In my children's school the class rep did a collection and we all sign the cards (teacher, TA, SEN TA, gym teacher, music teacher and dance teacher) --> results: bigger gifts (we gave a gift each, a card and JL vouchers) and no competitiveness... And easy peasy (well at least for their of us who are not rep!!!)
My kids did their own cards for their friends and their teacher because they wanted not because they had to!

If you are buying vouchers, think about the Westfield vouchers as they can be ordered online and sent to you (mine arrived next day) and they can spend them in most of the shops in Westfield.

I've bought some nice boxed mugs and hand creams (TK Maxx special!) - being in reception with free flow between classes we've had six staff members to buy for but when we are buying for one teacher we'll spend a bit more.

Not being a fan of 'tat' at Christmas (and being the daughter of a teacher who used to bring home all sorts of weird stuff), I thought it would be a good idea for all parents club together and get vouchers/spa day etc but that would be impossible to co ordinate.

Thank you for your advice ladies,

Harrods vouchers it is then

Sorry I meant £34 for 12 pressies and they all seem delighted !

Last year I bought two boxes of prosecco on special offer from waitrose and the wine gift bags from pound land and viola ; lovely pressie s for teachers, helpers and tutors all round and cost me £14 in total I think

I guess Its time to start thinking what to buy for my child's teacher as a thank you for her hard work.

It seems that giving gifts at Christmas or at the end of term to teachers has become the norm. But what will you choose to give? Flowers? A homemade gift? Nice smellies? It seems some competitive parents have taken gift giving to teachers to a whole new extreme as some spend hundreds on presents.

My friends say the tradition of giving presents to the teacher has become a competitive sport at school as well as ploy to 'help' their children get a place at over-subscribed secondary schools.

Research has revealed that some parents shower teachers with expensive gifts such as premium champagne, designer jewellery and perfume, watches, £1000 gift vouchers and in one case the free use of the family's villa in Dubai.

What are you planing to give? I would hate to be considered tight

PLEASE HELP