Teacher’s Honest Take On Unwanted Christmas Gifts Stirs Controversy

The teacher shared three gifts she wouldn’t appreciate as a thank-you gesture.

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• December 19, 2024

Gift-giving in schools is a tradition that often occurs during special occasions like Teacher Appreciation Week or Christmas. While students’ gestures of gratitude are typically well-meaning, not all gifts are welcomed by teachers.

Some educators have even taken to social media to share which gifts they prefer not to receive, raising awareness about what might be considered inappropriate or uncomfortable. One such educator, Natalie, shared her thoughts in a viral video from last year, listing three types of presents she believes should be avoided.

Her comments sparked a range of reactions, and the video has since become a topic of discussion about teacher-student relationships and boundaries. Natalie’s first point in the video is clear: "Number one: anything in a Victoria's Secret bag."

She explained that while the contents of the gift might be excellent—like lotion—it’s the bag itself that creates an awkward situation. "I don’t care that you didn’t get them underwear," she says, "that lotion smells bad, and now you have a Victoria’s Secret bag on your desk."

For Natalie, it’s not about the gift itself but rather the implications of having a Victoria's Secret bag in a classroom setting. It can feel uncomfortable and out of place, and she finds it unnecessary. Teachers, she argues, are in a professional environment, and such gifts can blur the lines of that professionalism.

Teachers often receive Christmas gifts from their students.

Another type of gift Natalie warns against is "an unannounced giant treat for the whole class." While it’s nice that a student might want to share something like donuts with their peers, she explains that teachers need to be informed ahead of time.

"It’s cool that you want to get everybody donuts," she acknowledges, "but you need to ask ahead when and if the teacher is okay with that." She says that too much sugar can cause a significant disruption in the classroom, leading to hyperactive students and a sudden energy crash. "It’s just too much sugar, especially for the little guys," she adds. The gift can be better planned by checking with the teacher first and won’t interfere with the class’s schedule.

Natalie shared the kinds of gifts teachers typically aren't fond of.

Natalie's third point may surprise some viewers: "Teachers don’t want your advances." In the video, she reveals that she has experienced uncomfortable situations with her parents, specifically her father, who tried to make advances toward her.

"I’ve had a few dads try to come on to me over the years," she says, "and it is uncomfortable," Natalie emphasizes that teachers and parents must maintain professional relationships, as they’ll often interact throughout the school year.

She suggests that parents interested in relationships outside of the school environment should "maybe go online and find someone" rather than making teachers feel uneasy with inappropriate behavior.

When Natalie’s video went viral, the responses were mixed. Some viewers criticized her for not being grateful for any gifts at all.

One person commented, "Or just say thank you and show some gratitude." Others shared their positive experiences with student gifts, like a fragrance set from Victoria’s Secret, which one teacher called "the best gift I’ve gotten as a teacher."

For these individuals, the gesture of giving, no matter the type of gift, is the most important part, and they believe teachers should appreciate any token of thanks. On the other hand, many understood Natalie’s points and defended her.

One TikTok user wrote, "All the people getting salty in the comments must watch the video, all reasonable requests!". Another commenter agreed, saying, "Everyone is hating, but I agree with her."

These individuals saw Natalie’s requests as reasonable boundaries that help ensure teacher-student relationships remain respectful and professional.

" If you’ve been in the classroom long enough, you will have gotten one of these “gifts” that’s not quite the blessing you hoped for."

The conversation about teacher gifts underscores the importance of maintaining professional boundaries in education. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping students' lives, and their relationships with students and parents should be grounded in respect and professionalism.

Gift-givers can show appreciation in a way that feels sincere without crossing any lines by considering what might make a teacher uncomfortable. Thoughtful gifts that respect the teacher's work environment and personal space have a positive impact.

When these factors are kept in mind, families can express gratitude meaningfully. Whether big or small, the key is ensuring the gift is fitting and genuine.

Damjan