The Christmas teachers' gifts dilemma ... plus how to solve it
Juliet Blank
Associate EditorHow much should you spend? Are homemade gifts ok? What do teachers actually want? If you're panicking about what to buy (or what not to buy) your child's teacher for Christmas, we've got it covered ...
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The school Christmas holidays are getting closer and closer, but there are just a few things to sort out before your kids break up at the end of term and you can enjoy the time off.
Some of those things are the gifts we buy or make for our kid's teachers.
Let's face it, there will always be the super mums, who manage to juggle everything effortlessly and then send their children in on the last day with perfectly wrapped gifts for each and every teacher. Grrr.
In reality, for most of us, just getting our child to school on time, wearing matching socks or remembering their PE kit is enough of a challenge – let alone finding and wrapping beautiful Xmas gifts for their teachers.
So if it's still on your to-do list and you're not sure where to start, then this should help.
We've got lots of handy tips and tricks from mums and teachers in terms of what makes a great present, if you want to show your appreciation to your child's teacher or teachers. Here you go ...
Who should I buy a present for?
We're all familiar with the problem: is it really fair just buying a gift for the class teacher when the assistant was sooo nice?
And what about the drama teacher who took that extra time with your precious little one or the swimming teacher who helped her make progress, the deputy head, the lollipop lady?
And if anyone senses the injustice, it's your child.
But having these negotiations in the shop with your child can be super-stressful – especially as you watch your Christmas gifts total rise by yet another £5, £10, £20 ... eek!
So the answer is this.
Set your budget before you go shopping and stick to it. Then make a list of all the people your child would like to buy for and prioritise.
No one should expect a gift, remember.
Will I look cheap?
What do you do if you find out that another mum has bought the teacher a watch, a bottle of perfume or a super generous gift voucher? Will your gift look cheap?
Don't worry. Work out what you can afford and stick to it.
Put yourself in their shoes – whatever you buy or make, just make sure it's something that you would like to receive.
Netmum Kay T said in our forum:
'My son has an excellent teacher and TA, so I go out of my way to get them something nice, and it doesn't have to cost the earth.
'I got a couple of boxes of cream cakes for them to share (3 for 2 at Sainsbury's), and then I made some hampers of handcrafted soaps and bath stuff, and a homemade card from DS.'
Besides, there are plenty of deals out in the shops which will save you money and look as if you've spent a bit more:
- Waitrose And Partners are offering 25% off selected wines.
- The Body Shop currently has an up to 50% off sale.
Or, if you're not sure what exactly to get them, why not buy an Amazon or John Lewis voucher? They always come in handy!
Get more gift voucher ideas for teachers here.
Handmade gifts – tacky or thoughtful?
This is a tricky one.
Many teachers we've spoken to say they really appreciate a homemade letter, card or gift that the child has spent time making.
But that same appreciation may not extend to a sticky mess of brownies that have spent the day in a child's bag.
Emma R said in our forum:
'I'm a primary teacher and you honestly have no teachers to buy for!
'A handwritten card is worth more than a present to us! honest! (and its probably the least likely thing we'd get too!)'
If you're worried about your budget why not have your child make cards with a heartfelt message for each of their favourite teachers? Get them working on it well in advance (or 6am on the last day of school, for some of us...), so they have time to write or draw something meaningful.
And now for the million dollar question ...
What gifts do teachers NOT want?
We grilled a few and agreed to reproduce their answers (anonymously) here:
- 'Nothing that says 'world’s greatest teacher' – ever'.
- 'Desk tidies or mouse pads'.
- 'Please don’t give me another mug! If you want to feed my coffee addiction, give me a gift voucher for Costa ;)'.
- 'Bath stuff or make up bags'.
- 'Hampers or chocolate'.
What gifts do teachers REALLY want?
We asked a few teachers the question you all want to know the answer to but dread to ask ...
'As a teacher, the thing I treasure the most is a handmade card or letter from the child. A bottle of wine goes down well too!' Sharon
'I don't care - just say thank you. But I do love it when someone gives me luxuries I wouldn't otherwise buy ...' Fran
'Vouchers always go down well – or candles,' Chantal
'Book tokens, tropical holidays, or babysitters!' Susie
What are you buying for your kid's teacher this year? Let us know in the thread below ...
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