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Original poster

What will you be buying your DC's Teacher and TA this Christmas?

57 replies

Kitchens · 02/12/2009 21:09

Just curious what other people buy and how much you spend? Love my son's teacher so think i'll get her something nice

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PerArduaAdSolInvictus · 02/12/2009 21:11

Nothing. May have DS make a card.

JingleAllTheWay · 02/12/2009 21:11

Wine + Christmas tree decoration. Lovely combo

JingleAllTheWay · 02/12/2009 21:12

Sorry, peaked a bit soon there. have also done itunes vouchers and starbucks cards in the past

Sagacious · 02/12/2009 21:12

I normaly do but am skint, so it'll be a cheery "Merry Christmas" from me this year

The youngest dd (age5) will probably do a handmade card

ds (8.. going on 16) will think thats embarrassing so nowt from him.

Clayhead · 02/12/2009 21:13

Vouchers for a local gastro-pub, home made rocky road, letter of thanks from ds & dd.

2ChildrenPlusLA · 02/12/2009 21:14

It never occurred to me. Is this what is expected?

DanJARMouse · 02/12/2009 21:17

Planning on doing some homemade biscuits or fudge or something, but i need to practice!!!

I cant afford to be forking out again this year. Had to buy for 2 teachers and 2 TAs for christmas last year and end of reception year in july, now DD1 only has 1 teacher and 1 TA but I think homemade might be a bit nicer (and a hell of a lot cheaper) and more appreciated.

I do like DD1's teacher, but from what DD1 says she is hardly ever in the classroom with her!!!

I will buy the usual tin of roses/quality st etc for nursery from DD2 as there is too many staff to do the homemade malarky!

allaboutme · 02/12/2009 21:17

DS is in the nursery class at school. I was thinking of making gingerbread men with him and giving to the teachers - does that sound ok?
will give gingerbread men and a bottle of wine to his SALT as she is fab, but cant afford wine for all the teachers (2 teachers and 2 helpers!)

Pineapplechunks · 02/12/2009 21:19

Nothing I should imagine. I have never bought a teacher a present.

Maybe DD will make a card for her.

cece · 02/12/2009 21:21

Wine everytime

choccyp1g · 02/12/2009 21:26

I'm thinking of giving a half bottle of wine to each of the job-share teachers and TAs and maybe a tin of celebrations to the head for sharing round the office.

pantomimecow · 02/12/2009 22:10

Nothing.I like their teachers but think it is unnecessary

Hulababy · 02/12/2009 22:14

DD has already taken a card in.

We have contributed to the class collection. Class rep is getting her John Lewis vouchers.

I will also buy a small gift for DD's literacy support teacher.

Really pleased with DD's school and her teachers, and DD really likes them and wants to give them a Christmas gift.

deepdarkwood · 02/12/2009 22:16

Something homemade by the dcs. Poor teachers - I actually like them, although they'll never guess

Leslaki · 02/12/2009 22:27

I always do wine! think they need it by Xmas!!! I'm a TA and know I do (how many Christmas outfits and nativity dance routines have I done this week?)!!! Depends on teacher and TAs though. When DD was in reception her teacher was crap but the Tas were brilliant so I just bought for them - they carried the teacher and really looked after the children. And they get paid next to nothing. I don't do homemade food though - too many teachers have seen too many children do unspeakable things when 'cooking' at school (or even eating lunch!)!!!! Never know if they'll really appreciate it or not - unless you put a sticker on it saying you know only clean hands were used!! I do work in Year 1 though!
I also buy a little something for lunchtime supervisors as they have a hard job for little pay.

kreecherlivesupstairs · 03/12/2009 09:36

Home made truffles and a bottle of wine for the extraordinary Miss X. DD has already made a card with lots of sequins and glitter.

TheDevilWearsPrimark · 03/12/2009 09:38

Sanctuary gift vouchers

LentilsRoastingOnAnOpenFire · 03/12/2009 09:42

Our school has sent out a letter asking us not to give presents but to donate to the St Vincent de Paul charity which is the main force behind helping people in financial difficulty and those struggling with flood damage here.

Last year we made gingerbread men and the teacher was really delighted with them, especially as her car broke down on the way home and it meant she had a snack to hand.

mussyhillmum · 03/12/2009 10:47

DC's class club together and purchase Brent Cross vouchers and card for teacher, TAs and dinner lady. They have made it clear in the past that vouchers are VERY much appreciated! Most parents give £5 but, depending on their financial circumstances, some give more and some give nothing.

DC will be making chocolates and cards for music and ballet teachers.

LilySwalLoosHerTurkeyBaster · 03/12/2009 10:52

I have box full of m&s handwash thanks to promo code on here.
Have bought some nice xmassy bags so will distribute them round the teachers and ta's.

Addictedtothepc · 03/12/2009 11:05

I feel obliged to buy gifts - the teachers make such a big show of what they receive - even putting it on display.
Did consider getting the teacher an unwrapped gift from Oxfam but I worried that she might be slightly insulted by that. So have begrudgingly plumped for Chocs.

2ChildrenPlusLA · 03/12/2009 13:15

PMSL at preschool today. The staff had bought themselves a massive card for parents and children to sign, and a tin with a slot.

I'm guessing they are saying the don't want no homemade biscuits ta.

LadyOfTheFlowers · 03/12/2009 13:20

A box of Guylian truffle things - they were 3 boxes for a fiver in the OneStop.

Think they might get a lot of these....

Ah well - I would be overjoyed with them!

pollywobblebauble · 03/12/2009 13:24

nothing...dd,5, will make a card.

MummyTumble · 03/12/2009 13:34

OMG - hadn't even thought about it

And I'm a teacher myself - although secondary so always got nowt (or just the odd card)!!

Back to the shops then....