If you’re the lucky parent of a school-age child, you can probably feel overwhelmed sometimes by the amount you have to provide for school. From packed lunches to items for show-and-tell; from bake sales to helping out with the school nativity; and from carpooling to looking after the class pet. Phew! And that’s not including the expectation to give your child’s teachers gifts for Christmas or at the end of the year. But do you really need to give them any presents?
Teachers don’t expect them
We’re sure there are some teachers out there who absolutely love receiving gifts, and the tradition has become so ingrained in everyday life that it’s becoming increasingly common. However, they don’t really expect presents. At the end of the day, teachers chose to become teachers because they love what they do. They want to inspire the next generation and do their jobs properly. They already get paid for what they do; they don’t expect to have gifts and presents pushed upon them all the time. Yet, they do appreciate it from time to time.
It’s the thought that counts
Despite the fact there is no need to buy your child’s teacher any gifts, many parents do still enjoy showing their appreciation for what they’ve done for their kid – and some children want to give their teacher something to say thank you. However, instead of shelling out $20 for something you don’t even know the teacher will want, remember that it’s the thought that counts. Most teachers say that they appreciate hand-written notes or handmade gifts more than store-bought gifts. So if you and your child wants to say thank you, write a letter, bake them a cake, or you could even paint a plant pot or a mug for them.
Turn the present into a group project
One way to give your child’s teacher a present for all their hard work is to group together with other parents and get all of the kids involved in one big group project. This could be something simple, like creating a memory book with a picture of the class, with each child writing a little note. This way, you’re not spending big money, but giving the class teacher something that they can remember their class by.
Turn your gift into an email
Some parents are opposed to buying gifts for their child’s teachers because the whole thing seems quite excessive. And it can be. If your child has eight different teachers, you have to try and find eight different presents, and every parent in the class will be doing the exact same thing. If you don’t want to give your child’s teacher a gift but still want to show your appreciation for high grades or just looking after your child, drop them an email. This will show that you still think of what they do for your child and that you want to go the extra mile to personally thank them.
