Do teachers really throw away homebaked gifts?

touchnike

I think you can give teacher some special gift, instead of homebaked. I have some idea, will not you know that?

2monkeys

duchy wrote: »

Oh don't be so silly-this conversation isn't about YOU it's about the general thoughts about giving gifts to teachers at Christmas.QUOTE]

I actually started this thread because I wanted to know whether a homebaked gift was appropriate and worth the time and effort or not and that has been answered. I have also thanked everyone numerous times for their input and honest opinions.

What I object too is this being made personal, the quote you threw at me was a response to someone stating that I have no regard for the staff who help my children. If that was the case, I wouldn't have started the thread in the first place. I was simply trying to do something different this year and save a bit of money at the same time .

chirpychick

Personally I just really don't want to give teachers gifts - not because I don't think they deserve them, because I am sure 99% of them do but I do believe people are pressured by other parents into feeling like they *should* buy presents. This, in my opinion is wrong and is why so many bog standard presents are given and end up wasted.
In the current climate buying 5 boxes of £1 chocolates is enough to break the bank for some people and other parents shouldn't make people feel bad if they have higher priorities.
We didn't ever give presents to our teachers when I was in school.
I would give a Christmas card to 1 or 2 teachers who really made an impact on me and I think that means more.
The whole thing seems like a big competition and I don't think teachers are in the wrong for throwing things away/donating to charity shops or re gifting.
I do think it is sad that they cannot trust homemade food, though I do understand to a certain degree.
What needs to stop is the playground behaviour by the parents.

To the op - I think i'd avoid going to so much time and effort in the homebaking and let your child make a thank you card.

duchy

Home-made does NOT have to mean home BAKED.

As a classroom assistant I found my own personal stationary supplies -pens, pencils , sharpeners , rubbers etc was always getting dipped into by students so I appreciated a hamper one year full of bits like that -home-made -cheap (99p store stuff) but thoughtful and mine was decorated with ribbons and glitter so had the personal touch (I think it also had a bar of chocolate in it too)

Mojisola

chirpychick wrote: »

Personally I just really don't want to give teachers gifts - not because I don't think they deserve them, because I am sure 99% of them do but I do believe people are pressured by other parents into feeling like they *should* buy presents. This, in my opinion is wrong and is why so many bog standard presents are given and end up wasted.

I'm of the same opinion - and I've been a teacher, governor and parent. For me, it falls into the same category as tipping people who work in some jobs but not others.

Teachers are paid to do a good job. They don't need to be swamped with gifts at Christmas and the end of the school year.

1Poorgirl

I usually buy wine (i know that's what i would appreciate) and have my little ones make a label. However this year money is really tight as i'm no longer working, and all three are now at school together i'm worried because i've set a precedent how can i drop back. Ho hum . I do like the idea of a collection and the money going to vouchers (mm thinks how can i arrange this in three classes without ending up having to do all three!) Thanks OP food for thought x

Lilyplonk

Owain_Moneysaver wrote: »

I thought the etiquette was you bought your own cake that you'd donated earlier. That way you know the hygiene is acceptable (to you).

ermmm, there wouldn't be any point in doing that at all.

For a start, there wouldn't be anything for 'non-bakers' to buy and, for another, you'd be as well saving yourself the cost of the ingredients, gas/elec as well as time/effort by just donating a couple of ££'s to the event and miss out the 'baking a cake' part :rotfl:.

I know that it's a long time ago since I did that kind of thing but I'm sure things haven't changed all that much. Oh yes - I remember now - dgs's school is a very tiny one and any 'cake baking' is now done in their very own kitchen area. At least that way the school know that the cooking area is hygienically clean and Staff can supervise that everybody is washing their hands and utensils properly.

meg72

chirpychick wrote: »

Personally I just really don't want to give teachers gifts - not because I don't think they deserve them, because I am sure 99% of them do but I do believe people are pressured by other parents into feeling like they *should* buy presents. This, in my opinion is wrong and is why so many bog standard presents are given and end up wasted.
In the current climate buying 5 boxes of £1 chocolates is enough to break the bank for some people and other parents shouldn't make people feel bad if they have higher priorities.
We didn't ever give presents to our teachers when I was in school.
I would give a Christmas card to 1 or 2 teachers who really made an impact on me and I think that means more.
The whole thing seems like a big competition and I don't think teachers are in the wrong for throwing things away/donating to charity shops or re gifting.
I do think it is sad that they cannot trust homemade food, though I do understand to a certain degree.
What needs to stop is the playground behaviour by the parents.

To the op - I think i'd avoid going to so much time and effort in the homebaking and let your child make a thank you card.

This is so true,

globetraveller

I can't remember getting hm bakes but have had hm gifts. These actually really are my favourites:) What does last though, are homemade cards and thank you letters. I have quite a collection now. I love reading them.
I work part time in an area hit hard by the recession and do agree that parents may feel undue stress. I never open presents infront of children as I don't want to upset the ones who haven't taken in. I do however, write and send thank you letters to each child.
I also spend a fortune buying presents for all my children( it has become more expensive now we are not allowed to give out sweets). Also, I do spend a lot during the year buying basics for the classroom eg pencils and rubbers. Most of mine don't bring these to school and our budget has been slashed.
Offtopic I know, but I thought I should point out that it isn't all one way.

MrsDrink

2monkeys wrote: »

But as the general consensus on this thread is no to every kind of gift apart from a hearfelt note from the student then no gift is the best option.

It doesn't have to be from the student. A thank you note from you would be just as appreciated.