Christmas is rapidly approaching as seen by the abundance of Quality Street tubs on store shelves and the holiday-themed TV commercials that are filling the screens.
Many parents will be seeking for present ideas as December approaches, not just for their children’s teachers but also for the small ones.
It’s a thoughtful gesture to thank school employees at the end of the term because they support students’ learning, safety, and development throughout the school year. But it can be challenging to decide what to buy, especially when cash is scarce due to a cost of living crisis.
Fortunately, one teacher has revealed the presents she’s completely “sick of” and has instead provided some alternate options for parents seeking for inspiration.
A special education needs (SEN) teacher named Mel took to TikTok to voice her opinion on her most dreaded present. She did so in the form of a humorous skit using a viral background soundtrack on the platform, which is typically used by interior designers to discuss ornamental styles and ideas.
The video, which Mel shared on her account @mellew06, starts off with her having a rather displeased expression before switching to a number of pictures of the gifts. Its front is inscribed with the words “How I feel about certain teacher gifts with little to no explanation.”
The audio first asks for two gift cards, one each for Amazon and Target, to which it simply responds “sure”. It’s simple to understand why gift cards are appealing because teachers can select their own gifts or use the voucher to purchase a larger item they’ve been eyeing.
The primary offender—teacher-themed mugs—which Mel genuinely despises is then revealed. A picture of a white mug with a red apple and the words “world’s best teacher” written across the front appears.
Since the description of the SEN teacher’s video reads, “Sorry, we’re sick of ‘world’s finest teacher’ mugs,” it is safe to assume that you should refrain from purchasing one of those at the store.
The video then intriguingly displays a T-shirt with the words “educate, love, inspire,” which the voiceover states is a “50/50” proposition, suggesting that Mel may not be opposed to all themed gifts.
The personalized, glittery stapler and Sellotape container with the teacher’s name and vibrant gold and pink glitter is her favorite gift out of the bunch. Yes, and I don’t care that it’s unrealistic, the audio declares when the audacious gift is displayed.
Many people, including other instructors, raced to the video’s comments section to lambast Mel for her giving requirements.
One wrote: “Um wow! Teacher here and I am thankful for anything a child brings me. Handmade, or an ornament to put on my tree in my room are my favorites [sic] though!”
Others argued that Mel is being insensitive towards parents’ financial situations, as one said: “This makes me sad. I have been a teacher for 18 years and have gotten zero gifts. My families are just trying to keep their heads above water”.
Some parents chimed in, with one commenting: “Ugh when I see these videos makes me nervous to even gift my son’s test anything so he just doesn’t take anything! problem solved”.
Mel replied with some advice, writing: “Don’t overthink it! But if you don’t know much about your child’s teacher… don’t buy something too specific!”