The cost of contributing to presents for work colleagues, teachers and others can be quite expensive and can be embarrassing for some people that cannot for whatever reason contribute. The cost of living has made financial budgets for families tighter. Most people would hopefully understand this and not have high expectations of receiving expensive presents.

I do not like amounts being set for gifts as this can cause some people in financial stress additional worry and additional stress. We have always gone with small and personalised gifts as this is appropriate. In addition; buying expensive gifts for teachers and others in professional positions can be complicated, I believe gifts over a certain amount need to be declared.

Each year at our school, we have a Facebook group for each year and 1 parent from each class usually collects $5 or $10 each student and we put towards a gift voucher and each student signs their name who contributed in a card and the class hands to the teacher. This idea is easy and they get a better gift then just chocolates or a mug etc.

I think $50 split between six people is reasonable, however you are under no obligation to contribute that much if you don’t feel comfortable. People will understand if you choose to do something different.

$50 would be reasonable if you were already planning on buying for all 6 teachers….but if not then I would put in less, or what I normally would have spent on the teachers I was buying for. Surley they would understand not everyone has $50 spare, especially at this time of year

I think spend whatever amount you’re comfortable with, don’t be under the pressure to contribute the same as others. As everyone’s financial situation is different compared to each other. What matters is it comes from your heart?so you do what you feel is right . Goodluck and hope you find something that will work out for you.

It sounds like a lovely idea, but I totally get why $50 might feel like a lot, especially when you don’t interact with all the educators. If it’s possible, you could contribute a smaller amount, like $30 or $40, which still feels generous without being too much. Maybe chat with some other parents to see what they think—often pooling smaller amounts can still make a meaningful gift for the teachers. The gesture and thought behind it matter most, so don’t stress too much about the exact number!

That sounds really frustrating, and it’s understandable why you’d want some space. It seems like your sister might not realize how overwhelming her actions are. Maybe it’s time to have an honest conversation with her and explain how her constant messaging and unsolicited sign-ups are affecting you. You could set some boundaries, like asking her to check in less frequently or to respect your space. It’s okay to let her know that you still care but need some breathing room, and it’s important for your well-being. If it continues, you might need to take a longer break from communication to give yourself some peace.

I believe it should be up to individual families on how much they can afford. If an amount is going to be set $10-$20 per child would still buy a Wonderful gift. It’s the thought that counts not the price of the gift.

I can’t stand when workplaces make me contribute to boss presents and it’s the same with a kindergarten teacher as well. I think $20 is more than enough to spend personally and you are better off to get your own gift instead of going in for a big one. I don’t understand why people do that.

I think 20 to 30 is enough

I usually spend about $20 per teacher – a small token is usually all. Although we did have the same preschool teachers for all three of my kids, and when the last went to Primary school I got a particularly special gift for the preschool teachers. But even then, still under $50 each.

I don’t agree with this at all. You are buying/paying for gifts for other teachers as well as your child’s teacher? Something small is all that is needed. A token, a card or a hand made little gift. Just say no thanks and don’t be pressured.

As far as I know there are limits as to the amount a teacher can receive as a gift. Personally I also wouldn’t like to be pressured to give an x amount which goes to all educators, even when you haven’t much to do with them. In fact I would simply prefer to opt out and give a gift to just the teacher you have rapport with

I have the same issue with my daughters parent group at school, they all want to put in for gifts for the teachers and EA’s. The school has thankfully issued a letter to all parents saying the government does not allow them to accept gifts more than $50 and if we want to give a gift we should only gift a small token gift. Politely advice the person who is organising this that you would be happy to put in but unfortunately you can only contribute xyz and if that is not suitable that you will opt to buy your own gift. I personally think $50 for 6 teachers is ok but at the same time $50 is a lot of money, perhaps you could make them a gift that is a box of assortment of chocolates and get your child to do individual cards for each person and that way you could get away with spending $20 on them all?

$50 sounds like a reasonable sum, but if it would put you and your family in an uncomfortable position you should contribute less. It’s understandable and very relatable, we are all feeling the crunch of the current economic climate and I’m sure any contribution would be greatly appreciated by the teachers.