To feel a bit heartbroken

[Bakingwithmyboys]

I hope this doesn't come across the wrong way.

Our last day was Friday and I was off ill. I had been given quite a few presents on Thursday which I've just sat and opened. (I would normally open them in school before the children leave but I got sent home on Thursday ill).

Anyway lots of lovely presents from the parents. Some who I know struggle to afford things and what makes it so heartbreaking is I won't use most of it!
I don't use candles or scent diffusers due to DH's asthma. I don't have baths really and we have no more space for mugs!

I've only kept the edibles basically. The rest I will donate somewhere. It just feels a bit mean.

I pretty much only gift edibles to my son's teachers but I'm aware I could get this very wrong too as you can't work out everyone's taste.

Just really feeling how pointless it is this year. That I wish those families had saved their money.

For future tears perhaps up front announce no gifts; homemade cards only.

Don't forget that people get pleasure from giving. They are showing their appreciation so just be grateful and receive it in the spirit it was given! And then re-gift as appropriate.

I know how you feel. I never expect gifts and I often wish parents would save their money to treat their children instead. I certainly hope nobody ever gifts to me because they feel they should, but if thet are truly doing it because they want to then I hope my smile and thank you upon receiving it is enough to let them know it is appreciated, even if I do end up eventually regifting whatever it is.

So many gifts can potentially be unsuitable, and it would be impossible for parents to know if their child's teacher doesn't drink, has sensitive skin, has a nut or dairy allergy etc. They'll never know if you refgift, but I do understand the guilt.

I understand how you feel. I'd rather ask parents to donate £2 towards a box of glue sticks or colouring pencils. It's very tricky to communicate this sensitively, however.

As an aside - I know what you mean by 'edibles' but don't use this phrase in real life! As a plural noun it means edible cannabis products like gummy sweets and brownies