To consider NOT giving teacher xmas presents

[LessIsNotMore]

Between the three dc, there are about 7-8 teachers and TAs. There is also the school office, club leaders etc etc.

AIBU to either NOT give any of them presents or to JUST give them chocolate?

They will all get xmas cards.

"We all contribute to a paypal pool and buy Westfield vouchers so they can buy something in the sales."
When you say "we all', do all the parents contribute? What if they dont want to?

Best present we got this year was from a whole class, they donated stationery to a school overseas via unicef.
So much stuff I get given is politely given thanks for then passed on as I don’t drink or eat sugar. It’s such a waste. I would rather nothing than a wasted overpriced thing that has had no thought put into it. Best this year was an ultra soft and cosy scarf as the parent appreciates I stand out in the cold waiting for her son to leave most days!

Not doing it. Got enough to think about.

TabbyMumz

It’s optional of course but this year 24/30 have done it so it’s fairly popular. I’d rather do that than buy individual gifts for each of them, and this way they can buy something they want.

We split it out between the teacher and the TA.

I don’t buy presents. I work in a secondary school and always think it’s odd how the presents stop (and some of the teachers put in lots and lots of extra time for free) for secondary teachers. I’ve always wondered if it’s because it’s not as public - there’s definatley some showing off in primary with presents.

My DDs school is on the edge of an estate where many of the parents are on UC and are struggling to survive. I see them bringing in presents and it just feels wrong to me. I think we need a change away from this.

I make something. For the past two years I’ve made personalised baubles. Low cost to me, and it means the teachers get something they can keep. However, next year it will likely just be a box of biscuits or chocolates as my youngest starts school!

ihatesundays No, I think it's because in primary school you have a limited number of teachers and usually just one main one, with maybe a TA. In secondary, you can easily have a dozen, none of whom have particularly more to do with your child than any other.

Yes it's obviously because you have so much more teachers to get for in high school it would just be unfeasible whereas it might be feasible in primary school

GreytExpectations

I thank people who deserve it.
and I thank the teachers who are dealing with my kids because I think they deserve it. So we agree then?

So do you thank every single person who provides a service (paid or not) to you and your children? I can't think of anyone who spends as much time with my kids than their teacher.

You don't have to do anything, I can't understand why you are so against other people giving gifts to teachers. It makes my kids happy, can't see the issue with it. It's not mandatory.

@TabbyMumz yes it was a typo, so sorry.

@IamMoana Thankyou I went to M+S today and have got Bucks Fizz for my teachers now - at 2.50 a bottle, it's a cheap but festive alternative that hasn't broken the bank, can always be regifted and means you don't end up wasting money on when they might have preferences for white or red. Whereas Bucks Fizz at worst is a hangover breakfast drink on New Year's Day!! just me then

Oh and my sports coach is getting one not to 'curry favour' but because he has included my atypical son and that is no mean feat so he deserves every plaudit. Same as his teacher who has already said ''it's my job'' but not all do their job in the same way or go balls out for the vulnerable - she is bloody awesome. (Think Miss Honey in Matilda).

I think @LittleMousewithcloggson has the best idea. Nice present for staff room. Plus a card or whatev for the staff who you want to thank personally

How would you give 'stationary' as a present?

By asking your darling child to sit very very still in the classroom?!

Having just opened 3 mulled wine candles in a row, I would say please save your money for your DC.

I work in a secondary school and always think it’s odd how the presents stop (and some of the teachers put in lots and lots of extra time for free) for secondary teachers
The DC probably have secondary school teachers, it is easier to but for 2 rather than 10.
I think also teens think they are to cool to give teacher a present in secondary school.

Duh probably have 10 teachers in secondary.

I gave a bag of pens, pencils glue etc this year and the teachers were very appreciative.

I don’t do it. I wish everyone would stop. It’s like a competition. The teachers really don’t want endless boxes of chocolates and biscuits and mugs etc. Christmas is busy and expensive enough.

At the end of the year I buy a voucher for the local bookshop and write a thank you card. This is enough I think.

Why should a teacher get a gift??? I dont get gifts in my job- why would I? I get paid just like teachers do

I’ve never bought teachers presents, just a card, and I never received any when I was a TA. Christmas is expensive enough without buying for staff. A box of chocs in July to say thanks is plenty.

I give gifts to people who are being paid, though mostly to do with my dc - sports club leaders, teachers, wrap around childcare people, also some domestic staff at my work and my postman.

Not giving anything this year. DDs teacher is a fucking nightmare and seems committed to making a group of 10 year olds lives hell. She is awful and I wouldn't even spend a quid on a bar of chocolate for her.

I'm not buying this year. Cant afford it. It is not compulsory and I know when my mum was a teacher she was inundated so never begrudged someone not bothering.