Teachers Reveal What They Really Want for Teachers’ Day

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Every year when September rolls around, a conversation starts among the parents – What do we get our kids' teachers for Teachers' Day? As always, the usual suspects pop right up – flowers, cards, baked goods – and I launch into my case for a spa voucher because I strongly believe that all teachers will appreciate the me-time luxury.

So to put an end to all the mystery and endless debate, we decided to ask the teachers themselves what they really want for Teachers' Day!

Gift cards & vouchers 

Whether it's from Starbucks, Wagas, Peach, or Jenny Lou's, gift cards are such a great generic gift that are always appreciated and classier than cash in hand. By far the most popular is Starbucks, considering that teachers probably form the largest base of coffee addicts since they need all the boost they can get to handle 20 (or more!) of our kids every day. But if you know your teacher is a new parent, grocery store gift cards could be a lifesaver for when they need to stock up on baby supplies! If you want to have fun with it, restaurant vouchers to the latest hot eateries might do the trick too.

Plants

Up your game with some beautiful, breathing plants that will spruce up a desk at either the classroom or home office of your kids' teachers long term instead of flowers that wilt and die after a couple of days. A succulent is our choice, since they are easy, low-maintenance plants that don't require a lot of sunlight or water. Case in point, my own succulent is still alive after three winters – and I barely touch it beyond watering it when I remember to every couple of weeks or so.

Drinks tumbler/bottle

Teachers love their pick-me-up, and they need something to carry it around in. YETI tumblers have gained popularity in recent years, such that copycats are popping up everywhere at places like Pearl Shopping Center. With a great variety of sizes and colors to choose from, you can definitely find one that's perfect for your kid’s teacher. If those are too plain for you, check out the Beijing and China-themed souvenir mugs from Starbucks that get a new look every year or so. Those are great for these expat teachers who will someday leave and bring those mementos with them.

Sweet treats

Chocolates, cookies, muffins, and other delicious baked goods from any respectable bakery are also welcome at the teachers' desk on Sep 10 every year. Do take care to ask about allergies, or go safe with a mix of flavors and options like vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free. Knowing how little time (and interest) teachers have to queue up for the delicious offerings of Butterful & Creamorous, this would be a good chance for you to order some for them to try!

Computer bag

This takes a little bit of planning ahead because you have to take note of details such as the size of the laptop your kid's teacher is using to make sure you get the right fit. Practicality is the name of every teacher's game, but of course, a sleek design is a bonus if you can find one for a reasonable price tag. It's also fun if you can get it monogrammed with the teacher's initials!

Alcohol

This might be controversial, but if we're being honest, teachers start their days with coffee and usually end with something stronger. (Sound familiar, parents?) This was brought up by a surprising number of teachers, who prefer to remain anonymous. If this is something you can relate to, then pick up a bottle of your favorite vino for Teachers' Day if you know that your kid's teacher enjoys a little tipple. We suggest heading down to your nearest CHEERS outlet, or check out the CHEERS Summer Fest this weekend for some unique recommendations!

Whatever you choose to get, most of the teachers we spoke to said they greatly appreciate a handwritten note or card with the gift. Such heartfelt gestures are, as a VISA ad once said, priceless.

What NOT to get

A delicate Chinese tea cup set might seem like the perfect gift, but many of the globe-trotting expat teachers don't want to be burdened with breakables while moving. Also, most of the female teachers say they have received way too many scarves already.

For more tips on what to get your kids’ teachers for Teachers Day, check out our former education editor Julie Wolf's insights here.

Images: Unsplash

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