Looking at gifts from different angles
Sometimes the media asks me to comment on items that seem outside the purview of a business etiquette and corporate image consultant. I’d been invited by CTV to address the etiquette of end of school year gifts for teachers. What gifts (if any) are appropriate, how much should you spend and what’s off limits? Click here to watch the CTV Edmonton video “Gifts for teacher: dos and don’ts”.
Although they center around gifts for teachers I think you will find the ideas will work for other gifting opportunities.
Know their interests or tastes.
Don’t get too expensive or you may embarrass the teacher. Gifts that include an experience or are consumable are best. Movie tickets or gift certificates for spa treatments if you know they like to indulge in those pleasures – just be sure the destinations are within easy reach of the teacher’s school/home otherwise they may not get used.
My friend Paula shared her nephew’s idea:
Paula said that last year Xavier gave his teacher a small gift basket that he and his mom created. It included a handmade card and some healthy snacks that she could take with her when she went hiking with her husband (they personalized it based on what Xavier knew about her hobbies and kept the price at or below $25).
Teachers’ POV
I talked to some teachers and here are some of their thoughts:
Some teachers aren’t expecting anything and feel that there are already enough costs associated with education that a gift is unnecessary. They would rather see families spend their money doing something for the children.
It can be awkward for teachers that receive expensive gifts from some students and are expected to open it in front of other children. Students that love their teacher but did not get them anything or got them something small, can feel bad.
Many said it is enough to give a homemade card or just take the time to say thank you and let them know what the child appreciated the most about the school year. Let the teacher know what memory they will take away from the year. That is better than a gift. A gift from the whole class is nice because then no student is left out. (this was shown in the video interview)
My friends share more tips:
Michelle said that this time of year plants like herb gardens in a pot, strawberry planters, are nice gifts. She said it can be awkward for students who haven’t gotten them a gift but some parents and students really want to get the teacher something. A class gift or something homemade like homemade cookie bouquets, helps with this.
My friend Charmin said many parents make a donation of a book in the name of the teacher for the school library – or to another charity but the book idea was really neat because the teacher gets the recognition as the book is in their name, and the students benefit as well.
The thought that counts
Any gift given in the spirit of friendship and appreciation is nice, but with a little forethought it can be special. Often the least expensive gifts (in money not necessarily time as the video shows) have the biggest impact. What items have you gifted or received that meant a lot to you?