So, you’re a nice parent. You want to show your gratitude. After all, that teacher has looked after your precious child all year! But you’re also a realist. What gift can you buy for $20 … because no teacher needs another 20 mugs (or scented candles). A group gift for the teacher would be much better – and everyone can spend a little less but give something really good. But ugh … how can it happen without the hassle!

As one mum said “I don’t have time to stalk parents in the playground!”.

Research with over 200 Australian teachers to find out what gift they really want showed that:

• Teachers don’t expect a gift but a card is appreciated
• If you’re going to give a gift, 73% of teachers preferred a group gift; ideally a gift card.

However, for more gift ideas, check out our blog ‘Best & Worst Gifts for Teachers’!

Here's How To Organise A Group Gift Without The Hassle

Two Sydney mums invented GroupTogether.com. You just create and share a link with the parents and they pay online and sign the card. It does the heavy lifting – the inviting, reminding, collecting, tracking and then sends you the money or a gift card. Set it up EASILY in 2 minutes from your phone or computer. No tech knowledge or design skills required.

• It’s free to set up.
• It’s free if you convert your gift collection into a gift card.
• If you’d prefer to buy your own gift, the money can be transferred to you. It’s only 2% + 25c per contribution. That’s 65c for a $20 contribution.

Common Questions:

Privacy and Safety – We’re two Sydney mums with 7 school children between us. We understand the privacy issues! We don’t share your pictures or your emails.

Are Transactions Secure? – We don’t store credit card details. Transactions are encrypted to the highest level. Credit cards are processed by SecurePay and bank transfers by Poli, both owned by Australia Post.

Fees – Use promo code – Skoolbag to collect Fee Free for a gift from one of our retail partners. Or if you want us to transfer the money to you, it’s only 2% + 25c per contribution. That’s 65c for a $20 contribution.

Got More Than One Teacher? – There’s one card that parents can sign per collection. So, either write a title like “Thank you Miss Manning, Mr McGoo & Miss McGee” or create a separate collection for each recipient.

What's The Average Amount That Parents Contribute? – Most classes state on the invitation “There’s no obligation at all, but if you’d like to contribute …“. You can either specify a set amount or leave it open and suggest a range. Generally we’ve found that people collect about $20 per child for a teacher but it’s up to you.

Can You Print The Card? – Yes. It’s super cute! Print it at home or take it to be printed on card for about $2 at Officeworks.

How Long Does It Take For People To Contribute? – Give people as long or little as you like. We find that sometimes short times (2 -3 days) can work a treat to get people moving. After all, they can pay online from their phone via direct debit or credit card.

Which Cards Do You Offer? – The brilliant thing is that we let the recipient (teacher or friend) choose. We send you a voucher to give or forward. The teacher clicks the link, a smart gift box magically opens and lets them choose the gift card they really want.