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Primary education

Join our Primary Education forum to discuss starting school and helping your child get the most out of it.

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Original poster

So, when did it become the done thing to buy teachers end-of-term presents?

51 replies

HuwEdwards · 07/08/2006 13:38

Have been meaning to post this for ages.

I had no idea this was the 'done thing' and DD therefore turned up with a home-made card (one she'd done off her own back) on the last day, to find the classroom swimming in presents. At home-time, all the kids traipsed out with (obv prepreared) 'thankyou' notes from the teachers.

When did this happen? I mean ok, so am old, (in fact my first class had a real coal fire). But I don't ever recall presents for the teacher.

And most of all why??

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Clayhead · 24/08/2006 16:47

I can remember my mum getting them in the mid 70s (she taught primary) and I also took them for my teacher at that time.

motherinferior · 24/08/2006 16:48

I gave DD1's main class teacher a bottle of wine last Christmas, and another one at the end of the academic year. I think she's totally lovely, and has done a splendid job.

noonar · 24/08/2006 16:51

Sorry, I should also have acknowleded the nice comments, eg those by Gem and MotherInferior.

noonar · 24/08/2006 16:51

Sorry, I should also have acknowleded the nice comments, eg those by Gem and MotherInferior.

Pamina3 · 24/08/2006 17:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

noonar · 24/08/2006 17:07

Pamina, I think it's very odd- and unacceptable imo- to have a collection, except for leaving presents, wedding presents and the like.

TitianRed · 29/08/2006 16:06

Well said, Noonar. I have taught for 11 years and, although I am always touched by people's generosity, I would never simply expect to get a gift because of the job I have chosen to do. The best present ever is a sincere 'thank you' from a child I have taught, or from a parent. BTW I think that anyone in any profession who does a good job deserves a thank you. It costs nothing and can mean so much.

solidfoundation · 30/01/2013 18:23

Teachers do an enormous amount of work such as organising residential trips and running clubs for which they don't get paid a penny. It's just a simple thank you. These are not in their job descriptions.

WiganKebab · 30/01/2013 21:01

Don't take any notice. I also work hard, but don't get gifts from my 'employer' (that's what you are, effectively) every term. If a teacher isn't thrilled with a home-made card, then it's a sad day. If the parents think they can buy the teacher's attention for their child with gifts, then that's an even sadder day (plus I reckon they're a bit puddled). Bobbins.

Hassled · 30/01/2013 21:05

Certainly it was the done thing from the mid-90s, when my oldest started school. But I don't think it happened when I was at school - so must have started some time in the late 80s?

I don't begrudge the gift buying at all - my DCs' teachers work bloody hard and have usually done an excellent job. Spending a few quid on a plant or some chocolate seems like the least I can do.

storynanny · 30/01/2013 22:13

Please do not buy us a present, we are paid for doing the job. If your child had fun, was happy to go to school every day and made good progress we would love a thank you. (Teacher for 34years)

exoticfruits · 30/01/2013 22:17

You do not have to give! I liked to do it and so did the DCs. It is up to the individual.

storynanny · 30/01/2013 22:31

Of course it's up to individuals, I'm just concerned that it is becoming something that parents feel they have to join in with. The children who don't give the teacher a present often look on sadly as if they wished they had something to give - that is something I feel very awkward about.
I usually give a small gift, sweets or stationary at the end of the year out of my own pocket, however several times in my career I have been asked by a parent where their child's present is!

storynanny · 30/01/2013 22:32

Ps a good compromise is to send a tin of biscuits to the staff room, always much appreciated.

exoticfruits · 30/01/2013 22:35

The teacher really doesn't mind! A home made card is the best thing. People are free to do what they want to do- I never know why people expect everyone to fit in with their view.

LauraShigihara · 30/01/2013 22:37

Ahem, this is quite an old thread

Isn't the ettiquette to shout ZOMBIE ?

sausagesandwich34 · 30/01/2013 22:39

you do realise this thread started in 2006?

is this the oldest zombiw thread in history?

sausagesandwich34 · 30/01/2013 22:40

gah -cross posted

JustAHolyFool · 30/01/2013 22:40

I am a teacher and I find the gift-giving uncomfortable. I am allergic to milk so can't eat chocolates. I have sensitive skin so I can't use bath stuff. So all the stuff goes to charity or, er, gets re-given to someone else.

And I feel guilty as hell! But I'd really rather just have a card.

mydadsdaughter · 30/01/2013 22:42

I gave my Ds class some books that I got from the charity shop but I'm a tight arse!

havingastress · 30/01/2013 22:45

My favourite gift to receive is a hand-written card.

You ask "Why?' though?

Well, why not? You tip your hairdresser every time you go. £5 tip, 6 times a year. All she does is your hair.

Teachers are educating your children, and if they're good, they are having a positive life influence on them at the same time. Why on earth would you begrudge spending a fiver on them ONCE to show your appreciation?!

As a fairly new-ish teacher, I'm actually not paid that well! So I really appreciated all of the gifts I received.

However, as other teachers have said, a gift is not needed nor expected. It is, however, lovely to feel appreciated.

exoticfruits · 31/01/2013 07:17

I didn't realise it was an old thread. There are always people who get a bee in their bonnet about it. It is all rather pointless- people are free to do what they want to do and I think it a nice gesture that need not cost much. It is the thought that counts- do a homemade card. It won't change.

DeWe · 31/01/2013 10:10

We used to give presents at Christmas and the end of year when I was at school in the 70s/80s.

My dc's teachers often give them a little present (think bookmark/pen type) at Christmas, end of year and some of them on their birthdays. This comes out of their own money.

But I don't think the teachers need to do individual thank yous generally. A note on the door saying "Teacher is very grateful for all the presents. Thank you and have a nice Christmas" is more than enough.

exoticfruits · 31/01/2013 19:29

I wrote thank you letters to all the DCs-I think that you should do as you expect them to do-it is unfair to expect them to write thank you letters when adults can't be bothered.

bishybashyboshy · 04/02/2013 10:41

Giving presents at the end of a school year for the class teacher was something I remember from school in the late 80's early 90's, and I am aware they still do it today, but at the end of each term no. I must say I use my discretion (if I don't believe the teacher has taught my son or hasn't made my son feel valued or happy at school during the year) I don't waste the money and he makes a card if he wants to or I will begrudgingly waste the smallest amount of money possible buy a little something if he asks (without any suggestions from myself of course ). In the 3 years he has been attending school he has taken in 1 present and that was to his wonderful reception teacher, and hopefully fingers crossed he will be taking a lovely present in for his current teacher at the end of this year.

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