The last school term of the year might have just started, but you can bet the last minute dash for teacher’s presents will be here before you know it.
Before you start making bulk deliveries of chocolates or novelty mugs wrapped in $2 paper (or gift bags, if you’re smart), GroupTogether surveyed 250 teachers to ask them exactly what presents they would be overjoyed to receive. They also asked which ones they’d rather you not waste your money on (in the nicest way possible, of course).
As you might have guessed, high on the ‘please god no more’ list are:
- Scented candles,
- Mugs,
- Chocolates,
- Edible gifts (due to expiry dates and dietary restrictions).
Toiletries and personal hygiene items were up high on the list too:
- Hand cream,
- Soaps,
- Perfumes,
- Body washes.
Pot plants were also on the no-go list, so unless you’re absolutely certain your child’s teacher is a devoted plant-parent, nix the cute cactus or potted succulent which will probably be dead by the start of next year’s first term.
Now for the present teacher’s actually want, we have some good news. The most highly requested gift was just a card with some thoughtful words of appreciation. Why are teachers so amazing?
Otherwise 74 per cent of teachers surveyed said they’d prefer a group gift and preferably a gift card or voucher so the teacher can choose for themselves.
Other popular present ideas which made the list include:
- Gold Class movie tickets,
- An experiential gift (like a bridge climb),
- A present for the classroom, that students can pick with the teacher.
So to summarise – if in doubt, go with a heartfelt card, but for the love of interactive chalkboards, please stop with the scented candles… PLEASE.
We love our teachers, but here are just some of the things they would never say. Ever.
Do you have any favourite tips for buying teacher presents that they’ll actually use and keep? Hit us with your best suggestions in the comments.
Top Comments
I thought us rascals getting out of the place for summer holidays was the greatest gift we could offer.
Coffee mugs are always a weird choice to me. Yes, many teachers drink coffee. But you know this because you/your child have seen them drinking it...out of a mug. Why buy them something they clearly already have? Yet it's such a popular gift for teachers!
I would be careful with experiential gifts. I think you have to know a person better than you generally know a teacher to choose something like that.
I actually don't mind edible gifts. I've never had anyone give me anything out of date and I don't have any dietary restrictions. If I don't like something (Ferrero Rocher!), I just pass them on to someone who does. Anything consumable which is not just going to hang around collecting dust works for me. Ideally, I want the gift to eventually not exist any more!
But that's only if you feel like you MUST buy a gift. I would much rather have a card, letter or drawing from a student than any of them. I would prefer my students not spend money on me, really. I always feel vaguely guilty, especially if it looks expensive or if it's something I know I won't use.
Shall I provide my address to help you dispose of your unwanted Ferrero Rocher? ;) I’m happy to help!