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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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Spectroscopy · 03/12/2009 17:27

Nothing.

I only give gifts at the end of the academic year, being more generous than if I had already bought a gift at Christmas.

I will encourage my son to make them a card, and put a lot of effort into it though.

annaje · 03/12/2009 18:48

I always do wine - I volunteer at the Nursery and school so I see that it is always the most appreciated by the teachers......

Sparkletastic · 03/12/2009 18:53

Usually do wine and chocs but worried that it sent out an 'alcoholic mother' vibe so this year have gone for M&S Christmas scented candles and M&S baubles with bath caviar in - WTF is the latter anyway?!

GrungeBlobPrimpants · 03/12/2009 19:02

Prob not for Xmas as there is 1 teacher + 2 TAs so will save for end academic year

wine every time. I reckon they need it, and it it's not what they like it is easily recycled as gift or school fair

teafortwo · 03/12/2009 19:42

We keep Bonne Maman jam jars then make sweets and tie red and gold ribbon around the top.

It all came about when I started using a marzipan recipe that turned out to be for a cake double the size of my Christmas cake recipe. Making sweets for dd's teachers was a good answer to "What shall we do with all of this left over marzipan?" It has now become a sort of tradition.

MumNWLondon · 03/12/2009 20:37

I bought the 3 for 2 toiletries and make up in M&S - £5 each so 3 for £10. Spent a total of £20 on 6 presents for DD's teacher and TA and DS's nursery teachers.

Pitchounette · 03/12/2009 21:28

Message withdrawn

Insider333 · 03/12/2009 23:22

Do not buy your child's teacher anything! They do not need it. If they think a gift's not good enough you will be mocked by the teacher and his or her colleagues. Teachers do not think any less of children who do not give them presents. I am a teacher and I do not want or expect gifts from children.

themildmanneredjanitor · 03/12/2009 23:24

This reply has been deleted

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Insider333 · 03/12/2009 23:25

Saying "thank you" is always appreciated. Teachers are sceptical and synical and treat parents who send in presents as trying to buy special treatment for their child - you have been told! Lol!

snice · 03/12/2009 23:28

are you sure you're a teacher Insider/

Plutothatpresentdown · 03/12/2009 23:34

Nothing. I have lots of respect for DS's teacher but she doesn't need a gift. At the end of the academic year I'm going to write a letter to the Head and the Chair of Governor's explaining why we think she's been such a good teacher (DS had her last year as well).

I'm a teacher and I know this what I would like most!

whooosh · 03/12/2009 23:46

Parents clubbing together-£5 for each teacher and TA-not every one joining in but know teachers will appreciate buying what they want rather than 18 "best teacher" mugs or somesuch

sunnydelight · 04/12/2009 10:42

Angels for their Christmas trees so they will look at them and think of my children of course

OooohWhatAFuss · 04/12/2009 10:59

Insider, what a horrible school you must work in where teachers mock children's gifts! Try being gracious! I always buy/make gifts and cards for children in my class in the same way that I give gifts to all the other important people in my life. Teachers don't expect presents at Christmas but I know from experience that, unlike the nasty teachers such as Insider and co, they are very much appreciated (esp. wine! )

CardyMow · 04/12/2009 11:25

DD will just be giving cards to her fave teachers this yr (secondary school, too many teachers to buy prezzies for, maybe her form tutor and her LS worker, she's done wonders for her, oh god, she loves her maths teacher as well, what do you buy for a male maths teacher who's ringtone is the teletubbies??)[he does have 2 toddlers at home BTW!!], DS1, his teacher is teetotal (god knows how lol) so probably some choccies and a handmade card, DS2 some white wine for his absolutely wonderful teacher, she has teenagers at home and a hand made card.

Leslaki · 04/12/2009 17:51

Well said Oohwhatafuss!!

raspberrytart · 04/12/2009 18:00

I've bought red mugs from M & S,which were only 99p each and will be making some sort of fudge to go in and wrapping up nicely.That's for one nursery, the other lot are getting a tin of shortbread!

MABS · 04/12/2009 18:18

champagne for teacher, head , secretary and matron in both ds and dd schools. always do same, bit lazy

ArthurPewty · 04/12/2009 18:37

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Insider333 · 05/12/2009 00:18

OooohWhatAFuss:

Whoah, whoah, whoah! Read what I've written.

"If THEY think a gift's not good enough you will be mocked by THE teacher and his or her colleagues."

I don't include myself in this as I don't do it, but I do see other teachers doing it.

Most teachers are just like ordinary real people - not very nice.

And I don't include myself - I'm lovely, lol!

Insider333 · 05/12/2009 00:20

Just go up to them towards the end of the term and say "Thank you" - priceless.

Insider333 · 05/12/2009 00:21

LeoniDelt:

Right on! Lol!

Insider333 · 05/12/2009 00:22

LeonieDelt:

Better get your name right, there are people out there, with nothing else better to do, checking! Lol!

ArthurPewty · 05/12/2009 07:50

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