What do you think about buying gifts for teachers?

Question

My son has just left nursery and i had bought his two key workers a thankyou card and i sat with him to write a short note inside each one (hes only 4) So i thought this should be enough, but my husbands Nan insisted on buying them chocolates for my son to give to them as my nephew (her other great grandson) was giving gifts and she didnt want my son to be left out. (Believe me when i say he wouldn't have even noticed - hes his fathers son) I could have afforded to buy them myself but I think that these people who work in childcare get paid to look after our children, why should we buy them presents? No one come to me at the end of the year and gives me a gift for doing what i get paid for. Are you a teacher? Do you get gifts? What do you mums think?

Answer 1

I am a special needs preschool teacher in the USA. No gift is expected because you are sharing your child on a daily basis!   As with any gift though, the more personal and thoughtful it is the more it means.  I received a crystal cross that stands now on my entertainment center.  I teach at a secular school but the mom knew how much my faith means to me!  Best gift you can give a teacher is open, honest communication about your child and his/her home life.  We do what we do because we care...we're all on the same team cheering on your precious child!

Answer 2

no teaching is awarding in itself, and if you dont have any money,  DONT WORRY ABOUT IT, TEACHERS UNDERSTAND, ITS OUR JOB, AND THERE ARE PLENTY OF TEACHERS OUT THERE THAT YOUR CHIOLD WILL GO THROUGH IN LIFE, THAT THERE ARE PLENTY OF GIFTS IN THE FUTURE

Answer 3

I am also a preschool teacher, and no we do not expect gifts. But like many others said, we do not get paid enough.  Child care/ teaching is a low paid job.  We do it because we love children. That said, we also spend a LOT of our own money on classroom supplies, activities, etc.  We spend a lot of time outside of work doing things for work.  So it is nice once in a while to receive a tangible gift, but I would have been happy with a card too.  It is a nice gift.  I have gotten gifts from children.

Answer 4

they get paid but many don't get very much as in salary...i have made things with my scrapbooking stuff for them...i raised 6 kids and they always gave a little gift...

Answer 5

We teachers, just like everyone else who has a job, like to know that our work is appreciated.  That does not have to be in the form of a gift - you can do it however you'd like. We do get paid, yes, but like everyone else said it's not the kind of job that you clock in and out of.  We spend much time and money outside the classroom preparing to make your child's days and weeks interesting, fun and worthwhile.  Presents are not necessary, but some parents like to give them when they feel that the teacher has gone above and beyond what was expected of her, or if their child had an exceptionally good year with that teacher.  I often get thank-you cards and gifts at Christmas time and at the end of the year.  I think your thank you card was a great idea and I'm sure your child's teacher appreciated it, but I don't find it preposterous for parents to show their appreciation in the form of a gift if that's how they choose.

Answer 6

i was a nursery teacher, and have worked with children since 1988, and no we dont expect presents or cards, its just a really nice gesture, and i know that i have all the cards that i have ever been given, with photos of various years, or kids that i have worked with, and its lovely to look at them now and again, and wonder what became of those children, some of the children i looked after will now be in their 20's, and my mother still has a prayer plant that a girl in nursery gave me, when i was training, just starting out...........and yes i do give my childrens teachers presents at xmas and leaving, just to say thank you for everything they have done, its just nice to let them know they are appreciated.........and to be perfectly honest, all the things my sons teacher (year 6) has done for him, i could never repay her, she has done so many little things, and been thoughtful, and has gone out of her way.....and i want her to know that i am grateful.............

Answer 7

We don't expect anything(teachers) it is a nice gesture to get a gift to feel appreciated. It is hard work being a teacher and in DAYCARE you get paid VERY LITTLE and you work all the time.Teachers are different than other jobs BC/ you give SO much of yourself all day and go home tired. You use your own money to get supplies and toys for the class. Day care teachers  are with you kids more than you (parents) are throughout the day. It sometimes feels we are raising the kids.  We are teaching them manners,letters, numbers, to write their names,  getting along with each other etc.......  sometimes we have to teach the kids basic things that the PARENTS should be teaching them. Day care teachers are often viewed as babysitter but we are so much more that that. So the least thing you could do is appreciate you sons teacher and ALL she does for you son go and BUY a gift. Not to mention all time spent planning outside school hours that we do not get paid for.

Answer 8

:-)  Most of us do not expect gifts and such but as another said, it's a nice gesture.  A homemade thank you card goes a long way.  

Do my parents give me gifts...they like to around Christmas time...what I suggested was that they purchased something for the program instead of something for me.   For those who like to give "money" I suggest they get a gift card to a store like Target, Meijer or a school catalog like Discount School Supply or Lakeshore Learning.  Some people just feel like they "should" give gifts...even though we say it's not necessary.

Answer 9

i started out as a childcare teacher and retired as a direcor.  i can tell you that teachers do not expect anything from parents.  they do their jobs because of their love for children and for the love of teaching.  that said, i'd like to mention that teachers don't get paid enough to do all that they do.  many hours are spent, at home, cutting up things for class, devising curicullum, writing newsletters, arranging for field trips, gather supplies (much of which they have to pay for themselves) and doing odds and ends that they don't have time to do in class.  they do it at home for free.  so, yes the do get a paycheck but it doesn't begin to cover all that they supply or do for the children of their classroom.  teachers do understand that not all parents agree with giving gifts or can afford to.  they lovingly accept a card or even a verbal thank you.  it's the parent that doesn't even acknowledge their value that makes them wonder why their doing this job.  i don't think you should have been forced to give a gift, but i wanted you to know that your child's teacher did more than your eyes ever saw.