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Do you give a gift to your child's teacher at the end of the year?
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By *ickshawed OP Couple
over a year ago
Wolverhampton |
The school year is ending. Do you give their teacher a gift? What about the school caretaker or the crossing men/ladies?
My husband did the final school run yesterday as I was working. He said there were gift bags everywhere. It never even crossed my mind to do this. The nearest I get is encouraging them to write their teacher a Christmas card every year.
What do you do?
And if you work in a school, do you like it? Do you have 25 Best Teacher mugs?  |
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By *lueFireCouple
over a year ago
just somewhere around here |
"The school year is ending. Do you give their teacher a gift? What about the school caretaker or the crossing men/ladies?
My husband did the final school run yesterday as I was working. He said there were gift bags everywhere. It never even crossed my mind to do this. The nearest I get is encouraging them to write their teacher a Christmas card every year.
What do you do?
And if you work in a school, do you like it? Do you have 25 Best Teacher mugs? "
No!! My son is 18 now, but used to hate all that best teacher crap, more pressure on low income families to conform |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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As the partner of a teacher, the gifts she receives from Children are much appreciated.
The best one's are always from the 'challenging kids' who say a simple 'thank you' as she never knows whether she makes a difference with them. This proves she has!
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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The parents did a "whip round" and gave us all vouchers of our choice. I asked for a sports direct one as a kid at school on Friday was playing football with trainers that had no sole on them. They had worn so thin that his insole was hanging out. I recieved an E voucher this morning. Hoping I can buy a gift card from my local sports direct this morning before I get in at 11.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"The parents did a "whip round" and gave us all vouchers of our choice. I asked for a sports direct one as a kid at school on Friday was playing football with trainers that had no sole on them. They had worn so thin that his insole was hanging out. I recieved an E voucher this morning. Hoping I can buy a gift card from my local sports direct this morning before I get in at 11.
"
I'd do the same |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"The parents did a "whip round" and gave us all vouchers of our choice. I asked for a sports direct one as a kid at school on Friday was playing football with trainers that had no sole on them. They had worn so thin that his insole was hanging out. I recieved an E voucher this morning. Hoping I can buy a gift card from my local sports direct this morning before I get in at 11.
I'd do the same "
Many in education would. I got so many colleagues asking "what size is his feet" to donate footwear. unfortunately he hasn't been in the last two days due to the weather so nothing has been done. If I get a gift card and he's not in I'll just post it through the door. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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My sons are men now but I used to! They had some awesome teachers so it was well-deserved. I also tip in restaurants even though staff are paid.
I think it’s nice to do if a teacher goes above and beyond and so many of them did go above and beyond. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I used to, just a little token of appreciation and nothing expensive, but tbf my kids had some amazing teachers who deserved the credit
I have received some lovely things over the years, lots of 'best Teacher' keyrings, jewellery and of course the obligatory chocolate, all appreciated, never expected because the job is reward enough |
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"The parents did a "whip round" and gave us all vouchers of our choice. I asked for a sports direct one as a kid at school on Friday was playing football with trainers that had no sole on them. They had worn so thin that his insole was hanging out. I recieved an E voucher this morning. Hoping I can buy a gift card from my local sports direct this morning before I get in at 11.
I'd do the same
Many in education would. I got so many colleagues asking "what size is his feet" to donate footwear. unfortunately he hasn't been in the last two days due to the weather so nothing has been done. If I get a gift card and he's not in I'll just post it through the door. "
We collect preloved uniform and footwear for exactly this purpose at school. The teachers can then discreetly share them out to the children who need them |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"The parents did a "whip round" and gave us all vouchers of our choice. I asked for a sports direct one as a kid at school on Friday was playing football with trainers that had no sole on them. They had worn so thin that his insole was hanging out. I recieved an E voucher this morning. Hoping I can buy a gift card from my local sports direct this morning before I get in at 11.
I'd do the same
Many in education would. I got so many colleagues asking "what size is his feet" to donate footwear. unfortunately he hasn't been in the last two days due to the weather so nothing has been done. If I get a gift card and he's not in I'll just post it through the door. "
I donated a printer and ink to a year 10 student who's family didn't have (couldn't afford) to get one for him to do his coursework at home.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"The parents did a "whip round" and gave us all vouchers of our choice. I asked for a sports direct one as a kid at school on Friday was playing football with trainers that had no sole on them. They had worn so thin that his insole was hanging out. I recieved an E voucher this morning. Hoping I can buy a gift card from my local sports direct this morning before I get in at 11.
I'd do the same
Many in education would. I got so many colleagues asking "what size is his feet" to donate footwear. unfortunately he hasn't been in the last two days due to the weather so nothing has been done. If I get a gift card and he's not in I'll just post it through the door.
I donated a printer and ink to a year 10 student who's family didn't have (couldn't afford) to get one for him to do his coursework at home.
"
When you work in schools you see I different slice of life. There is a huge divide between the haves and have nots. Nice to see someone being part of the solution x
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Some like to go OTT with elaborate gifts - that’s not necessary. Children have a special bond with some of their teachers and a card is enough to teach them to show appreciation. We used to have a class whip round and buy vouchers when my daughter was in school
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Some like to go OTT with elaborate gifts - that’s not necessary. Children have a special bond with some of their teachers and a card is enough to teach them to show appreciation. We used to have a class whip round and buy vouchers when my daughter was in school
"
I honestly prefer kids giving me drawings at random times. I have.a fair few stuck in my diary. Even have a portrait of me as my phone screen saver |
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"The parents did a "whip round" and gave us all vouchers of our choice. I asked for a sports direct one as a kid at school on Friday was playing football with trainers that had no sole on them. They had worn so thin that his insole was hanging out. I recieved an E voucher this morning. Hoping I can buy a gift card from my local sports direct this morning before I get in at 11.
"
That's so nice! |
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"Some like to go OTT with elaborate gifts - that’s not necessary. Children have a special bond with some of their teachers and a card is enough to teach them to show appreciation. We used to have a class whip round and buy vouchers when my daughter was in school
I honestly prefer kids giving me drawings at random times. I have.a fair few stuck in my diary. Even have a portrait of me as my phone screen saver"
 |
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They collect for Christmas and end of term in my kids school.
I don't always give to the Christmas one, and I don't do cards for the staff and pupils. So I'll make a box of crafting items for the class for them to take in, for all the class to enjoy. |
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There's been a group whip round for our daughter's teacher and TA, only a small amount contributed by each person. I have no idea what the "organising committee" have bought.
As a teacher/education type, I don't want or expect gifts, but the best by a long chalk was a simple bunch of flowers with a handwritten card "the best Mum ever." It was from one of my students who'd had a VERY difficult year. I cried, and I'm not usually an emotional sort at work. |
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"As the partner of a teacher, the gifts she receives from Children are much appreciated.
The best one's are always from the 'challenging kids' who say a simple 'thank you' as she never knows whether she makes a difference with them. This proves she has!
"
No. It proves they gave her a gift. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I always did when kids were in primary. Or clubbed together with other parents. And a small Xmas pressie too (like a decoration). It was de rigeur at the school but I appreciated the extra mile they all went for my kids. Hugely.
I found a Costa voucher went down well and was easy to sort. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"We kept chickens when I was child so my teachers always got a pack of eggs "
My wife loves these sorts of presents. At least she did until she stopped eating meat & dairy. Nowadays we regift all the milk chocolate and most the booze.
For what it's worth she hand makes gifts for every kid in her class each year. It takes her days. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"No, it's a job for which they are paid, they aren't doing me a favour. "
Seriously? What about being part of your child's education and upbringing for their future life? |
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"P.S.
Most of you buy those gifts for your child's sake ... not the teacher. "
My students are adults. If they buy a gift, they do it themselves. I've explained above the "best" gift I've received in recent years. The flowers were nice, but the card sent me crying. I'm glad I could be his "Mum" for a year. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"No, it's a job for which they are paid, they aren't doing me a favour.
Seriously? What about being part of your child's education and upbringing for their future life?"
Everyone who supplies you with anything is part of your child's upbringing - do you tip your doctor or the farmer who grows the food they eat? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"No, it's a job for which they are paid, they aren't doing me a favour.
Seriously? What about being part of your child's education and upbringing for their future life?
Everyone who supplies you with anything is part of your child's upbringing - do you tip your doctor or the farmer who grows the food they eat? "
If they spent all bloody day five days a week for most the year you might.
Funnily enough my wife used to work on a kid's cancer ward. She often received gifts there too. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"P.S.
Most of you buy those gifts for your child's sake ... not the teacher.
This is true. I remember getting 'looks' because we were empty handed on the last day of term!! "
Exactly, it's just more social pressure bullshit. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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There’s usually a whip round with my kids classes but my kids have always chosen to make a card or drawing for their teacher instead. I think it’s more personal. X |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"The school year is ending. Do you give their teacher a gift? What about the school caretaker or the crossing men/ladies?
My husband did the final school run yesterday as I was working. He said there were gift bags everywhere. It never even crossed my mind to do this. The nearest I get is encouraging them to write their teacher a Christmas card every year.
What do you do?
And if you work in a school, do you like it? Do you have 25 Best Teacher mugs? "
As a general rule, I don’t bother. However what I do is is pop a bag into the school for the staff room with teabags, coffee, sugar, sweeteners, and a box of biscuits. Just as wee thanks to all the staff. Mind you, my youngest is about to start school after the holidays and I fear I might have to include some sort of alcohol for the staff as well haha
F (Mrs) |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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*Best Roy Keane voice* It's your job!
But seriously, if I had kids I would probably get the teacher a box of chocolates or something, just as a small gesture. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"*Best Roy Keane voice* It's your job!
But seriously, if I had kids I would probably get the teacher a box of chocolates or something, just as a small gesture."
Then it ends up like Christmas, 25 boxes of Roses rotting in a cupboard - gestures to tell yourself you're a nice person are purely self-centred |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"gestures to tell yourself you're a nice person are purely self-centred
Wow.
What a beautiful way to view the world."
I'm not one for token gestures, sorry if that offends you
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"gestures to tell yourself you're a nice person are purely self-centred
Wow.
What a beautiful way to view the world.
I'm not one for token gestures, sorry if that offends you
"
I'm not offended. Just amused.
If making other people feel shitty about the gestures they make works for you, then
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Gifts my adult students have given me over the years:
Flowers with personalised, handwritten words
A homemade chocolate cake
Minion balloons
A book about the history of the city the student is from
A handmade silk scarf from the student's home country, with handwritten translation of the care instructions from the student
A Swarovski crystal bracelet (a whole group clubbed together)
A bookmark
Arabian perfume
A box of instant Arab-style coffee pouches
You get the gist. I don't expect or want gifts, but the sort I might get are very personal, which is very touching and lovely. |
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By *ady LickWoman
over a year ago
Northampton Somewhere |
"P.S.
Most of you buy those gifts for your child's sake ... not the teacher.
This is true. I remember getting 'looks' because we were empty handed on the last day of term!!
Exactly, it's just more social pressure bullshit. "
Don't get me wrong, I remember getting a reception teacher a 'shoe fund' money box (one of those ones you smash to open, in a sale) when my first child finished that year. It took me ages to find that. When my son handed it over she just said thanks and put it with all the other gifts she had been given and said words to the effect of love this time of year. It was probably then that I thought I wouldn't bother again! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"gestures to tell yourself you're a nice person are purely self-centred
Wow.
What a beautiful way to view the world.
I'm not one for token gestures, sorry if that offends you
I'm not offended. Just amused.
If making other people feel shitty about the gestures they make works for you, then
"
Its only likely to make them feel shitty if it's accurate |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"The school year is ending. Do you give their teacher a gift? What about the school caretaker or the crossing men/ladies?
My husband did the final school run yesterday as I was working. He said there were gift bags everywhere. It never even crossed my mind to do this. The nearest I get is encouraging them to write their teacher a Christmas card every year.
What do you do?
And if you work in a school, do you like it? Do you have 25 Best Teacher mugs?
No!! My son is 18 now, but used to hate all that best teacher crap, more pressure on low income families to conform"
The competition to get the biggest/ best gift is ridiculous. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"The parents did a "whip round" and gave us all vouchers of our choice. I asked for a sports direct one as a kid at school on Friday was playing football with trainers that had no sole on them. They had worn so thin that his insole was hanging out. I recieved an E voucher this morning. Hoping I can buy a gift card from my local sports direct this morning before I get in at 11.
"
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"*Best Roy Keane voice* It's your job!
But seriously, if I had kids I would probably get the teacher a box of chocolates or something, just as a small gesture.
Then it ends up like Christmas, 25 boxes of Roses rotting in a cupboard - gestures to tell yourself you're a nice person are purely self-centred"
If I wanted to do it to show I'm a nice person, it wouldn't be through a box of fucking chocolates. Lighten up  |
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By *ickshawed OP Couple
over a year ago
Wolverhampton |
Some very different opinions on here. It's interesting to see different takes on the subject
I've never felt pressured to get a gift. It just came as a surprise this year. I think I've been so busy with work, and that bloody awful heat, that the thought of getting any gifts didn't occur to me. Plus we have a birthday in the family on Saturday, so I've been more concerned about that.
We have done thoughtful gifts before now. Handwritten cards, and my daughter gave her teacher chocolate in the middle of term once - just because she wanted to  |
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I’ve worked in multiple schools and currently work in education. I was never fussed about the presents; they’re mostly given to Primary teachers rather than Secondary. I do LOVE a handmade card, even made on paper, or a little note written by a child I’ve taught or supported. These are more special to me than any present. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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When I was a teacher, I didn't really want the gifts.
But one year, a kid got me a notebook and they were excited to give it to me because it was yellow, which is my favourite colour. That made my day. And another kid got me a pen with a dog on it because I used to write stories about my dog all the time.
The worst gift I got was a little cushion that said 'best teacher' on it. Please don't buy shit like that. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"When I was a teacher, I didn't really want the gifts.
But one year, a kid got me a notebook and they were excited to give it to me because it was yellow, which is my favourite colour. That made my day. And another kid got me a pen with a dog on it because I used to write stories about my dog all the time.
The worst gift I got was a little cushion that said 'best teacher' on it. Please don't buy shit like that. "
you need a kill bill jump suit as a gift  |
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No. It is becoming a pissing contest at my lads school now as well which puts unnecessary strain on struggling families. The teachers don’t help as it’s becoming more and more accepted that parents ‘gift’ them for doing their job.  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"No. It is becoming a pissing contest at my lads school now as well which puts unnecessary strain on struggling families. The teachers don’t help as it’s becoming more and more accepted that parents ‘gift’ them for doing their job. "
It's not at all expected. It's nice when it happens but a simple "thank you" is sufficient- as you can see by some of the comments on here, sometimes even that is too much effort. |
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I didn't ever give teachers a gift, I did sometimes write a letter of thanks.
The members of my family who were teachers used to have to make trips to put of town charity shops with bag loads of items. It wasn't that they didn't appreciate it, they just genuinely couldn't use all the things they were given.
I did know a woman in the far East who on dropping her son at school on his first day took off her expensive wrist watch and gave it to the teacher |
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By *ill74Man
over a year ago
New forest area |
"No, it's a job for which they are paid, they aren't doing me a favour. "
Wow. Seriously. They work bloody hard. And have to deal with ungrateful parents. And get abuse, from kids, from parents. Parents who don't turn up at parents evening etc etc.
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