Are end of term gifts getting out of control?

How much should parents donate for teachers' end of year leaving gifts? Some school PTAs have decided to ask for a specific amount, others leave it to your discretion. Either way, those with more than one child at the school can find this time of year all rather expensive.

We're interested in finding out what happens at your school, so please fill in our survey and tell us what you think is the right amount. Or perhaps you're convinced that your child's teacher would actually prefer a gift lovingly made by your child's fair hands. You're wrong, you know. Think of all those things your children bring home for you and multiply it by 30 a year...

Our leaving gifts survey is now closed, but you can see the results here!

Read Alpha Mummy on this very subject too.

(picture by G2 on flickr.com)

Comments

[Adrian]

My primary school headteacher wife receives a variety of mainly chocolate related gifts each summer, as a secondary school deputy head I haven't received a gift in years. The gifts are entirely voluntary as far as my wife is concerned and hardly merit the stream of pathetic vitriol from Angela Pertusini. The gifts pale into insignificance alongside say, a banker's bonus or a corporate hospitality visit to Lords, Wembley or similar. Ms Pertusini is of course entitled to her view as are we to take the decision not to ever again purchase a newspaper that clearly values our profession so little.

[Kate Morgan]

Last year, I gave the teachers at my children's schools gifts from Oxfam Unwrapped - pertinent to teaching. If I remember correctly, they were school book sets and school fees. It's a token gift, that's intended for the greater good, as far as I see it.

[kellie]

As a teacher in NZ our end of year is at the same time as christmas, so i get a mixture of Christmas cards and presents and other things that children have decided to give me (last week I got given a toy from a child who then proceeded to give me instructions for it to be in the class for my next years class and how to feed it). I dont expect or get presents from every child, but it is nice to be told thank you I think you did a good job with my child from parents. A card with a child written message is way more meaning full to be that a box of chocolates a parent has picked up. I love pictures made for me and I display all the ones i get though the year on my big cupboard door which i have to change whenever i run out of space. Sorry for rambling

[chc]

As a teacher myself I would like to add that presents are definitely not expected, but are appreciated. And I certainly do not treat children differently depending on the value (or lack of) a present! Don't forget that despite low pay we are professionals!

[James]

Giving should be voluntary on the parents' part, not something that teachers expect. We have rewarded exceptional teachers with gift cards, but they seemed to appreciate the special gifts more - a T-shirt signed by all the students, etc.

[Emma]

I wonder how many teachers have a cupboard full of mugs proclaiming them to be the worlds best teacher?

A contribution to a well thought out gift is certainly more preferable to random 'buying for the sake of it' but forgive me if I am wrong, I thought the gifts were meant to be a little thank you from the children?

Teachers gifts have definitely gone mad if this is what is now 'expected' from the 'parents'.

[Reggie]

Teachers work very hard indeed for little pay. It isn't reasonable to complain about having to contribute to a gift for them. At our school there is no amount suggested, but there is a collection in each class. That is the "culture" of the school, and ensures that parents do not waste their money on unwanted,individual presents. The collection money is used for vouchers.

[Autumn in August]

I really don't know how much we should contribute to the class teachers and whether we should really! They are meant to do their work and their proficiency reflects on the child's progress.
But then, it was only today that I had to accompany my wife to buy presents for the class teachers and .......... the teaching assistants. I did feel the pinch. But then again, there you go.

[education for everyone]

So its a bribe, yes ? You give a baksheesh, so that your child is treated preferable. Corruption is not gracious, really.

[Sarah]

As a full time working mum who is in the throws of moving office, preparing child's birthday party and two weeks holiday it was a relief to receive a short note asking if I would like to make a donation to the leaving gift. All I can say is a big thank you to those parents/helpers who have the time to organise things like this...

[Kathryn]

"That effort" is their job, which they are paid to do. Everyone should be paid a proper living wage for the job that they do, and should strive to do it to the best of their ability. I disapprove of topping up wages with tips and bribes under all circumstances.

[Michaela]

It is a lovely gesture to make to teachers, and yes with several children at different schools it can become a mini xmas shop rush! But it's not expected and they are just as happy with a child's created gift as with something bought. So it is up to the parent and student to work out what's good. Often a suggested amount is given for a wedding present but it is only suggested and any parent who feels they have to do this exactly shouldn't. It's suggested for a reason!

[Caroline]

For better or for worse, teachers have an enormous impact on our children's lives. If they make an extra effort, our children benefit. Rewarding that effort is only gracious, really.