As the holiday season approaches, many parents find themselves contemplating the appropriate gifts for their child’s teachers. A recent discussion on Reddit highlights the significance of this practice, particularly in primary schools where a single teacher often guides a student throughout the year. While secondary school teachers typically engage with more students and have less interaction with parents, the sentiment remains that thoughtful gestures are appreciated across educational levels.
According to a survey conducted by the education discount platform, Discounts for Teachers, a substantial 87% of educators expressed that they feel valued when receiving gifts from students or their families. Despite this appreciation, teachers report varied usage of the gifts they receive, with just 11% stating they always utilize them. In contrast, 29% admit to “rarely” using the gifts, while 55% use them “sometimes.” A small 5% of teachers mentioned they never use the gifts they receive.
Preferred Gifts and Thoughtful Gestures
When it comes to selecting a gift, certain options are more favored than others. The survey indicates that gift cards are the top choice, with 69% of teachers indicating they find them the most useful. Parents often collaborate to purchase gift cards for their children’s teachers through platforms like Thankbox, ensuring that the gifts are appreciated and practical.
Some teachers shared their most cherished gifts, emphasizing the value of personal touches. Molly Archer, an early years teacher 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.” This sentiment resonates with many educators who appreciate the creativity and effort put into handmade gifts, although some have noted that generic items, such as “best teacher” mugs, can become overwhelming over time.
While 12% of teachers in the survey indicated a preference for food or snacks, 11% expressed a liking for self-care items. When asked about their preferences between heartfelt cards and physical gifts, many teachers agreed that the sentiment behind a message is what truly matters. More than half of the educators stated they would prefer to receive a card with a personal note rather than a physical gift.
The insights from this survey provide a clearer understanding of what teachers genuinely appreciate during the festive season. As parents consider how to express gratitude for the hard work and dedication of educators, focusing on thoughtful, practical gifts and heartfelt messages can go a long way in making teachers feel valued and respected.
