For those who want to know what to buy for teachers as gifts…

[LadyLooLaa]

Nothing! The answer is nothing. Instead, if you are feeling it, write a card or a letter.
I always answer with this when the question comes up, but it really, really is true.
I’ve spent the morning packing and came across my file of letters and cards from former students. I keep every one. I’ve had a good old happy weep reading all their messages. I’ve been feeling a bit down on teaching recently, but these cards have reminded me of the difference I can make to people’s lives. And that is a huge privilege. So if you are ever agonising over what to buy, just grab a bit of paper and a pen and write a note.

my sister a teacher and bloody loved her £150 John Lewis voucher

so i’d hazard a guess you don’t speak for the entire teaching profession! 😂

Ha! Probably because I’m secondary. We don’t tend to get those sorts of gifts.
Primary teachers definitely earn them though.

Couldn't agree more OP. Although DH does like the occasional nice present he's had (best was a hand painted cup) and I must say I did love the £250 hamper I got one Christmas, what really stays with me after I quit teaching are the kind and personal messages in cards that remind me that I actually did make a difference when I felt like I really wasn't.
We're not really wine drinkers though and we get so many bottles every year. 🤣

Hi OP the last of my three children is leaving secondary school this year and I wanted to thank the teachers. I was thinking of sending a card but also sending some nice biscuits, fruit, coffee etc. would this be welcome or do you get a lot of this stuff? And would an email to the head of year be better that might be circulated rather than a card that might not??
Teaching is a really hard profession, I’m sure you do a great job.

@marthasmum as an ex teacher I think an email to the head of year or even the headteacher would be a great idea, and a box of biscuits for the staff room is also a lovely thought.

Much as I love and appreciate the presents, the cards and letters so mean more. Emails to the head about specific things I’ve done that have been appreciated by parents are also a wonderful gift!

My son has severe dyslexia and has been in a resourced provision at a mainstream secondary school for the last 5 years. It’s been amazing for him and the woman the runs the rp is an absolute legend. You can bet your ass I’m gifting her when he leaves.

I reckon if you are writing about a group of teachers then an email to the head is great. Good SLT will forward them around. It it’s never a bad thing for the head teachers to think well of you!

If it’s an individual teacher then I love a physical card or note, because I do keep them. Having said that, a positive email in one’s in box with the head copied in, certainly makes my week.

I am a parent as well as a teacher and I try to email the school whenever I can to say something positive. I like to think it might bring people joy.

Having said all of that, I never say no to a nice bottle of wine, flowers, chocolates or biscuits. I’m only human.

Thank you for that!

Ha! Probably because I’m secondary. We don’t tend to get those sorts of gifts.

I do!! Private secondary though.

When is teachers day approximately?