To ask if you give teachers presents at end of term?

[ThatsBullshirt]

Not really an AIBU but curious to know.

When I was young I didn't really give my teachers presents at the end of the school year. My parents didnt have a lot of extra income so I completely understand. Lots of my classmates did every year and I think I gave my Primary 7 teacher a gift as she had been very special to me.

DS1 finishes school next week (primary one) and I was thinking of sending him in with a small thank you gift for his teacher as she really helped him settle in with school and push him to excel. Is this still something that's done?

Yes, it’s still a thing round here. At my kid’s school the class rep usually does a collection and gives a gift voucher from everyone - people put in whatever amount they can afford and it all adds up to something substantial.

But from the teachers I know, any small gift at all, if it came with a lovely note (along the lines of your OP) from you and your child, would be really appreciated.

I think it’s better to do a collection for something like that and then your child can make/give their own card if they want to.

I’m a teacher and I’d really appreciate the lovely note saying what you’ve said here. Unfortunately, I get a lot of “small gifts” which I’d always say thank you for but they’re actually a bit of a pain. You accumulate a lot over the years and it’s hard to know what to actually do with them.

I work as a TA - at Christmas the class clubbed together and bought my favourite gin!! I was very very touched by this.

the things I keep and treasure are the notes and letters, especially if written by the kids.

I teach in a disadvantaged area. I maybe get 2 or 3 little gifts (malteasers etc) that I fully treasure. I also get pictures and cards that mean so so much, and I get verbal thank yous which are lovely too.

My own child is on teacher number 3 this year. Their current one is a bit rude to be honest. They do however have a lovely TA who has gone the extra mile, so that’s who they’ll give a gift to. Probably something that my child chooses, as it’s from them.

I'm an ex teacher and even though it was secondary even a handwritten note showed that I'd made a little difference to a student or family that year and made me feel amazing.

My Dd is in year 2 and I will be giving gifts to her classroom staff and a few others who have really helped her succeed this year. (All bought in various sales and then squirreled away). It's a tough job and it's nice to show you appreciate them. Doesn't have to be expensive - even a 25p card does the job!

No. Never did. DC are in their 20s now, and we never gave presents. Don't understand why people do tbh.

Yy - some classes had a collection. Others, we sent in our own present. I usually opted for something stationery related because I figured teachers could never have enough pens or notebooks

I always gave presents to my kids primary teachers. They did an amazing job, went above and beyond and I wanted to show appreciation. Usually gave consumables that they could either consume or regift. Wine, candles, books. And a card.

Generally we don't. I have done very occasionally e.g. when dd left primary and had had the same amazing teacher throughout. He was a star and we definitely wanted to show our appreciation. Dh and I are teachers, so we know it's not expected. Routinely giving teachers presents out of a sense of obligation is really totally unnecessary!

I'm a teacher. Yes we get loads of gifts. It's a bit crazy really. The card with a nice note is mostly appreciated.

No. In my eldest reception year one of the mums organised a collection with a £10 'suggested donation' and I went along with that but we haven't done presents since. Last year I emailed the head with glowing praise for how my dcs teachers had been throughout the year, I'll do the same this year. Not sure it achieves anything though! The kids write cards too.

I loved cards and notes - I kept them all and have 30 years worth that I treasure.

The best gift I ever had was from my lovely A Level class who put money together and sponsored a teacher via Christian Aid in my name. We had been discussing the project in class. I thought it was the most brilliant idea.

That's really lovely itrytomakemyway!

Speaking as a primary school teacher. The "little gifts" like "best teacher" mugs are sweet in the moment, but impractical. Most things like that get donated straight to the staffroom, or are are thrown away fairly quickly.
Gifts that go down well are things like vouchers. HOWEVER, the things I've always like best, and have kept in a folder for years, are the letters, cards and drawings.

Occasionally in primary and once in secondary for a staff member who had been incredibly supportive, and had gone above and beyond.

It all seemed a bit competitive amongst some of the mums when mine were in primary (2004-2012) which I couldn’t be bothered with so my DC used to write a letter to their teacher to thank them. Reading the comments from teachers I’m so glad that’s what we did

No never why would you give a gift to somebody doing their job.

No never why would you give a gift to somebody doing their job.

Because some of them have a real personal connection with your child, make a huge difference to them and really go the extra mile. In the case of primary school teachers, they are often far more to your child than just 'somebody doing their job'. I find it hard to see why you wouldn't understand that some parents might like to give something to say thank you in those circumstances.

Yup we do - every year group. We also have them gifts when I was in school too.

Because they have have been an important part of your child’s life for a year.

I do agree with the people who say a card is the best. I have kept every card, some homemade, some bought, that I was given during my teaching career. I really appreciated every one of them.

I'm a teacher. Every teacher I've ever spoken to about it including myself loves to get notes or cards. I've had a few gifts that are treasured as they show the kids know me, but the notes I keep forever.

Why wouldn’t you? It’s a bloody hard job. Does that go for people in all jobs then? No end of year bonuses? Nothing for doctors or nurses or anyone that might have cared for your family at all?

Last year I emailed the head with glowing praise for how my dcs teachers had been throughout the year, I'll do the same this year.
That would be the best type of present!

No never why would you give a gift to somebody doing their job.
To show appreciation where it’s due. Same as giving the children’s ward nurse a card for being supportive at a time of stress. Clearly if it’s not due, don’t bother.

I receive some and it is appreciated but certainly not expected. The notes are the most treasured, I have a huge folder of them and I look back when I need a pick me up.