[samandimmysmum]

Hi

My daughter is currently in kindy and I asked if she wanted to get her teacher and teachers assistant a gift for the last day of term. In my opinion I am not sure what her teacher has really been teaching her as she can never tell me what she has done in class ie what is she up to in the alphabet etc so I am not overly keen on getting her something. Other parents think the same as me when it comes to the teacher. I do on the other hand really like the teachers assistant and more than happy to get a gift for her.


I had considered a christmas in a jar recipe thing but as her teacher cannot eat gluten I am not sure what recipe to do. I had considered doing something like bath salts or something like that but unsure. The other thing I had considered was a day spa voucher.

Alternatively do I buy something for the classroom ie craft supplies and get her to do a couple of nice cards for each person

What else could she give to her teacher and teacher assistant.

This post has been edited by samandimmysmum: 16/11/2012, 06:21 PM

[bye]

There's no need to get anything if you are so unimpressed, although I wouldn't necessarily assume that just because your child can't explain what she's been doing, that she's been doing nothing!

Otherwise, classroom supplies, as you suggested, could be a good compromise. Craft items like cellophane, pipe cleaners, neon paper, neon paint, neon anything!, unusual markers, glitter glue, etc are the first thing we don't buy when the budget is tight, but kids love them!

[schoolmum]

How about letting your daughter choose a Christmas decoration for them both?

I know for a fact that many teacher enjoy these, and love to reminisce on those that gave them, each year when decorating their trees.

Just please no mugs, because yes you can have too many mugs.

[butterfli]

My DD is in grade 2 and I love her teacher! I am getting her teacher a fire man calendar & a box of chocolates! I absolutely love firees!


-I was involved in a major car crash 14 yrs ago, and firees are who cut me out

[Escapin]

If you're not keen on the teacher and aide, maybe your DD can make them a lovely card each? Personal and cheap

[zande]

My DD has a stack of Education Assistants this year LOL, so (luckily) each year I buy a couple of pouches of Envirosax bags when they have their 50% clearance sale (around June I think). I bought some cute little gift bags at IKEA and each EA will get a little bag with an Envirosax bag, a little note pad and some choccies (possibly home-made if I get around to it). My DD makes a little gift tag to go on each bag with a little poem I re-use each year LOL!

Her teacher this year has been fabulous, so I have bought her a Willowtree ornament and written a thank you card for her.

DD1's teacher is getting a note pad & pen set and a cute little box of sayings (you put each one in a little holder that goes on the desk), she's into stuff like that, so think she'll like it.

The Envirosax bags I've done the last 3 years LOL, luckily we haven't doubled up on teachers yet!

[samandimmysmum]

I have had another thought....

I just popped into our local Drovers Plant and Lifestyle Centre for some statute style presents for family members birthdays.

I found some smallish (up to 30cm) statutes ie owls, man holding buckets, gnomes, birds, lady holding mushrooms, bumblebee which can hold a small plant in etc from $10 onwards. Do you think this would be an okay gift for both the teacher and teachers assistant from my daughter.

Thanks in advance

[StudyMummy]

How about letting your daughter choose a Christmas decoration for them both?

I know for a fact that many teacher enjoy these, and love to reminisce on those that gave them, each year when decorating their trees.

Just please no mugs, because yes you can have too many mugs.

I am so happy to read this. I have been eyeing off some beautiful Christmas decorations and was wondering if they would be an appropriate teacher gift. They are from a gift store so not something you would see mass produced in KMart etc. Not that there is anything wrong with those, but these are beautiful and different to the norm.

[ZombieMum]

Hi

My daughter is currently in kindy and I asked if she wanted to get her teacher and teachers assistant a gift for the last day of term. In my opinion I am not sure what her teacher has really been teaching her as she can never tell me what she has done in class ie what is she up to in the alphabet etc so I am not overly keen on getting her something. Other parents think the same as me when it comes to the teacher. I do on the other hand really like the teachers assistant and more than happy to get a gift for her.

Depending on what state you are in, Kinder is a bit different, so it could be your expectations are a bit too high? I'm in Victoria, and wouldn't be phased at all if this was the case with my kids - ie not being taught these academic skills - kinder is more about play based activities and the social side. If it was prep (ie First Year of School) then it would be different.

I also have a child that never shared with me what she'd done each day, but it turned out she had a valid reason (Aspergers), so I try not to judge some teachers too much, based on my child's non-interest and lack of her own feedback in school.

I had considered a christmas in a jar recipe thing but as her teacher cannot eat gluten I am not sure what recipe to do. I had considered doing something like bath salts or something like that but unsure. The other thing I had considered was a day spa voucher.

If you went to the trouble of doing a gluten free version of Christmas in a Jar, she may not use it - if she is gluten free due to Coeliac disease, then she might be extremely strict with what she eats, so may not use something that isn't manufactured and has the ingredients labelled.

I'll give you some gluten free food suggestions, since I'm experienced in what's out there.

Cadbury Roses and Milk Tray are gluten free. I try to avoid sending chocolates in on hot days.
http://www.cadbury.com.au/products/gluten-information.aspx

Big W sell Grans fudge (comes in different flavours, also can get coconut ice) that's labelled gluten free. Some packets placed inside a nice Christmas box might be suitable?

In the health food section of supermarkets there are some nice chocolate items that are gluten free (eg Rocky Road at Safeway).

I noticed today that Safeway has a gluten free christmas pudding. Not sure of the price, but it would be from $10 to $20. (Brand was Macro)

Jelly Belly jelly beans are gluten free - last year Big W had a large boxed pack for Christmas for about $20. Not sure what they have this year, but they or other stores might have special jelly belly packs out for Christmas. My kids and I LOVE the different flavours from these jelly beans - they are not like normal jelly beans.


If you went with a food item, it's very important that it stays in it's packet (ie don't tip inside a fancy jar) as this will ensure the item is checked for safety (ie packet is available for checking of ingredients) and is more likely to be enjoyed by the recipient.