Ask a teacher about Christmas presents and, after saying how kind everyone is, they'll mention the mugs. Teachers get a lot of mugs. And candles. And chocolates, which are lovely, but gone by the first week of January.
The gifts teachers keep are the ones about their class. If you're the class rep collecting for a joint present, here's an idea that does exactly that.
The class photo that says thank you
Take a photo of the class, or of the children's handprints or drawings, and have it printed onto an acrylic photo plaque (£33) or a large crystal glass block (£54). Add the class name and the year in the two lines of text, such as "Class 4 Robins" and "Christmas 2026".
Then add a short video of the children saying thank you, or singing a verse of a carol. When the teacher points their phone at the photo, the class plays. It's a present for this year that they'll still have in twenty.
How to organise it
- Check with the school first. Schools have rules about photos and videos of pupils, and some children can't be photographed. Ask the office before you start, and only include children whose parents are happy for them to appear.
- Start early. Our keepsakes are made to order and usually dispatched within 3 to 5 working days once your photo and video are approved, so give yourself a few weeks before the end of term.
- Keep the video short. 20 to 30 seconds is plenty. A chorus of "thank you, Mrs Patel!" beats a long speech.
- Split the cost. Even the large glass block comes to less than £2 each for a class of 30, with free UK delivery.
Teaching assistants too
For teaching assistants, lunchtime staff or a much loved caretaker, an acrylic photo key ring (£12) with the class photo is a small thank you they'll carry every day.
Planning for the summer instead? Our school leavers gift guide has ideas for the end of the school year.