Not Another Mug!! Clever Gift Ideas for Teachers

It’s almost Christmas!! And that means it’s time to make those gift lists for people you appreciate in your life. We know that us teachers (especially music teachers!!) make the top of the list!! 😉 Seriously though, if you are planning on gifting to your child’s teacher, read on. I know choosing what to give is a daunting task. From the brain of a teacher to yours… let’s make that task a bit easier.

If you’re thinking of gifting yet another coffee mug (or other drinking vessel) to your child’s teacher… STOP. I promise you that we have all the coffee mugs they could ever possibly want. Or need.

Although… if coffee mugs are out (and they ARE), what should you gift?? Here are a few top ideas that fellow teachers would *adore.*

1 – GIFT CARDS

Some consider gift cards a cop-out. Rest assured that this is NOT the case; I’ve never met a teacher who complained about getting gift cards to their favorite restaurant, nail salon, coffee shop, or boutique.

The best way to make gift cards feel more personal, however, is to include a handwritten note or letter from you and the kiddos. Those heartfelt words are the true gift behind the gift!!

• local restaurants or food delivery
• coffee, ice cream, or other treats
• nail salons/spas
• local boutiques or clothing stores
• TJ Maxx or other “variety”-type stores
• bookstores

2 – CONSUMABLE ITEMS

Items we can use up and then toss away is the BEST (especially for those of us who are more minimal).

• candles (my favorite brand: Anchored NW); opt for candles that use essential oils + safe beeswax or vegan wax, as not everybody uses fragrances in their home
• locally-roasted coffee beans or tea blends
• jams, jellies, spreads
• artisan spices, herbs, or oils
• fancy pasta and sauce

3 – ORNAMENTS

Who doesn’t have room on their tree for one more ornament?! Of all the things my students have gifted me, these are some of my favorite. One student made a cat ornament in honor of my sweet cat; it hangs in a very prominent place on my tree every year. If you aren’t into DIYing it, or prefer something more polished, grab a box of Christopher Radko Shiny Brites and divvy them up amongst the teachers in your life. These ornaments have long been a Christmas favorite around the country and there is a place for one on every tree!!

4 – DON’T SKIMP ON THE SWEETS

Sure, snickers are… tasty. However, unless your teachery friends are obsessed with snickers, skip the run-of-the-mill brands and go for something more artisian, like this Icelandic chocolate or these awesome homemade caramels. (World Market is an excellent resource for quality food items at a great price point!)

Okay, here’s where we get a little more specific…

5 – [nice] REUSABLE GROCERY BAGS

Especially if you live in a place where these are a necessity: there are SO many cute options out there!! My favorite brand is Baggu, but there are multiple options out there for all the teachers in your life.

6 – SPECIALTY OFFICE SUPPLES

Sure, teachers use the standard highlighters, pencils, and sharpies, but something a little above-and-beyond is sometimes a fun little gift!!

• transparent sticky notes (how cool are these!!)
• everyone loves fine-point sharpies. everyone.
• does anybody have enough phone chargers? this personalized one will make sure nobody ever takes yours again!
• one of these fun, adult-ish “to-do” pads

7 – PAMERING EXPERIENCES

I’ve never met a teacher that would turn down a massage or a pedicure. EVER. (Even the guy teachers in your life could probably use an hour of relaxation!) Opt for certificates for these, so that your teachers can schedule something that works best for them.

• massage
• pedicure or manicure
• facial or other spa treatment
• nail appointment
• hair care (like a blow-out from Drybar)

WHAT NOT TO GIFT (besides coffee mugs!!)

1. coffee mugs. I repeat. no.
2. outlandish household decor or signage of any kind
3. anything alive
4. items with handprints or other child-inspired personalization; these are so so so sweet, but we will rarely use them.
5. “teachery” tees or clothing items
6. clunky office supplies that gather dust and take up space

BE CAREFUL GIFTING….

1. wine/beverages: not every teacher indulges.
2. e-gift cards, because these will undoubtedly get lost in the holiday inbox melee.
3. jewelry and/or accessories.
4. items that are ONLY inspired by the teacher’s specialty (I promise the math teacher has enough math-themed gifts to last him a lifetime: get that man a massage).
5. cheap things from your travels (knick-knacks, magnets, etc).
6. Scented things like lotion, soap, etc., unless you know they use fragrances in their home.

Hopefully this list helps narrow down some ideas for your teachers this year. Happy gifting!!