Erin Porteous
Teaching can be a thankless profession. This is why it’s incredibly important to remember to show your deep appreciation for all the hard work that your teachers have done to help you secure your future. There are plenty of ways to do this, one of which is to give them a gift. Of course, the question is, what gift should you get? Because all teachers are unique, finding the right gift for YOUR teacher can be time-consuming (pretty much like teaching you, we would guess). Because of this, you’ll naturally want to gift him or her something that speaks to who they are, what they like, etc. They’ve gone above and beyond for you, so why not put a real smile on their face by getting them something you put much thought into, right? But just in case you need help, we scoured the net for creative, fun, and affordable gifts that any teacher would love.
The Echo Dot is a compact smart speaker that makes life convenient and more entertaining. It allows you to stream songs from various apps such as Amazon Music and Spotify. It helps you connect with other people, even when your hands are busy. It provides you with an ever-present assistant, Alexa. You can ask her to play music, answer questions, check the weather or traffic, add items to your shopping list, and create reminders. You can even sink it to other Alexa devices in your home which enables you to talk to people who are in different rooms within your home.
Why should I buy this?
An Echo Dot is the perfect gift for a teacher because he or she can use it inside AND outside the classroom. They can use it to play music in class, listen to the news, ask for information, tell stories, translate words, set timers, etc. He or she can use it to set reminders for when reports are due. It can also be used to listen to podcasts or music while grading papers. The device can even be used to purchase stuff from Amazon, whether for classroom supplies or personal use. This smart speaker is endlessly useful, a gift that will never grow old.
#2: Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager
The Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager is the perfect replacement for a weekend at the spa. It features powerful 3-dimension deep-kneading shiatsu massage nodes that can relax overused and tight muscles. The massager also features an advanced heating function that soothes aching muscles. Its shape is ergonomic and compact, easily fitting behind your neck and areas in your back. Moreover, it has adjustable straps which enables you to use it wherever your sitting – in your favorite chair or in your car.
Why should I buy this?
Teaching is backbreaking work. We’re not just talking about physical education. When you’re a teacher, you may have to carry loads of books for class or for prepping your lesson plans. You’ll definitely be carrying loads of papers – test papers, reports, etc. Checking them all will mean hours bent over a desk. If you want to show gratitude to your favorite teacher in school, then you can’t do better than giving them the Zyllion Shiatsu massager. It will enable them to relax those tired muscles whenever necessary and they won’t even have to spend money in a spa to do it.
#3: AmazonBasics Thermal Laminator Machine
Laminating is easy with the AmazonBasics Thermal Laminator Machine. It features a ready indicator light that lets you know when the machine is warmed up and ready for use. Warm up time is fast – only four minutes! The laminator comes with two heat settings. It can laminate pouches that are up to 5 mil thick. It can accommodate items that are up to 9 inches thick. Even better, this laminator comes with a jam release lever, so you can keep laminating to your heart’s content.
Why should I buy this?
Teachers love laminating stuff. Just ask them! It helps them ensure that their supplies last longer than the first 100 days of school. Class charts, task lists, calendars, hall passes, etc. Plus, laminating their stuff also means that they can easily wipe them clean and keep them bacteria-free. Laminating posters will keep the creative students from “improving” on them. With his/her own laminator, a teacher won’t have to wait to use the school’s device. They can get all their projects done before school even starts.
#4: Contigo AUTOSEAL Transit Stainless Steel Travel Mug
The Contigo AUTOSEAL Transit Stainless Steel Travel Mug is the perfect travel companion. It can hold up to 16 ounces of liquid, hot or cold. It can keep your drink hot up to 5 hours and cold up to 12 hours. The bottle is leak and spill proof. It also features a non-slip grip sleeve and bottom pad. The lid is dishwasher safe and comes with a spout cover lock that protects the spout from being exposed to dirt and debris when not in use.
Why should I buy this?
The AUTOSEAL Transit Stainless Steel Travel Mug will keep your teacher hydrated with her favorite drink all day long. She can easily keep her coffee hot because of the Thermalock double-wall vacuum-insulated mug. She doesn’t have to worry about any spills when students become too rowdy. She also won’t have to deal with keeping her desk dry when she’s got something cool in her mug. Your teacher can even use this when she’s out doing errands or on vacation.
#5: Knock Knock Why You’re the Best Teacher Ever Fill in the Love Book
The Knock Knock Why You’re the Best Teacher Ever is a fill-in-the-blank book that features pages of phrases that talk about all the things you love about your teacher. It’s a clever book that puts into words how you feel which is especially helpful if you’re not so good with words. The book comes with a hardcover to increase its durability.
Why should I buy this?
Teaching can be a thankless job. You pour your heart out to help all the kids you meet but not many show their appreciation for all your effort. This is why most teachers appreciate any token given to them. Even better if you can put your appreciation down into words. Of course, not everyone is good with words. If that’s you, then this Knock Knock Why You’re the Best Teacher Ever Fill in the Love Book. It has about 50 phrases that you can fill with your own answers specific to your teacher. We guarantee that she or he will love it.
#6: Buddha Board
What is a Buddha Board, you ask? Well, it’s an innovative product that helps anyone practice relaxing mindfulness. The board is a blank slate where you can create whatever your mind conjures using water and the bamboo brush. Once the water evaporates, your “painting” will magically disappear, leaving you with a new blank slate wherein you can create something anew. The Buddha Board comes with a waterproof stand that features a reservoir for the water as well as grooves that will hold your board and brush i place.
Why should I buy this?
Teaching kids, no matter what age, can be extremely stressful. With a Buddha Board, your teacher can enjoy instant stress relief. He or she can paint or doodle on the board while trying to push out all negative thoughts from their mind. The beautiful, inky Japanese drawings they can produce will not only be a delight to create but also enable them to feel tranquil and at peace. Plus, it’s always fun to play with “paint.” Teachers are up to their ears in work most of the school year. Having a Buddha Board will help them learn the art of living in the moment, giving them pockets of peace all throughout the year.
#7: Scalp Massagers
Got headaches or migraines? There’s a natural way of getting relief from all of that – with the Scalp Massager. Admittedly, the way this product looks does not inspire much confidence. But don’t let that fool you. Each spindle features a rubber bead on the end which will soothingly glide over your scalp. This increases blood circulation, promotes deep relaxation, and reduces stress.
Why should I buy this?
As we’ve already mentioned, stress is a fact of life for any teacher. A Scalp Massager would be perfect for helping them find natural relief from all the headaches they get from dealing with students all day long. This massager is designed specifically to touch acupressure points on the scalp, stimulating sensitive nerves that will help induce relaxation, provide stress relief, and even improve sleep quality. Since this product comes in twos, he or she can have one tucked safely at home and another in her office for relieving stress during the day.
Quartet Dry Erase Markers are the best in the business. These markers all feature a patented 3-chamber, liquid ink system that ensures the delivery of bold color every time. They also come with a transparent ink gauge which shows you how much ink remains inside the marker. No need to shake the marker just to see if you can get a little bit more ink to write with. More importantly, these markers are easy to erase, leaving you with a streak-free whiteboard. As an added bonus, the markers use non-toxic low odor ink which makes it perfect for use in enclosed environments such as offices, classrooms, and homes.
Why should I buy this?
Dry erase markers are a teacher’s best friend. Chalks just don’t cut it anymore. With a dry erase marker, a teacher can easily jot down notes on the board during a lecture and have them gone in time for the next class in seconds. With this pack from Quartet, your teacher can enjoy 12 different colors. The colors are highly pigmented which means they’re bright enough to be seen from the back of the classroom. All the markers come with a versatile chisel tip for customizing your writing/drawing. With these markers, your teacher will be the envy of all.
#9: Teacher Life: A Snarky Chalkboard Coloring Book
Coloring books are a great way to relax your mind after a hard day at work. Laughing also helps relieve stress. With the Teacher Life: A Snarky Chalkboard Coloring Book, you get to do both. This coloring book for grownups is full of funny teacher drawings and quotes on pages that look a lot like a chalkboard. The book features a premium matte-finish cover design and uses high quality 60 lb paper stock. All the drawings are printed single-sided and perfect for all coloring mediums.
Why should I buy this?
If your teacher loves a good laugh, then she’s going to get a kick out of this gift. This chalkboard coloring book is full of funny drawings to color as well as snarky comments about being a teacher. For example, “Teaching is the Best Contraceptive in the World.” She’ll definitely be able to relate to a lot of the quotes while finding herself relaxing while she colors the pictures. Did we mention that she can use any coloring medium she prefers? Coloring pencils, water colors, etc.
#10: Cute USB Flash Drive 64GB
This is no ordinary flash drive. This 64GB USB flash drive is top quality. It’s equipped with a premium Grade A chip with standard US 2.0 for faster and quality performance. It works with USB 2.0 interface as well as with USB 1.1/1.0. It is compatible with most laptops and desktop computers including other USB devices such as sewing machines and embroidery machines. Moreover, it’s waterproof, shockproof, and dust-proof, ensuring that your data remains protected at all times.
Why should I buy this?
USB Flash Drives are a necessity for anyone who works in an office including teachers. Just think of all the documents that they need to backup – tests, reports, lesson plans, grades, etc. While it’s great to have documents in the cloud, it makes things easier if you also have a physical backup – a flash drive. Of course, if you’re going to gift a thumb drive, it’s best to make it a top quality one which is what this USB 2.0 64GB flash drive is. Even better if you can make it something cute or funny like a pig, a penguin, or a spanner. It transfers data fast and easy. Plus, it can store as much as 64GB of data. Now, every time your teacher backs up her records, she’ll be thinking of you.
#11: Bath & Body Works – ‘Fresh Picks’ Pocketbac Bundle
The ‘Fresh Picks’ Pocketbac Bundle is a pack of 5 1-oz bottles of hand sanitizer. Each bottle features a specific fragrance such as cucumber melon, black cherry merlot, and sweet pea. The fragrances are lovely and refreshing. The hand sanitizer is made of natural ingredients and can kill 99.9% of common germs.
Why should I buy this?
Germs are not uncommon in any school. Kids get sick, teachers get sick. Everyone shares school supplies and facilities. It’s inevitable that school can become a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. To help your teacher stay germ-free, you can gift her this ‘Fresh Picks’ Pocketbac Bundle from Bath & Body Works. The pack comes with 5 different scents so he or she can enjoy a different ‘flavor’ everyday.. Each bottle is 1 ounce, small enough to fit in a teacher’s pocket or bag.
#12: Tile Sticker (2020)
Life is full of distractions, so it’s easy to lose track of where you last placed your keys, the TV control, or even your phone. Fortunately, technology has made it possible for us to find our stuff wherever they may be as long as you’ve got the Tile Sticker stuck on it. The Tile Sticker is a small, waterproof Bluetooth tracker that you can stick to virtually anything because of its adhesive back. With this device, you can have your phone ring it to show its location. Plus, the device has a battery life of up to 3 years which means you won’t have to worry about losing the charge anytime soon.
Why should I buy this?
If your teacher is always losing stuff at home or in school, then a Tile Sticker is a great gift for him or her. He or she can attach this device on whatever item they usually misplace and it’ll enable them to find it as long as it’s within 150 feet from your phone. The Tile app can also show your teacher when and where he/she last left something behind. The app also sends location updates. Your teacher will thank you for this convenience.
#13: MIER Dual Compartment Insulated Lunch Bag
The MIER Adult Lunch Box is the best way to take food with you on the go. It’s a reusable lunch box that features two sections which enables you to carry both hot and cold items while keeping them separate. The compartments are roomy and easy to access due to the presence of a 2-way dual zipper closure. There’s a front zipper pocket for storing your utensils, napkins, etc. as well as side pockets for other small stuff you want to take with you. The interior of the bag is insulated with PEVA lining which is food safe and eco-friendly as well as easy to clean.
Why should I buy this?
Students aren’t the only people in school who pack lunches. Teachers do it too! What better way to show your appreciation to your favorite teacher by enabling her to bring her favorite foods and drinks with her to school without sacrificing temperature? Her food remains warm (no microwave needed) while her drinks stay cool until the lunch bell rings. Aside from lunch, your teacher can include snacks and dessert in her lunch bag. Side pockets allow her to bring sachets for ketchup, sugar, and the like. Needless to say, this lunch bag will ensure that she (or he) will always have a great meal waiting for her to keep her going through the rest of the school day.
#14: AHAVA Dead Sea Mineral Bath Salt
The AHAVA Dead Sea Salt is made of authentic Dead Sea salt, rich in 21 essential skin-friendly minerals that will reset your skin’s inner balance, ease the tension in your muscles, and hydrate your skin. The product is hypoallergenic, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and SLS-free. It is also PETA certified and vegan as well as petroleum free and GMO free.
Why should I buy this?
There are different ways for a teacher to relax and we’ve already named a couple of them. But if none of those suggestions seem to be the right one for your teacher, why not gift her (or him) these lovely bath salts from AHAVA. The 100% natural Dead Sea salts will rejuvenate her skin, enhancing its ability to retain moisture which will result in healthy and silky smooth skin. There are three different kinds to choose from – natural, lavender, and eucalyptus. The latter two adding other benefits such as soothing the senses and rejuvenating the mind as well as the body. The bath salts will give her a spa experience without leaving the comfort of her own home. More importantly, it will reduce her stress and enable her to keep molding young minds day in and day out.
#15: DII Rustic Farmhouse Throw Blanket
Every home needs a DII Rustic Farmhouse Throw Blanket. It’s not only a decorative piece but also a functional one. It’s perfect for keeping you warm and cozy while you binge on your favorite Netflix series. You can even use it at the beach, on picnics, or when you go camping. The blanket is made of 100% woven cotton which makes it soft to touch. The design is very chic and trendy; it features a 2.5-inch decorative fringe finish. There are plenty of patterns to choose from; you can easily find one that will fit the decor of your home.
Why should I buy this?
If your teacher loves beautiful pieces that also perform a function, then she’s going to love this rustic farmhouse throw blanket from DII. It’s soft and pretty, great for keeping her warm while she’s relaxing during winter break or grading papers during the cold months of the school year. She can even use it during bonfire night or picnics in the park, etc. However she tries to use this throw blanket, one thing’s for sure – it’s a gift that will stay with her for many years to come.
#16: MB Original Black bento box
The MB Original Black Bento Box makes packed lunches taste as delicious as when you first prepared them. This compact lunch box can contain a generous amount of food because it has a total capacity of 1 liter. It features two tiers which enables you to pack a complete meal. This bento box is microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe. Packing your lunch has never been this easy.
Why should I buy this?
Like we’ve mentioned before, teachers pack their lunch too. With this bento box, they’ll be able to pack a complete lunch in a small, easy-to-transport container that can be microwaved and cleaned in the dishwasher. Talk about convenience! The bento box is made of high quality plastic called PBT; it is BPA-free and BPS-free, certified by LFGB and FDA. It is leakproof. Your teacher will be able to enjoy homemade lunches in a reusable container AND save on lunch expenses.
#17: Hario V60 Ceramic Pour Over Coffee Dripper
How do you like your coffee? If you want your coffee done right, then you’ll love the Hario V60 Ceramic Pour Over Coffee Dripper. This can be placed on top of various mugs, cups, and coffee pots.The ceramic body ensures that the temperature of the water remains the same as the coffee “brews” while the cone shape helps accentuate the flavor notes hidden in the coffee. Inside the cone, there are spiral ribs that keep the filter from sticking to the glass which allows the coffee to “bloom” when it comes into contact with the water. The single large hole allows more water to get in contact with the coffee grounds which causes more flavor to get extracted. In short, this coffee dripper was specifically designed to ensure that you get a perfect cup of coffee every time.
Why should I buy this?
Coffee and teachers go hand in hand. It’s what they need to keep their energy going when kids keep running around them in circles. So for your favorite teacher, nothing but the best cup of coffee would do. The Hario V60 Ceramic Pour Over Coffee Dripper will enable him/her to control brewing time and temperature, allowing him/her to make coffee just the way he/she likes it. This “coffee maker” can be used to create up to three cups of coffee at a time, so your teacher can get his/her caffeine fix AND share it with colleagues if needed.
#18: InnoGear Upgraded Version Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser
Interested in aromatherapy? Then you should get the InnoGear Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser. This ultrasonic diffuser can quickly create a soothing environment inside your home. It can cover any awful smell (whatever that may be). This diffuser can also humidify your room, preventing dry, stuffy air and keep your skin from getting dry and chapped during the winter months. The InnoGear Diffuser is loaded with great features. It has automatic shut-off, three working modes, and 7 changing mood lights.
Why should I buy this?
The Innogear Aromatherapy Ultrasonic Diffuser is a great gift for any teacher because it will help her create an ideal environment wherever she may be. It’s small enough to cover a classroom, an office, a small bedroom, or living room. It has adjustable mist settings and can run up to 8 hours on intermittent mode. She can use it to soothe away stress and anxiety (whether it’s her own or her students). She can use it to clear a stuffy room and keeping the air fresh to alleviate any allergies, dry sinuses, etc. This is one gift that she can use in and outside the classroom; one that will not only benefit her but others as well.
#19: I Teach Therefore I Drink – Funny Stemless Wine Glass
Who doesn’t love a funny mug? It helps lighten the mood and starts entertaining conversations. This I Teach Therefore I Drink – Funny Stemless Wine Glass is no different. It can hold 15 ounces of wine – just the right amount after a long day at work. It is made of top quality materials including superior ceramic inks that are permanently imprinted on the glass; no need to worry that the print will fade. Plus, it’s a stemless wine glass which means it won’t easily topple over when the drinker gets a bit too tipsy.
Why should I buy this?
“I Teach Therefore I Drink” is a motto of teachers everywhere. Or at least it should be. If your favorite teacher is a wine lover, then he or she is going to adore this gift. He/she can use this stemless wine glass to hold their favorite vino at the end of the day. It can be used to keep your teacher going while grading papers, during dinner with friends, etc. No matter what the occasion, having a top quality wine glass filled to the brim with red wine can make any day better. Even one that’s been especially crazy. Just ask your teacher.
#20: Amazon Gift Card
There’s an Amazon gift card for every occasion. You can have it printed and sent via mail or email. You can format the card, add your own design or choose from the ones provided. More importantly, you can get one that fits your budget perfectly. Because Amazon is the biggest online marketplace ever, this gift card opens up all the possibilities to the recipient. Why disappoint them with your choice when it can be something they choose on their own?
Why should I buy this?
Every teacher is unique and finding the right gift that truly shows your appreciation can be difficult, especially if your teacher is very private and rarely discloses personal information. For this reason, we added a “blanket” gift. One that would allow your teacher to purchase his or her own gift but still show your gratitude for all he/she has done for you – an Amazon gift card. With it, they can buy their favorite books or finally get that item they’d been eyeing on Amazon since forever. It may not seem “personal” because it’s a gift card, but it also gives your teacher the freedom to get what she wants, whether it’s a treat for herself or something for school.
Teacher’s Gift Buying Guide
It’s not unusual to see teachers who go above and beyond. It’s also not unusual to thank our teachers every year for all they’ve done for us. What is unusual is to give them something more meaningful than your usual thank you note or home-baked goodies. This year, why not try to be more creative with your gift giving?
Giving your teacher something more personalized to who they are and what they like will show they that you truly appreciate all their hard work and patience. It might be that your teacher has been lugging around a work bag that looks worn, so maybe you can gift him or her with a personalized work bag or laptop case. Personalized stationery wouldn’t go wrong either. Of course, some of us have a hard time thinking of the best gift to give. This is where we come in. If you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve got just the guide full of tips for you.
Tip #1: Give them school supplies.
You may think that gifting school supplies are cliche and boring, but any teacher will tell you that they treasure this above all else. Why? Well, a lot of the time, teachers end up buying their own school supplies. Getting something like the Quartet Dry Erase Markers or AmazonBasics Thermal Laminator Machine, for example, can help them save some money. It might not seem like much but every penny counts. Many teachers end up spending hundreds of dollars a school year on their classroom supplies, so a gift that prevents them from adding to their long list of stuff to buy would be a godsend.
Tip #2: Give them something practical or useful.
Instead of something cute, go for something functional. Something that they can use daily such as the MIER Dual Compartment Insulated Lunch Bag or Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) – things that they can use both in and out of the classroom. We guarantee they’re going to love it.
Tip #3: Focus on health.
Teachers are exposed to sick kids all the time which means they need to do all they can to minimize the spread of germs on their person or in their environment. Gifts like Bath & Body Works – ‘Fresh Picks’ Pocketbac Bundle and the InnoGear Upgraded Version Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser can help ensure that they aren’t vulnerable to bacteria and enables them to stay fit and healthy all year round.
Tip #4: Stress relief is key.
Teaching kids, no matter their age, can get pretty stressful. Then there are the parents. If you want to show your appreciation to your kids’ teachers, gift them with something that can help relieve their stress. It could be something practical like the Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager. It could be something fun like the Teacher Life: A Snarky Chalkboard Coloring Book.
Tip #5: Give them something personal.
If you know the teacher pretty well, then it would be even better if you can give him or her something that you know they like. For example, a teacher who loves relaxing baths would probably love the AHAVA Dead Sea Mineral Bath Salt. If he or she is the forgetful type, then the Tile Sticker (2020) would be the perfect gift. A wine lover would definitely appreciate the I Teach Therefore I Drink – Funny Stemless Wine Glass while one who loves throw blankets will adore the DII Rustic Farmhouse Throw Blanket. Of course, if you can’t decide on what to give, you really can’t go wrong with the Amazon Gift Card.
