Would this bother you - teacher gift?

[GlummyMcGlummerson]

At my DC's school I have a friend whose child is in year 1 (different classes to my kids). She's told me that there's been a bit of controversy and complaints because one parent is very good friends with the teacher and took the lead in organising a class teacher present. She asked the teacher what she wanted if she got a tenner off each parent (so £150). Teacher picked out a pair of designer shoes. And the friend asked all the parents for a tenner. A couple of parents have complained and the designer shoe plan had to be put to a stop.

I'm torn about how I feel about this. On the one hand I'd usually spend a tenner on my DC's teacher and I always welcome the opportunity for someone else to sort shit like this and why shouldn't the teacher get what she actually wants rather than 10 "best teacher mugs".

On the other hand I can see why it's kinda cheeky.

I teach secondary so rarely get presents from parents but I wouldn't mind a pair of designer shoes if this is the present standard now

From responses, am actually amazed at the number of people not gifting or saying that contributing £10 is too much.
Totally understand for those that are not be able to afford it or may be struggling this year, but that cannot apply to all of those taking this view above?
These teachers are educating, nurturing and providing childcare 30+ hours a week - yet many seem to think that’s not deserving of a tenner at Christmas! Bah humbug.

Teacher gifts dictating contribution and DESIGNER SHOES all just ridiculous

This thread is making me smile. When I was at school 60 years ago I gave my teacher a green comb as a present. She undid it and written in large letters it said “to Barbara from Janet”.it was a present a friend had given to me that I did not want or like. The teacher quietly taught me a lesson I never forgot.

I'm mid 30s. When I was at primary school and secondary we never bought presents for teachers unless they were leaving. I don't remember anyone buying teachers presents and I lived in an affluent area. Is this a new thing?

I don’t buy into all this giving teachers presents crap. They do a job and get paid for it and why should parents have this extra pressure of paying for gifts. People are being made redundant and children are having to go without at Xmas.

@Mustbemagic sure the teacher is worthy of a tenner, each child gives 34p each x30.
Remember teachers are doing a job, they get paid to do it. It's not voluntary charity. Why do you think high school teachers do not receive gifts then? Aren't they doing a marvellous job too?

@Nicky189k

To be frank with the appalling behaviour of many teachers, supported by their unions, since March I’m not sure any of them deserve presents this year.

I need you to expand on that disgusting comment

£10.00 each!!!! NO BLOODY WAY cheeky is not the words id like to use.
£20.00 max per child. I would not and im NOT mean spend £10.00 on my kids teachers, i work in a hospital for basic wage ,we got a shit Christmas card, thats it!

I meant £2. 00 NOT £20.00 LOL

I say again, what is this shit? wtf happened to children making a card/small tree decoration/finding stuff in the hedgerow to make into a bunch/any small handmade token of thanks?

DESIGNER SHOES!!

£10 PER CHILD!!

FFS!

Why is it even a thing to get a present for a teacher twice per year? At best it should be a hand written card or picture, at most a pound from each child towards flowers or a bottle.

@ruby4ever I assumed high school teachers get gifts too? I would always gift to form tutors and favoured subject teachers (15+ years ago).
When a waitress serves your food in a restaurant, you tip. And I would certainly tip more than 34p... They are also paid, and not charity?
Teachers spend more time with our children than most of their grandparents - and some parents tbh, it’s just a nice touch to show them some appreciation at Christmas time - a common way to do this is by giving a card and a gift. The same way as you would gift to anyone else.

@HorridHamble

That sounds like a really nice way of doing it. Everyone donates what they can afford if anything and everyone's name goes on the card. One parent can then tactfully find out what kind of voucher teacher might like and that's the end of it.

I don't understand why it's ok for a teacher to receive a gift worth £150
but when I wanted to buy something special for the nurse who I saw every week at the surgery, was told she is not allowed to accept a gift over £25.

My ds had 32 in his class with two teachers. Whoever wanted to, would chip in £10. Money collected bought 2 gift cards for local shopping centre and 2 cards. Kids who chipped in had their names added to the cards. If others wanted to get their own gift or not did so.

That’s pretty disgusting tbh.

Chip in and buy a nice hamper fine. But so many families are struggling to pay bills and buy food this is just crass.

A tenner???like everyone has that money just laying around.
No. She could have just collected money for a voucher and then everyone could give what they wanted /could spare

Also gifts of that amount in any other industry would come under corporate bribery laws or have to be declared to HMRC.

I like the idea of giving a gift the teachers like. We raised £1100 in our class (wealthy area) and gave vouchers to the teacher and TAs. I’d have happily swapped that for a pair of Louboutains.

I believe that it is time for schools to put an end to teacher parents completely. As many teachers on here continue to say that they appreciate a card from the child more. In this day and age it is an absolute disgrace that someone pulling in wage would accept money for a pair of designer shoes a complete disregard for the families that they teach.
Why people continue to be part of this behaviour baffles me

@TikTokFinger seriously, that’s absolutely disgusting. Why on earth would any teacher or TA accept that for doing their job. It’s that a stealth boast because it’s a rich area ffs.
Just think of the difference that would have done donated to a local hospice for example.
What is wrong with people

@Mustbemagic they are doing all that for a wage ffs not for nothing, are they still going to turn up on Monday and teach, nurture etc for nothing? Eh don’t think so.

@Crankley

I don't understand why it's ok for a teacher to receive a gift worth £150 but when I wanted to buy something special for the nurse who I saw every week at the surgery, was told she is not allowed to accept a gift over £25.

Well it's not one person giving a gift of £150 is it? It's just like the teacher getting 15 £10 vouchers, but that would be a lot more hassle.

You wanted to spend more than £25 on someone you saw once a week, for an hour or whatever, yet seem aggrieved that people want to give a tenner to someone who has their children for around 30 hours a week (current circumstances mean that most teaching staff do not get their normal breaks).

@TikTokFinger I’m sure many of these wealthy parents, in the wealthy area will also be writing cheques for charitable causes around Christmas time

Sorry post above @giggly not @TikTokFinger