'I'm a teacher and this is the one present to avoid giving as an end-of-term present'

Whether you're buying gifts for your kids' favourite teacher or a lecturer who won't be returning next semester, the end of the academic year is the best time to show your appreciation for your or your children's teachers. That said, what should you be gifting teachers at the end of the term?

Of course the affordable and simple option that can be just as meaningful as a gift and personalised to be as unique as you'd like is a touching thank you card, but if you're looking for suggestions of something more material to bestow before the summer holidays, we've listed five that are sure to be a hit.

Is there something you shouldn't buy? According to our Editorial Director's teacher sister, while they massively appreciate any gifts from their students and their families, but there is one thing you may want to avoid - chocolate, because apparently they get given so much of it. So we've listed five affordable and unique alternatives to give instead.

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1. Joma Jewellery Bracelet

Shop here for £11.39 down from £18.99

Especially for female teachers, jewellery can be a touching present that won't break the bank but can stay with a favourite lecturer for years after you've left the classroom. And right now, this is a more affordable option than before, as Joma Jewellery hosts a massive sale on plenty of bracelets and necklaces that come with touching messages that make them an ideal, meaningful gift for less than £12.

2. Jo Malone London Candle

Shop here for £56

Of course, a standard gift that's perfect for all occasions is a candle. Perfect for inspiring at-home relaxation or providing a gift for all the senses, a candle can be a simple treat that doesn't break the bank but offers plenty of longevity. And what better brand to turn to than the iconic Jo Malone London? With plenty of scents to peruse and size options to best suit your budget, Jo Malone candles are a coveted commodity that's sure to make a great gift this summer term.

3. Potted Plant

Shop here for £9.99

Buying flowers may be a traditional present to give teachers at the end of the year, but why not step it up a notch? Buying a potted plant can become a great addition to any home, especially if you opt for a pet-friendly and easy-care plant that can seamlessly fit into any environment and routine, or it can just as easily slot onto a shelf in the classroom. Promising to last longer than the week a bouquet of flowers would survive, a potted plant is a creative present that can be rewarding for years to come.

4. Marks & Spencer Hamper

Shop here for £40

If you're planning on avoiding buying chocolate for teachers this year, Marks & Spencer has plenty of edible options that are sure to be a great gift for any teacher. Obviously, once you've checked about dietary requirements, a hamper like this cheese and wine bundle can be a tasty and innovative way to give your favourite teacher an edible gift without overloading them with chocolate.

5. Bath Gift Set

Shop here for £27.90

Teachers' jobs can be incredibly stressful and draining, with their days lasting much later than the last bell and their timetable keeps going even after the summer break begins, so why not bestow the gift of relaxation and self-care to your favourite teacher this term? A bath gift set is a practical present that lets your recipient sit back and enjoy some spa-like R&R once they get home from school. These can vary in price, so you can take a gander at various options to best suit your budget and preferred brands.

Of course, if you do fancy giving your favourite teacher the good old classic, chocolate, which they'll still probably appreciate and enjoy, Cadbury is currently offering plenty of bundle options designed for gifting to and thanking teachers at the end of the academic year, including this Cadbury Gift Set for £20.