Teacher invited to student's grad party: Gift expected?

Question

As a teacher, I get multiple invitations to my students' graduation parties every year. Do students expect a gift, if they invite you to their parties? It gets expensive...

Parents, students, teachers: What do you think?

Answer 1

as a student i would not expect a gift. maybe a little letter recapping throughout the year, acheivements and words of advice.

Answer 2

high school graduates? It would be nice to get them a little something to show that you cared. A nice $20 g/c to Barnes and Noble would be great too, because now a lot of the college bookstores let you use B&N g/c's. Plus, a teacher giving a g/c to a bookstore won't be as awkward than some other gifts

Answer 3

I would not expect to get a gift from my teacher, I would invite her/him because they would be one of the people that helped me make it. I would invite them as if to say "thank you". (I feel weird getting gifts anyway.)

Answer 4

As a teacher of seniors, I, too, receive many invitations.  I never attend, and I never give a gift.  There is no way I could give to everyone, so I don't give to anyone.  It's not expected, nor should it be.

Answer 5

If it is customary to bring gifts to the party, you probably should bring something, but it doesn't have to be anything lavish.  A favorite paperback book with a nice note would be appropriate.  I know that I asked people NOT to bring gifts at my last graduation party, and one of my favorite teachers not only came, but brought several other people with her.  She didn't bring anything, and I certainly didn't expect it, but I was just happy to see her.

Answer 6

I knew a college professor who always presented his students with a nice dictionary when invited to a graduation party. It was his trademark.

Answer 7

When I was a senior, I had only one or two teachers at my graduation party.  Special teachers.  They did bring gifts, although one was never expected.

I think I nice card with a written sentiment would be just as cherished.