Teachers’ Day Gifts

Once a year, we set aside one day to let our teachers know how much we appreciate their hard work and commitment. While gifts are not necessary, they are most certainly welcomed.

The following recommendations are based on feedback I’ve gotten from other teachers and filtered through my own biased lenses. So please take them with a pinch of salt and understand that there are always exceptions. Except for mugs – no mugs, no exceptions.

Mugs

To kick off the list, let’s talk about the dreaded mug. It’s practical and can be personalised. It’s also one of the most common gifts for Teachers’ Day. It’s a very nice gesture but we all honestly only need one. Sadly, the rest end up as paper weights or stationery holders. Please, no more mugs.

Ornamental and Decorative Stuff

In most cases, these will suffer the same fate as mugs – table clutter. A neat teacher would probably like his or her desk as bare as possible, and a messy one has probably already maxed out every inch of it, including the walls. Save yourself the pain, and the teacher the embarrassment, when you next swing by his or her staffroom desk and wonder where that exquisitely gilded menorah you gifted him or her went.

Fragrances

While perfumes and colognes are very personal, diffusers and oils make nice gifts. Do note that fragrances are not just gifts to one teacher, but a gift to everyone within a cubicle’s radius of the recipient. Gift that ‘fruity durian’ at your own risk.

Red Pens and Stationery

Red pens are always useful. They’re a simple gift that says, “Please mark more.” Do note that some teachers may favour particular brands or the size of the pen tip. I personally only use 0.7. Some teachers may also be discerning about other types of stationery. However, if you know exactly what that teacher likes and needs, they may greatly appreciate that you took note of such personal little details. That, or they may find it creepy that you took note of such personal little details.

Food

Most teachers I know appreciate and love food. However, most teachers already lead sedentary lives at their desks, so a well-meaning box of sweet treats may be inching them towards an early grave. But I’m sure they’ll love it all the same!

Cash and Expensive Gifts

Cash is a big no-no; as are gifts valued above $50. Teachers are not allowed to accept them and will have to declare them to MOE if, in the most unlikely of cases, they choose to do so. Vouchers and gift cards are okay, but do take note of the $50 limit. Personally, I’m uncomfortable accepting any gift that I am aware costs more than $10.

Cards and Notes

Thank you cards and notes are great. They are a no-frills way of letting a teacher know how much you appreciate them teaching your kids. What I love most about cards is that they can be stored neatly. I have a folder of every card I have received from parents and students over the years. I go through them, especially when I’ve had a rough day at work, to remind me why I teach; and what a great privilege it is to be entrusted with a part in moulding someone else’s child. I believe any teacher would appreciate the gift of words. Except maybe the grammar nazi, who may actually correct your grammar and send your card back to you, graded.

Don’t Give That Mug

At the end of the day, any teacher would be grateful for any gift or word that communicates that your child is better in some way because of their involvement.

Just remember that teachers:
1. would rather use it or eat it, than look at it
2. can’t receive cash or items valued above $50
3. don’t want another mug

Looking for tuition for your child? Let us know how Mister Meister can help by filling up this form.  

Photo source: pngtree.com