You’ll see on every Facebook mums groups at the moment “Hit me with your ideas for a gift for teachers?” with lots of suggestions of candles, personalised stamps, chocolates and mugs. Interestingly though, when we asked 250 teachers, they were clear that they didn’t expect anything.

The best is a card with some thoughtful words of appreciation!

However, if parents do want to give a gift, 74% said they’d prefer a group gift – ideally a voucher. This sentiment ties in exactly with what we found since co-founding GroupTogether. We realised that people don’t want “more stuff” and the associated waste (time, effort, wrapping paper, plastic packaging, unwanted gifts). We set up GroupTogether to make collecting for a group gift easy.

You can set up a collection in a few minutes, share the link, and parents simply click to pay and sign the card. No more awkward reminding, or as one parent told us, “I don’t have to stalk other parents in the carpark”. It's also a more inclusive option for a class gift - parens can't see what each other has contribution and you can also let parents sign the card without contributing

But what do I give? With GroupTogether, you can withdraw the cash or use it to buy a gift from our Gift Store (eGift Cards, hampers, flowers, plants, etc.). Most teachers prefer the GroupTogether AnyCard which lets them choose eGift Cards from 70+ leading brands.

Here’s our roundup of the best group gifts for teachers.

#1 A Heartfelt Card From The Students

Teachers want to know that their efforts have made a difference. If you can write something that shows you’ve noticed, it feels worthwhile. Think about something your child has learned, an experience they enjoyed, or words directly from the child about what they like about the teacher. Add a photo to make it feel extra personal.

#2 Let The Teacher Choose: Gift Cards

When we surveyed teachers, we found nearly 74% said they’d prefer a group gift and ideally something that gives them choice.

We see the GroupTogether AnyCard is the most popular choice - it lets the teacher swap it for any number of eGift Cards from 70+ leading brands including David Jones, Myer, Rebel Sport, JB HiFi, Apple, Woolies, Coles, Dan Murphy's and The ICONIC.

The teacher will receive their group card and AnyCard with a beautiful digital gift unwrapping. So nice!

#3 The Gift Of Relaxation: Day Spa, Facial or Massage

If you’re feeling frazzled with your child, imagine how stressed their teacher feels dealing with an entire classroom of students. Give them the gift of relaxation with a voucher for a day spa, facial or massage. We've always had an amazing experience at endota spa where they’ll have their choice of a massage, facial or beauty service. They could also use the gift card to stock up on beauty and wellness supplies at home.

#4 Tech

We all love the latest gadgets, so why not give your teacher a gift card to get some new tech? Maybe they’ve had their eye on a smartwatch or a new TV. Or maybe they need something practical for work. A gift card like JB HiFi or Apple will let them choose something they really need, taking the stress off you to pick the “perfect” present.

#5 A Night Out

Rather than giving 20 individual boxes of chocolates, consider a voucher from a whole class for a night out at one of Australia's amazing restaurants. Especially being the end of the year - it's the perfect time to celebrate. So special!

A voucher like Gourmet Traveller will let them choose from leading restaurants all around the country.

#6 A Classroom Gift (Ask The Teacher First)

Ask the teacher! Consider a combo - something for the classroom plus a voucher for them. Unfortunately, teachers are often out of pocket buying resources for the classroom so see if there's something they'd LOVE that the parents can chip in for and give at the end of the year.

#7 Experience Gifts (e.g. BridgeClimb Sydney, gold class movie tickets, etc.)

Want to give an unforgettable gift? Consider gifting an experience like BridgeClimb Sydney, Gold Class movie tickets or a RedBalloon voucher so they can pick from hundreds of options. They have everything from winery tours to cheese making!

#8 Fashion

Is your teacher a fashion lover, or maybe just strapped for cash and grateful for something new to wear? An eGift Card from The Iconic, David Jones or super upmarket store like Parlour X would be a treat. We've had teachers tell us they were able to buy a few new pairs of shoes for teaching that would last them the whole next year!

Whether your teacher is a 25-year old woman or a 60-year old man, there’s sure to be something they love. It could be a new coat, a pair of shoes, designer handbag or cool yoga gear.

#9 Pot Plant + Voucher

A pot plant is a really thoughtful gift - it lasts longer than flowers and only gets better with time! Pair it with an eGift Card so they also choose something special for themselves.

With GroupTogether, you can do it all-in-one. Choose from a huge range of plants from The Good Plant Co. in our Gift Store, and we'll include a link to the card and AnyCard on the note that arrives with the plant. So special!

#10 A Weekend Away

Last but certainly not least, a weekend away or a travel voucher will be much needed by any teacher by the end of the year. Expensive accommodation can often be a turn-off for a holiday, but if the whole class chips in they'll be able to splurge for some well-deserved R&R.

What not to give the teacher as a gift!

When we asked teachers, of course they're grateful for anything. But if they can give some advice, they really don't need:

• Scented candles (they gather dust in the closet)
• Mugs (ditto)
• Chocolates or Food items (dietary restrictions, expiry dates, etc.)
• Toiletries (hand cream, soaps, perfume, etc.)

What gift will you choose to give the teacher?

So, which of these gift ideas for teachers jumped out at you? Do you need help organising a group gift for your favourite teacher?

Here at GroupTogether.com, we make the gift-giving process hassle-free. From collecting money from other parents to supplying an eGift Card or gift, we’ve streamlined the process to make it simple for everyone.

Not sure exactly what your teacher would like? No worries! Give an AnyCard that lets your teacher choose their preferred eGift Card from any of our retail partners. It’s also highly personal because everyone gets to write a message and include a photo, making it a beautiful keepsake for the recipient!