With the end of term just a couple of days away, time is running out for teachers to select that perfect Christmas gift for their class.
But what present could possibly do justice to the strangest and most challenging year that most of us can remember?
Not forgetting, perhaps more than ever, there’s the added complication of a budget stretched thin.
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So, in an attempt to source some inspiration, primary teacher Aaron Watkins asked fellow teachers on social media for their help.
With just £25 to spend, Mr Watkins was working with a strict budget. But thankfully the teachers of Twitter were not short of ideas - from orangutans to iced doughnuts.
Christmas gift ideas for teachers
Here’s what they suggested:
1. Books, books, books
A very popular choice. Twitter user Caz suggested that Mr Watkins could let the children vote for their favourites from a shortlist.
YES BOOKS! Could you let the children vote for the choices from a shortlist? They would feel super proud if the ones they chose arrived for the new year? (Also @bookwagonuk have loads of GREAT choices, as usual, and offer a teacher discount) ♥️
- Caz (@skippity_doo) December 13, 2020
Books books books books books. And maybe table football for wet play.
- Joe (@joe_1183) December 14, 2020
2. Skipping ropes
A standard of the school playground, you can’t go wrong with the humble skipping rope.
Skipping ropes for everyone!
- MrsHackman (@hackman_mrs) December 14, 2020
3. A very big and very difficult jigsaw puzzle
Does what it says on the tin. Sure to keep everyone busy - and a huge achievement when it’s finished.
A very big and very difficult jigsaw puzzle
- Lee Bulmer (@Leezy_86) December 14, 2020
4. Iced doughnuts
A brave choice. But apparently you can get two trays of 12 for £2.50...Where do we sign?
Asda do trays of 12 iced donuts for £2.50...Man what a sugar rush for £25!! #DareYa
- NicColes (@coles_nic) December 14, 2020
5. A Christmas dinner for a local hostel
It’s not the Christmas any of us expected, but it’s particularly challenging for the most vulnerable in our society. Maria Barlow suggested donating money to a local hostel to help more people enjoy a Christmas meal.
Donate a Christmas dinner to a local hostel with money... we have made well-being bags for the elderly to take to care homes. Helps them see those less fortunate.
- Maria Barlow (@MariaBa60433654) December 14, 2020
6. Watercolour paints
Primary teacher Rosie Thorpe said she’d managed to bag paint sets for her class for under £25. Next stop, the Louvre!
I bought watercolour paint sets for mine, one between two, from The Works. Cost me just under £25 for 15, including delivery.
- Rosie Thorpe (@mamamialia) December 13, 2020
7. An orangutan
Yes. You heard us right. Primary teacher Ben King said he always found the best option was sponsoring an animal, to which Anita Armitt replied that her Year 5 and 6 classes were now the “proud owners” of an orangutan.
I’ve always found the best thing was sponsoring an animal. We never really use our wet play games & the discussion and voting for which animal to sponsor is really interesting and teaches them the skill of giving. Just a suggestion.
- Ben King (@MrBKing1988) December 13, 2020
And it seems this solved Mr Watkins’ dilemma, as he responded to say his class “loved the idea” and have chosen to adopt a jaguar.
Let’s just hope the children aren’t expecting a “bring you pet to school day” any time soon...
Thanks both, my kids loved the idea. We voted and now have adopted a Jaguar ?
- MrWatkins (@AaronWatkins92) December 14, 2020
