Teachers’ Day gift guide: Great gift ideas for teachers in Singapore

This Teachers' Day, if you know an A for Awesome teacher, check out our guide for some lovely gift ideas!

Having a great teacher can make a world of difference to your child’s experience in school. And there’s plenty to thank our kids’ teachers for. Well, this Teachers’ Day (30 August 2024), take the opportunity to say “thank you”, “Xiexie”, “Terima kasih” or “Nandri” to those teachers who have made a difference to your children. No matter what language we say it in, it definitely needs to be said! So, we asked several teachers to share with us the best gifts they’ve received and rounded up some solid thank you gift ideas for teachers.

Teachers’ Day in Singapore 2024: Great gift ideas

Handmade Teachers’ Day gift ideas

1. Homemade cookies

A personal favourite in our household for handmade gifts is a batch of biscuits baked by the kids. You can even cut them out into apple shapes for an extra teacher-friendly vibe! Use a clean old jam jar to put your cookies in, and then tie a ribbon around the lid. Then, add a label, and they are good to go.

2. A card

Homemade cards are another good crafty idea that teachers will love. All teachers want to see their pupils producing amazing work, and a drawing or card is a personal gift that will mean a lot to them. Psst, all of the teachers we spoke to put homemade cards on their list of most treasured presents. You can’t go wrong with this one.

3. Bookmark

A handmade bookmark is a handy teacher’s day pressie and is something your teacher will definitely need. Get creative with decorating them – paste on some buttons, sprinkle over some glitter, or even paste dried pressed flowers- your creativity will speak volumes, and your teacher will love their snazzy, new bookmark in their book.

4. Paperweight

An easy-to-make paperweight is a great present to show your love and appreciation towards your teacher. Choose a large pebble and make an artsy composition with acrylic paints. A suggestion – a caricature of your teacher alongside their name would look lovely on the pebble!

5. Sweet treat box

A sweet treat box is a super fun gift to put together and is so easy to make. Take a cardboard box (a recycled box would be great), and fill it up with your favourite sweet treats, candies, and confetti. Put your craftsy hat on and decorate the box with doodles and a thank you note!

Let’s be honest, teaching is not an easy job at all! Every teacher deserves a few words of encouragement along their journey, and what better way to show this to them than by framing a quote art poster made by yours truly? Take a brightly coloured sheet of paper and pen down your favourite teacher quote that defines what your teacher means to you. Frame it for that final touch…and voila! A work of art!

Thoughtful Teachers’ Day gift ideas in Singapore

Teachers absolutely do not expect students to spend much, for their Teachers’ Day pressie. Our children use their own pocket money to purchase gifts for their teachers, so if they are not feeling crafty and want to buy something instead, here are our picks for great affordable gifts!

1. Stationery

Now in case you didn’t already know, most teachers love stationery. We’re talking pens, notebooks, cards, anything craft-related. Check out Purple and Pure to take a look at their amazing collection of plantable stationery that any teacher would absolutely adore. Or why not go all out and order something customised instead? We found this adorable personalised teacher stamp from PinkPueblo2 on Etsy. Oh, and we also came across an array of super cool personalised accessories from Sweet Favour. Want more choices? Don’t miss out on our all-inclusive list of stores to get your teacher’s stationery needs sorted in a jiffy!

2. Special gifts by special people

We love the handmade goodies and beautiful bag charms created by Ryan Koh, an amazing young man who doesn’t let autism get in the way of creating gorgeous gifts not just for Teachers’ Day but year-round too. Have a look around Mustard Tree, his online shop – we love the leather beagle bag charm: perfect for a dog-loving teacher.

The Art Faculty is a platform to promote the special talents of people with autism and other challenges and it encompasses an art gallery, training ground, studio and art cafe to bring great works into the public arena. Take a look at The Animal Project range, which is full of teacher-worthy presents from pencil cases to mugs, totes to tumblers: all with bright and funky designs created by students from Pathlight. Or, check out its gift bundles! Very cute.

Further afield, you’ve got Arts@Metta, where they offer a delightful selection of art products crafted by the talented youths from Metta School who have mild disabilities and/or autism. Get ready to discover vibrant Batik print coasters, bags, and more, all of which are sure to bring a big smile to your teachers’ faces.

3. Baked Goodies

Everyone loves a baked treat! And if you can’t bake yourself, we say, just buy a cake instead! There are plenty of solid options around town, from the beloved chocolate chiffon cake from Lana Cakes to delicious artisan made cheesecake from Amrita’s Artisan Bakeology. For cute teacher-theme cakes and cupcakes look no further than Bob the Baker and Frosted Chick. Or hit our list of cupcake churners around town for more inspiration.

4. Quirky gifts

Oh Happy Fry has an adorable collection of items that we’ve fawned over for years. And it’s a great option if you’re looking for a quirky gift for teachers! Perhaps a cloud cushion for when they’re sitting at their desks busy marking assignments. Or why not get an anatomical skeleton or dog puzzle instead? Add an extra dose of quirkiness to your teacher’s day present with a touch of adorable charm, like this personalised phone stand. It’s seriously super cute!

5. Chocolates

Mr. Bucket offers sweet treats perfect for any occasion, a must-try for teachers needing a sweet pick-me-up after a long week. Their handmade Bon Bons boast scrumptious flavors and decadent fillings like ganache, pate-de-fruit, and praline. Also, don’t miss Janice Wong, renowned for vibrant, melt-in-the-mouth chocolates crafted by chef Janice Wong herself—guaranteed to sweep any teacher off their feet. With its rainbow-like presentation, opening a box of these chocolates is pure joy. For more indulgence, explore our list of top chocolate cake bakehouses in town; some things are simply worth the splurge!

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6. Self care kits

Teaching is a real handful, and with all the stress that tags along, it’s totally fair to say that teachers deserve some solid self-care. And what’s a better way to recharge those batteries than with a Teacher’s Day gift that practically shouts “self-care” all over it? Our picks? Those eye-popping rainbow self-care gift sets from Lush, perfect for a good old tub soak. Need some aromatherapy? Lynk Fragrances has got you covered. We also love the sets by Silkfairy, a women-led company that creates luxurious, sustainable, and affordable silk sleep essentials like pillow cases, eye masks and more. Have a blast shopping!

7. A gift with a local twist

For ‘made in Singapore’ gift ideas, we think all teachers need a weekly planner, tote or brooch pin to show off the Singapore pride. Need more options? Check out Carer for their handmade and personalised products like cookies, flowers and pet collars, made by seniors and carers – it’s for a good cause! There’s also the Strangely Singaporean collection at the little dröm store, with locally-inspired gifts.

8. Home and fashion Accessories

We’re all about rocking those accessories, whether it’s for your space or your personal style. Luckily, there are plenty of go-to places where you can find the perfect and stylish Teacher’s Day gift. If you’ve got a favourite teacher, treat them to a beautiful eco-friendly table decor set by House of Happy! Our suggestion? Uncommon Goods is a treasure trove of self-accessorising and home decor treasures that your teacher will totally dig, including scarves, jewellry, candles, and art prints. The choices are limitless!

9. Flowers

Yes, we know it’s basic, but honestly? Nothing says it better than a lovely bouquet of flowers! Our colleague recommends getting the cotton and lavender bouquet from Petite Fleur – simple but still chic and oh-so-effective. How about going for plain, simple, yet stunning with Roses Only? We vouch for this florist at our HQ because the roses are stunning, to say the least! Need more options? We’ve got a list of the best florists in Singapore for you to get pretty stems for your kid’s teacher(s).

10. Plants

Flowers are not the only thing that can do the trick. An adorable succulent in a pot equally qualifies as a lovely prezzie to gift your teacher. The best part- there is a wide variety of succulents and pots to choose from! You can even add a few micro landscape ornaments (like mushrooms) into your succulent pot to amp up that cuteness score. We love the options of succulents (and all that goes with them) available at Succulent Succulents. Looking for more plant inspirations? Singapore has tons of nurseries dotted across the island that are definitely worth checking out.

11. Candles, Soaps and Aromatherapy

Nothing calms the nerves better than a lovely immersive scent after a long day of teaching. And your teacher definitely needs something nicely scented to relax! How about a special handmade pencil-shaped soap bar from Sacha Botanicals? This Singapore-based brand creates high-quality, eco-friendly soaps and shampoo bars handmade in Singapore and their Teacher’s Day Pencil Soap Set features a refreshing citrusy fragrance! If it’s a candle you’re looking for, we recommend this adorable scented candle by Soul Good Project that not only looks and smells amazing but has a secret message at the bottom. Looking for more candle inspirations? Brands like Gift Good, Maison 21G, innerfyre co, The Rituals Co and Tangs have some great options to explore.

12. Customised gift

Planning ahead for customised gifts might take a little extra effort, but it’s absolutely worth it. I mean, who doesn’t love personalised goodies, right? The cool thing is, in Singapore, you’ve got a bunch of gift options that can be customised and your teacher will totally appreciate – like water bottles, clipboards, coffee mugs, tees, and more. Where to check? Keep Coxo Vanessa, Well Threaded US, and Theimprint on your radar. Happy gifting!

13. Tea hamper

Nothing can soothe those teacher nerves quite like a steaming cup of aromatic tea. And lucky for us, the little red dot is a true haven for tea lovers. Take your pick from a plethora of options, such as tropical-inspired tea flavors at Clipper Tea, the timeless signature blends from TWG Tea, essential herbal teas from Eu Yan Sang, and teas with delightful floral notes from Ette Tea. The choices are truly endless! Here’s to a tea-rrific gift idea!

14. Box of delicious nibbles

Nothing says “Singapore-inspired gift” quite like a box of delectable nibbles, because in our food-loving nation, munching is right at the top of our to-do list! So, why not treat your teachers to a wholesome gift overflowing with nibbles they’ll savor and cherish forever? Our choices? A box loaded with wholesome treats from Amazin’ Graze, locally-inspired snacks from Wai, a package of superfood munchies from boxgreen, and a whole lot more!

The most important thing? Showing all the amazing teachers our gratitude

Gifts are all well and good, but Teachers’ Day is all about showing our gratitude to those wonderful people who help shape our small people into becoming successful adults they will one day be. We all remember our favourite and most influential teachers from our own school days; the ones who went the extra mile to help us understand, develop and thrive. All of them played a part in making us the adults we are today. Teachers are some of the most important people to have crossed our paths, both as pupils and as parents. They all deserve a little something to say a great big thank you.

We asked teachers what they really love to find on their desks

We have asked a few teachers around the Little Red Dot what their favourite presents over the years have been, and we have also come up with some great ideas at pocket money prices for your little one to wrap and bestow on their own teachers this year.

“I have been touched hugely over the years by a number of really thoughtful gifts. One really special present came in the form of a scrapbook with a photo and a message from every child in my class.  The class mums had passed the book among themselves, getting their kids to add their own sentiments until it was finished. It was presented to me as a thank you gift I will never forget, and one that I have treasured through the years. I was recently reminded of the present when I ran into one of the boys from my class who now towers above me and has grown into quite the charming young man.”
– Paulina

“I still use a very special gift I received from one of my students, which is a daily reminder of how much my profession means to me and those I teach. It is a simple metal keyring with my name engraved on one side, and the words “Teach. Laugh. Inspire” on the other. It was just so touching, so personal and thoughtful.”
– Lisa

“I love each and every one of my mugs, brooches and teddy bears from my pupils, and I keep them all! I am super sentimental, so have been filled with joy at each and every gift presented to me. A particular gift that sticks out was from a little boy in my class who made the teachers in school a chocolate bouquet of flowers using pipe cleaners, cellophane and a whole pile of love.  He then took the bouquet apart once in school and handed each teacher a stem of their own.”
– Rachael

“I’ve taught in various countries over the years and I’ve had some really memorable gifts. My list includes a half-eaten bag of sweets, a voucher for slimming pills and a Christmas tree! I’ve also been given pre-loved teddies, which obviously come with huge sentimental value and bring a tear to my eye. I was even the very lucky recipient of airline tickets one year from a student!”
– Lesley

“My name is Mark and I am a coffee addict. And my students all know this! So along with a fantastic collection of ‘best teacher’ mugs, a present that really stuck out for me was when one of my kids bought me a voucher for Starbucks for just the right amount for a cup of coffee! And it turned out perfectly because it was such a great idea, the other kids took note and so I have been happily receiving Starbucks vouchers ever since.”
– Mark

“Being from the UK, I was super chuffed to find a packet of my favourite British crisps on my desk here in Singapore from one pupil on Teachers’ Day! So if you have a teacher who is from overseas, then sourcing a little gift from their home country is always a great gesture. And my oddest present yet? A vibrating hamster that attaches to my laptop!”
– Catherine

And psst – there’s no better gift than a thank you from the kids themselves… so here’s ours!

Happy Teachers’ Day, folks!