Stories

Mon, 13 Jul 2026

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 'I don't want to seem tight': How much should you give to the year-end teacher collection?

Collecting money for a joint present might overcome the competitive gift-giving, but it can still cause friction.
The end of summer term has arrived, and with it comes the annual conundrum: how much should parents contribute to their child's teacher collection? The amount of £5 per child has been suggested by some as a reasonable contribution, while others argue that this is too little. One parent reported that their school's collection had reached £560, which works out at over £18 per child. Contributions are not limited to teachers; support staff such as teaching assistants, canteen workers, and librarians also receive donations. Some parents feel pressured into giving more than they can afford, especially if there is a "class Queen Bee" organizing the collection. Others argue that it's unreasonable to expect parents to give a significant amount, considering the financial strain of the holidays. Online forums such as Mumsnet have sparked debate on the topic, with some arguing that teachers are woefully underpaid and undervalued. Psychologist Jo Hemmings suggests setting a fixed amount for all parents to donate, while Cathrine Jansson-Boyd at Anglia Ruskin University believes that collections can make things easier for families who cannot afford extravagant presents. Behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings recommends specifying contributions in advance and leaving less room for doubt and social pressure. She also suggests that cards should be from the class as a whole, regardless of who donated. Tim, a teacher at a private school, says what means the most to him is when students have written a card or note themselves. Most schools discourage cash gifts altogether, with rules limiting the value of gifts teachers can accept to £30 or £50 typically. As one parent notes, "I don't want to seem tight": how much should you give to the year-end teacher collection?