AIBU to ask any teachers what end of term presents they really want

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I always dread buying end of term presents for my children's teachers...not because I begrudge the money, but because I don't know what to get and imagine they always end up with a load of knick-knacks and chocolate they don't really want, or wine when they don't drink. So to save me from the angst this year, if you're a teacher, what end of term presents would you choose for a budget of around £10?

Thr absolute worst is a gift that..say 20 kids families contribute to . So the child whose parents use a foodbank sees the teacher given a joint gift to much fanfare but isnt part of giving it

Anything except another mug.
A costa gift card, scented candle or some Hand cream is nice.
I once got a full M&S outfit, with knickers. It felt very weird.

This. It’s what I love getting and always give to my children’s teachers too.

I'm really big on thanking people for help given by way of gifts but I never ever bought the junior school teachers anything or sent a card at the end of the school year. The reason was because both my children, now adults, really struggled academically at school and I felt they were let down and the academic children were favoured. Secondary school was different where they were valued for their qualities, they thrived and did well. At secondary school they sent cards to some teachers and gave small presents. When they left school I personally wrote to the head to thank her for what the school had done for them.

We have started clubbing together and getting a voucher for eg M&S. why don't you suggest this on the class group chat? Usually adds up to £50+ even if there are only a few who want to join and better than 5x boxes of chocolates! x

Your child's school should put a stop to this. Our primary schools have been very clear that they do not want parents to buy gifts. It's totally inappropriate and unnecessary. A card or email thanking the school staff (all of them, including canteen staff, janitors etc) will be lovely and really appreciated.

Chocolate, wine, gift card, candle. All lovely ideas but not expected.

At our school though we have asked for donations towards a local charity that helps less fortunate families over Christmas. Some parents still like to give gifts though.

I don’t see how giving a gift is inappropriate, unnecessary yes, but a nice gesture for those who want to. I have bought my little girl’s teachers a small gift as a token of appreciation and that’s my choice.

DT’s school had a policy that teachers and staff were not allowed to accept any gifts.

Much better that the parents all club together. I did our (state primary) last year and we got around £350 and bought vouchers for teacher and TA. Much better than a load of tat for £10!

Agree a clubbed together voucher is the most useful, but gifts appreciated( as a 6th form teacher I definitely didn’t expect anything)-
a plant for the classroom
a tea pot
flowers
a box of biros
fancy highlighters or stationery

I find this whole discussion shows so many people not thinking of cost of living

In my childs v ordinary primary there are children where even 5 pound would be coming out of a small family food budget

I truly believe gifts should be banned beyond card etc

Banning people from spending their money how they want to, on the grounds that some people can't or don't want to buy that thing is unnecessary. I do think that organised group gift-giving by parents should be discouraged though, because that does put pressure on people to contribute. Whereas a few children bringing a little gift in - that is their choice, and it's not expected.

After 7 years of thinking carefully and taking time to choose teacher gifts for both of my children's various teachers over the years, I have only ever received one thank you. I realise it’s a busy time of year, but even a class email to say thank you to all would be better than radio silence every year. Box of biscuits this year I’ve had enough, it can go to food bank if they don’t want it.

This is interesting. As a TA who gets gifts, I don’t often see the parents to say thank you. Also I don’t have access to any wide communication. I do however make a big thing of thanking the child. If I have seen the parents I have absolutely remember and said thank you, but parents don’t even always come to collect the older children now.

Why has buying gifts for teachers even become a thing? In my day (thereby branding myself as an old codger) such a thing would have been seen as trying to curry favour or elicit special treatment. Completely inappropriate. A nicely worded and thoughtful card, yes. A gift, no. And think of the poor teacher, going home laden with multiple bits of cheap tat they neither want nor need.

😂😂😂

My sister is a teacher and is overwhelmed with scented candles and toiletries every year. Almost everything went into school tombolas etc or was regifted. If the class is clubbing together a voucher for a massage or meal at a local restaurant is a good idea, or tokens for something else the teacher likes, children can ask questions to get that info.

The gift that absolutely means the most is a card with a genuine message of thanks. If you really want to buy something, buy a tin of biscuits or chocolates for the staffroom. They can be eaten immediately or stored and shared next term. Thank you for caring, noticing and appreciating.

don’t buy food items!
Many teachers have allergies and presents go straight to the staffroom to be enjoyed by anyone but the recipient.
no trinkets- cute for 5 mins but a waste of money!

a joint voucher that can be used everywhere has always been the best gift I’ve got… I use mine for emergency food shops through the year and I don’t know what I’d do without them, food bank probably.

At my grandchildren's school, parents put in £5 (if they choose to partake) which buys a voucher for a local shop/restaurant for the teacher and the two TAs. I think it's a great idea as most can afford a fiver and the staff get something of their choosing.

I gave gifts to my primary school teachers back in the 1990s

This is great but be heard f schools where people are insisting on a certain donation and people feel v uncomfortable. I’d love a voucher from my class but if it was a big voucher for something like a spa day I’d hate it 🤦🏽‍♀️

DD is in reception. I have no plans to get Christmas presents for teacher (s)/TAs. My sister is a teacher and says they honestly don't expect anything. They'd rather not have things like mugs, wine and chocolate can be nice but some don't drink, sister sometimes goes vegan so most chocolate no use (and even if she's stopping for a bit she would want to limit her chocolate intake). It's an extra thing to stress over but you honestly don't need to!

M and s voucher is good. Not chocolate or wine. I don’t use either, but agree they can be used by guests etc.