With the Christmas holidays just around the corner, many students and their families are considering what gifts to give their teachers.
Open Study College has partnered with Amy Rothwell, a teaching assistant at Holcombe Brook Primary School in Ramsbottom, to provide some insight into what teachers really want for Christmas.
from the most treasured items to the most common – and what to avoid
How to get teaching staff the perfect Christmas present
Gifts for relaxation
According to Amy, relaxing gifts are always appreciated after a busy term: “Gifts that help me relax are always a nice gesture. At the end of a busy school term, things like bath salts or a scented candle can help teachers unwind during the break.”
One gift to avoid
However, she suggests avoiding common gifts like chocolates, as they often end up left to languish. Amy shared: “Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate! Sometimes we are still eating them weeks later at home or in the staff room!”
Useful gifts
Practical gifts such as notebooks, pens, highlighters, or other school supplies are also welcomed, as they can be used throughout the school year. Amy also mentioned that group gifts, like a One4all voucher, are useful as they allow teachers to buy whatever they need or want.
The most touching gift of all
Lastly, Amy emphasised that the best gifts are homemade ones.
“I always love receiving a voucher or wine! But I have to say that the best gifts I’ve received are the things that children make themselves, like a piece of artwork, a handwritten card or a crafted item. It is these personal gifts that a teacher is more likely to treasure.”
