To buy chocolates for nursery staff?

[Littlemoocow]

My child is soon leaving nursery to start school, I was going to buy the staff chocolates as a thank you, I have done this each time dd has moved up a room at nursery. I never wanted to go overboard with gifts and have never asked anyone else what they do, but yesterday I overheard a group of mums talking about what to buy nursery staff, they said that hocolates are t enough and started talking about expensive gift vouchers. I've never doubted myself before wih this but now I'm wondering if I've committed a faux pas? Please can you advise me on what's normal? Thank you

[mnistooaddictive]

They are idiots and chocolates are lovely. Some parents are very competitive.

[Edenviolet]

We got flowers and chocolates for dd2s pre school staff, it was nice for dd to be able to hand the gifts over and she enjoyed saying Thankyou.
Some other mums did a collection and got vouchers but I think its nicer to give a token gift that your dc can be involved with choosing and giving.

[MildDrPepperAddiction]

Realistically you don't need to give anything. Expensive gift vouchers are not the norm in my experience. Chocolates are a nice and thoughtful gift and will be fine.

[hazeyjane]

you do your thing and let them do theirs, don't worry about it.

[smilingthroughgrittedteeth]

I was a nursery nurse years ago and was always very touched by gifts of flowers, chocolates or handmade gifts by the children, in fact one of my favourites and most memorable was a homemade christmas bauble, it still goes on my tree every year.

I was always very uncomfortable accepting expensive items or gift cards.

just ignore them and give the staff chocolate im sure it will be gratefully received.

[Littlemoocow]

Thanks all. I'll carry on then, I was hoping you would say that. Honestly I would be uncomfortable buying anything expensive and I don't really feel it's necessary although I have been very happy with the nursery staff, they've been fantastic.

[CSIJanner]

I asked my eldest DC and they decided they wanted to bake muffins, which were delicious but clearly decorated by a child. YANBU - some parents want to and do go overboard. My friends school recently had class reps doing a £5+ contribution from all parents. 120 students for 4 teachers. TA's were collected for separately. It's sheer materialism, roller coastered out of control.

NB - DC were carefully monitored for washing of hands and non-licking of the spoon etc when making the muffins.

[elvenbread]

Chocolates are a nice way to show you appreciate them. I'm a school teacher and I'd be very grateful. Just bare in mind though that I got 9 boxes this year! Only so many you can get through! Very much appreciated though.

[EverythingCounts]

Chocolates or something at that level are fine - what I and most others did. Wine is an alternative - you can get bottles of cava for 4-5 if that fits your budget. No need for gift vouchers or great expense. I also wrote cards saying how much I appreciated their good care of my DC - cheap but nice to receive.

[olivo]

Lovely to get chocolates. And especially a card. I am a teacher and I value kind words in a card the most.

[Only1scoop]

I've bought something quite special for my dd nursery teacher because he has been amazing. However I wouldn't dream of discussing it with any other parent. It's personal to you and what you want to get.

[MrsKCastle]

Chocolates are lovely, don't feel you need to change your plans. But as a teacher, the thing I most appreciate is a card/note saying 'Thank you, my child enjoyed their time in your class'.

[londonrach]

Chocolates are perfect as they can be shared. I work in the nhs and we gratefully accept chocolate from patients. Can't expect it but each box us gratefully enjoyed by the whole team! We have one lady who brings us fruit and cAlls herself fruit lady . But this summer being hot her gift was gratefully enjoyed. . Mind you one chap bought us a tin of roses (my patient as it happened) and the admin staff (we have a big team support time answering phones, giving out appts as well as reception etc) had been very busy. By the time I came out from treating him all the chocolates had gone! Even my fav the strawberry creams. They were very hungry that day I think..... So yes give chocolates...

[Zephyroux]

I work in a nursery and really gifts are not expected. However, if a gift is given, by far the nicest is always a handmade card. These are treasured. Little tokens are nice but bigger things like vouchers or collections always leave me feeling a bit sad. Weird I know!

[Teddybeau1988]

I have always given a box of chocolates, wine and a card with a nice message in. I wouldn't go overboard unless that person has really been exceptional and made a big impact on DC. One year I contributed to a class collection for a large gift, the teacher just looked embarrassed accepting it, so I've since opted out of anything like that. Although last year DDs teacher was leaving and one thoughtful parent organised a book, and every child drew a picture of something that they remembered from their year in that class to go inside. We all just contributed a few pence to go towards a copy of the class photo go into the cover

[Andrewofgg]

We always did dark chocolate because less of that is given.

[PopcornFrenzy]

I always make gingerbread men and write all the nursery workers names on them, wrap them in a bag with a ribbon.

It's cheap, DS helps me and they seem to be well received by the ladies.

[Littlemoocow]

Thanks all that's really helpful. I think I'll stick with chocs as planned and will definitely do a card too.

[Groovee]

Chocolates are fine along with a tin of homebaked goodies.

I don't drink wine, so someone else always ends up with that.