AS the summer holidays draw near, many parents find themselves wondering whether they should get their child’s teacher a gift – and, if so, what to choose.
While showing appreciation is always a lovely gesture, picking the perfect present can sometimes feel tricky.
A teacher has revealed her top three gifts she’d like to receive at the end of term time[/caption]
Teacher Ivy, known on TikTok as ‘toothfairylikeme’, has shared her top three favourite gift ideas to help parents navigate this decision.
In her video, Ivy revealed the presents she’d love to receive, sparking an online debate about gift-giving for teachers.
The caption of the video read: “With the summer holidays looming, lots of families are thinking of buying a present for their kids’ teacher.
“Here’s my guide on some things they would ACTUALLY like.”
With over a decade of experience as a supply teacher in primary schools, Ivy reflected on the thoughtful gifts she’s received over the years and admitted she misses them now that she’s not regularly in one classroom.
Her top picks include practical ideas: a notebook (ideal for jotting down endless notes and replacing lost scraps of paper), a sturdy tote or fold-away bag (perfect for carrying books and supplies home), and her ultimate favourite – a heartfelt handwritten note.
While many viewers praised Ivy’s suggestions for being both inexpensive and practical, others criticised the idea of teachers openly sharing what they’d like to receive.
The video sparked a lively discussion, with some arguing that appreciation doesn’t need to come in the form of gifts, while others defended Ivy’s honesty and straightforward advice.
Her video gained 28.6k views and 46 comments after two days of being shared.
One wrote: “It needs to be stopped.”
To which another added: “It only takes one parent to start it then the others try and outdo each other, I have never started it and never will.”
A second added: “Teaching must be the only profession where you are expected to give them a present just because the year ended.
“And the supermarkets force it into our faces.”
While a third said: “Never give presents to any teachers you get paid for doing your job.”
And Ivy replied: “Absolutely, and that is your prerogative.
“But if others choose to recognise the devotion that it takes to literally educate the next generation of doctors, engineers, bus drivers, etc. they should be allowed to do so without judgement.”
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.”
