or is he re gifts for teachers.

[york78]

Dh came home last night as me and the dc were wrapping gifts for their teachers. DH said what are you giving them presents for? I don't get presents in my occupation etc. I think he is being miserable. Or does he have a point?

'fraid my DC's primary school was truly average.

I reckon if your childs teacher has really helped them it is nice to show them you appreciate their hard work. At primary I reckon teachers should get more appreciation as they work harder have more direct teaching time with the classes so more influence on their development. And the parents recognise it so the gifts can have parent money behind them. At secondary I usually get some shy cards and boxes of chocs or a free coffee from my Yr11/13 students which they'll have bought themselves, not as many presents as primary but I spend far less time with them than a primary teacher does and have far less influence. (Lovely when it happens though!)

I don't reckon any teacher expects presents - but presents are to make the giver feel happy too - I know my DS has spent lots of time deciding what to give his teacher (wine - what teachers really need right now) and spent ages writing a card saying what a great teacher he has been and why. But at the same time if you can't afford it, don't think of it or don't want to I can't imagine that teachers bother one way or another really how much/little they get as if anything like me are just desperate for a break.....

DS is in year 2 and I have got a nice bottle of red for his teacher. But this is the first year I am giving an end of year present. His teacher has been brilliant this year and I feel really knows him and has seen his potential early in the year and has brought him along immensly. Because of this she gets a thank you gift and card. I may or may not do a gift at the end of next year depends if I feel his new teacher teaches him well :)

DS1's teacher has been fabulous - really helped the reception class with the transition to school. We all contributed to a joint present for her and the teaching assistants, so her present is something really decent. I preferred this as, although it is less personal, she hasn't ended up with 25 boxes of chocolates or bottles of wine. One of the mums has also organised a scrapbook or photos, artwork and comments from all the children. As she has been so great, DS1 has made cards for them too and I've written a message in each - I imagine we'd probably not have done all the personal stuff if she hadn't been exceptional.

Ive never received a present in work either, especially not from employers

Whats a 13th cheque?

MrsKravitz - some employers divide the salary over 13 months and give the 13th month at the end of the year.

Oh right, thanks :)

I used to be a teacher and I think he's absolutely right. I was always touched to receive a thank you present or a very small, often hand made gift and I think that is all that is appropriate. I can certainly understand why someone should want to acknowledge a teacher who's gone above and beyond for their child.

I'm of the opinion that if teachers receive any gifts of value they should be declared to employers anyway, and as they deal with a vulnerable client group expensive gifts should be discouraged. In many schools present giving has simply got out of hand.

I speak as someone who isn't allowed to accept personal gifts from service users. Anything like chocolates/flowers have to be declared/shared/displayed in a public area.

And our employers don't give any financial bonuses or even pay anything towards the Christmas party.

I don't usually, but it has become the dc's school. DD will have the same teacher in yr1 as reception due to a swap around, so i have just got her a token. And biscuits for the endless number of teaching assistants DS's teacher has been brilliant with his transition from KS1 to yr3 and i think she will very soon be off to other things, so i have happily got a (not very original, but ds picked it)personalised mug. She does drink a lot of coffee at meetings! It is a gesture, doesn't have to cost much, and it is a job i would not have the patience to do myself!

become the norm...