Please stop with the teacher and TA gifts!

[pinkksugarmouse]

Just that really. As someone who has worked in schools and knows many people who do presents are such an unnecessary pain. It’s just stuff bought for the sheer heck of buying and needs to stop. Protecting the environment is very high on the list of pupils concerns. Inundating people with unwanted things in their name isn’t respectful.
Please no more mugs, teddies, chocolates, bizarre decorations…how many teachers, TA’s, nursery staff do you think really want it?
You are just gifting them a trip to the charity shop and/or the need for more bin bags.

The letters and cards are the best. I treasure. I don't expect gifts, nor would I ask for them, but I always show my appreciation for them. In some cases the student/family has put a lot of thought into choosing something just for me.

You don't speak for all teachers, OP. Your post comes across as a bossy proclamation on behalf of us all.

Just coming on to say I have loved and deeply appreciated any gift given to me by a child I’ve taught, and I treasure the notes and cards.

Well my friends our class rep and said for the teacher, 1 LSA and 1 TA they have collected £400! So will do 1 box of choc/bottle of fizz and a voucher for a shop they like.

@RaisinFlapjack

We always run class collections at our school. The first year we were there it ended up with the class reps for the two reception classes getting competitive over it, and relentless badgering to up our donations.

I’m a class rep this year (definitely not a ‘queen bee’ type though!!) and am trying to strike a balance between reminding people to chip in and being conscious that some people are on tight budgets. We’re in a fairly affluent area but it doesn’t mean it’s true for everyone.

or you know just don't think you have a right to spend other people's money at all... you have zero right 'reminding' people to 'chip' in.

People are fully capable of choosing a gift themselves if they want to if they don't they bloody well don't need reminding by someone else as if they are doing something wrong.

But that who mentally rests on bullying the anxious who are too shy to say 'no' just so some PTA type mam can pat herself on the back for being the self appointed 'head mam' no one asked for or needs.

@mam0918

Feedback we’ve had in the past has been that parents generally like having a class collection as it’s simple and teachers like getting a gift vouchers rather than loads of wine/mugs/chocs.

“Reminders to chip in” are limited to a WhatsApp group, I’m not haranguing individuals. I don’t really like doing it, but I know that lots of people fully intend to chip in but it takes a few reminders before they get round to it.

I’m no ‘head mam’ - our school require a volunteer class rep for each class as it’s a key method for communicating with parents. I spend a good couple of hours on this, it’s not just something I pick up at Christmas for the glory.

*couple of hours a week, that should say

Used to manage a charity shop, can confirm.

We’d get tonnes of ‘best teacher’ stuff, unopened.

Also, you have no idea if your child’s teacher has dietary requirements or preferences so buying edible gifts may be a complete waste.

I always get my DC teachers a little something, max £3. This year they have Christmas shortbread and a pack of biros each. If they don't like the biscuits they can regift or leave in staff room.
I get my youngest to make cards too.

Also, you have no idea if your child’s teacher has dietary requirements or preferences so buying edible gifts may be a complete waste.

It’s unlikely that things will go to waste, teachers sometimes swap bottles of wine or edible gifts with each other. Or it’s nice to share gifts with friends and family, or just regift. The gesture of thanks and appreciation is still very gratefully received and much appreciated.

Absolutely not. My dd’s class all out money in and give the teacher a voucher for a local shopping centre so they can buy what they please.

What's wrong with chocolates or other edible/drinkable gifts? I can see why mugs etc might get a bit old though.

My son has SEN, he had a driver and escort who were brilliant with him but had to be changed due to council contract changes.

I would have happily bought them a £50 gift each. I don't agree with my wife's view on buying everyone something regardless of how they have been with my children.

She even bought gifts in the past for TA's who were totally shit with my son and should have been sacked in my view.

This year I've been instructed to send £50 to my wife's friend who sells body shop stuff. So guess that's what we are doing this year!

How do teachers feel about plants? Asking for a friend 😁

Ignoring the grumpy OP (and I never give pointless tat, I usually do jars of jam I've made, Christmas bakes/sweets, etc, except that homemade food is probably a no-no this year as it was last year) does anyone have any pointers for useful classroom stuff to give in appreciation and because we all know schools are cash-strapped for stationery?

DS goes to a special school and his team includes two teachers (and a third who's off sick), and at least 6 TAs. I can't get something for each of them, that way madness lies! But I'll help him make a card for each of them, and bribe him with chocolate buttons to write their names and his (which he's just about able to do). I'd like to get a few small things for the classroom - any ideas??

I am a new-ish teacher and have been disappointed not to receive any mugs so far. I was promised plenty!

Stationery is a good bet for me. I don't eat chocolate but no polite way to tell people that. I do like plants but last summer I was given so many I didn't have enough space to put them (and then went away for a fortnight so they mostly died.)

My son's school does a class collection via WhatsApp - no haranguing or pressure, just a friendly message and reminder. I love the simplicity. They give out labels so each child can write their own message to be stuck in a big card, and then get a decent voucher. Some people do their own thing and nobody minds. I would be pretty delighted if my class did that too.

MozzarellaMonster
Plants go down well with this teacher, especially ones that are difficult to kill.

I wouldn't like to say I have experience in this area, but I've heard that many succulents are the sort of plant that can withstand a little bit of unintentional neglect and still bring joy on a teacher's desk several years later, and even several schools later.