| By :
Martin Hofschroer
Designer jewellery is the present of choice for parents trying to tempt teachers into treating their children better. It appears that a box of chocolates and a bottle of port is no longer the way to woo a teacher into affording your child more attention as the average parent spends £50 on the end of winter term present for their kid's educator, according to a new study. Research by Debenhams revealed that many parents are spending in excess of £100 and some are even paying up to £300 on presents for teachers in schools where they have more than one child. Designer jewellery was among the most popular presents alongside expensive clothing, perfumes and champagne while one lucky teacher was offered the free use of a Spanish villa and another received £1,000 worth of gift vouchers. Debenhams' Carie Barkhuizen told the Daily Mail that parents were prepared to go to great lengths to protect the educational future of their children in an increasingly competitive area. She said: "When it comes to getting teachers on side, money is no object for ambitious parents. The cost of an expensive piece of jewellery or cashmere clothes is paltry if it helps them avoid private school fees which can be up to £35,000 a year." Those hoping that designer jewellery will help their offspring get into their first choice school have been advised to think again as such presents are unlikely to sway decision making. Dr Mary Bousted, of teachers' union ATL, told the Daily Mail that lavish presents such as designer jewellery are not appropriate for teachers and teaching assistants over the festive period. She said: "Although teachers and assistants like to be appreciated, they definitely don't expect gifts or want families to feel under pressure to get them gifts. Lavish gifts are now becoming the norm, not the exception. We hope this stops." Meanwhile, one present that might go down well with women this Christmas is Britain's most expensive bra which has been decorated with 32 brilliant-cut white diamonds. Lingerie business Ultimo has joined forces with designer jewellery firm Lime Blue to create the £800,000 bra that has the precious stones fixed to the back strap, which makes it visible when worn with a backless top. A replica bra set with diamante substitute stones is retailing for a fraction of the price but Lime Blue founder Grant McIntyre is hoping that at least a couple of men will treat someone to the real deal for a Christmas gift.
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