Christmas presents for teachers?

[tulippa]

DD is in Year 7 - first in family to go to secondary school.

We were just wondering what the score is for teachers' Christmas presents at secondary? We don't intend to get all her subject teachers presents as that would be far too much but is it normal to get something for the form tutor?

Only ever to teachers, the child might want to give a gift to. Then really only class teacher and favourite sports coach at the end of the year, and to some of her favourite teachers when she left the school after GCSEs. Usually bottles of wine, or nice chocs, and very much a gift from the child.

There can be some ostentatious gift giving at London private schools, which can be a bit uncomfortable. (We knew one teacher who was given a present from Harrods complete with gift receipt. When he took it back he discovered he had a credit for £1,000.) Good schools will have a policy.

We are in the same boat this year (Ds yr 7). I don't even know the names of most of his teachers yet, thinking about it I don't think he does either! Ds rarely wants to buy gifts for teachers unless they have made a massive impact on him and then he tends to make them something rather than spend money so we will wait and see. Will be watching this thread.

DD (Year 8 at à French school) has bought a Christmas scented candle in a pretty pot for a favourite teacher. DP and I will get a present for the head of middle school, to whom we are both grateful and close. And he's terrific!

If i get cards it is unusual these days. I once received a hand made table centre piece. Loved it.

For a tutor or special teacher at any level, book vouchers are nice. Chocolate is better than alcohol, but I'm an American. Drinking is less acceptable here.

£1000 Harrods gift... crikey.
I can't remember ever taking gifts in to school at all!

Champagne is a very acceptable Christmas gift in France. I often get champagne for music teachers, tutors etc.

Haha my school has the £50 rule too.

My DS (yr 8) will be giving token gifts to a few teachers who have really gone the extra mile for him this term, and his tutors.

DD gives a present to form tutor. In the past we have also done presents for teachers that have gone way beyond the call of duty - mainly on the pastoral side of things rather than the teaching.