End of Term Gift Guide
First things first
Let’s start by saying that teachers, TAs and other school staff really don’t expect presents at the end of the year. This isn’t a trick. Don’t do it just because you think you’re supposed to.
Now that’s out of the way, I hope you’re still here because you actually want to give something to your child/ children’s teachers and assistants. As I’ve banged on about A LOT, I used to be a teacher and I can promise you that every gift and card is much appreciated. I can also confide in you that some are more appreciated than others. That’s why I said not to give a card or gift just because you think it’s expected. You don’t need to rush out on the night before the last day of school to scoop up the final box of Maltesers and a generic supermarket card. Giving should be a pleasure not a chore.
What I REALLY valued as a teacher…
The short answer is- anything that had thought put into it.
I’ve kept EVERY card that had a personal message from a parent or child. Every single one. They’ve meant the most to me. They always made me cry! You’ve got time, if you get a card now, to think about the impact that adult has made on your child’s year. GIVE IT HALF AN HOUR OF YOUR TIME AND THEN WRITE IT DOWN!
Here are my teacher and TA cards, but obviously you don’t need to buy a card- your child can make one, or you can write a letter. Although, if you DO want to buy cards, naturally only get them from me 😜 Some are exclusive to Thortful whilst others are available from my website. Each of the images takes you to the right site.
Yeah, but what about the presents?
Present-wise, I’ve been very lucky over the years to receive some really thoughtful gifts- from books to read to my class, to vouchers for local businesses, to jewellery, to gin!
As a leaving present one year I was given a massive photo album with pictures and messages from each of the children in my class and their parents. SOBBED MY LITTLE HEART OUT.
If you’ve had a teacher/ TA who has gone over and above, I’ve compiled a gift guide from some of my favourite small businesses and- full disclosure- I’ve included my own end of term offerings because I need to make money by flogging you stuff now that I’m no longer a noble public sector worker.
I’m not splitting these into presents for men and women because you can make your own mind up and gendered gift guides would have you believe that male teachers only like beer and mugs with sarcastic phrases on them. Click on the images to go to their websites.
AFRORI BOOKS
Why not treat the teacher to book that will enrich their classroom? Afrori Books is an independent UK bookshop selling books of Black origin. They have a really great range of fiction and non-fiction and will be a great boost to the inclusive book corner
from £4.50
POPPEKINS
Bold and colourful designs
from £4.50
BEANIE AND BOB
Personalisable (is that a word?) pencils, notebooks and other lovely things
from £4.00
UPSY DAISY CRAFT
Ceramics that look good enough to eat!
from £8.00
HANDMADE BY TINNI
Sustainable textile jewellery. Great if you’re clubbing together for a special gift
from £8.00
HELLO TREACLE
Cross-stitch kits, pins, needle minders and other modern crafty bits
from £2.00
WILD HIVE PAPER FLOWERS
Kits to create your own paper flowers, online courses available (website open from 1st July)
from £25.00
EMMA GIACALONE
Beautifully made embroidered items
from £15.00
CLAIRE LOWE JEWELLERY
Handmade silver jewellery. A really special gift and another great choice if lots of parents are clubbing together.
from £12.00
BEACH HOUSE BOTANICS
Vegan candles that smell divine, hand poured by Lynn. Her website includes gorgeous stuff from other makers including lino cut prints from my favourite Jay Pea Art
from £8.50
My stuff!
I’ve designed a little range of thank yous, all under £10. They are personal, suitable for primary and secondary and some are even customisable. There are some instant downloads for you to make your own gifts too. They’re the kind of thing I’d have loved to receive. I really hope you like them. 🤞Click on the photos to go to the range.
I know you’re likely to be looking for more than one thing so when you buy 3 or more items (physical, not digital) from my range, you’ll get a bonus 20% off with the offer code BUNDLE
Alternatives
If you’re not sure what to go for, I’ve always found vouchers for local businesses to be a winner. I’ve selected a few of my favourites that are local to me. Why not seek out your equivalents?
PROPER FISH AND CHIPS CO.
Gift vouchers for your local chippy - yum yum
BUMBLE AND TEE
Award winning cream tea - er… yes please
YOGA AND WELL-BEING WITH ANNA
Buy a voucher for a yoga or meditation class (your child’s teacher will definitely need to ease some tension!)
This is by no means an exhaustive list of possibilities, but I hope it’s lead you to new and wonderful independent businesses and helped you think about the kind of card or gift that you really really want to give. Then you keep the Maltesers for yourself.
Please let me know of any other fabulous places to shop small in the comments section below,
xxx Rosie