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Primary education

Join our Primary Education forum to discuss starting school and helping your child get the most out of it.

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Original poster

Start of year gifts

65 replies

MinonsMovie · 31/08/2016 14:31

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?

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Pagwatch · 31/08/2016 14:50

That's interesting Moon.

There was one year when I probably should have just started the year with a gift by way of apology. Ok, maybe two years.

Original poster

MinonsMovie · 31/08/2016 14:51

That's a nice idea too, but something I'd be more able contribute to than organise.

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HellsBellsnBucketsofBlood · 31/08/2016 14:51

"an exercise in sucking up and excruciating to watch."

^^ This.

There's no reason to give a professional a gift before they have even done their job, in some sort of anticipation that they will do their job. It just starts another 'arms race' among parents and tbh starts to look like you might be trying to buy favour for your child.

My view may be coloured on this of course, because I view 'surprise' gifts as an attempt to impose some sort of reciprocal obligation on me.

Original poster

MinonsMovie · 31/08/2016 14:52

pagwatch that's very funny!

OP posts:

HellsBellsnBucketsofBlood · 31/08/2016 14:52

"There was one year when I probably should have just started the year with a gift by way of apology. Ok, maybe two years."

Was it that bad Pag ?

Original poster

MinonsMovie · 31/08/2016 14:53

I'm of the you don't give to receive school of thought, but I guess what you are saying is what was holding me back.

OP posts:

Pagwatch · 31/08/2016 14:54

It wasn't the best HellsBells

EssentialHummus · 31/08/2016 14:55

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.

I came on to say similar - in Russia you're supposed to show up with an apple or flowers, according to DP.

Pagwatch · 31/08/2016 14:56

It's is nice to gift give Minions but I think the instinct that gave you pause is probably the right one.

Original poster

MinonsMovie · 31/08/2016 15:02

Thanks, I'm a bit cringe that I even asked now. thank goodness for mn.

OP posts:

HerdsOfWilderbeest · 31/08/2016 15:10

Oh don't worry it's lovely you want to make a positive start. Just give it a week and count up how many threads there are complaining about teachers being too soft or too strict or giving too much homework or not enough.

MackerelOfFact · 31/08/2016 15:35

What fresh hell is this?!

You seem lovely, but no. Just no.

idontlikealdi · 31/08/2016 15:36

Seriously?

That is one of the worsst ideas I've ever heard, sorry!

RitaConnors · 31/08/2016 15:42

Then if your child gets to stand in the front row of the choir or whatever people will start saying it's because of your hamper.

Idliketobeabutterfly · 31/08/2016 18:05

Tempted to give our TA one at start of the year this year but only because she's same one from nursery and gave us some advice that has changed loads.
I predict there will tears if she leaves us after this year and that will just be the parents.

ijustwannadance · 31/08/2016 18:12

Don't do it.

happystory · 31/08/2016 18:17

No no no. In my experience the first day of term is so full on that as a teacher having to deal with a gift would be just pointless

UnlikelyRunner · 31/08/2016 18:22

A gift in advance of the teaching could look like a bribe. Admittedly, my HR dept have just made us all re-do bribery and corruption training, so I may be over-thinking it!

Don't do it though. It'll make the teacher embarrassed and the other parents look like this

KittyandTeal · 31/08/2016 18:25

I've not rtft but I can quite confidently say the best gift you can give a teacher (especially a reception teacher) is clearly labelled school clothes, especially jumper.

There are 3 parents in my school that I regularly thank after picking up random bit of clothing off the floor thinking 'whose the fuck is this?' and find a lovely label with a name on it.

The best gift ever.

Original poster

MinonsMovie · 31/08/2016 18:31

kittyandteal I love that. I think I'm a bit naive - who doesn't label their kids stuff? It's bloody expensive!

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iknowimcoming · 31/08/2016 18:33

Agree with Kitty and if you're feeling extra generous sew a bit of ribbon or elastic in a loop onto the neck of jumpers and cardigans and coats hats and anything else that you can think of so that it can be hung up on your child's peg

iknowimcoming · 31/08/2016 18:33

You'd be amazed at how much stuff is unlabelled honestly!

HerdsOfWilderbeest · 31/08/2016 18:42

LOADS of stuff unnamed. It's v annoying.

jennielou75 · 31/08/2016 18:48

My favourite day is first P.E lesson.....getting changed afterwards, 'Where's my jumper?' 'Does it have your name in?' 'No but it is grey.' 'Um all the boys have grey jumpers.' 'Mine is from Marks and Spencers'.......Then there is the fight over the pair of socks which belongs to children and the lonely pair without an owner........and the random vest which seems to belong to no-one.......

Original poster

MinonsMovie · 31/08/2016 18:57

We get a note telling us to label everything. I do everything but socks and knickers and vests and now you have me questioning myself! But she keeps them on even when changing for PE, so I think it's ok?

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