Teachers don’t want Thank You Teacher gifts

@MonsteraMama

exactly!!

@Graveltone why do you think it's your place to speak on behalf of teachers??

And yes, email the head all the good things and name me😁😄

And perhaps a box of black pens, that I can distribute. I have definitely given out more (cake, presents for forms, prizes, sweets on p5 Friday breakfasts) than I've received. But that's the job.

It's the cards from the quiet ones that get me. You think they've just been getting on with it; tolerating your subject, then you get an outpouring of their actual thoughts. Considering my job, I'm utterly shit at writing messages in cards, so I very much appreciate the efforts teenagers go to.

I teach 11-18 at a state school. I get the odd card and sometimes a box of chocs. I don’t expect anything - just want the kids to get the results they deserve. That’s enough for me!

This!

I am a primary school teacher and really like a home made gift or card...

I do! I want ALL the presents. 🤣😉
Secondary teacher of 20 years. We don’t get many presents and I understand why as each child has about 12 teachers. To be fair though, I wouldn’t want 30 mugs. Over the years, I have had a book, a nice pen, box of chocs, wine. Tends to be one - five presents each year and very much appreciated.

But anything heartfelt is amazing and a token of gratitude which helps me keep going, tbh- a thank you at the end of the year. a card with a nice message or an email to my line manager is even better than a box of chocs!

NB- I wouldn’t want to put pressure on parents who may be short of money in a cost of living crisis.

I have bought a little present for each of my Y13 students after their last exam as I think they appreciate it. I have also bought glue sticks/ stationery for the classroom over the years and give students’ nut free cereal bars when they tell me they have had no breakfast, so I try to think about my students as much as I can.

You're not even a teacher. You know one teacher as a friend. One school. Whoop de fucking do.

Why do you think you have any right at ALL to pontificate that "teachers" don't want gifts.

We bloody love the free wine and chocolates in this house!!

I have never taken a gift for granted and love them all! I use mugs as plant pots - I can never too many! I love the chocolate, wine and little trinkets. I had a silver camel with a little saddle that lifts up, a beautiful teal and rose trinket box and vases and coasters. All beautiful or delicious. The children are always so pleased to see you happy and they get as much from giving as we do receiving the gifts. They are never sneered at or thrown away.

You’re not even teacher, you really have no business having an opinion on what we like or not

I did vote YANBU, then change to, you are being unreasonable. Why? Because your tone stinks, and you have no right to tell parents what to do.

My kids never bought the teachers anything, it’s just marketing crap from card manufacturers and tat shops. (Although if I were a teacher I wouldn’t necessarily discourage the chocolate themed gifts 😁).

I don't blame you!

Ps I was very grateful!

Once worked in a private school. A note went around from the bursar saying that we could only accept gifts under the value of £80 otherwise the teacher would have to declare it.

One day I went into the staffroom and there was a massive box containing a Fortnum
and Mason’s hamper addressed to me. Somebody had written £79.99 in board marker on it.

I noticed how it's usually only junior school teachers people seem determined to buy gifts for. Fair enough I suppose. They have to put up with your DC all day!

There was a group of us like minded mums in the class and we use to all put in a fiver and get the kids to ask what shops the teacher liked and then would get a voucher. Over the years it grew and practically every parent in the class wanted in too 🤣

I don't suppose your DD fancies moving schools?!

We clubbed together in DDs preschool at Christmas and gave the teachers vouchers for a spa which were very much appreciated. I think the same will happen in the summer. I usually give coffee shop vouchers or vouchers for the local shopping centre to DD1 and DS teachers so they can get whatever they want

Tbh I used to stay clear of getting the dcs teachers a mug etc as I know its a popular present to give. I just get dcs to draw a picture of said teacher and for them to write a list of all the things they loved about them and put it in a cheap frame

I will say though you can tell who's a teacher down our local bootsale from all the best teacher stuff they have on their stall 😁

Primary teacher here! I really appreciate the gifts from the parents, although I really don't expect them. I work in a lovely but very deprived area so I always make it clear that I don't need any gifts. I have felt guilty in the past when they've spoilt me!

I actually love a mug, I'm extremely clumsy so go through lots and it's nice having some to keep in the staffroom!

As a parent now, I really understand the want to show some appreciation and the financial stress of that time of year. So even more grateful now for every gift I do receive.

OP your friend's opinion doesn't apply to us all . Most of my colleagues expect nothing and appreciate any gift. I certainly haven't heard anyone being unkind about what we've received.

Although a teacher friend did once get given a weight loss book which she was upset about- hopefully it was given without any kindness. I would not advise weight loss related items.

According to OP "Gift cards are accepted. Teachers swap them round with other teachers if they don’t shop at shop(s) or website(s)"

So they do appreciate them then!

I absolutely loved all the gifts I received as a teacher. By the last day of term we’re completely exhausted and very ready to go home and recover - chocolates and booze are therefore very welcome! As are all the other gifts no matter what they are because it’s the thought behind them that really matters - we give it our all and that is much easier to do when you know it’s appreciated. Having said that, it’s not expected and we are well aware that some families can’t afford a gift and wouldn’t ever want anyone to spend money they can’t afford. And the cards and letters with a personal note of thanks are the best gifts of all every time :-)

admit it op

Your friend is an imaginary one that you use for the purpose of starting mumsnet threads

Especially when you know the background of the kids, what their home life is like etc
I am in secondary , the most precious thing I have is a card, homemade from a student (it's a folded bit of a4 paper) with a lovely message. This student was facing the worst you can imagine and had been let down by every adult all the way up to the police who could not protect her. How she was upright every day is a miracle. I got a homemade card and a mug with 'best teacher' on (pretty sure she took it off another teachers desk)