My partner teaches, and word gets around that we have a baby. New class this year, and in the first week he has already come home with a set of baby clothes, a soft toy and a small silver bowl, all from students' parents. It's sweet, but it feels awkward, the silver especially. Do we accept quietly, send things back, or is there some normal way teachers handle this? 😅
In the bank we have a rule, nothing above a small amount from customers. Schools may not have such a written rule, but the same sense works. Sweets, clothes, a small toy, accept with thanks. Silver, return politely with a note.
I mentor students and have had parents send things too. What I do: a handwritten thank-you for everything, and for anything costly a polite return saying it is too generous. Nobody has ever been offended ♥
I'm a coordinator at a school. Ask your partner to check whether his school has a gifts policy; many do, even if nobody reads it. If there is one, he can return the silver and blame the policy, which is easier on everyone.
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