I’m an ex teacher but left over a decade ago. I’m always very adamant that parents shouldn’t feel the need to get a present for teachers, that it’s not expected and that my most treasured gifts were homemade cards.
Back then I’d get some gifts but definitely not the majority of the class and I really honestly didn’t expect it at all.
My son is in nursery class so we made a card, he drew a picture etc and I wrote a nice note. What I wasn’t expecting was to turn up and find that literally almost everyone had gotten the teacher a present - flowers, chocolates, wine etc. There were around ten other children arriving when we did and maybe 8 of them handed her a gift. She’s not leaving or retiring or anything so I was surprised.
Even my son noticed and asked me if it was Mrs Smith’s birthday.
Its made me doubt myself and the folded piece of card with bits of pipe cleaners stuck on. Have things changed regarding how common it is to get presents? Honestly I could have afforded a box of chocolates and now I’m thinking maybe I should have done that too.
I do stand by the fact that I didn’t expect anything as a teacher and loved the cards but I’m very sentimental and maybe assuming everyone feels the same. My son has SEN and she’s been great with him.