Spill the beans... on end-of-term gifts for teachers

Former_MSE_Debs

Spill the beans... on end-of-term gifts for teachers [IMGRIGHT]http://images.moneysavingexpert.com/images/spillthebeans2.gif[/IMGRIGHT]

It's a fast growing tradition to tip the teach. So we'd like to know what you give Mr Smith or Ms Jones, if anything at all. And teachers - what do you think the best way of handling this is?


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JoshP

Seriously VoucherMan? Try doing the job.

minimoneysaver

If parents must give gifts, the most appreciated is book vouchers or similar. I've heard of parents getting together at some schools and picking up M&S vouchers etc. Unfortunately at the end of the school year, the last thing most teachers want is mountains of chocolate, mugs and teddy bears.

bylromarha

With my parent head on - yes I do get teachers presents, but only if my kids have enjoyed school and I have felt listened to if I had any concerns. I think it's important to acknowledge the person who has spent SO much time with your child.

Small bottle of wine/Baileys and/or a face mask is a winner - a "pamper package"
A previous idea on here which I loved, and used, was a lottery scratchcard.
Going to get one teacher a Nandos gift card this year as its been a running joke with her, the other a amazon voucher as we've had kindle chats.

As I'm a primary teacher too, I don't buy chocolates, smellies or flowers as teachers do get inundated with these things. I also don't buy "best teacher" stuff either as it is overpriced and jumping on the bandwagon.

Best present I ever received was end of year presents that reflected that my class had listened to me and had a good relationship with me - I spoke to them a lot about my music tastes (Pop Stars was new on TV, so music was always being chatted about) and towards the end of the year with that class I bought my first house - I spoke A LOT about it and how the garden was a mud patch. I was so chuffed at the end of that year to get plants for my new garden from some kids and others got CDs with music on by people they knew I liked listening to.

But please know the presents ARE NOT expected!!!! Any present I get is treasured as I receive the present in the way I give them as a parent - received as a sign that I have helped the child have an enjoyable year.

daisiegg

As a secondary teacher we don't really get anything at the end of the school year but sometimes I'll get the odd Christmas present....I appreciate anything and always keep and treasure cards with a personal message...toiletries are always very welcome and wine! Things like notepads and diaries and stuff can be nice. I have had scented candles before too which is lovely. Don't like chocolates - I am allergic to them and just have to give them away!

I don't think parents should feel obligated to get teachers a present, but it is really lovely. I put lots of time and care into looking after my form - each girl gets a cupcake on her birthday and a birthday card, I join in their secret Santa at Christmas, give them something small at Easter and bring in homemade cakes etc at the end of term. So I especially appreciate cards with personal messages

System

We usually make a personalised mug filled with little things that the particular teacher will like, but this year we made personalised wooden door signs for each teachers classroom. My children designed them and helped to paint them.
Linda
PS The teachers did appear to like them :-)

thegirlintheattic

I would personally be very grateful for classroom supplies (glue, pens, pencils) instead of presents.

pleasedelete

No Nos

Anything with a photo of your child on it
Homemade cakes- no matter how nice you think your house is teachers rarely eat the donated cakes or biscuits- thats why they all have fat dogs!
Anything best teacher

Flowers not good as they are often going on holiday. I remember one year stopping at old folks home on way to airport with a boot full of lovely flowers

Toiletries too personal.

Best gift... Well I got a goat once (in Africa from rotary- liked that!) a friend always says no gifts but they can donate to a school in Africa- she has funded 6 classrooms all named by her classes.

I give my childrens teachers wine or once cash (going abroad).

Teachers don't really expect anything. most would rather get a lovely handwritten note than a gift.

You can always tell a teachers stall at the car boot sale!

clarey33_2

thegirlintheattic wrote: »

I would personally be very grateful for classroom supplies (glue, pens, pencils) instead of presents.

Totally agree with this, we never have enough of these in our class!

shiprob195

I made my son's three reception class teachers .... Homemade calico shopping bags with the word "SHOP" in appliqued fabric. I also included a small bottle of wine and a small box of chocolates.
Total cost £4 for each teacher.

snozberry

pleasedelete wrote: »

Teachers don't really expect anything. most would rather get a lovely handwritten note than a gift.

This, absolutely this!

The best gifts that I get are the ones that the children have made themselves. I've had bowls, magnets, necklaces and pictures over the years and they are the ones that I treasure.