IT may seem hard to believe, but once again the school summer holidays are just around the corner.
Which means the joy of extra family time, but also the hard task of keeping the kids entertained for weeks on end.
And before the break begins there's another issue to worry about that always gets forgotten – what to buy your child's teacher to say thank you for nurturing and putting up with them for a whole year.
Here, savvy shopper George Waterhouse from The YOKO Club – a go-to site for parents looking to save time, stress and money – shares her top teacher gift ideas.
And the best bit? Every single one is a tenner or less, and many can be picked up from the supermarket while you're doing the weekly shop…
Priceless presents – that won't cost a penny
Firstly, remember as much as you appreciate your kid's teacher, you shouldn't feel pressured to spend huge amounts to thank them.
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George says: "Remember, teachers love gifts that cost nothing but time.
"The teachers and nursery workers we asked confirmed that a genuinely heartfelt handwritten card (grab one for as little as £1.29 from B&M) of thanks is possibly the best gift they could receive!
"One teacher we asked said she asks families to give cut flowers from their gardens if they want to give something, which she then ties into a bouquet.
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"It costs nothing but is very personal and special.
"You could also email your thanks to the headteacher.
"Taking time to show your appreciation for your child’s teacher to their boss can mean a great deal."
Say it with stationery
If you do want to buy something, it really doesn't need to cost the earth, and who doesn't love to start a new year or term with some new stationary to get organised?
And if you're a teacher, stationery is an especially thoughtful and practical gift.
George says: "With so many dates to keep track of, this Wild Style desk planner will keep teachers on track, priced £1.99 from the Card Factory.
"Alternatively, these bright and bee-utiful notebooks, a set of three from Tesco for £4, are also always handy for lesson planning.
"Something like this 'terrific teacher' glasses case, £2.99 from the Card Factory, is also a sweet and practical gift for a teacher – perfect for keeping glasses or sunglasses safe.
"Additionally, nursery staff, childminders, and teachers carry a lot of things around with them.
"Remind them of how amazing they are with this 'awesome teacher' playful tote, just £6.99 from giftdelivery.co.uk."
Personalised presents
To add another level of thoughtfulness, you could also consider personalising their gift if you have the time.
It's a tiny detail that can instantly make a gift look more expensive.
George says: "For example, you could add their name to a special gift they will use daily, like this personalised pencil notebook, £4.99 from the Card Factory.
"A personalised teacher print, like this one currently on sale and priced £7.96 from Not On The High Street is thoughtful, personalised and something to keep in their office at home or school."
Say thanks with self care
Another option is to buy a little something they can enjoy when term ends and they can relax at home.
George says: "There are plenty of candles in the supermarkets right now that look and smell much more expensive than they cost.
"For example, this Wilko mandarin and ginger glass candle costs just £5.
"This chic face candle from B&M, £4, is very on-trend and looks a lot more expensive than it is.
"Also, all that talking can give teachers’ dry lips, so a natural lip balm set can be handy, and easily kept in their drawers at school.
"The Natural Extracts lip balm collection is £4 for four from Tesco."
Toast the term
Nothing says 'end of term' like a glass of bubbly.
George says: "This prosecco and truffles set, £5 from Tesco, is a luxurious treat teachers and nursery staff can enjoy to toast the term.
"After-work drinks could become even more stylish, by gifting iridescent wine glasses like this one from B&M, just £2.50.
"Or, you also can’t go wrong with a box of their favourite chocolates.
"A pack of Heroes is on offer at £2 in Morrisons, until 27 July."
Handy homeware
Offices, desks and gardens always look better with plants or flowers on them, or a nice vase.
George says: "This stylish blue and white patterned vase from Tesco, £6, looks a lot more expensive than it is.
"Fill it with cut flowers from your garden for an extra personal touch.
"Alternatively, this mixed herbs selection box, currently on sale at £10 from Asda, contains a collection of quick-growing and popular herbs including basil, coriander, parsley, and rocket, and is perfect for a small space or windowsill gardening.
"Additionally, these 'thank you' wildflower seeds in a matchbox, currently on sale at £2.50 from Not On The High Street, are such a unique and thoughtful gift that will keep on giving when sown in their gardens."
Token gift
If you'd rather get something you know they will definitely use, a voucher could be the way to go.
George says: "It may seem a little impersonal, but teachers and nursery workers can use them to buy what they really want and be reminded of the class that helped purchase them.
"Vouchers for afternoon tea, spa treatments, local restaurants, their favourite football or rugby team tickets and independent shops go down well!"
Don't 'mug' them off
While any gift is bound to be gratefully received, there are a few things that might be worth avoiding.
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George says: "When it comes to items such as perfume or jewellery, unless you know their taste, choose a voucher instead of a specific design or brand.
"Also, teachers seem inundated with mugs and water bottles, so perhaps one gift to avoid."
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