Teachers' gifts: yes or no, buy or make, group or individual

PasturesNew

I'd not buy gifts for the teacher. It never used to happen, except where gifts weren't some "power pecking order". In the olden days if a kid gave a teacher a gift it was about 50p worth, something from Poundland equivalent.

Many schools have banned it.

Teachers don't want that cr4p either.

Former_MSE_Andrea

If you're on Twitter vote in our twitter polls (we've added them to the first post too):

Parents! Do you give end-of-year gifts to your kids' teachers?

Teachers! Do you get end-of-year gifts from your classes?

pjcox2005

As a son of a teacher, I can say confidentially that the chocolates being brought home at the end of each term was always a great day! That was back in late 80s/early 90s.

Quackers1

I'm a teacher in a Secondary school.

I am always thrilled when students say 'Thank You' at the end of a lesson that they've enjoyed.

At the end of this term I received a heartfelt card from parents of one of my Upper Sixth Students (it even made me cry!) and I will treasure it, they were kind enough to speak to my Head Teacher about my efforts which is a priceless gift in itself. I also received a small gift from the student himself - as well as teaching my 'normal' subject, I have also supported him with revision in his other A Levels.

I never expect anything - material or verbal - so when it happens, it is a lovely gesture.

I would go for a card (possibly drawn or written by the student themselves) as my suggestion. They really will be treasured and appreciated.

Person_one

Mupette wrote: »

I don't get gifts for doing my job!!

I do, sometimes, and its always really appreciated and a lovely gesture. Its not the thing itself, its the fact that somebody feels you did a good enough job that they want to acknowledge it above and beyond just a quick 'thank you'. A nice, personal card is just as lovely too and I'm sure is just as welcomed by most teachers as an actual gift.

I think when your job is so much about the relationships you form and is so personal its a bit different to when its more 'business'.

teddysmum

I used to be a teacher, both primary and secondary and all my gifts were from secondary pupils (not from parents).


It was delightful to receive a gift, especially from two 'naughty' girls who wanted to apologize for being pests (they'd grown up), but I don't think teachers should receive gifts for just doing their job. However a small gesture is nice when the teacher has gone the extra mile, by giving up their own time (lunch break or after school) to help.

marisco_2

What means the most is for a child to hand you a note they have written themselves telling you how they have felt to be in your class, or for them to simply come up and talk to you. Felt choked up beyond words today when one child told me that he would miss me next year.

HiToAll

presents for teachers. I have heard it all now.

Do these teachers not get.......oh I dont know.......paid for the job they were not forced to do and is no surprise what the working conditions are like.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

I got an anonymous gift bag with a bottle of wine left on my desk today.

I don't particularly like wine, but *somebody* thought I was worth it and a gift bag.

DigForVictory

A cousin has left the teaching profession, but when someone suggested she declutter the box of thankyou cards she'd kept, it went down Very Badly.
A letter, a home made card - these last longer than chocolates or soaps or shop bought tributes.