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Original poster

Teacher Christmas gifts

50 replies

ReasonableOrUnreasonable · 07/12/2023 13:12

Hi,

We live in a middle-class town where gifts are given to teachers for Christmas. Now for us this year money is practically non-existent, so I want to do something as cheap as possible.

I can crochet reasonably well and was thinking of making a toy/mascot (the class has an animal name so it would be of this) and then an angel decoration for each member of staff (it’s a CoE school so shouldn’t offend anyone).

As they’ll not cost anything but me raiding my supplies I feel tight, do you think they’d be appreciated?

OP posts:
Ceit · 09/12/2023 09:56

Another former teacher here to say the presents we appreciate are the home made ones, including cards. I still treasure cards, little origami creatures and papier mache boxes I was given years ago. We don't need gifts, but a handmade card with a genuine message is wonderful.

Holliegee · 09/12/2023 11:08

If you went to a craft fair these items would cost more than the generic box of chocolates or wine, best teacher cup,candlestick,keyring,bookmark ….. so if you want to gift the teacher something then that sounds lovely.

Holliegee · 09/12/2023 11:10

I made some chocolates one year for my sons teachers, they went down that well that 2 of the teachers asked me if I would make some for them to buy ….. it was only when I went to make them I realised I’d put way to much tia Maria in the original batch 😂😂😂

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MorningtonCr · 09/12/2023 13:06

Please don’t waste your time on this. Just have your child draw/make a card and write a nice message on it. I’m a teacher and also a crafter, and I’m telling you just the card and message from the child is more than enough.

Tortoisetowers · 09/12/2023 14:00

Yes yes yes, I'm a teacher and my handmade gifts are the ones I keep long term

ShinyPebble32 · 09/12/2023 14:33

That’s such a lovely idea, it will definitely be appreciated ♥️

mamabear7 · 09/12/2023 22:48

Teacher here. Your gift would probably be my favourite of them all! So thoughtful and personal. 😊
There’s absolutely no requirement to give gifts and I certainly wouldn’t judge someone who didn’t get me anything, either at Christmas or the end of the school year - even more so these days with the cost of living.

NotManyDaysTilChristmas · 10/12/2023 13:12

A box of biscuits or tin of sweets for the staff room is always appreciated. That way everyone can share.

AllstarFacilier · 10/12/2023 14:21

I would love those things if anyone in my class gave me them. However, I’d be devastated to know that buying me a gift would cause someone stress especially when money was tight, and I’d much rather the money be spent on your own family. Honestly, a handwritten or handmade card by the children would be lovely.

Newmum288 · 10/12/2023 15:43

Wow they sound like lovely gifts!!! Much more thoughtful than something bought.

Fairylightgirl · 10/12/2023 15:57

When I worked in a school the best gift I ever had was a handwritten card signed by the girl with a little message underneath saying

"PS I'm sorry for being so bossy xxxx"

it made me laugh for days, weeks and 18 years later I still smile at this 8 year old little girl who had a reputation for bossing the boys around.

She's in her mid 20s now and I still think of her and wonder what she's up to. And is she still bossy? 😊

locomum83 · 10/12/2023 16:13

All the parents of each of my kids class pitch in together as much as they want or can afford, no pressure, to get the teacher usually a gift voucher for a nice shop or restaurant??

DrMadelineMaxwell · 10/12/2023 16:18

If you already have the makings of something like this, then I'd certainly appreciate it if I was the teacher. I get my class making their own Christmas tree decorations whichever way they want to (y6 so they make some fab ones) and as a result I always then get decorations made or bought for me. I then have a mixture of these on my classroom tree and on my tree at home.

I'd feel guilty if I thought parents were spending money they can't afford on a gift for me, as gifts are of course not required or expected. But the little thoughtful ones are the ones I love the most, along with cards that the kids make or write for me.

Duechristmas · 10/12/2023 18:18

Yes they absolutely would, far more than a mug or a candle. Teachers never expect gifts but really appreciate them.

1mabon · 10/12/2023 18:52

The teacher will love a card made by your child. There is no reason why you should be worried about gifts. Anyway, teachers salaries start at £30,000.00.

Coffeeismyfriend1 · 10/12/2023 19:13

I’ve crocheted little triceratops key rings for all my son’s class teachers and his TA’s over the last couple of years (he loves dinosaurs). When I see them they all have them clipped onto their lanyards and they’ve all stoped me to say all ‘DS told me you made them, they’re amazing’

I usually give a contribution to the class collection for a voucher at the end of the year too and at Christmas I get a small box of chocs (£4 box of Lindor usually) bit they do appreciate the handmade gifts.

StaunchMomma · 10/12/2023 20:00

I was given lots of lovely chocolates and smellies when teaching (only from year 7's - secondary!) but the only things I kept were the little personal things like that.

I think it's a lovely idea and I'm sure it will be very much appreciated.

Allyliz · 10/12/2023 20:03

This sounds a brilliant idea..I would love it...a child in my class brought in a beautiful decoration for my tree last week..absolutely gorgeous and such a kind and personal gift...these ones are the best

rmcc1983 · 10/12/2023 21:26

What a lovely idea! The teachers will appreciate the work that went into making them, so much more difficult than just grabbing something from a shop or website. I bet the teachers will keep those forever and fondly remember who gave them.

Cherrysoup · 10/12/2023 21:41

Bluevelvetsofa · 07/12/2023 13:15

What will be appreciated is a card with a meaningful message and an email to the head, if you want to praise the teacher.

Don’t fret that you can't spend. A card, particularly one made by your child, is lovely.

This would be far more appreciated than any gift (I’m a teacher). Much more meaningful, imo.

hels71 · 10/12/2023 21:43

In my box of special things is a card I was given last Christmas. It was from.a child I had worked lots with and he had written his name in it. He hated writing. It's on of the most special things I have ever received.

Sparklefairy409 · 11/12/2023 12:49

I’ve made teachers Christmas baubles the last few years, and even a couple of years later I have had several teachers tell me how much they love them. Go for it, I think most would prefer it to a bought gift

AuntMarch · 11/12/2023 17:31

I always appreciate the gesture, but I then feel awful that i don't always appreciate the actual gift as I have no space for knickknacks in my little flat.

I would 100% keep this over any "best teacher" mugs/keyrings/ornaments!

Jllllllll · 11/12/2023 19:39

That sounds lovely. I am a primary school teacher and while gifts are appreciated I do think people are under enormous financial and organisational pressure at this time of year (I have children so have been on the other side) and it’s another thing to think about and cross off the list. We are paid for the job we do. We don’t expect anything more.

Cielovista · 12/12/2023 13:39

No! Better a Christmas card with a note of thanks for all their hard work.

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