KNOWING what to buy a teacher at Christmas is often a challenge for many parents around the world.
But to make the gift-shopping a little easier, two teachers have taken to TikTok to reveal three popular presents they’re bored of receiving year after year.
And if you were thinking of heading to the shops to snap up yet another ‘Best Teacher’ mug, you may want to listen up.
In a new clip shared on the popular social media platform, former teacher Natalie Parmenter broke down the three gifts that school staff doesn’t really enjoy ahead of the holiday season.
The first one, according to Parmenter – who is the founder of Primary Focus, an online guide for elementary school parents – was a coffee mug.
Although this may seem like the safest option – that also won’t break the bank – the teacher revealed their mug collection is already too big.
”We’ve got pencil mugs, we’ve got plants growing in mugs, that’s it, that’s enough mugs,” Natalie told TikTok users.
”Number two, surprise cupcakes during the holiday party,” she continued in the video.
The former teacher revealed that as sweet as this treat may be, this is not exactly a gift for the teacher, but rather, a gift for the class and children – and branded it as ”rude”.
”Where were you a month ago when the sign up sheet went out?” she questioned.
Not only is bringing this baked goodie ”rude” and makes it ”really awkward for whoever did sign up to bring cupcakes”, Natalie added that a pile of cupcakes also means she’s ”got way too much sugar in the classroom”.
Last but not least, the kindergarten teacher revealed the third thing that school staff doesn’t want is parents talking badly about them online.
Natalie said that ”even if you post anonymously, these communities are small, and it will be screenshotted and it will be sent back to the teacher”.
Arizona-based teacher Patricia Britton also echoed some of Natalie’s comments in another video, desperately urging parents not to keep buying Christmas-themed mugs.
”Do not give us this,” Patricia said, as she held up a green mug shaped like a gorgeous Christmas tree.
”We teachers do not want more mugs, I have a cabinet full of them, and I don’t need more,” she told her viewers.
IF you're stuck for ideas on what to give your teacher for Christmas, here's some ideas...
Personalised Stationery: A set of notecards or a planner with their name on it.
Gift Vouchers: For popular bookshops, coffee shops, or online retailers.
Handwritten Thank You Note: A heartfelt message from you or your child expressing gratitude.
Classroom Supplies: High-quality pens, markers, or a decorative organiser.
Homemade Treats: A batch of cookies, a cake, or a jar of homemade jam.
Potted Plant: A small plant for their desk or classroom window.
Relaxation Kit: Include items like a scented candle, bath salts, and a cosy blanket.
Books: A bestseller or a classic, depending on their taste.
Customised Mug: With a funny or inspirational quote related to teaching.
Experience Day: A voucher for an afternoon tea, a local event, or a workshop.
When it comes to the gifts that teachers actually do want, Natalie suggested a gift card to a local coffee shop, adding that the amount of money doesn’t matter.
”To put inside our mugs!” she joked on the Today show in a recent interview.
”Teachers love getting gift cards — no matter the dollar amount. It’s the thought that counts,” she added.
She also revealed that teachers often love to receive homemade gifts, such as art or cards.
”First of all, teachers always appreciate gifts, whether it’s art from a student or a handwritten card,” Natalie told the publication.
”It means a lot, because we work really hard and don’t always get recognition.”
