As the Christmas season approaches, many parents are considering gifts for their children’s teachers. A recent discussion on Reddit highlighted the varying opinions about gift-giving in educational settings, particularly in primary schools where one main teacher often guides students throughout the year. While it is less common in secondary schools due to multiple teachers and less interaction with parents, the sentiment remains that teachers appreciate the thought behind gifts.
According to data from the education discount platform Discounts for Teachers, a significant 87% of teachers feel valued when receiving gifts from students or parents. Despite this appreciation, the usage of such gifts varies; just 11% of teachers report using the presents they receive regularly, while 29% admit to rarely using them, and 55% say they sometimes find a use for them. Notably, 5% of teachers stated they never use the gifts given to them.
Preferred Gifts and Sentiments
When it comes to gift preferences, teachers have clear favorites. The survey indicates that gift cards are the most desirable option, with 69% of educators ranking them as the most useful present. Many parents choose to pool resources through platforms like Thankbox to provide a collective gift card to their children’s teachers and classroom staff.
Some teachers shared that handmade gifts, such as drawings or paintings, leave a lasting impression. Molly Archer, an early years teacher based in Hampshire, expressed, “The gifts I treasure most from students are the thoughtful ones, like a nice drawing or picture, or practical ones, like a coffee gift voucher.” However, not all gifts are met with the same enthusiasm. Some educators remarked on Reddit that items considered “tat” or homemade gifts often end up discarded. One teacher noted the influx of “best teacher” mugs over the years, highlighting the lack of storage space for such items.
While 12% of teachers indicated that they favor food or snacks as gifts, and 11% prefer self-care items, there is a prevailing sentiment that heartfelt messages carry significant weight. More than half of the teachers surveyed expressed a preference for receiving a card with a personal message over a physical gift.
As the holiday season draws near, parents are encouraged to consider what their children’s teachers truly value. A thoughtful card or a meaningful gesture can resonate more deeply than a traditional gift, reinforcing the bond between educators and their students.
