A reflective look at what school leaders are doing this year
Introduction
A recent conversation in the HeadteacherChat community opened up an honest and generous exchange about Christmas traditions in schools. The question was simple: Do headteachers buy Christmas gifts for their staff, and if so, what works well? What followed was a rich collection of ideas, concerns, and creative solutions that reveal how leaders balance appreciation, cost, and school culture.
This blog brings together the key themes and practical suggestions shared across the five pages of discussion.
What Headteachers Are Doing
Personal gestures
Several leaders highlighted the impact of handwritten cards or personalised notes. Examples include:
- Individual handwritten messages for every member of staff, described as time-consuming but warmly received.
- Christmas cards with thoughtful comments rather than material gifts.
- Initialled gingerbread biscuits and handmade decorations incorporating the school logo, which were both memorable and inexpensive.
These ideas show how personal attention can often mean more than the cost of the item.
Collective gifts for the whole staff
Many leaders choose a shared approach rather than individual presents, especially when staffing numbers are high. Ideas included:
- Treat tables filled with biscuits, chocolates, pastries, hot chocolate sachets, and savoury snacks.
- A hot chocolate or coffee station set up in the staffroom.
- A staff advent calendar with daily treats or small surprises.
- Larger communal gifts such as an air fryer for the staffroom.
Shared gifts ensured that everyone benefitted while also keeping costs manageable.
Food-based appreciation
Food featured heavily across the discussion. Examples ranged from festive baking sessions to full buffet lunches:
- Home-baked festive treats in the final week of term.
- Paying for the staff Christmas dinner. (
- Cooking a full buffet for staff in the last week of term.
- Cheese and biscuit selections with chutneys and soft drinks sourced affordably from supermarkets.
These options provided moments of connection and comfort during a demanding time of year.
Low-cost but meaningful tokens
Many contributors shared ideas for thoughtful gifts that remain budget-friendly:
- Scratch cards paired with cards or chocolates.
- Small stationery sets with appreciation messages, sourced in bulk at low cost.
- Make-your-own crackers filled with miniature items and light-hearted jokes.
- Pick-and-mix bags with bespoke “thank you” stickers.
These ideas demonstrate how small tokens can still feel thoughtful when presented with care.
When Staff Numbers Grow
A clear theme across the pages is the challenge of scaling appreciation. Leaders with seventy, eighty, or more than a hundred staff noted that individual gifts become unrealistic.
For larger schools, leaders tended to favour:
- Group treats
- Staffroom hampers
- Shared festive activities
- Advent-style prize draws with fun low-cost gifts
This ensured inclusivity without placing undue financial strain on the headteacher.
The Question of Appreciation
Several contributors expressed mixed feelings about whether staff appreciate the effort involved. A number of leaders mentioned that gestures often go unacknowledged.
This theme serves as a reminder that while gratitude matters, these gestures are ultimately about modelling kindness, reinforcing school culture, and ending the term in a spirit of goodwill.
Key Reflections for Leaders
Consider sustainability
Choose gestures that you can realistically sustain year after year, especially as your school grows.
Focus on authenticity
Personalised messages, thoughtful shared treats, or simple tokens can be just as meaningful as expensive gifts.
Balance fairness and budget
The most appreciated ideas were those that felt inclusive, generous in spirit, and mindful of cost.
Build on your culture
Some schools value personalised gestures, while others prefer whole-staff experiences. The best approach is one that aligns with your community.
Conclusion
This conversation showed the creativity, generosity, and thoughtfulness that school leaders bring to the festive season. Whether it is a handwritten card, a box of chocolates in the staffroom, or a buffet lunch in the last week of term, the message is the same: You are valued, and your work matters.
If you are considering what to do this year, these shared ideas may provide inspiration for a gesture that feels both meaningful and manageable.