End of year gifts for primary school teachers, which type is better

[anotherside]

If you’re a primary school teacher (or have one in the family) which do you honestly prefer at the end of the year?
an organised whole class gift (class card, vouchers, big bouquet of flowers etc) or
lots of small individual gifts/cards from the children

Cards from the children and their parents are the things I treasure most. A heartfelt message means everything.

But if they insist on a gift, I can't lie- collective gift vouchers for somewhere like JL mean I can treat myself to something I would love.

That doesn't mean other gifts aren't appreciated- they are- but it can be difficult to find room for lots of mugs, candles etc, and toiletries and wine are so personal. I always appreciate the sentiment and thought though.

I never expect a gift.

I work in a very deprived area so have never received a whole class gift and I'm glad because I would never want anyone to feel pressured to contribute. Plus, I find them very impersonal to be honest.

I do receive some individual gifts from those who feel they can and want to. These are most appreciated but definitely not expected and I would hate to think anyone ever does it because they feel they they should.

Personally, a hand made card from the child and a verbal or written thank you from the parent, if they feel they want to, are my most treasured gifts. I always remember the personal heartfelt thank yous. They cost nothing (or at most the cost of a small card) but mean the most.

You can't go wrong with a card, whereas any consumables might go to waste or end up not being used by the teacher/TA they are intended for (eg certain chocolates or toiletries might be a no go due to allergies, they might not drink alcohol or it might actually be a problematic gift for them for various reasons. Even flowers might go to waste if they're heading straight off on holiday etc). Teachers always feel so guilty too when well intended gifts go to waste, especially when they know money is tight for their families. Honestly, a lovely card or just a verbal thank you will suffice and be cherished.

I wasn't at Primary but I did teach at secondary and when I left got some fabulous handmade cards from my students and have kept those. Generally we didn't get gifts though at the end of year.

For DDs teachers I always got her to make the card and write what she had enjoyed learning about that year and popped in a £5 Costa voucher.

What teachers don't want is loads of 'Best teacher in the world' tat. I wouldn't have wanted a whole class gift nor would I have wanted to contribute to one as it puts pressure on people to contribute when they may not be able to and becomes transactional and not actually about thanking the person for something specific.

I've got quite a few teachers/TA's in my family and the consensus seems to be - a whole class gift from the parents, but handwritten / hand made cards from the children.
Cards picked by the children or hand made, with hand written notes are often treasured, spoken about highly and kept.
The gifts although nice, thoughtful and appreciated are second to the cards from the children.