Presents for teachers!

**~ Zarava Flutterby ~** · December 9th, 2013, 05:45 AM

I had 8 teachers to do this year (2x kids with 4 teachers) so I bought x-mas mugs, mini note pads, a pen, a tea light x-mas candle, mixed lollies, mini m&m's packet, mini mars bar.

**OceanPrincess** · December 9th, 2013, 06:25 AM

Sorry i meant my dd1 is giving her teacher a personalised mug from vistaprint lol

Havent heard of a sharpie mug either

Lol, guess what sharpie mugs are? Mugs that you personalise, using a sharpie pen

So you were right, even though you didn't know it

Sme great ideas here! Teachers, would you like home made jam? Is that a good idea? Do I need to do ingredient tags? The ingredients are few so it won't be a big deal...

**Frangipani Lou** · December 9th, 2013, 06:26 AM

Ok. I have a spare sec before the session begins.

I'm probably better at saying what not to give! No chocolates, soap, hand cream, candles or kitsch stuff Lol!! I sound ungrateful don't I??

I love a card with a heartfelt personalized message in it that's been thought through. That's what I really treasure. The best gift that I still use I got a few years ago was a simple and elegant breakfast bowl that I just love but its the cards I keep and treasure. I don't have the space for lots of 'stuff' so ornaments etc often get donated or passed on to others who will enjoy them.

**AnyDream** · December 9th, 2013, 06:45 AM

Ok. I have a spare sec before the session begins.

I'm probably better at saying what not to give! No chocolates, soap, hand cream, candles or kitsch stuff Lol!! I sound ungrateful don't I??
.

I've heard teachers talk about too many of some sorts of gifts... but surely it comes down to quality as well? In my mind there's a big difference between a huge box of Cadbury favorites & a small box of exquisite handmade chocs from a chocolatier like koko black or Haighs?

**Olive** · December 9th, 2013, 07:10 AM

For kinder teachers this year a group of us mums are spending an amount with the Smith Family Joyspreaders program, helping disadvantaged kids with schooling and brekky etc.... Sick of seeing the teachers getting copious amounts of presents lol we told the teachers last year of our plans and the support us snd appreciate it 100%, the kinder will receive a card in the mail outlineing what the money went to help with.

School teacher will be getting a succulent pot done by DD, he's very environmental so I assume this will suit him

**Rivlas** · December 9th, 2013, 08:20 AM

DH loves getting homemade goodies like chutney, jam, biscuits & cakes. Doesn't mind homemade chocolates either but he is not a huge chocolate eater.

When the girls were younger we were given presents that we could all enjoy. Their best memory was the couple years we got gingerbread houses & trees

**Nai** · December 9th, 2013, 10:58 AM

I have homemade gingerbread for all the teachers - not sure if DD1's ballet teacher eats but I know the rest of them will like it

**Beatrix** · December 9th, 2013, 11:13 AM

I made my girls teachers shadow box frames with the first letters of their last names made from coloured Popsicle sticks stacked up. I can post a picture if you which.

But they loved them!! Well said they did anyway. Hehe.

Oh and cherry ripe balls.

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**Jaycee** · December 9th, 2013, 12:01 PM

They're gorgeous Beatrix, what a great idea!

**surprised** · December 9th, 2013, 02:31 PM

I have homemade gingerbread for all the teachers - not sure if DD1's ballet teacher eats but I know the rest of them will like it

Had a little giggle at this Freudian slip

hoping her ballet teacher eats

if not gingerbread houses are lovely to look at anyway!

I know when I used to teach, any gift at all was always appreciated - it's so kind of people when they already have so many presents to do. Having said that, I REALLY loved presents that weren't sugar-based - I'm sure I used to put on a kilo or two every Christmas!

But I must admit I tend to fall back on the home-made sweet treats because I can't think of much else.

For daycare I've bought a big present all the teachers can share in the staff room, but need to do something little for each of them too.

**Jennifer13** · December 9th, 2013, 02:49 PM

DD1's teacher found out about class plans to give her a gift and asked that the money be donated to her favourite charity instead. (I love DD1's teacher so much, she is a great example to the kids and a marvellous teacher to boot).

We're giving her a handmade Xmas card from DD1 and a Xmas treat we'll make at home. I'm also getting some gorgeous charity scarves for some work colleagues and I'll get one for her too.

**JLeigh29** · December 9th, 2013, 05:52 PM

Loving the great ideas you all have.

**Astrolady** · December 9th, 2013, 06:01 PM

I ordered Christmas tree ornaments that have a little saying about being a teacher on it. The ornament was in the shape of half an apple. Other years I have done biscuits.

**Astrid** · December 9th, 2013, 06:30 PM

Hate to say it, but one of my work colleague's SO is a primary teacher. Most of the lovely handmade treats she is given end up at out workplace.

We are thankful

**diva det** · December 9th, 2013, 06:52 PM

as a teacher i was a bit careful receiving homemade food stuffs- you never knew the hygiene standards and conditions that they were made in- but thats me
stationery was always a winner with me
natural bath stuff was good
homemade heat packs were good
even homemade smellies- as long as not chemically enhanced if that makes sense
movie tickets were good
and alcohol was never knocked back
chocolates were good too decent ones

**lilima** · December 9th, 2013, 08:25 PM

I am finding this hard because I don't think DS's teacher did a very good job this year. For Easter DS gave her an Easter egg. Her response "I'm allergic." Not even a thank you. I really don't want to give her anything! Do teachers really notice if a child in the class doesn't give a gift?

His teacher last year I gave a wooden Christmas decoration that said"peace." Fitting for a catholic school.

**AnyDream** · December 9th, 2013, 09:04 PM

I am finding this hard because I don't think DS's teacher did a very good job this year. For Easter DS gave her an Easter egg. Her response "I'm allergic." Not even a thank you. I really don't want to give her anything! Do teachers really notice if a child in the class doesn't give a gift?

His teacher last year I gave a wooden Christmas decoration that said"peace." Fitting for a catholic school.

Does it matter if they notice? Or will it matter to your child? If not, I wouldn't worry about it. Give a gift to someone you do want to thank & share your appreciation with.

**peanutter** · December 9th, 2013, 09:31 PM

TEAR and similar organisations have beautiful gift cards for donations - you can "buy" certain things in difference price brackets, like a child's school supplies, or a bike for a teacher, or chickens to help support families, literacy and numeracy training for an adult, or training for child headed households, etc. The giftcard outlines what the funding goes towards - and you could pick one that has a meaning for your child and/or that teacher

We love love LOVE the TEAR ones.

And if you're not keen on the teacher, go the goat, pig, toilet, poo-fuelled-oven, etc ...