Teacher gifts - yes, no? What do you do?

[ItsTheHumidity21]

My children are pre school age so not in main education yet but ds goes to a school nursery. There are five amazing ladies that work so hard in his nursery so I've got them all a gift to show our appreciation for the end of term. Ds is a challenge so I feel like I really want to say a big thank you for that especially. I got them a small bottle of wine each, a £5 Costa voucher and some M&S biscuits. Plus homemade cards.

I'm interested to know what other parents do? Do you get the teacher or staff a card or gift because there's a genuine appreciation or do you just feel like it's the done thing so do it anyway? Or do you not give anything because you don't think it's warranted or maybe you don't like the teacher? Or maybe finances don't allow (totally understandable at present)?

I'm just curious. Tell me what you do and why 😊

We normally get a box of biscuits per class as both my DC's have multiple teachers and LSO's throughout the year, it wouldn't be financially viable to buy an individual gift for all.

In all honesty I only really do it as I feel its the done thing as ultimately its their job, however I do really appreciate the good teachers and the ones that really make our DC's time at school an enjoyable one.

We've done a group collection for the teacher & assistant.
I've bought them a bottle of prosecco, a lovely callalily and the remainder will go on an Amazon voucher to chose their own treat.

Trying to strike a balance between a genuine gift to show our appreciation while not being a load of tat that clutters their house.

Most have given £10 for the two teachers.

We did custom wall calendars with photos this year and last year it was a video collage with music, the kids had sung a thank you song one of the moms wrote and it was really cute.

I spend as little as possible because I've got multiple kids with multiple teachers/ classroom assistants. This year I've bought a few reed diffusers and candles from Aldi in a gift bag with a card. It's just a token gift, I can't afford to spend a lot on someone whose personal preferences I'm unsure on.

The kids have made a card each and I will email the head about one teacher in particular who has been good. I don't know my kids teachers, I've no idea if they drink wine, like chocolate, need more mugs, want a smelly candle etc but my sister (former primary teacher)said that an email to the Head was welcome so that's what I do!

Handmade card + £15 JL voucher

Our school doesn't do class collections.

We have done wine and food gifts in the past but it's such a gamble with allergies and intolerances and personal preference that a voucher is easier. It's less than I'd spend on a bottle of champagne and nothing for the teacher to have to decide to keep or throw.

Always a handmade card with a specific note about something they've appreciated about or enjoyed doing with the teacher.

Oh @InDubiousBattle has reminded me, an email to each teacher, CCing the principal

We do a group collection for staff so everyone throws in what they can afford. Means the teachers don't get 30 odd 'worlds best teacher' mugs and candles. They usually end up with about £100-£150 in vouchers each plus a plant/ card/ bottle of wine. Then we all send individual cards in. Also means no stress of picking random crap up and hoping they like it. 🙊

We did a collection last year for Reception for the teacher and TA because it had been such a messed up time due to Covid we wanted to do something extra for them.
At the end of Y1 now and we've got the teacher and TA a card each a box of chocolates each

Thankfully both my kids have had collections in their classes this year which is a lot easier. I have got some cards though and one for headteacher as my eldest is leaving primary.

When my daughter left her nursery there was around 16 staff I appreciated each and everyone of them got my daughter to write out cards bought a small bottle of Prosecco each and chocs each also got the admin staff a gift, she had been there since she was 1.5 till 5 never had her in the school nursery as she was comfortable there I really did appreciate all the hard work they did, her first teacher in school wasn't keen on still got a gift though for the sake of it this year her teachers are great I think it's mostly a given to get gifts .

We have got the teachers/ta a key ring each. As a thank you token. Less than 20.00 for the 4 key rings and the gift bags.

For pre school/nursery it was a big box of sweets or homemade fudge or similiar .

I've received some lovely gifts as a teacher but there's only so much space one has. The best gift I got was when the parents clubbed together, paid a few quid each and gave us a voucher we could use on whatever we wanted. Took up no space, didn't need to be carried anywhere, was useful and inexpensive therefore inclusive. The kids also made us lovely cards.

It's just the new way of showing off. Who can get the most "thoughtful" gift.
My sister is a teacher. She doesn't want tat.

For one TA, who is leaving, parents have clubbed together & bought a voucher.
For preschool we've given a tub of chocolates. And for the other teachers/TAs we're giving Prosecco & chocolates. I'm also giving them to the Head & Secretary as I'm the PTA Chair, & their support & help through the year has been invaluable.
DD & DS have also made cards.

We do a class collection, it means not having to shop for gifts for the teacher and TAs, they can choose something they really like, and we do a big group card as well.

Class collection organised by self appointed class rep. Money is used for vouchers for local restaurant we know the staff frequent and vouchers are addressed to "all xx staff" rather than just the teacher so they can use them for a night out.

I know I've said this before but sending an email to the Headteacher about the teacher is a fantastic gift and it's free. Just say a few nice things. Headteacher happy, teacher very happy at no cost. It can be just a couple of lines but it will cause happiness.

I tend to buy flowers but give them a couple of weeks before they break up in case they are going on holiday straight away.

I used to give to class collections but I find the organiser tends to buy a hotch potch of stuff including wax melts!

DS has a teacher and 2 TAs. Have got them all wine and a card. In the past I have made more of an effort but I just can't afford it this year tbh..

Why do people think giving alcohol as a present is acceptable?

Why wouldn't it be acceptable? I tend to ask the other member of staff in the classroom if they'd prefer alcohol or chocolates/ biscuits etc (so I ask the teacher about the TA and vice versa).

This year I have gone for a voucher though as it was easier.

I email the head each year, then my children make a card each for the teacher and ta. At Christmas I shove a £5 Costa voucher in, and at end of year I get chocolates.

What makes it unacceptable?