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What should you give a teacher at the end of the school year?

To answer with data rather than assumptions, we interviewed 22 primary and secondary school teachers. We asked them what they would genuinely like to receive.

After speaking with them and analysing gift-giving trends at key times of the year (the end of the school year, Christmas and Teachers’ Day), the pattern is clear: teachers have told us openly that they value useful gifts, personal experiences and thoughtful gestures with genuine meaning. Repeated objects are forgotten (so the answer isn’t “another mug” or “more chocolates”)

And there’s more: by analysing sales trends at Hotel Treats, we have observed that during the end-of-school-year period at many educational centres (May–June), the purchase of gift vouchers soars, leading to a 124% increase in the purchase of gift experiences (2025 data, Hotel Treats). In Spain, it is very common to give teachers gifts at the end of the school year as a collective thank-you, which explains why many people buy experiences as gifts at this time of year.

As parents of pupils, we are very aware of how important it is to thank our children’s teachers, because a teacher does not only teach subjects; they also influence a child’s self-esteem, discipline and confidence.

So recognising their work through a gift:

• Reinforces a culture of gratitude.
• Tangibly conveys the respect and gratitude we feel towards them.
• Strengthens the bond between parents of pupils in the same class, in the case of group gifts.

Our teachers’ favourite gifts

63% Prefer an Experience to an Object

63% of the teachers interviewed said they would prefer to receive an experience rather than a material object.

And within that group, half would choose a food experience, such as a tasting dinner or a gourmet menu. In other words, they love going out for dinner somewhere beautiful and enjoying premium dishes.

And listen to this: when we told them that at Hotel Treats you can also give breakfasts, brunches and afternoon teas at luxury hotels, many were surprised (you should have seen their faces!). They didn’t know you could give this type of experience without requiring accommodation, and they had never considered brunch as a type of gift either, but they loved the idea.

So, when faced with this possibility, several admitted that it would be one of their favourite gifts.

María José, a primary school teacher, told us literally:

“I love having breakfast! Breakfast is one of the most important meals, especially for us teachers, because it helps us start the day with more energy and enthusiasm. I never would have thought that you could give breakfast at a luxury hotel as a gift… but now that I know, I would love it.”

In short, the insight here is very clear:

• Teachers value experiences that allow them to enjoy themselves outside the school environment.
• Breakfast and brunch create positive surprise, as they are perceived as an original gift.
• A different gift feels more special.

15% Want Rest: Spa, Massage or Relaxation

15% of teachers said they would like to receive a relaxing experience such as a spa treatment or massage. It is the typical gift that can be bought on many websites, but the great thing about buying it from Hotel Treats is that the relaxing experience is not just the massage or pool itself: your teacher will be able to enjoy a unique setting and premium service at an affordable price for the whole class.

The words that came up most often in the interviews were:

• “Switch off”
• "Tension in the neck and shoulders"
• “Rest”
• “Not think about schedules”

A spa circuit or massage at a 4- or 5-star hotel is seen as an adult, useful and genuinely appreciated gift at the end of the school year. And if it is combined with a food experience, even more so.

12% Prefer Something Personal Made by Their Pupils

12% mentioned that what they value most is an emotional gesture, such as:

• A handwritten card.
• A surprise in class.
• A thank-you video.

And at Hotel Treats, we agree: The message matters a lot.

But here is our advice: The ideal option is to accompany that emotional gesture with something tangible that they can also enjoy outside the classroom.

For example:

• A day pass with pool access now that summer is beginning. The school year ends during the hottest months, so a day pass can be a very welcome surprise for your teacher.
• A break at a top hotel, especially if you are giving a group gift and have a slightly larger budget.
• A Golf experience with the possibility of including a getaway or dining experience.

The most important thing: at Hotel Treats you can personalise the card with a special message when purchasing the voucher.

The result?

• You combine emotion + usefulness.
• You make the gift more complete.
• You elevate the gesture without losing its human touch.

Only 10% Prefer Material Objects

A small percentage (around 10%) mentioned that they would like to receive something practical, such as:

• Notebooks
• Useful supplies
• Desk accessories

But when we asked them in more depth, we detected something interesting: many teachers said that they receive similar and repeated objects every year from pupils in different classes. Mugs, flasks, notebooks and pens.

And when a teacher has five classes, they may end up with five similar gifts.

• Objects accumulate.
• Repetition reduces perceived value.
• By contrast, a gift experience is unique every time.

In fact, imagine the opposite scenario: if five classes gave five different experiences:

• A spa treatment.
• A brunch.
• A tasting experience.
• A day pass.
• A getaway.

That teacher’s summer would be unforgettable!

The benefits of giving a Hotel Treats experience

At Hotel Treats:

• You can purchase in less than 1 minute.
• The voucher is delivered instantly in digital format.
• You can personalise the message on the gift card.
• Vouchers have open dates and can be used whenever the teacher wants.
• Prices range from €15 to over €200, which is ideal because you can choose according to your needs and whether it is an individual or group gift.

FAQ – Gifts for Teachers

Is an individual or group gift better?

A group gift usually has a greater impact and is more useful, as you also have more options to choose from with a higher budget.

How much is it appropriate to spend?

It depends on the school and group, but a joint gift allows you to choose something more meaningful without individual pressure.

Are experiences good gifts for teachers?

Yes. They are practical, do not lead to a build-up of objects and allow teachers to switch off.

Does the teacher need to stay at the hotel?

No. Hotel Treats experiences such as dining, wellness and combined packages do not require an overnight stay (unless you give a getaway, in which case they do).

What should I do if I don’t know what they like?

A Hotel Treats gift card is flexible and removes the risk.

Conclusion

The best gift for a teacher is not the most expensive one; it is the one that demonstrates genuine appreciation.

At the end of the day, teachers tend to receive many things (especially material gifts, and always the same ones), but what they receive least is time for themselves. So if you want to get it right this school year, think less about the object and more about the experience.

Because when a gift allows them to switch off, enjoy themselves or celebrate… the gratitude is felt.