A Teacher Appreciation Week wish list has gone viral after the teacher included high-end products from brands that a parent considers too expensive. The parent in Irvine took to Reddit to share the list of her child’s teacher’s “favorite things.” The teacher apparently compiled the list to guide the parents on what to buy for Teacher Appreciation Week. “Is this normal or appropriate in a public school? Feels like it puts pressure on families,” she wrote in the caption.
The detailed list was categorized as favorite stores, restaurants, food, drinks, and hobbies. Under the section of her stores, the teacher mentioned Vuori, Lululemon, Nordstrom, Target, and others. She also listed her favorite restaurants as Haku, Puesto, Cava, H20 Poke, and Shin-Sen-Gumi, from which she specifically asked for ramen.
When the disgruntled parent posted the picture online, she mentioned that her “child’s former teacher never shared a list or asked for anything.” She further admitted that she had gifted the former teacher a Nordstrom gift card, but it was of her own volition. She said that “felt more genuine” than a compiled list. The parent further noted that she was surprised to see such high-end brands on the list, as some parents might get the wrong impression.
“I get that it includes things like Lilies and Target, but when high-end brands are also listed, it can create the impression – even unintentionally – that those are the expected kinds of gifts.”
The unhappy parent also stated that families facing financial crises may feel uncomfortable or excluded by the list. The incident sparked a debate online, and social media users shared various opinions on the matter. While some criticized the list, others defended it. Those defending the teacher pointed out that it contained expensive brands and other simple things like flowers, chips, and chocolates.
One user argued, “It also includes Target and says her favorite color is purple and she likes jalapeno chips. Take a breath, Karen. If you’re worried the other moms are going to judge you for not getting her Lululemon, that’s a you and the other moms’ problem.”
Another user added: “It’s not like she’s asking for anything specific from those stores; just that if you wanted to get her a gift card, a card for one of those places is preferable…”
On the other hand, one individual criticized the list with the comment, “I can’t be the only one who finds it surprising a teacher is asking for Lululemon and other expensive items.”
Another Redditor in a lengthy rant explained that they had heard of similar occurrences in “charter schools and private academies with wealthy families in the San Jose area.” The user added, “This practice is pure entitlement on the part of the teacher, even if a parent is coordinating.”
At this moment, the name of the school remains unknown, as the parent chose not to reveal that detail.
