What do teachers want for Christmas?

[Frogmountain]

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?

[Scott]

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

[sensei]

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.

[SlyAnimal]

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).

[isawasnake]

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.

[Colabamumbai]

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.

[Scott]

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

[bluie3]

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.

[culicine]

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.

[ivan96822]

Beer.

[recom273]

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.

Edited December 5, 2013 by recom273

[hanno]

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

[smotherb]

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.

[sirchai]

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. -

[Dap]

More $$$

[Somtamnication]

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!!!!!!

[SlyAnimal]

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

If you wish to continue posting in this thread, please try to make helpful comments for the OP.

[navara]

Peace.