to ask about teacher gifts?

[Squashinthepinkcup]

As our Reception year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable dedication and excellence of our teachers. Initially, I was anxious about choosing to home school, but they have surpassed my expectations and made me confident in my decision every single day.

With the end of the school year approaching, I'd love to give them a meaningful gift to express my gratitude. However, I'm struggling with ideas. The usual "best teacher" gifts must feel repetitive after a while, and I don't know the teachers well enough to choose something deeply personal. Furthermore, despite my suggestions, there hasn't been much response from the class WhatsApp group about pooling together for a significant, unified gift.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I’ve already written to the headmistress to commend her for the outstanding team and the welcoming atmosphere of the school. We have two teachers and two teaching assistants, and a class-wide contribution would be ideal. However, it seems unlikely. What could we do within a more limited budget?

Writing to the head is enough. There is no need to give anything more and you should not be pressurising other parents into donating cash

Oo did not mean to give the impression there's been any pressure. We're in a year wide whatsapp which represents both classes. I suggested a joint gift (no set contribution, just give what you can if you want to) and someone from the other class said she would do it initially on behalf of both classes but has since changed her mind and is just doing her own childs class (which feels very reasonable). She asked for a volunteer from our class and noone has come forward. I organised the Christmas gift so didn't want to put myself forward again. Would sincerely hope none of that comes across as pressure!

Most teachers would appreciate a handmade card from the child, and if you want it to be meaningful then also write a personal message from yourself about how their teaching has supported your child etc etc. If you have to give a gift, then choose something practical that they can use like fancy stationery. When my child was in reception I got them to paint a tote bag for the teacher, although I don't go to all that trouble so much now as not all the teachers have been great.

What you’ve done is enough surely?

Amazon or similar vouchers. Then they can spend on self, or stuff they usually buy for the classroom from their on pocket as their finances dictate.

Local coffee shop vouchers also welcome if they use a local

PurpleHiker has it just right. If you must give a gift make it a voucher.

A card with a message is great. I'm a secondary school teacher, so don't get the level of gifts you get in primary. The best gift I ever got was a book of messages from each student in my year 11 class.

Is this a joke that is going over people's heads? You were anxious about home schooling but the teachers have surpassed themselves?

If not....buy wine or chocolate every single time.

This is what I wondered? Hardly surprising a professional teacher is doing a better job than home school. Anyway, I'd just stick with vouchers, they must get given so much rubbish.

@Peonies12 @Bigearringsbigsmile thanks for pointing out the very confusing typo in my original post. I was anxious about choosing a mainstream school rather than homeschool. DS was on the SEN register after preschool and we had a severely rough time of it. I live in Bristol where there's a huge home schooling movement and lots of support for those who choose that route. However I was convinced to try a term at a mainstream school to see how DS did with the promise that if he didn't get on we'd revert to the HS route instead. However I have been so impressed by the teachers we've had so far and the school as a whole we've completely stopped talking about homeschooling. I was genuinely waiting for the school to make put a step wrong and they have surpassed my expectations in every possible way. So no, not a joke, just a typo 😄

We have a nice note book and pen this year.

If you’ve suggested pooling contributions then I’d be expecting you to be the one to do it if I was in your WhatsApp class group.

Just go back and say if people want you to do it to give you the thumbs up and you’ll get it set it up on PayPal or any of the alternatives

Thanks for the reply. Tbh I added the bit about pooling contributions because I've read quite a few threads on this topic where that was suggested and I wanted to explain why it wasn't an option here. My partner and I have helped organise 4 school-wide events this year, hosted multiple after school picnics and bbq's which anyone from the year group was welcome to pop into during the settling period and first term. Then I handled the Christmas hamper collection (following a suggestion from someone else). I was happy to do all that and really enjoyed it at the time, I often like to be helpful. But it feels like someone else turn. If noone wants to take the turn then I'm not forcing the issue on the group, would just rather do my own thing. Need to draw a boundary somewhere or I end up getting grumpy and resentful when I was the one making my own bed without anyone asking me to so have zero rights to get snarky 😂

Appreciate the suggestions that my letter was enough or to keep it simple. I don't think vouchers would go very far between 4 staff if it was only me contributing. A heartfelt card would mean more to me than any gift so will stick with that :) maybe a little box of stationary bits for the class supply cupboard. Hate how much they're forced to buy from their own pockets.