Teachers: how would you feel about this gift for Christmas?

[GlitteryFluff]

Ds is in reception.
He's going to make a card for his teacher and TA. Then going to get them a little present each.

(I should say I don't know them very well in a personal sense. I don't know if they drink coffee for a Starbucks voucher. I don't know if they drink booze for a bottle of wine.)

I've seen self inking stamps that I can personalise with 'miss smith says excellent' and a tick or 'miss smith says well done' with a smiley face, for example.

I know stamps are used in ds's reading book and homework book each week so in theory they would get used.

However would you be a bit or that the gift is school stuff not stuff for you at home iykwim?

This kind of thing..

I think that's a lovely idea, I'd love it! We are not allowed to use stamps at our school () as we have a very strict marking policy, but if you think it will be used then go for it. It's really thoughtful.

Schools have their own marking policies which are often quite stringent. I'd hate for you to waste money on something they're not allowed to use?

Oh I didn't realise they might not be allowed. Thanks for letting me know!

They definitely use a smiley face stamp in the reading and home work books - so do you think they have the OK to use any stamps? Or specific 'school approved' stamps only?

I've seen stamps that are Disney, or a play on words etc and wouldn't go for those, just a tick/smiley face with excellent or great work?

What about personalised stickers? Are there rules about them as well?

Just wanted to think of something that wasn't a box of chocolates or a mug .

I'd love those! Most schools would allow them I think.

I think it's a great idea. They can use them in reading journals or homework that doesn't have to adhere to the marking policy.

Personalise stamps sound lovely. Even if there is a prescriptive marking policy, I can’t imagine why a stamp could not be used in addition.

Sorry, a blow in here, I always give my kids teachers an expensive bottle of bubbles for xmas, because there's nothing nicer than a good bottle you haven't had to shell out for, and either some expensive choccies or something like good quality, pretty teatowels (again, useful, lovely to have good quality, hate spending $ on them)....but would something more useful for the classroom be more appreciated? any tips appreciated...always assumed the teachers would need a stiff drink after having my brutes in their class all year!

How about a book token? I always think that's a nice gift.

I’m a primary teacher, my school has no problem with stamps and now I’m really hoping I teach your dc!! I’m getting quite excited for your teacher, I’d love that gift. (It also shows you look in the reading record etc so double points!)

I think it sounds like a nice gift, good call on that one. The card is the real winner though, cards made by kids are always the best.

Rumer, always nice to have good bottles personally. Tea towels not so much fun though. Am v minimalist at home and do not do pattern in my kitchen!! I don't actually need anything for teaching your children (there are much worse jobs out there!) but gifts are always very much appreciated x

Wentmad, thanks for the reply, I think the level of care taken by our (overworked, underpaid) teachers does warrant a gift. They teach and guide my kids all year, get to know them, work on their weaknesses, celebrate their strengths, cuddle them when they are upset, use up their very limited break time calling to chat when there is an issue.

Hear you on the tea towels, I do try to get something disposable and expensive and fun for them (at my age that is the sort of gift i appreciate too)..but wondered if something like a stash of "prizes" from smiggle for their reward bag or other fun stuff for classroom might be more appreciated (or appreciated but with a bit of a "why can't it just be a nice bottle of plonk!).

Can I just add, not all teachers drink!!! I have lost count of the number of bottles I have been given in the past that’s have had to be rehomed.

Thanks for your thoughts everyone.
Think I'm gonna go for them.
Hopefully in January I'll see them used in the reading books .

I teach A level and would love a personalised stamp!

One of the nicest presents I ever had was a set of personalised notebooks. I think most teachers love stationery!

I’m always saying - just send a nice letter copied into the Head. This will hopefully affect their appraisal therefore pay

Stamps would be lovely! I’d be really pleased to get those. I love a coffee shop voucher too !

I'm a teacher.
Best gifts ever- hand made decoration for xmas tree using loo roll holder, tin foil and cotton wool. Still got it 10 years later!
Travel mug with my name on it, no one can 'borrow' it and I can have a brew in class safely.
Repurposed had made Diva lamp ( made in school) turned into a Christmas candle holder with the addition of tons of glitter. (Massive fire hazard)

I'm a secondary teacher and even I would love that!

I loved the decorated mug I got one year with my name on it. I've since got married but have kept the mug.

As a general rule the top teacher mugs/teddies aren't a good route. They're over priced and after a while it's hard to find space.

A nice note in a card is always appreciated and Costa vouchers were a good one one year from my a level class

That's so thoughtful

A pupil gave me one which said 'I read with Miss Flossing today' which was used daily for years until I got married and changed name!

My daughter is a teacher and we bought her one! Sh loves it and uses it loads.

Much as I'd LOVE them, sadly in my current school I'd not be slowed to use them. Also, remember 'Miss Smith' might very well be 'Mrs Jones' by Easter. Have a look in your child's English or Maths book to see if motivational stampers are used. If not, you'll know that the school doesn't allow them.

My most useful present ever was a beautifully soft pair of thermal gloves (plain black...good choice!) for the hours of freezing break duties.

Chocolates - last year I brought home 17 boxes (5 of them Fererro Roche and 4 Maltesers!). With a class of 30 children there's a huge potential for chocolate overload. I don't eat chocolate so they were all gratefully received of course, but regifted. Also last year I received 5 'Best Teacher' mugs.

It's hard isn't it, a bit like the dreaded Secret Santa, pitching it just right!

I'm LOVING the idea of a personalised travel mug though...even if my name changed, I'd still be able to use it and it wouldn't get nicked in the staffroom!!