It's (again with the inverted comma, I should get a merit) that time of year again. Summer holidays are just around the corner and it's time to thank all those brilliant people who have tirelessly taught and effectively educated your little darlings. We've lined up our favourite fictional teachers. Pick the one who best matches and shop accordingly.
Dolores Umbridge is a constant source of inspiration at The Hambledon. This season we have been very happily channelling her wall of Educational Decrees to showcase our seasonal stories. And we love her fluffy knits, her insanely kitsch little flat and her obsessive love of the colour pink. We're hoping your child's teacher doesn't have the same crazed megalomania but might share Dolores' (again with the inverted comma, what do I get after a merit?) interior design tastes. We're getting her the cat's meow award ribbon, a Bastide candle, marshmallows and the Grand Budapest Hotel book. Because, well, they are all beautifully pink and delightfully pretty.
School of Rock's favourite underachiever, we salute the brilliant Dewey Finn (aka Mr Schneebly aka Jack Black). You might struggle with his unorthodox teaching methods but your kids have had a great time in his classes. Time to celebrate his contribution to their love of school. Who doesn't want to play guitar/study rock history/compete in Battle of the Bands and skip the maths and latin. We think he's going to love any of our music books. We know he needs a Rebel Rebel poster. He doesn't need an Insult Generator (obvs) but would certainly like one. And maybe a Carhartt bag to keep his plectrums (plectra?) safe.
Thrown out of Oxford, teaching at a minor public school in Wales, latterly inveigled into a prostitution racket in South America, Paul Pennyfeather is Evelyn Waugh's hapless hero in Decline and Fall. He's a pretty hopeless sports coach and might benefit from a book about skateboarding. There's quite a lot of illicit drinking in the staff room: a set of Vintage List glasses or a Falcon Enamel teapot if he wants to hide his habit. And any number of travel books to help get the most from the long Summer holidays
What can her girls, Edinburgh's 'creme de la creme', gift Miss Brodie at the end of the Summer term. Something affordable for those parents less enamoured of her eccentric teaching. Try Priddy Essentials hand cream or a Pharmacy Bottle vase. For those of you who appreciate her wayward approach go with Maison Louis Marie candle or an Olli Ella basket. She's sophisticated and sharp and we know she likes picnics!
Finally an all out, brilliant, aspirational teacher. Miss Honey, Matilda's saviour, is the one you really, really want to look after your kids. She deserves extra special gifts this July. We think she's something of a homebody. We're gifting Provence: The Cookbook with a side serving of London Borough of Jam, Bungalow tea towel and a tea cosy. Children, pick a delightful bunch of flowers. Parents, buy a La Soufflerie vase. Job done.
Head over to our Teachers' Presents page and discover our top tips for the end of term. Time to upgrade from an apple.
