If you're a teacher, what would you want the parents to get you for Christmas?

[chickpea1982]

I'm in charge of buying a group present for my child's teacher this year. If you are a teacher, what would you want to receive? We've got a few hundred pounds to spend. I'm thinking vouchers, so she can buy herself something she actually wants. Or would it spoil it to just ask her want she wants? Any suggestions would be gratefully received.

A few hundred is fine that's 10-20 per child.
I would get her a massage/spa day voucher and John Lewis vouchers

On the occasion I've received a group present, I've always been massively appreciative of a voucher. I think it's so kind and makes me feel valued. Teaching can be very challenging. Also, I've never felt overpaid (as a pp suggested)!

When I worked on uni Pre-sessionals I had groups of mainly Chinese students.. My first year it was flowers and a build a bear. Odd from 19/20 year olds maybe but they had dressed it in similar clothes that I used to wear. The second year I got a coffee maker because they knew I like coffee.
Whatever you get it really is the thought behind it rather than the monetary value. What do you know about the teacher? I'm sure parents and kids have learnt something about them, use that to buy something they'll appreciate.

I was thinking a good attitude from the children.

And if I was given £100+ in vouchers or cash I would be buying something for the class or the school.

Or put it towards a school trip. Schools have had to cut back so much trips are becoming rarer.

Classroom supplies if it's a state school.

Are school teachers allowed to accept gifts that high of monetary value? Not dissing teachers, i appreciate the profession but in the NHS under policy we are not allowed to accept gifts anywhere near that at all.

What happened to a thank you card written by kids and chocolates etc?

I saw an item on TV about this just last night (not in the UK). Most teachers interviewed said they would be more than happy with just a card!

When I was young - a long, long, time ago - this wasn't a thing.

State school teacher. Glue sticks. Lots of good quality glue sticks! Seriously though- vouchers.

Our school (state primary, ££££ area) - I think last year it was nearly £1,000 between the two teachers and two TAs, perhaps a little less the year before. I can't remember what was done with it despite being the person organising one year , I think JL vouchers.

John lewis voucher. I don't think it's appropriate to make a charitable donation as people didn't agree to give to that, they made a gift to the teacher. A donation of £10 could easily add up when multiplied by a class and goes so much further than everyone buying their own gift. Chocolate, flowers and booze are not always welcome gifts due to personal preference

Spa voucher
Meal for two voucher

See if your local town has a voucher ours does and it includes all shops in big shopping centre, theatre, cinema and pubs!

My kids left primary 4 + years ago and the whole class collection was generally a couple of hundred pounds and it was always JL vouchers. TAs got a lesser amount of vouchers and sometimes a gift for office staff. (State school)

I’m assuming this isn’t a state school, or I would suggest spending some on classroom supplies.
Perhaps a hamper, with some treats in - total max £50, and a few different vouchers in it £50 John Lewis, £50 - probably Waitrose or M&S (I’d suggest Tesco or Asda if a state school!), £50 Amazon, £20 Costa or Starbucks, £30 restaurant or takeaway voucher

Mary's meals is a fab charity out of Scotland that provide school meals. They make huge point that all money goes to the kids. We used to do school backpack appeals for thrn years ago where fill with pens and stuff then they deliver then

Hundreds of pounds for a teacher is sickening when you read threads where parents are worried about paying for £1 jumper day etc.

When mine was at primary someone took it upon themselves to ask for £15 per child. Never did see where that money went.

Personally I would be embarrassed to get that much, but I’m in a school with over 50% free school meals.

I agree with others, John Lewis, M&S or Amazon. But to add a new one, B&M.
I could buy lots for my class from Amazon or B&M. I tend to go there at the beginning of every term and buy baskets and other storage for the class.

A few hundred pounds for a teacher's present?
I'm coming out of retirement
No wonder some parents struggle if they are strong-armed into donating large sums

It's a fiver or so per child. Much easier than having to spend the same amount of money choosing and selling wrapping a mug, chocs, wine etc.

Plus how many teachers want to receive a massive pile of token gifts?

I'd pick M&S vouchers as its far more accessible than John Lewis and Waitrose with a good choice of more affordable options. Many people live nowhere near those shops so never shop there.

What about making a donation to a school fundraiser?

£5-10 per child. I wouldn’t call £5 a ‘large sum’ nor has anyone indicated they’re being strong armed!

I’d be happy to give a fiver to a class rep, it saves me the hassle of going shopping and spending the same on a box of chocs.

@Jaffapaffa

He would definitely prefer John Lewis vouchers to £30 of booze!!

Do they ever get him anything? Schools couldn't survive without support staff. A good caretaker is vital!

@CyranoDeBergerQuack

I'm coming out of retirement

Please do - schools are short of teachers at the moment! Secondary teachers don't get much so you might need to do primary school.

Cash. I want cash.

Or a voucher for e.g. Marks and Spencer to buy things I can’t afford like food and tights.

@yukikata we usually manage to collect about 150-200 per class and there's zero pressure. Have had wealthy parents opt out because their kid had made the teacher a card and a bracelet, and had not so wealthy families not joining in either. Didn't ask why, because it's a zero pressure, optional thing. Didn't suggest an amount per family, just said 'any donations welcome please pay here'. We still signed the gift as 'from the class' so everyone was covered whether they chose not to contribute or weren't able to.

Last year we did hampers, one for the teacher, one for the TA and then another for the support staff to split. However I think m&S vouchers or similar is a nice touch. Especially if you could get them in smaller amounts then the teacher could share them with people like the janitor and office staff if they wanted to.