinking a little hamper with bits and bobs for the class room, or a voucher for a useful shop.

But something is holding me back. Is this lovely and thoughtful, or is it just too cringe?

Totally cringe

I think sending your child with everything they need and mentally prepared to learn might be the best thing you can give the teacher at this point.

Thank you, o worried that. I love giving gifts but I know that's a risk.

Is yours a teacher or parent perspective?

no that would be too much for someone you have never met, and make other children feel as if they should have brought something.
Rather arrive on time, with a child that has hopefully slept, eaten breakfast, and ready for school.

Why would you give them a gift at the start of the year? I don't get it.

Yikes, no.

Jeez Louise, i don't even do Christmas/end of year gifts

RJ if that's the case I can just stick a bow on her and we're set!

I would just stick with a present at the end of the year to thank the teacher for the role they played in the year just gone, personally.

Say what?
A gift at the start of the year?

In a weeks time you could well feel totally differently about them !

How do you know you'll respect them already ?!

I'm a teacher and if I got anything like this it would make me cringe, save any gifts until the end of the year and even then a thoughtful message in a card is always more appreciated than chocolates.

Oh no please don't start this off, if you love giving gifts donate to a food bank.

Thanks everyone. That was my gut. But I just love the idea of surprising people with unexpected gifts, but if it's cringe then it's not a nice surprise, it's akward. Question answered, thanks all.

Food bank gets lots from us but I hear your point

The teachers I know say that the best "gift" you can give them is to support your child, help with reading and times tables, make sure homework is done, read to them, interest them in extra curricular activities, get involved in the school as much as your circumstances allow and make sure your child gets a good night's sleep on school nights! It's not about stuff, it's about attitude and respect for learning.

Please don't make this a thing! And I say that as a parent and a TA. There's really no need!

Hair bow on her, pat on the back and off she goes job done then 😄

I think you would do well fundraising for the school though, you want the school to do well and know that staff who feel valued are an asset. Perhaps look at joining the PTA? (Is it still called that?)

You are overthinking. No apple! 🍎

The gift giving to teachers at my DDs last school was entirely an excercise in sucking up and excruciating to watch.
I don't understand it. I've always helped my DC get a gift at the end of the year for a teacher or member of staff that they were particularly fond of. That's it.

I think just a quiet word to thank her in anticipation and let her know you are supportive and to let you know if there is anything you can do to help at home would be fine.

herds that's a nice idea.

how about start a little something pairing the school with a less wealthy school in a developing country?

I have had flowers at the beginning of the year but only from Eastern European families so I wonder if it is a thing in some countries.
It was always a lovely surprise but very unexpected.