How important are presents to teachers?

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My mum was a teacher and never allowed us to take in presents for teachers. I don't know if that was because she was hard-up, thrifty or just thought it was a bad idea.

I do remember that I always felt left out not have anything to take and I also remember that mum was given a lot of stuff that wasn't really used eg ornaments you wouldn't give house room to or smellies.

So, I have got token presents for my DCs teachers and TAs, eight in total, so my DCs don't fell left out. I've spent £1 each on some hand-cream from M&S, because I figure everyone can use hand-cream, even if it's not their favourite brand. £1 seems tight, but £5 each for eight people is a lot of money to me.

But, should I have done better/nothing at all/something different?

Last year we had loads of teachers, TA etc to buy for so we got each of them a baylis and harding hand soap pump. They were about £1 each. I reckoned everyone uses pump soap somewhere in their house these days.
Many of the teachers came and commented on receiving a useful gift.
We have also given small bunches of flowers (Tesco ones for about £1 or £2 each) and they have been commented on specifically too.
I don't think it is the cost that counts but the token of appreciation for the very hard work teachers do.

I tend to buy a huge tin of nice biscuits but give them the school and some other random time of the year (small 1 entry primary, bigger school would equal 2 tins or more) simply because I think they get overloaded with food gifts at Christmas and it brings a bit of cheer and some "normal" time of the year IYSWIM.

A few special teachers have had specific gifts - wonderful reception teacher who is also SENCO.

I dont think its patronising at all. I will be sending in a couple of boxes of my cakes to the nursery for all the staff, and a nice card to say thanks. They are all, without exception, brilliant and they really go the extra mile.
Will send a card for Ds1's teacher probably. I have not been impressed with that school and ds is moving after christmas.
I only send a gift if I want to genuinely say thanks.

sorry, why is my comment odd?

Comparing someone saying thank you to a teacher to saying thank you to a plumber - hardly someone you build up a relationship with, unless you have very bad plumbing!

Seemed a bit sneering to me, but maybe that's because I must be too middle class obviously.

rude of you to pick at my point though

I usually get a nice big box of chocs for the staffroom and the DCs make cards for their teachers - always very well received.

I'd say a card with a meaningful thank you message would be worth more than a present.

This year my son has an extra wonderful teacher and i really do appreciate all her work/support. Have got her some half price wine and plan for us both to put some meaningful words in the card.

I work cleaning a school and sometimes, the teachers have given present to me or to the another cleaners.
One mum made a very nice cake and the teacher left in the table, another teacher put all Xmas card in the bin ( he did not bother to open them).

Someone gave me the idea of giving a nice book for the classroom, rather than spending the money on yet another bottle of wine / box of chocs / crap mug. What do people think - less personal and for the school and the teacher's classroom really which could be a plus or a minus...

I've always enjoyed cards with personal messages more so than expensive presents and I think most teachers would agree.