I’m a former nursery teacher – what we really want as end-of-year gifts, including the FREE item we’d prefer over a mug
IF you are wondering what to get your child’s teacher as an end-of-year gift, then don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
With many schools in the UK set to break up for the six week holidays very soon, thinking of what to buy a teacher to say thank you for their hard work is a challenging decision for many parents to make.
And particularly with the cost of living crisis making many of our purses feeling tighter than ever before, if you don’t want to waste money on a gift that your child’s teacher won’t like or use, then you’ll need to take notes.
Thankfully, a former teacher has made the decision that bit easier – and has revealed the presents teachers don’t want to receive.
Posting on social media, Sidnie, a former nursery school teacher from the US, revealed the gifts that teachers can’t stand, leaving many totally stunned.
Sidnie confirmed that whilst she and many of her teacher friends don’t want to receive candles, they also can’t stand teacher mugs either.
Instead, she revealed what parents should give instead – and it might surprise you.
Posting online, Sidnie shared her short clip with the caption ‘As a mum and former preschool teacher…no more mugs please.’
She then said: “If you’re planning on getting your kids teachers an end of school year gift, great, do that.”
Sidnie advised: “But do not give them mugs. Do not give them Bath and Body Works lotions and candles.
“They don’t want junk and they have a lot of mugs.”
Instead, Sidnie continued: “What they do want is cash and gift cards – Target gift cards, coffee gift cards, cash – please, do that.
“Even a handwritten note is better than junk.”
Sidnie later wrote: “If you know them well and you know they like something specific that’s great! But if you don’t, cash and gift cards are best.”
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @sidniesays, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 44,500 views.
But social media users were left stunned by Sidnie’s claims and many took to the comments to share their thoughts.
If you’re planning on getting me a gift I’ll be grateful and gracious for anything!
Teacher, TikTok user
One person said: “I agree with you.”
Another added: “Lotions and candles are great, they can always be used.”
Should you buy a teacher a gift?
IF you are wondering whether or not to buy your child's teacher an end-of-year gift, look no further...
As the summer holidays fast approach, Fabulous Senior Digital Writer and mum-of-two Sarah Bull weighs in on whether you should feel obliged to buy your kids’ teachers a present to mark the end of term.
Sarah said: “It can be pricey trying to keep the kids entertained during six weeks off school.
“But before the end of term, parents all over the country are also trying to budget for gifts for their kids’ teachers too.
“With teachers, teaching assistants, SEN specialists and other beloved staff members to buy for, it can be an expensive business.
“And while lots of schools actively discourage parents from spending their money on end-of-term presents for teachers, I consider it an obligation.
“After all – I know how tough my kids can be at home, and their teachers have to keep them in check for the majority of the day – so 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 pressies for their teachers.
“While some parents go all out with gifts, with alcohol and flowers popular choices, I’ll be doing my best to stay at the £5 mark for each of the four staff members I’ll be buying for.
“And with some fab options in stores like Poundland, Home Bargains and B&M, it should be easy for me to stick to my budget.”
A third asked: “Why is Bath and Body Works considered junk?”
Someone else commented: “Cash?! That’s icky and extremely tacky!”
Whilst one teacher penned: “If you’re planning on getting me a gift I’ll be grateful and gracious for anything!! Why? Because I have class!!”
At the same time, one parent explained: “So, that’s not going to happen. You’re not a friend or family who comes first. So guess you get nothing.”
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