Is a voucher a naff present for teaching staff?

[Florencenotflo]

I don't really know the 2 ta's in DD's class. She's leaving reception and I want to get them something, but I don't know them. Because of the way we do drop off and pick up, I've only ever met DD's teacher, not the TA's but Dd talks about them a lot and they write in her reading book after she's read to them. They seem lovely.

Is an M&S voucher naff? Both ladies, early 50's. I thought at least they could buy something they want with it!

I’m a teacher and I love a voucher. Something like M and S is great as you can buy a range of things.

We’ve got a Costa near us and I’ve seen a couple of teaching staff in there on a Friday after school - I was thinking of buying them a gift card for there and telling them to have a drink on us. Could you do something similar? With something like M and S I wouldn’t be sure how much money to put on it, whereas a fiver would be enough for a coffee - that’s my rationale anyway!

But I think they’ll be grateful for the gesture whatever you decide to do

A voucher is literally the best present ever. The gift of choice.

Perfect! That's that sorted!

I also think vouchers are a great idea. I bought my DS teachers a Costa voucher end of year. Thought they could get a coffee and a bun on us.

personally I wouldn't want a john lewis voucher I would much rather have tk max , so much more choice and homesense included. or m and s nice food.

Why buy anything they get paid for their job

Why not buy a Best Teacher mug? I doubt they get many.

JOKING! I see so many unwanted teacher gifts in the charity shops and I fail to understand how any parents think they are being original or kind to the teachers buying these.

My own opinion is that it is not necessary to buy teachers anything! and I never did when my children were at school. If you really want to do it though then a store voucher is the way to go.

@Member278307

Why buy anything they get paid for their job

Do you literally never get any kind of thsnk you from your work? Even if it’s a pizza one lunch time or a bottle of wine at Christmas.

And before you start, no parents aren’t the teachers employers but they’re essentially clients and it’s a common courtesy of n many industries to give a little gift of thanks.

@Member278307

Why buy anything they get paid for their job

Teachers have had a really shitty time during the pandemic and my DC's school went above and beyond during lockdown. Providing fun videos of the teachers to cheer up the kids and lots of communication throughout. I personally would like to them them for this.

I don't think many people would be unhappy with an M and S voucher. Even if you hate absolutely everything else in M and S you can spend it on some biscuits or a bottle of wine!

I bought the Yr6 teachers a Waterstones voucher and a Starbucks voucher as the shops are next to each other in our local town. But a book and sit and read it over a coffee. To be fair, I knew that they both read a lot and would appreciate it.

Those of you who buy coffee shop vouchers - can I ask how much money you put on? Would a fiver be seen as stingy?

They will love that you thought of them, OP .

OP, be sure that a coffee voucher for a fiver is absolutely one of the most thoughtful gifts you could give. Well, it would be for me!
I think little tokens of appreciation for anyone who has done a good job, regardless of their employment, are a lovely touch and makes people feel valued.
That said, I don't expect anything from my children. Seeing their progress, whether academic or personal, is enough of a reward at the end of the year and it's the reason why I do the job.

@MalFunkshun

Those of you who buy coffee shop vouchers - can I ask how much money you put on? Would a fiver be seen as stingy?

If they see that as stingy they don't deserve the gift in the first place