As Christmas approaches, many parents are contemplating whether to give gifts to their children’s teachers. A recent discussion on Reddit highlighted this common dilemma, particularly among families with children in primary schools, where students typically have one main teacher and several teaching assistants throughout the year. The conversation revealed that while teachers do not expect gifts, they certainly appreciate the gesture.
According to the education discount platform Discounts for Teachers, an impressive 87% of educators feel valued when they receive a present from a student or parent. This sentiment underscores the importance of expressing gratitude during the holiday season. Despite this appreciation, the survey revealed that only 11% of teachers consistently use the gifts they receive. In fact, 55% of teachers report using them only occasionally, while 29% admit they rarely incorporate them into their lives, and 5% say they never do.
Preferred Gifts Among Educators
So, what do teachers genuinely want for Christmas? If parents are considering a token of appreciation, the survey from Discounts for Teachers indicates that gift cards are the top choice, with over 69% of teachers finding them the most practical gift. Some parents have taken to platforms like Thankbox to collectively purchase gift cards for their children’s teachers and the classroom staff.
Beyond gift cards, the personal touch of handmade gifts holds significant value. Early years teacher Molly Archer from Hampshire remarked, “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.” Such gifts highlight the impact of creativity and thoughtfulness, leaving lasting impressions on educators.
However, not all handmade items are well received. Some teachers shared on Reddit that items perceived as “tat” or excessive homemade crafts often end up discarded. One teacher expressed surprise that people do not realize the volume of similar gifts they receive over the years, stating, “Imagine how many best teacher mugs you can get given over 5 years, easily fifty plus. Teachers don’t have a TARDIS for storing excess junk.”
Sentiment Over Material Gifts
The survey also revealed that just over 12% of teachers prefer food or snacks as gifts, while 11% favor self-care items. When asked whether they valued heartfelt cards over physical gifts, a majority indicated that the sentiment behind the card matters most. More than half of the surveyed teachers expressed a preference for receiving a card with a personal message rather than a tangible gift.
As the holiday season approaches, parents considering gifts for teachers should keep these insights in mind. A thoughtful gesture, whether simple or elaborate, can significantly convey appreciation for the hard work educators put into their roles. Ultimately, the meaningfulness of the gift often outweighs its monetary value, reinforcing the bond between teachers and their students.
