Latest news with #teachergifts
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
I'm a former teacher and these are the three gifts to avoid giving at the end of the year - and the one I kept my entire career
As the school year draws to a close, grateful parents across the country are scrambling to pick the perfect thank-you gift for their child's teacher. Many will gift flowers and chocolates to their children's class teacher as a thank you for their hard work - but certain gifts should be avoided, according to one former teacher. Damon Culbert, who worked in a primary school for years, told Femail small, meaningful gifts are the best way to go to make a teacher feel 'appreciated, and even encourage them to stay another year'. 'My favourite gift wasn't expensive; it was a short video from one of my pupils saying thank you. I still have it today,' Damon, who According to him, the best gifts are personal. A heartfelt note or a small item that shows the teacher was really seen can make a big impact. 'A personalised gift from the whole class could cost as little as 30p per parent, and it's something the teacher will treasure forever.' Despite good intentions, some gifts miss the mark - including alcohol. 'While it might seem like a safe, grown-up gift, alcohol can actually be a bit of a gamble,' he said. 'Not every teacher drinks, and with the rise of sober-curiosity, many are cutting back or avoiding it altogether. 'Unless you know for sure that your child's teacher enjoys a particular drink (and you've seen them enjoy it), it's probably best to steer clear. 'For some, it can feel a bit inappropriate, especially in a professional setting. 'More often than not, bottles end up re-gifted or collecting dust in a cupboard. A thoughtful alternative will always go down better.' He added that food gifts can also be risky. 'Between allergies, dietary preferences, and the sheer volume of sweet treats teachers receive at the end of term, a food gift will often go uneaten. 'Unless your child knows a teacher's favourite snack or brand, it's unlikely to land in a meaningful way. 'It's not that we don't appreciate the gesture, but a personal touch will always stand out more than a generic box of chocolates. 'Something like a cookbook or a jar of homemade jam can feel far more thoughtful.' Finally, children should avoid gifting any expensive brands. 'I completely understand that parents want to show how much they appreciate their child's teacher, but expensive items from luxury brands can sometimes have the opposite effect,' Damon said. 'They can make teachers feel awkward, or even guilty, especially if they know other families may be struggling financially. 'A gift that costs a tenth of the price but shows genuine thought or a personal connection will have ten times the impact. 'Gifts like a class-made memory jar or a framed thank-you note are far more meaningful and far more likely to be kept.'
The Sun
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I'm a mum & I was torn to pieces over the gift I gave my kid's teacher – people called me cheap but it's not about money
A MUM has hit back after being torn apart for the gifts she got her kid's teacher. Heidi Powell, an influencer and mum-of-four shared an image of the goodies to social media. 2 2 But the clip has recently resurfaced after being filmed three years ago as parents seek out ideas for end-of-year presents. It has become common for parents to buy gifts for teachers as a thank you for all they've done. But it seems Heidi's gifts didn't hit the mark. Taking to Instagram, she shared an image of the goodies she got for the teachers. In the image, it showed three wrapped sweets all themed around school. The first was a sugar cookie iced to look like a sheet of paper with an 'A' grade. She also picked up a sweet shaped as a pencil as well as a red apple. But her sweet gesture received an overwhelming negative response. One person said 'this irritates me to no end' and urged parents 'don't give teachers s**t like this' as they thought that cash or gift cards was a more appropriate reward. Someone else said the post had them 'riled up' because they'd once been the person who had agonised over a 'perfect, most thoughtful end-of-year gift'. Watch as ex-teacher reveals why she quit and doubled her income They said they now look to see if the school has an Amazon Wish List of supplies to really help teachers out and spare them from needing to fork over their own money. Another parent said the best sort of gift was 'a thoughtful note from the student', and if it was going to be something material, it had better be a gift card or cash. Others said they thought Powell's gift of brightly coloured sweets had been chosen to 'look nice on Instagram'. A baker even chipped in to say that the 'cutesy sweets offerings' might look nice, but were probably not great to eat, saying they were pretty much 'inedible' and coated in 'a really cheap sugar product that can hold a lot of dye'. Quite a few teachers chipped in to say that food would probably end up being thrown away or deposited in the teacher's lounge and they said 'please no mugs' to parents or pupils on the lookout for gift ideas. Despite the negative comments, the mum praised teachers for their hard work over the year, proving it was the thought that counts. Teacher Gift Ideas IF you're stuck for ideas on what to give your teacher for Christmas, here's some ideas... Personalised Stationery: A set of notecards or a planner with their name on it. Gift Vouchers: For popular bookshops, coffee shops, or online retailers. Handwritten Thank You Note: A heartfelt message from you or your child expressing gratitude. Classroom Supplies: High-quality pens, markers, or a decorative organiser. Homemade Treats: A batch of cookies, a cake, or a jar of homemade jam. Potted Plant: A small plant for their desk or classroom window. Relaxation Kit: Include items like a scented candle, bath salts, and a cosy blanket. Books: A bestseller or a classic, depending on their taste. Customised Mug: With a funny or inspirational quote related to teaching. Experience Day: A voucher for an afternoon tea, a local event, or a workshop.
The Sun
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
B&M shoppers can't get enough of bargain teacher's gift that's scanning at tills for just 25p
B&M has slashed the price of a bargain gift, perfect for giving to teachers, to just 25p. With the school summer holidays just around the corner, many parents are likely racing around, desperate to find a gift to thank their kids' teachers for their hard work. However, with some teachers slamming parents who buy flowers or tacky mugs, it can be tricky to know what to get. Thankfully, B&M has the perfect budget buy that won't break the bank. The Mini Frosted Candle has been slashed from 98p to just 25p, a saving of 74%. It comes in three gorgeous scents, apricot and amber, melon musk and peach and patchouli, that are guaranteed to make teachers feel relaxed and at peace after a long year. The stylish candle has a burn time of up to eight hours, making it perfect for lighting when you're in the bath, or cosying up to watch a film. Plus, it comes in a chic glass container that will instantly elevate the look of your home. B&M said: "This Mini Frosted Candle will fill your home with its sweet scent all day long. "A great addition to your home decor." More teacher gifts If the candle doesn't tickle your fancy, another great gift idea is Lidl's £2.99 rose plant. I'm a teacher & there are four end of term gifts I can't STAND receiving The stunning flowers which cost less than a fiver are bound to put a smile on any teacher 's face. And their rosy red petals will last all the way until autumn - making the gift extremely cost efficient and long lasting. The plants are perfect for small gardens and patios. But they are also suitable for growing indoors, the product description says. 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." It also details how the mini plants can grow between 26cm and 30cm tall. Or if you're children's teacher is a chocoholic, why not treat them to a box of Quality Street. Tesco has been revealed as the cheapest shop to buy the chocs with the supermarket selling a 220g carton of Quality Street for £3 if you have a Clubcard (or £4 without). You can sign up for a Clubcard for free and download the app onto your smartphone via Google Play or the Apple App Store. Shoppers buying the chocs with a Clubcard are paying £1.36 per 100g and those without one £1.82 per 100g.
The Sun
17-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
I'm a teacher and there's 7 end-of-year gifts I absolutely HATE – please don't get us flowers for a start
THE school year is coming to a close and parents across the country are scratching their heads over what gift to give their child's teacher. Gifts may seem sweet, but trust me - we don't want a wilting bouquet or another mug saying 'Best Teacher Ever'. 5 5 I'm a part-time reception class teacher at a primary school in Coventry, and I absolutely love it. There's no better gift than watching the little ones grow, learn and gain confidence throughout the year. Sometimes parents want to show their appreciation with gifts, which is lovely, but it's the personal touches that mean the most. While I'm grateful for a thoughtful gesture, there are seven end-of-year gifts I secretly can't stand… and yes, flowers are right at the top of the list. 1. Flowers - the last-minute easy option They may look and smell lovely, but they're high-maintenance and can be messier than a glitter craft session - especially lilies as they stain! Plus, most bouquets start wilting faster than my patience on a school trip to the farm. 2. Notebooks & Calendars - simply practical My pencil cases are practically bursting with planners and to-do lists! There are only so many notebooks with 'Boss Babe' or 'Stay Positive' I can pretend to love. 3. Stationery - useful but predictable Trust me, I've got more Sharpies than sense. A novelty pencil sharpener or rainbow highlighters seemed handy – until I realised every parent had the same idea. 4. Teddies - cute but no Until I have kids, teddies are just going to collect dust. I'll thank you kindly - but then wonder where to put yet another '#1 Teacher' bear. 5. Chocolate - sweet but safe Our staffroom is already a sugar bomb waiting to explode with endless sweet snacks and post-it notes from teachers saying: "Please take it or it will go in the bin!" Don't add to our collection. Free summer holiday activites You don't need to spend a penny to keep your kids entertained this summer... Museums - Some museums offer free entry to some exhibits, and also host events for kids. Parks - Head to your local park to enjoy the playgrounds, games areas, courts and splash pads. Some even have trails for kids to enjoy. Beach - It doesn't have to be sunny to enjoy the beach, you can go rock pooling, crabbing, make sandcastles, or enjoy a walk along the headland. Library - If the weather is awful, head indoors and borrow books, audiobooks, dvds. Cooking - Have your own mini bake-off, or Come Dine With Me challenge. Playdates - Invite friends over for an afternoon of socialising. Boardgames - Enjoy a little sibling rivalry with rounds of Monopoly or stretch your brain with Scrabble. 6. Mugs - too generic I love tea - but I've got enough mugs to open a café. Ones with quotes are cute, but after the tenth one, they start to lose their charm. 7. Books - to unwind? More like rewind Sweet idea – but unless it's a personal fave or a signed copy, I might not read it. And if it's another mindfulness journal? Well... I'm stressed just thinking about it. What I actually love... I'm not a total gift-grinch. There are some goodies that make me genuinely smile. 1. Handwritten Cards & Letters - guaranteed tear-jerker A heartfelt note from your child (or even you) means the world. It's the kind of thing I tuck away and re-read when I'm questioning my life choices mid- Ofsted inspection. 2. Kids' Drawings - gold star for effort I love a good stickman with wild hair and "Miss Sharma is the best!" scrawled in the child's handwriting. It makes my heart melt. No money can buy a one-of-a-kind piece of art. 3. Homemade Treats - made with love If you (or your little one) can bake, a homemade treat is always appreciated. Whether it's cookies or brownies, I'll happily munch on them between marking. 4. Bath Gift Sets & Candles - classic crowd-pleaser Yes, please to anything that smells like lavender or lets me soak in peace after a day of school chaos. Bonus points for personalisation, or if it comes in pretty packaging! 5. Indoor Plants - good vibes and no fuss I love a leafy pal that lasts longer than a week - as long as it doesn't require a PhD in gardening. Think low maintenance: aloe vera, succulents or a cheeky peace lily. 6. Cute Home Décor - bright and personal A small trinket dish, a funky coaster or even a motivational sign saying "You've Got This" is great for that extra boost of confidence! Little things go a long way. 7. Vouchers - easy yet effective Whether it's Amazon, Costa, or M&S – I'll actually use these. Because nothing says 'I appreciate you' like letting me pick out my own reward and treat myself. So remember - keep it simple, make it thoughtful, and it's not about the money; it's about the message. And if all else fails, say it with wine. 5
