Happy Friday! This teacher is some kind of tired. During December teachers get a little more frazzled than usual as we deal with tests, getting grades in before report cards in the new year, and also all that excitement of Santa and the time we’re all about to have off. I’ve got four more days with students! I think I can. I think I can. Teachers, you feel me, right?
If you’ve got kids, chances are you’ve got a teacher you’re thinking of buying a gift for. I decided to put together a few ideas for you, and I’m being super honest about those gift cards for number five. Some of these items you can also get locally so shop small.
- Coffee Cup Warmer– It’s no secret that teachers live on coffee. We need the caffeine to make sure we successfully take care of all those children so early in the morning (and maybe even at mid-day). Now that we’re living in the days of Keurigs, more and more teachers have the small ones in their classrooms so that they can brew a cup of joe anytime of the day. Not all travel cups are made alike. Some just don’t get the job done, and there’s something about a sip of coffee from a mug. However, we know how quickly a mug of coffee can cool down, so this warmer would make a great gift for the coffee-loving teacher. This one can be found at Bed, Bath, and Beyond which means you should use one of your 4,000 20% off coupons you’ve got stashed. (Am I the only one? They never expire!)
- O-venture Key Ring– We gotta have our keys. To get in the school on our days off and after hours. And we need another one to get into our classrooms. And we might need other ones to get in other areas of the school. Let’s just say we’ve got our fair share of keys. Wouldn’t it be great if we had a cute key chain to put them on? I think yes. And I think teachers would like these. You can buy these at The Roost. The Pineapple and True South also have some.
- Inkjoy Gel Pens– Just trust me.
- Chocolate Stash- Again…TRUST! Teaching’s hard. Sometimes a little square of chocolate will bring us a little happy moment to push through. 🙂
- Gift Cards- I once heard someone say that all teachers really want is money and alcohol. Who am I to correct those teachers? Again, teaching’s hard and doesn’t pay nearly enough. Gift cards are great! But listen, we really want to spend it where we want to spend it. Maybe we need a new pair of shoes to teach in. Maybe we want a new desk chair. Maybe we just want some more Inkjoy gel pens. But maybe we want to get a manicure with it or go out to dinner with our girlfriends. The point is, don’t put a limit on that thing. Give the Visa kind. 🙂
- Thieves Hand Sanitizer– Teachers use so much Germ-X during the day that our hands can be so dry. Young Living has a wonderful hand purifier from their Thieves line. It smells great and doesn’t leave your hands feeling dry. I use mine sparingly, and they should really sell giant bottles of it, but the little bottle is only $5.00. What a thoughtful gift for your child’s teacher. Find yourself a Young Living representative and support small business.
- Scarf and Gloves– It’s been super cold this fall, and I have used my scarves and gloves many times already. They’re essential for those teachers that stand outside in the mornings and afternoons to assist with the car and bus riders. This scarf from Target is inexpensive, super cute, and pairs well with these gloves from Walmart.
- Flair Pens– Just do it. They aren’t cheap, but your teacher will be so grateful. I promise! We love these things.
- Beauty Products– Sometimes it’s nice to surprise your teacher with something that’s not related to teaching. This lipstick duo is perfect for that. This would even be great for those of you who have a teacher and a teacher’s assistant to buy for. Just wrap each one up separately with a little chocolate, and you’ve got a great gift. If your child is in high school with a lot of teachers, get the holiday mini lipstick set or the lip gloss set and break it up. You’ll also be giving them a great gift of safer beauty.
- Hydroflask– Hands down my favorite water bottle. It is virtually indestructible. It keeps ice until well into the night, and my water is always fresh and cold. Teachers may not get to drink too much since we have limited bathroom trips, but when those kiddos leave, you better believe we’re downing our H2O. I highly recommend this brand.
Bonus Ideas:
- Supplies: Expo markers, white board erasers, Sharpies (all colors but black are just fine), electric pencil sharpener, flash drive, Post-its, staples, tape, binder clips (all sizes)
- Wall Clock- I had a student pick one out for me one year, and I thought it was such a sweet thing that they thought of me when they saw it. Plus, it’s a very practical gift that I and the students use every day.
- Oil Diffuser and Oils- This is a bit generous, but if you use oils, then you know how powerful they can be. Sometimes those kiddos need some lavender for a bit of a calming effect. Especially this time of year. 🙂 And thieves oil should be diffused all day, every day to help ward off sickness.
- If you’re feeling SUPER generous or are going together as a class for one big gift, a massage is always a nice idea. I hear very good things about the spa at the Wind Creek in Atmore and the one at the Renaissance in Montgomery. I happen to be one of those people that thinks it’s very unnerving to have a complete stranger rubbing oil all over my body, but I’d totally redeem it on a facial. And no matter how we feel about massages, we all like a little pampering every now and again, and spas offer so many services these days.
I hope this guide has given you a few ideas for the teachers your children love. Don’t forget about the principals, assistant principals, secretaries, custodians, librarians, music and art teachers, PE teachers, and any after school workers that look after your children. They all work just as hard, if not harder, than your child’s teacher.
Missed any gift guides this week? I’ve got a page on my blog dedicated to my gift guides from this year and last. Head here for a round up of them all. I’ve got two more gift guides for you to round out the week and weekend. Hope to see you back tomorrow!
Happy Friday, y’all!
*This post contains affiliate links. I do receive a commission when you shop some of the links in this post.
Great ideas! Love flare pens! And thanks for remembering the librarians 😉
You guys are the best! You work way harder than I do!