I'd like to get my son's teacher a nice present - she deserves it! Was thinking a gift certificate to a fancy restaurant but would love to hear suggestions.

Also, what is an appropriate gift for the classroom's Thai teaching aide, also a nice lady whom I would like to thank for being so great?

It might be more useful to get a gift certificate to a department store.

A simple note saying thank you would be more than enough for me.
As a teacher, it warms my heart to see a grateful parent like you.

Something they can use in their classroom would probably make a nice gift (e.g. a nice pen, diary/notebook or maybe a USB drive). I know that if a parent was going to give me a gift, something like this would be well appreciated. Although sometimes diaries / notebooks aren't always a good idea, as many prefer to keep notes electronically these days (But the people who do use paper diaries, would probably really value a good one).

I would think the parent's support in giving the school more days off is the #1 gift. I think it is a win win too.

A Thai teacher, something that they can show off and brag about, that they got from you, a happy parent.

Me, a foreign teacher a thank you, a bonus, turkey dinner would be nice, compliments not complaints.

There is a sort of tradition to give Christmas gifts, but they are often given at New Years.

As a teacher I was always appreciative for all the gifts I received throughout the year. The most given gift was a fruit basket or an assorted gift basket. For a lady teacher I think a 'gift certificate' to a department store is fine, the gift certificate for a restaurant may cause some problem if they take another person who will need to pay - could be a bit expensive for her.

Anyway, as a teacher for many years, I found that gifts from students varied according to the school I was teaching at - one school they gave simple gifts of flowers - that was nice too. It also saved face for a teacher who didn't receive gifts of substance.

be assured that whatever you give will be accepted graciously and kidly - that's been my experience.

I don;t get too much these days, probably because I teach m3/m4 and I'm a hard ass with the students. If kids behave and do their work that's enough for me. And I tell them that. For a foreign teacher, a thank you is enough. Thai teachers can be given gift baskets, snacks, etc. They will appreciate anything, actually.

Beer.

Respect for a foreign culture in Thailand .. A day off for xmas day.

ETA: Instead of the humiliation of wearing a santa hat and singing jingle bells on stage during the morning assembly.

My friend, who is Thai, is taking her kids' teachers for a meal.

Duh .... First of all, I would never consider giving a Thai a Christmas present when they are Buddhist!

Sounds like more than your son needs some education.

Please, the spirit of Christmas is in giving, not receiving. I am sure a Thai teacher, like any other nationality of teacher, would appreciate the thanks of any of their students' parents. It would make no difference if it's Christmas or not.

Respect for a foreign culture in Thailand .. A day off for xmas day.

ETA: Instead of the humiliation of wearing a santa hat and singing jingle bells on stage during the morning assembly.

I'd be more than happy just to wear such a hat. They want me to "play" Santa Claus. The only problem is that a couple of reindeer are hard to find. -

More $$$

I would imagine that whatever gift you give them, it needs to be presented in public, like in front of the students or their co-workers. All about face!!!!!!

A number of off topic and unhelpful posts (And any quoted replies) have been removed.

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Peace.