In Singapore, Teacher’s Day this year falls on:
Friday, 5 September 2025
It’s typically celebrated in primary schools on the Friday before the September holidays. Preschools may choose to hold their celebrations on a different date, leaving the actual day for school closure so that teachers can get a good break! Do check your school calendar!
If you’ve ever peeked into a preschool classroom, you’ll know it takes a whole lot of patience, energy and heart to guide a room full of toddlers or K2s. On Teacher’s Day, many of us want to show a little love to these everyday heroes. But what kind of gift is best?
Here’s a gentle reminder: it doesn’t need to be big, fancy or Pinterest-perfect. Preschool teachers aren’t looking for extravagance — they just appreciate the thought.
A handwritten, heartfelt card
These are the most treasured. A scribbled “Thank you” or a colourful drawing decorated with puffy stickers goes straight to the heart. You can add a note of gratitude as a parent too — just a few lines to say you’ve noticed their effort or kindness.
Care packs
I packed these care packs with the kids, and they drew on these boxes and stuck the little bows themselves. It became a fun weekend activity!
One of the most popular gift ideas from COVID days are care packs. These are perfect for preschool teachers who are constantly talking, moving and washing their hands! Some easy ideas to include: Throat lozenges, honey sticks, mini hand sanitiser, Vitamin C supplements, lip balm, tea bags or 3-in-1 coffee. Everything can packed into a ziplock, organza pouch or kraft paper bag. Keep it small, cute and useful, then add a thank you note!
Snack packs
Busy preschool teachers often skip meals or power through the day without a proper break – some of them don’t even get to leave the centre for lunch! A little snack bag filled with granola bars, dried fruit, biscuits or even a mini bubble tea voucher can feel like a warm hug.
Recyclable totes or pouches
Teachers are always carrying things around — from snacks to worksheets to spare clothes. A lightweight foldable tote like this pretty one or reusable zippered pouch makes a thoughtful, sustainable gift.
Cutesy bags
Looking for something functional, adorable and affordable? This knitted mini tote bag checks all the boxes. It’s the perfect size for carrying lunch, a wallet or a few small essentials — and it adds a sweet, handmade vibe to any outfit.
Available in several designs, it makes a lovely Teacher’s Day gift that feels thoughtful without going over budget. Surprisingly, the quality is great for the price paid. Best of all? It ships from Singapore, so you don’t have to worry about long wait times. I got these in different designs one year, and got my child to let the teachers choose them from a basket.
Stationery
Preschool teachers love cute and useful stationery. Think stickers, lined books, ink pads or name label stickers they can use in class. You can also throw in a pretty notebook, a roll of washi tape, or pens (If you like, you can also be engraved these with the teachers’ names!). These are easy to find at Daiso, Mr DIY, Typo or online!
Customised stampers
A favourite among preschool teachers — personalised self-inking stampers with phrases like “Great Job!” or their name. These are fun, practical and get a ton of use in the classroom. Just be sure to order early as they take time to customise. Get these quality ones from local vendor Misty Daydream here.
Reusable Water Bottles
Reusable water bottles are a thoughtful and practical gift that teachers can use daily —whether it’s for staying hydrated during class or bringing their favourite tea on the go. They’re eco-friendly, functional and always appreciated.
I especially love this minimalist one from Muji — durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. A no-frills, teacher-approved option that looks great on any desk. Pair it with a small note or a tea sachet inside for a sweet touch!
Keychains or badge holders
Customised keychains with their name, or a cute lanyard/badge reel (many schools require staff IDs) can be a practical yet fun option. I got these wooden keyrings before and really like how understated they look. Each can be customised with the teacher’s name in your preferred font, and comes individually packed. It’s also super cheap, so I ordered 20 at one go for every teacher and staff member in the school!
Vouchers
If you’re not sure what to get, you really can’t go wrong with a voucher. They’re practical, clutter-free, and allow teachers to choose something they genuinely need or enjoy. Some popular options include:
- Coffee or bubble tea vouchers (e.g. Starbucks, The Alley, LiHO, KOI)
- Bookstore vouchers (Popular, Kinokuniya)
- Supermarket vouchers (NTUC FairPrice, Cold Storage)
Even a $5 or $10 voucher, paired with a simple thank-you note or your child’s drawing, can go a long way. Just pop it into a small envelope or gift card holder to keep it neat and presentable.
Little Notes
Consider food allergies and dietary needs: Avoid snacks that contain nuts, and be mindful of Halal or other dietary restrictions. When in doubt, go for non-edible gifts to keep things safe and inclusive.
Avoid bulky items: My kids love giving the gifts themselves. Choose small, lightweight gifts that are easy for your child to carry and hand out at school.
Opt for group gifts when possible: A shared gift like a fruit basket or snack box for the staff room can be more practical and appreciated by the whole team. This actually works for festive occasions like Christmas as well.
Stick to modest tokens of appreciation: Teachers under MOE are not allowed to accept cash, and expensive gifts may need to be declared. Preschools and private centres may also have their own guidelines—when in doubt, keep it simple and thoughtful.
Avoid strong fragrances: Scented lotions, candles or essential oils might trigger sensitivities. If gifting self-care items, go for gentle or fragrance-free options.
Label your gift clearly: Include your child’s name and class so the teacher knows who the gift is from — especially helpful in large classes or when multiple gifts are received. You can use a label printer or simply handwrite with a marker pen!
Heads up! This article includes affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this little corner of the internet!
This Little Season 