A fifth of parents treat teachers to Christmas gift

More than one in five parents buy a present for their children’s teacher at Christmas, new research has revealed.

A study by budgeting account provider thinkmoney found that the tradition of giving gifts to schoolteachers is still alive and well. While many parents buy a present for one or more of their children’s teachers, one in ten – equivalent to nearly 5.5 million people – said there is usually a class collection at Christmas time.
 
Of all the age ranges, mums and dads aged between 35 and 44 are the most generous. More than a third said they purchase a Christmas gift for their kids’ teachers, while 16% said there is generally a class collection to allow parents to show their appreciation.
 
Across the country, parents living in London are the most likely to add a gift for their child’s teacher to their Christmas shopping list. A third of respondents from the capital said they buy a present for one or more teachers in December, and 18% revealed there is a class kitty. However, Mums and Dads from East Anglia are the least likely to buy a personal gift for a teacher, while class collections are least common in Yorkshire.
 
When questioned by thinkmoney, 15% of parents admitted that they don’t buy anything for their kids’ teachers to mark the festive season.
 
Ian Williams, director of communications at budgeting account provider thinkmoney, said: “At this time of year, it’s heartening to see that hard-working parents can still find some spare cash to show their appreciation for their children’s teachers. Christmas can be a difficult time financially for parents, particularly when the economy hasn’t been doing well. Our research shows that people really do think of others at Christmas time.”