Are you buying teachers and TAs christmas presents?

[Merryoldgoat]

I like to usually donate to the collection but there isn't one this year.

So as a Teacher/TA would you like a gift or is it just tat/another fucking candle you could do without? The reality is how can I possibly know what they'd like? I suppose I could just do a bottle of Prosecco?

YABU - guy a gift
YANBU - no gifts required

I think just a Christmas card saying that your child thinks they are a good teacher/you appreciate the relationship they have built. I worked as a TA previously and I think a card saying you think they are doing a good job is better than a present. Children are rarely confident enough to explicitly say "you are a good teacher and I appreciate you" even if they think it.

I always ask them if they drink and if yes what that is and get them a bottle. Non drinkers get posh chocs.

Could you organise parents clubbing together? It is always cheaper and then gift cards become doable.

@Snugglemonkey

I really haven’t got the time. I have two jobs, I’m treasurer of the PTA with our Christmas Fair coming up and I’m trying to get the house in a reasonable state before Christmas as we’re hosting. I can barely function at the moment.

I always get DS' teachers gifts because my mum always got my teachers gifts growing up so it just stuck with me.
I don't feel like I have to, I just know that DS isn't the easiest kid to look after (SEN) and want to show some appreciation.

I'm a TA in junior school. This year the Head has written to parents asking them not to give gifts because times are hard for everyone. I would feel uncomfortable to receive gifts from families who are struggling so I think this was a really good decision. A card or a picture from a child is more personal and very much appreciated.

A packet of biscuits would be great.

Teacher friends of mine have said that they appreciate things like Costa (or similar) gift cards. I’m sure anything would be appreciated but not expected!

In the past I have bought a goat or meals for school kids via oxfam. Also made baubles/Xmas decs for the tree.
As a teacher best gifts I have been given are a panettone, large glass bauble, wine, a lovely hand written card, and a very beautiful porcelain mug. Also had a best teacher mug which was sweet but I kept it at work!

I am a teacher and I would say don't. Everyone is struggling for cash. I now buy some nice biscuits and chocs to put in the staffroom. Cheaper and I can confirm staff v happy with this.

DD3’s school has a limit of £2 per child contribution for gifts.
Its collected together and divvied up per class and then one thing is bought - glue sticks, pens etc - for each class.

DD4’s school has said no gifts at all and donations can be made instead to the food bank of people insist on doing something.

Please don't buy anything - a card would be lovely and an email to the headteacher singing your teacher's and especially TA's praises would be very much appreciated.

I used to always give wine but now finances are tighter I give a small tin of biscuits or chocolates. Aldi ones are under £2. It's just a token gift.

I’m planning on buying a couple of boxes of nice donuts and sending them in a few days before the end of term for the staff at break time. There are about 12 staff in total that work with my kids classes and it’s cheaper than individual gifts. My son has SEN and the staff have been wonderful this year, I really want them to know how much we appreciate everything, they’ll be getting gushing essays in their cards I think!!!

I'm a teacher and don't expect gifts especially this year. I love a nice message in a card. If you must £1 box of malteasers/terrrys chocolate orange / etc.

Or I'd be overjoyed with a £10 voucher. I got a £10 M&S voice one year and was tickled pink! Oooh or Aldi! But I'd also be a bit embarrassed.

Or a hamper for the staff room for next year with coffee tea uht milk and biscuits from Aldi (£50 would go a very long way)

I'm a teacher and I really hope people don't spend money they could be spending on their kids. I've said to the children that they don't need to get me presents as they've already started talking about it. In normal years I appreciate wine, chocolates, the odd Costa voucher but this year especially, please don't feel you have to.

You could email the head about how lovely and fabulous I am though.

I think it’s worth considering that even if you personally can afford to give a present, how it might make the pupils and parents feel who can’t afford to do so?

Is there not a class WhatsApp? Can’t you arrange a collection through that? Then you can get them nice things like vouchers for a local restaurant etc.

When my children were at Primary School I was not working and we were very short of money. So one year I made two chocolate cakes and took them in for the staff room. After that, the teachers hinted every year about me baking them more cakes! I made them a few days before the end of term so they had time to eat them before breaking up.

The best thing a teacher can receive is a card or note to say they are doing a great job and that their effort is appreciated.

I personally don’t think the head should be asking parents not to buy gifts. I really appreciate teachers and all the members of staff at school and it should be down to parents to make that choice.

We have a £5 limit for one class and I’ve never done the class present for the other class as they asked for £15 one year which was ott!

A box of matchmakers are £1.25 which I think is fine, if the teacher didn’t like them they are free to donate to the food bank.

I don’t think it’s appropriate or necessary to buy Christmas presents for teachers. It’s really unfair to parents to feel yet further additional pressure. Family and friends have all agreed no presents this year so certainly won’t be giving one to teachers who are paid a wage and given cards and lots of appreciation all year

My 9yo wants to get his teacher a gift, he says that the teacher likes coffee, so I'm thinking of getting a bundle of coffee sachets, maybe a small box of fancy tea bags and some biscuits and make a couple of hampers (might as well do one for smalls nursery too)