Quote Originally Posted by tulip View Post
I just don't think it should be the norm to give teachers presents. Same for office gift-giving. It just doesn't seem right to me because it's like gift giving out of obligation or pressure, and that's pretty much contrary to the notion of giving gifts in the first place. That's not something that I would want to teach a kid.
Yes, I agree with you. I think a gift should be heartfelt and never come out of obligation. The way I see gifting, I usually associate it with gratitude. In fact the few gifts I give on the workplace are to people that I consider truly special and I am very grateful to have as collaborators and friends.

That said, I do recall that one resident once gave me a present (I teach med students and residents). It was after graduation, prior to leaving for another hospital. A coffee mug with a prayer for teachers - I still keep it on my desk, use it everyday for coffee, and think it was a nice and unexpected gesture. I think I recall it because it was a rare instance, and sort of came out of nowhere.

If gifting became the norm, I guess it would lose its spontaneity and meaning.