To buy or not to buy...Teacher's presents

piggybankrupt

Thought I'd see what you all think when we're all trying to save money!:p

DD (8) feels that she has to take one or will look mean to the rest of the class.

Which camp do you belong to - to buy or not to buy..........??

Barneysmom

I'd say buy, maybe a small cookery book. It really would mean the world to teacher, and your dd will be proud - of you. I hope you enjoy the summer holidays xxx

jog

In the past we have taken in presents of flowers from our garden. Some years I have bought a large tin of sweets for all the staff to share. There are lots of people 'behind the scenes' who don't get presents and yet go a long way to making their day at school go well. If one of my children has really wanted to buy a present for a particular teacher then yes they have but not just because everyone else is. This year my children have made cards to give to their teachers, which we thought was a bit more personal. We are also buying one present for a teacher who is leaving.

foreversomeday

I've never bought any and don't remember anyone else in the class doing so. Perhaps it is a regional/different school thing? I'm 20 by the way.

thriftlady_2

Speaking as an ex-teacher I'm firmly in the 'don't buy' camp. Do you give presents to your GP, postman, dentist etc ? Teachers get innundated with stuff they don't really need at the end of term when what they really appreciate is a thank you. I always pop in a thank my children's teachers and TAs and encourage my kids to do so too (they don't always). This year however, I seemed to be the only one in the playground without flowers, gift wrapped plants, chocolates or scented candles.

I think the present-giving has got commercialised, you can get cards especially for teachers, presents aimed at them too. Call me a cynic but I just feel it is yet another opportunity to buy stuff and have stuff. A simple thank you wins every time;)

MrsTinks

if your daughter wants to take something then how about making some cookies or some fudge? my neighbour is a teacher and i know she'd rather have that than a pressie or yet another greatest teacher mug/plaque/badge
and money saving too

amandada

How about getting her to make a Thank You card-I'm sure the effort and time spent is more appreciated than something bought

littleemmie

Mum has just bought an Oxfam Unwrapped gift for my brothers teacher. Everyone else brings in gifts and I think the other parents would think mum was mean if she didn't (they all bring in elaborate gifts and it is basically a contest for who gives the best thing!). This year though she spend £5 and paid to build a piece of a classroom in Africa. The teacher gets a magnet to show where the money went.

tiff

My children give a card, they might make it or I might buy one but I seem to be the only one out of the group of Mums I know!

callow

I brought the teachers a nice blank notebook and a set of coloured pens each. Hopefully it will be useful. My daughter said one of her friends gave the teacher and TA's a homemade rhubarb crumble each.

candygirl

I don't expect pressies, as it's too much pressure on both the kids and the parents.However a nice handmade card would go down a treat