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    teacher writing holiday card for a gift

    Celebrations & Themes

    10 Fun Teacher Gift Ideas for the Holidays

    Whether you want to deliver a gift for an educator in your life or need inspiration for a “Secret Santa” exchange with a coworker, here are a few teacher gift ideas to get you started. Choose one or a few to create a thoughtful teacher gift that may add a little extra holiday cheer to the season.

    10 Small Gift Ideas for Teachers

    1. Pens and Writing Utensils

    Take grading papers and writing Post-it notes to the next level with some nice pens. Having fun colors to use or simply a more comfortable grip is a luxury that many teachers would love to have gifted during the holidays.

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    2. Teacher’s Desk Accessories

    Keeping a desk space organized can be challenging. Having a teacher’s desk space that feels efficient and looks nice can make every day a little more enjoyable for the educators in your life. Check out these trendy teacher’s desk accessories and office supplies for a thoughtful teacher gift.

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    Shop Labels & Labeling Tools

    3. A Journal

    Taking notes, writing reminders, planning lessons, recording inspirational ideas… all of these things are made easier with a go-to journal. Teachers need space to write things down and having a bound journal or planner is a great way to keep all those notes in one place.

    Shop All Notepads & Notebooks

    4. Stress Relief

    Stress relief may look different to every person, but your friend or coworker could use some simple relaxation tools to use throughout a busy week. Try putting together a little kit with some unique fidgets to use and some of their favorite healthy snacks. It might make returning to the classroom after a winter break just a little more cheerful.

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    5. Homemade Goodies

    Teachers receive a lot of cookies and other treats during the holiday season, so consider some of the other fun treats that might last a little longer. Are you into making homemade jam? What about an easy-to-make soup mix or two? Get creative and step outside of the usual holiday treat gifts this year.

    6. A Good Book

    All educators need some time to relax, and many try to set some time aside during winter break. If the teacher you know loves to read, consider giving them a book to add to their list. They probably have a few lined up for when they have some spare time, but maybe your recommendation will make it near the top.

    7. Flowers

    Consider giving a plant or flowers to the educator in your life. Adding some more green to the holiday season is a great way to keep the classroom or home smelling fresh, and may also serve as a welcome reminder that winter won’t be here forever.

    8. A Hall Pass

    Give the gift of time by offering to cover your fellow teacher’s class during your prep one day—they will certainly appreciate the gesture.

    9. A Travel Mug

    Most teachers have a collection of kitschy coffee mugs, but they’re not that useful—especially if you work with rambunctious elementary school students who could knock over your hot drink at any moment! A quality travel mug, on the other hand, is a safe alternative that will keep a drink hot all morning long.

    10. Gift Cards

    When in doubt, head to a specialty shop or a local craft store to get a gift card. During the holiday season, it’s the thought that counts, so don’t hesitate to get the teachers in your life a little much-needed spending money to use towards a project or a day of relaxation.

    Need More Educational & Teacher Gift Ideas?

    No matter who is on your list this holiday season, School Specialty’s online store has thousands of high quality educational gifts and classroom tools to wish the teacher in your life a warm holiday season. If you want to go more outside the box, check out some of our holiday craft articles for inspiration!

    Visit the Holiday Shops

    Tagged With: Educational Gifts, Holiday Crafts & Activities

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