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Original poster

End of term gifts for teaching staff

39 replies

Rosyred82 · 14/07/2026 11:04

How much do you spend on gifts for teachers and TAs at the end of the summer term? My son's class has two teachers who job share and two TAs! Also, if you're not contributing towards a collection, what sort of things do you buy?

OP posts:
Original poster
Rosyred82 · 15/07/2026 14:20

StillAGoth · 14/07/2026 13:09

My favourite gifts are house plants - I love a house plant!

Last year, I received a personalised notebook based on a film I love, other stationery based upon said film, lots of my favourite soft drinks etc.

I've previously been given things based on conversations I've had with parents. I complimented one mum on her lipstick and she bought me one, I've had sourdough starters, bottles of my favourite beer (I've occasionally bumped into parents at the pub!). Things related to hobbies I do. A smal framed sketch by a dad who worked as an artist of character I mentioned I liked once.

I've eaten homemade goods when I've known that mum has a side business of baked goods.

However, I dont expect gifts and I wouldn't think anything negative about someone who didn't give one. Any gifts are appreciated but these are ones that have stuck in my mind over the years.

That's helpful, thank you.

OP posts:
Original poster
Rosyred82 · 15/07/2026 14:21

StrawberryMatchaLatte · 14/07/2026 12:41

A bottle of wine or tin of biscuits. I bet if they don't like what they get they can swap it with another teacher. I stick to about £5 -£7 per teacher/ classroom assistant. I personally prefer to do that than give to the class donations.

Thank you.

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Original poster
Rosyred82 · 15/07/2026 14:25

Fizbosshoes · 14/07/2026 13:26

I used to do this, then when I joined MN posters were falling over themselves to tell me that no teacher would ever eat home made food....like they are here. I did it because baking was more affordable than the suggested donation for the class collection and I was embarrassed if I put less in that other people.
Hopefully some of them enjoyed them 🤷‍♀️

Edited
Show quote history

Yes I imagine many of the teaching staff enjoyed them. At my childs summer fair this year, the cake stall was filled with homemade cakes from parents and teaching staff were amongst those were buying them

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Original poster
Rosyred82 · 15/07/2026 14:27

Olliesmum8822 · 14/07/2026 13:30

We got little gifts for primary age child leaving school to give to teachers and lunchtime staff. She’s bought teacher and head of key stage a plant. And some chocolates for other key people. She has SEN and is in mainstream school and they’ve all been so supportive of her. I see it as having been really beneficial to her to get involved in choosing presents, showing her (and my) appreciation and feeling thankful, and marking the end of a chapter in her life by giving gifts to key people. We haven’t spent much and it isn’t about that. Making something sounds like a lovely idea.

Thank you.

OP posts:
dahliadiva · 15/07/2026 14:27

I am a teacher and please just send us an email or card saying what your child has learned or enjoyed during the year, and thanking us for our work in the same way you might thank a nurse or shop assistant etc. We are paid for doing our job. I personally don't need or want to receive loads of small gifts to clutter up my home. I usually donate them to charity. The best gift is to feel appreciated for the efforts you have made, and that you have made a difference to the life of your students.

Original poster
Rosyred82 · 15/07/2026 14:28

RaraRachael · 14/07/2026 13:35

Not wine. I lost count of the bottles of wine I had to register or donate to raffles.
Don't assume all homebakes will go in the bin - they didn't.
No "Best teacher" stuff either.

I have kept all the cards I got from pupils and look at them from time to time remembering them and wondering what they're doing now.

Thank you

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Original poster
Rosyred82 · 15/07/2026 14:36

StillAGoth · 14/07/2026 13:54

fizbosshoes

Basically, if you are clean, your child is clean, their uniform is clean, their lunch box is clean, you child isn't constantly off with stomach upsets (you get the idea) I would eat it!

I'm still here to tell the tale.

My daughter does well out of Costa vouchers. I don't use them but she takes a fair few back to university with her!

Edited

Thank you

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Original poster
Rosyred82 · 15/07/2026 14:39

RVectensian · 14/07/2026 14:11

I never have really. Sometimes a bottle of wine or a shared tub of chocolates.

Thank you

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Original poster
Rosyred82 · 15/07/2026 14:39

Hillestop · 14/07/2026 14:10

Our school (private primary) does collections. I don't think any parents decline to take part, but I see some bringing in their own gifts on top (pricey bought gifts not handmade) which seems like overkill. We pay £25 contribution per child for the class collection. About 14 dc in the class so £350 total, split between teacher, TA, and a small card and gift for subject teachers. I prefer leaving the class rep to organise it, I never know what to buy and get stressed out at even hand writing a card message. They usually buy a pricey card, gift card for somewhere fancier than I'd use, and flowers. I suppose the subject teachers (music, PE, French) must get multiple bunches of flowers for each year group they teach, which is probably just a hassle to transport home and look after. Maybe some classes just give vouchers, I don't know, the class rep makes the decision for my dd's year groups.

I'm not a teacher but I know I'd never eat homemade gifts.

Thank you

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PizzaPowder · 15/07/2026 14:45

£20 Amazon gift card. This years teacher has been really great.

helenatroy · 16/07/2026 07:14

We do £40 to the collective pot and this year as we have a teacher and a TA two small bunches of flowers. My daughter could have had a difficult year but these two amazing women turned it around for her. At our school class reps talk to the teachers about what they would or would not like. They have chosen John Lewis vouchers from the school pot and said they don’t like chocolates and love flowers.

pastapestoparmesan · 16/07/2026 07:36

Nothing for me thank you.

sorryIdidntmeanto · 16/07/2026 07:43

About £10 per child at primary. Something like a pack of plain canvas pencil cases, one decorated for each TA with a packet of sweets inside, and a £5 token gift such as earrings for the teacher. I know they don't want or need it, but the kids love giving.

ShetlandishMum · 16/07/2026 07:48

£10 on sweets for the staff room and a thank you card from our daughter. Her teachers have been great helping her settle in a new country and new secondary chool.

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