• Me Before You, JoJo Moyes
• Sharp Objects, Gillian Flynn
• Perfect People, Peter James
• Shutter Island, Dennis Lehane
• One Day, David Nicholls

Oh, but if you love a classic, Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and Dickens’ Great Expectations, should be top of your list.

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The summer holidays are nearly upon us. We know not because of the warmer weather or crosses on the kitchen calendar. No. We know end of term is nigh as the days merge into one and descend into chaos.

Typical classroom teaching winds down, making way for school trips, sports days, and outdoor lessons. And so, as soon as our children step through our front door, they bounce off the walls in free-spirited unison, as we battle the bake for tomorrow’s school fund cake sale. Beyond the endless non-uniform days that are begging to be forgotten, what else can we expect from the end of summer term?

1. Summer fayre fiascos

It’s school fayre time! Oh yes. You know it is, because every week for the last month you have been asked to donate an item for each of the featuring stalls. You’ve sent bottles, brick-a-brac, toys, chocolate… your soul.

And the best bit is, after so willingly donating out of the goodness of your heart, you then make an appearance at the event, solely to win or buy back every item you sent in. The joy.

2. Shrinking school shoes

You bought a sturdy set of school shoes in January, and your child is a hero. They haven’t grown out of them all year, or so you thought. Of course, the first week of July hits, with three weeks left to go, and your child comes home with crippled arches and heel blisters. 

Do you go all out and hope your Big Foot keeps things under control until September, or do you resolve the issue with a cheap pair that will likely fall to pieces before the three weeks are through? Decisions, decisions.

3. Not-so-sunny school trips

What glorious weather we have had. Beautiful weekends filled with barbeques, paddling pools, outdoor day trips. It’s fantastic. We’ve experienced a British heatwave, in fact. Temperatures soared up to 30 degrees. Balmy.

Oh, you’re too hot? Don’t worry because my child has a seaside school trip planned for Tuesday next week, so torrential downpours and gale-force winds are guaranteed across the country. It’s the way it goes.

4. Crammed school bags

The teachers are clearing out their classrooms, and it is just a delight. Be prepared for book bags brimming with extraordinary pieces of art, workbooks, and display-worthy crafts, all created by your dear offspring.

All ten months’ worth of work. You are truly blessed. And so is your fridge.

5. Manic school play prep

You thought you’d done your bit at Christmas. Well, be prepared. It’s the summer school play, and these costumes can’t be found in the fancy dress aisle in Asda. So long trusty tea towel, there are no shepherds this term.

Yes, things are about to get really fantastical. Summer plays are creative, vibrant, colourful. And wow, get ready to throw all that into a last minute costume because it’s on tomorrow. You forgot. You forgot like the rest of us.

Who else is ready for the end of term?

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End of term teachers gifts. Do you think of it as an obligatory thank you or a way to express your gratitude to the person that has helped and nutured your child over the past school year? Some parents love to spend time helping their children create a personal handcrafted present while others contemplate how much should you spend on an end of term teachers gift.

So if you think that your childs teacher has enough mugs and boxes of chocolates and want to buy something, what do you buy that isn't going to break the bank.

*Disclaimer* if you are my daughters teacher, stop reading now (please).

1. Earrings - Now I know that not every teacher has their ears pierced but with kind words such as "it takes a big heart to shape a little mind", that make me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside, whilst still providing a practical gift, this gets a thumbs up from me. The best part, they are currently reduced from £15 to £10 on the Little Keepsake Company website. 

2. Candles - Everyone loves a candle and it is perfect for regifting if the person is really averse to the scent you choose. I adore candles and so was beyond excited to find the copy of the Jo Malone candles were back in at Aldi. £4 instead of £44 - that is a saving which is too good to miss!

3. Pencil Case - Who says that pencil cases are just for the children? Teachers need to keep their pens in order too and we fell in love with this personalised one from Hope House Press this week. Top tip - if you sign up to the Hope House Press website, you get offers sent to you like we did this week. We used the "SALE" code at the checkout and got this pencil case, personalised and delivered to us for just over £10.

4. Practical Gifts - Hope House Press introduced me to We Are Scamp and their fabulous tote bag which purely states "I am a teacher, what is your superpower". I love this and at £14 it is reasonably priced, practical and perfect to use as a gift bag if you were so inclined!

5. Wine - After a year of looking after 30 or so "little darlings" I would say that most teachers are due a well deserved drink. Tesco have some online wine exclusives, saving up to £15 if you buy a case (you can always keep a bottle or two for yourself). If you use your clubcard vouchers, this will save even more! 

At my daughters school some parents like to get individual gifts, whereas some prefer to add to a collection to get the teachers a larger, or more expensive gift. At the end of the day, there is not a right or wrong way or indeed a value than  can be placed on the perfect present but I have loved my daughters teachers this year and hope that they love the gifts we have bought, as much as I have loved finding them (and saving money too).

As always I’m linking up with Cass, Emma and Becky  in this week’s ‘Five Fabulously Frugal things I’ve done this week linky.

What have you done to save this week?

If, like me, you live in a world where baby dolls are treated the same as real babies and your children watch endless videos on Youtube of toys being unwrapped then we have something for you! 

LOL Surprise Dolls are the ultimate unboxing toys with 7 layers to get through. There is a cute little printed zip design on each layer, which, once you have pulled it open reveals stickers and blind bags inside. The "let me out of here" blind bags contain everything you need for your LOL Surprise Doll such as dresses, shoes, accessories and a drinks bottle for each character. 

We have had great fun trying to find out which of the dolls cry, spit, tinkle or change colour. There are 45 in Series 1, so there are lots to collect but you just have to keep your fingers crossed that you don't get a duplicate as each ball really is a surprise!

So if you want to join the LOL excitement with the ultimate unboxing experience that offers a different surprise with each layer, we are thrilled to have one of the LOL Surprise! Dolls to giveaway. Just enter below and good luck!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Terms & Conditions

The Prize: LOL Surprise - Series 1
The winners will be chosen at random by the random winner generator on Rafflecopter and notified within 7 working days by email
By entering this competition, you understand that your details may be retained for future mailings. You can unsubscribe from this mailing list at any time.
There is no monetary equivalent.
Little Lilypad Co take no /responsibility for loss or damage in the despatch of prizes
If the prize is unclaimed within 7 days we reserve the right to redraw the winner.
End Date 08/07/2017 at 12am

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