With the end of term looming, many parents are facing the annual “what do we get the teacher?” dilemma. A heartfelt thank you? A small token? A group gift? A panic-bought bottle of something from the Co-op?
I asked our teacher friends (and friends-of-friends) what they really love receiving, and what they quietly wish would stop. They were refreshingly honest.
Here’s what they said.
The Gifts Teachers Love
1. Vouchers (especially when the whole class clubs together)
Vouchers were far and away the most popular answer. Book vouchers were the favourite, but theatre trips, coffee shops, and flexible options also came up.
“Books, book vouchers, bookish gifts!”
“The whole class clubbing together for a voucher can be cheaper for parents.”
2. Cards and meaningful messages
Nearly every teacher said they treasure the thoughtful words more than anything else. Whether it’s a handmade card or a lovely message inside a gift, that’s the thing they’re most likely to keep.
“The best things are handmade cards.”
“I keep the cards with nice messages more than anything else.”
“Dedication in a book is my all-time fave.”
3. Personal or practical presents
Think notebooks, pens, water bottles, or anything useful for school or home life. Also, gifts that reflect the teacher’s personality or hobbies go down especially well.
“Stationery, mugs, water bottles.”
“Something personal, like the time a class got me a Rotary watch!”
4. Homemade treats and thoughtful gestures
Teachers loved anything that showed a bit of effort. Cookies, bath goodies, even crafty gifts made by the kids got a lot of love.
“The cute homemade things that children clearly put a lot of thought into.”
“Homemade cookies or smelly bath things, especially Soap & Glory!”
5. Bookish gifts
I was very happy to see a few shoutouts for book-themed presents. Especially when paired with a personal message, they can be a lasting and thoughtful choice.
“Books, book vouchers…”
“Something that shows they know you well – homemade is fab.”
The Gifts They’re (Lovingly) Sick Of
OK, we hear you…
Mugs.
“Mugs…”
“MUGS”
“Mugs!!”
Yes, we do sell teacher mugs. Sorry. But also – ours are very good ones. (Useful, funny, and dishwasher safe, if I'm allowed to plead our case.)
Too much stuff in general.
Even well-meaning personalised cushions and stationery can start to feel a bit much after a few years of teaching.
So what should you get?
If you're not sure, a simple group voucher and a heartfelt card is a safe bet. Add something personal if you can – a favourite book, a homemade card, or even just a note saying what your child loved most about their year.
And if you know your teacher’s a bit of a bookworm (the best kind), we’ve put together a small collection of gifts they might genuinely love – including personalised classics with your message printed right onto the cover. Thoughtful, useful, and not another mug. (Unless they’re into that. In which case... we’ve got some very nice ones.) https://www.bookishly.co.uk/collections/teacher-gifts
