Teachers across the UK have revealed which Christmas gifts they really want
As we head towards Christmas, parents are preparing by going to stores to buy decorations, presents and gift wrapping.
Also on their list are end-of-year gifts for their child’s teacher.
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However, this often leaves parents wondering whether their gift is appropriate or sufficient, adding to the pressure on the holiday season.
According to a survey by Mumsnet, 45 percent of parents buy gifts for their children’s teachers at Christmas, despite many teachers not expecting presents.
Whether it’s a bottle of wine, chocolates or a ‘my favorite teacher’ mug, parents can be torn between what won’t be a waste of money.
But luckily, some teachers have set things right to make it easier for other parents.
One mother joined the Facebook group Tips and ideas for families to ask for help.
She wrote: “If there are teachers here that would be a huge bonus because my question is…
“What to buy a teacher for Christmas gifts (female teacher!)
“What do teachers like and dislike about Christmas presents, please.
“Thanks in advance xx.”
Many teachers rushed to the comments section to share their thoughts.
“I would much rather have a card with a heartfelt message or something homemade than have my class spend honest money on me,” wrote one teacher.
A second commented: “Firstly it is actually true that a card with a Nice message is the most special (I keep them all and read them when I have a hard time remembering my ‘why’).
“That said, if you do want to get a gift, anything is appreciated.
“I’m one of those weird teachers who likes mugs, candles, etc. that others say they should never buy teachers (much to my husband’s dismay).
“I also had a lovely afternoon tea at the weekend where some of my parents got together and came to pick me up in the summer.
Some people don’t, but I struggle with mugs and keepsakes – I want to keep them but don’t have room
Teacher’s commentary
“Teachers will really appreciate everything.”
And if any parent is wondering whether or not a bottle of wine is an appropriate thing to buy for a teacher, these teachers have set the record straight.
One wrote: “Wine. Always wine.”
A second said: “Prosecco. You can’t tell me there’s a teacher who wouldn’t appreciate Prosecco.”
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While someone else suggested the same but warned about the presents to try and avoid.
She wrote: “I like a bottle of wine, a bar of chocolate, cookies, etc.
“Some people don’t do that, but I have a hard time with mugs and souvenirs. I want to keep them, but I don’t have room.
“I have a husband and four children, so anything that can be eaten or drunk is fantastic.
I really don’t like mugs or anything personal
Teacher’s comment
“Cards are also beautiful, a nice message or nothing, it’s all fine.”
A second also agreed, saying: ‘I would avoid sulking and things like that; they get a lot of stuff like that in the primaries. One card is more than enough.
‘A card and some chocolate, decent. A small voucher, even better. We usually do a round and our primary school teachers get a larger voucher (for Marquis).”
While someone else said: “I’m a teacher.
Secrets of a school principal
By the secret schoolmaster
I started working in schools in 1996, when parents respected teachers and left us alone to do our work. Not anymore.
These days, parents don’t think about storming into schools to read the riot act to teachers when their precious child has been notified, lest they send angry emails in the middle of the night. Warning: it won’t make you popular.
I have worked in all kinds of schools in the South West of England, from state schools to private schools, and I can tell you that many teachers are currently dreading the start of the new school year.
They are prepared for tears and tantrums, not only from their students, but also from their parents.
Believe me, if you’re an annoying parent, it will spread like wildfire through the teacher’s lounge.
So whether it’s your child’s first day at a new school, or your child is moving on a year, these are the things you do that drive teachers crazy. . .
Parents often stand at the school gate complaining about how exhausted they are, and complaining that the teachers must have had a nice long holiday, while the six weeks they had to spend with the children were the worst.
Nothing could be further from the truth. During the first two weeks I was almost certainly struck by a lurgia that always seems to strike on the first day of the holiday.
The next two weeks could have been a real holiday, just like the average Brit takes in the summer, followed by two weeks of hectic lesson planning and administration.
Also keep in mind that I probably worked more than 50 hours a week during the school year. Contrary to popular belief, we do not clock off at 3 p.m.
Instead, we are involved in all sorts of after-school activities and meetings before heading home to do grading and more lesson planning. Please don’t show up or make sarcastic comments about our “six weeks off.”
We will not be happy.
“I’m happy to receive a nice thank you, but I know some parents like to receive something.
“Go with something useful! I like pens and stationery. Preferably pens with green ink, because that is the color in which I mark.
“I really don’t like mugs or anything personalized (I’m allergic to tea and coffee and the last personalized set I got had my name misspelled so I felt bad they spent money on it), but I got a Costa gift voucher from last year with which my husband and I went to eat cake.
“Chocolate and wine are always welcome, but again, these things cost money that parents don’t always have, so a nice card or photo signed by the child is wonderful.”
However, for those who are allergic, parents are urged to opt for a gift voucher.
One teacher explained: “I would avoid drinking and eating because of allergies. I’m a teacher and while every gift is nice, I can’t use most of the gifts I get due to allergies!
“I’d rather have a gift voucher! Supermarkets, Boots, Amazon etc.”
Should you buy a gift for a teacher?
If you’re wondering whether or not you should buy an end-of-year gift for your child’s teacher, look no further…
With the summer holidays fast approaching, Fabulous Senior Digital Writer and mother of two Sarah Bull wonders whether you should feel obliged to buy your children’s teachers a gift to mark the end of the school year.
Sarah said: ‘It can be expensive to keep the children off school for six weeks.
‘But before the end of the school year, parents across the country are also trying to reserve gifts for their children’s teachers.
“With teachers, teaching assistants, SEN specialists and other much-loved staff to buy for, it can be an expensive proposition.
“And while many schools actively discourage parents from spending their money on end-of-year gifts for teachers, I view it as an obligation.
‘After all, I know how tough my kids can be at home, and their teachers have to keep them under control for most of the day – don’t they deserve a token of appreciation?
‘I also wouldn’t want my children to feel left out when their friends arrive at school armed with pressure for their teachers.
“While some parents go all out with gifts, with alcohol and flowers being popular, I will do my best to stick to the £5 limit for each of the four members of staff I am buying for.
“And with some fantastic options in stores like Poundland, Home Bargains and B&M it should be easy for me to stick to my budget.”
