I want to start this off by saying no teacher ever should be expectant of gifts. We do a job we love and are happy to do. The approaching break and a thank you at the gate is absolutely enough!
Saying that, I have recently been inundated with parents asking what a SEN teacher may enjoy as a Christmas gift, so I thought it best to create this post to share my thoughts.
FREE GIFT IDEAS
- My all time favourite gifts to receive are handwritten cards of gratitude. I keep every single one. It is so easy to forget our impact in this job role, so it really is lovely to reflect on the year and progress we have achieved. I have also used cards from parents as evidence for promotions in the past, so it really is very useful too!
- My very close second favourite is hand made art from the kids. There is nothing cuter than a melted snowman craft or a handprint art piece to darn my fridge. It makes me smile. A handmade Christmas Tree ornament is my favourite, as is kept forever.
£5 GIFT IDEAS
- A bunch of flowers is a lovely gift to add colour and beautiful scents into our home to start off the festive period. It is rarely something we think to buy ourselves so really is a lovely treat
- A tea or coffee mug is very useful, these are great at school as the staff room cupboards are often bare, or if brought home as I do, it is a lovely reminder of your gratitude that lasts for years.
- Biscuits and Tea bags for the staff room as useful and act as a great welcome back and "you can do this" boost for the first week back after a lovely Christmas break away.
- Chocolates or biscuits are a lovely treat we get to share with family and friends through the holidays. It is tradition, as soon as I get home from school, that my husband and I crack open a box to start of the festive season.
- Wine, similar to above, its a wonderful way to wind down and start the holiday.
- A keyring charm is a long lasting reminder of the gratitude you gave. It acts as a daily reminder to keep doing good work.
£10 GIFT IDEAS
- Self care products are something we rarely buy for ourselves as they feel "extra" and it is hard to justify the time, but when gifted are such a lovely treat.
- A candle is a wonderful gift, especially a Winter scented one. It gets you straight into the holiday spirit as soon as you are home.
- Personalised baubles last a life time and are a wonderful reminder of the children we have helped to support through the years.
£20+ GIFT IDEAS
- meal out gift cards are a HUGE treat, as families often get neglected in term time. It is so wonderful to receive a voucher to go towards spending time together.
- local experience gift cards, similar to above, it is a wonderful treat to spend quality time with our loved ones in the holidays.
I hope you find this list a useful guide for ideas.
Please do not see this as any pressure at all to get your teachers a gift. It is not necessary or expected.