A teacher has revealed the Christmas gifts that they love and hate receiving from children. Lucinda Chambers says she has received many weird and wonderful gifts from pupils during her career including a half-eaten mars bar and an engagement ring.
As we get closer to the end of the schools for the festive break, many parents are now scrambling to get their kids teacher's gifts to thank them for their hard work this term. However, not all of their presents are welcomed with open arms, with Lucinda opening the lid on the staff room chatter around gifts.
The teacher says many staff members would be happy with a simple thank you for their efforts rather than an unwanted gift. However, she has composed a do's and don'ts list for any parents keen to thank the educators with an item, reports the Mirror.
Don'ts
Lucinda has over 15-years-experience in the education game and says in that time she has received many presents. However, the most memorable of the bunch was difficult for the teacher to decide.
Speaking to MamaMia, she said: "My most memorable gift? That’s probably a tie between a half-eaten Mars Bar and an engagement ring (that was quickly returned to a mortified mother whose child had been exploring her jewellery box that morning)."
If you don't want your gift to be memorable for the bad reason, then the educator has shared a list of a few things you should avoid. First up, is a mug, with Lucinda stating that 'no teacher' wants another one as they get given them so often.
The educator suggests instead opting for reusable drinks bottles or coffee cups as a great alternative. Next up, Lucinda recommends steering clear of beauty products.
She explained: "A beautifully scented hand cream or shower gel is a lovely thought, but what 'smells good' is highly personal, not to mention that some teachers may have highly sensitive skin." Finally, the teacher recommended avoiding chocolate or sweets, as most of her peers are not a fan of sweet treats.
Do's
To get in your children's teachers good books, the teacher has recommended a few gift ideas to help swing the balance. Lucinda says a homemade gift is always well received whether it be home baking or an arts and crafts design.
She said: "A small personalised present is going to be memorable and meaningful. A good stationery stash is the way to every teacher’s heart, so something like a personalised notepad, personalised stickers or stamps are perfect."
Another out of the box idea from the educator was giving a donation to a charity on behalf of the teacher. She says you can add an extra special touch if you ask them which organisation they would prefer.
The teacher added a voucher always goes down a treat too with her peers and a relaxing spa day would be greatly appreciated. Finally, Lucinda says more heads are better than one and if you can club in with other parents to get a more expensive gift it would be better received than 30 identical items.
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