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Of all the people on your Christmas list, from your toddler to your 10-year-old son—and your teenage niece, too—your kiddo's instructor just might be the most difficult to buy for (yep, even more than your brother-in-law). After all, you might not know Teach all that well, but you'd still like to get them something that's not only useful, but enjoyable, maybe even with a bit of a "wow" factor to it, amirite? And of course, you want to keep it affordable, at least as much as possible. That might seem like a pretty tall order, but luckily we're here to take the pressure off with a list of the absolute best teacher gifts for the 2023 holiday season.
Below, you'll find 50 presents sure to make them light up like a Christmas tree, from tech-forward recommendations like a white noise machine, to wonderful wellness items (we can't get enough of the heated, massaging foot rest—and they won't be able to, either). We've also included plenty of next-level ideas they'll want to keep in the classroom, such as that inspired 5-in-1 tool pen, and a few they'll relish using at home (hellooooo pampering bath products).
Let's be real: teachers have one of the toughest, most meaningful jobs in the world, and it's important to let them know how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication. Remembering them at the holidays with a thoughtful little gift and a card with an inspirational quote is a great way to start.
The teacher in your life will get a kick out of sporting these fun and festive socks that really tell it like it is.
Plants have been shown to boost creativity, focus and productivity, making them an ideal gift for educators, who, heaven knows, have to be on their game every day. Fill with succulents and then watch their eyes light up when they receive this thoughtful gift.
RELATED: 20+ Best Indoor Plants to Brighten Every Room of Your Home
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For the proud math nerd
Equations That Changed the World Scarf
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For the proud math nerd
Equations That Changed the World Scarf
Lined with world-changing equations from Einstein's theory of relativity to the Pythagorean theorem, this jazzy red scarf is large enough to double as a sarong or wrap. Made in India of organic cotton.
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A truly considerate gift, this beautiful linen-bound, gold-embossed diary offers prompted questions and room for a class photo and roster, student quotes and stories and plenty of blank pages for notes. With more than 130 pages, it will hold two decades worth of treasured teaching memories.
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As any real reader knows, holding a book open for hours on end can lead to annoying hand cramps. This innovative little device, which is beautifully handmade from real walnut, will do the work for Teach, allowing them to keep a hand free for taking notes, or holding a cup of java.
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If you're buying for more than one teacher
Mini Grow Pots
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If you're buying for more than one teacher
Mini Grow Pots
Or, if you need gifts for multiple teachers, split up a six-pack of terracotta pots, growing medium pellets and packs containing either sunflower, poppy, daisy, cactus or forget-me-not seeds. All they'll need to do is add water, sunshine, and love!
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If you're buying for more than one teacher
Pocket Hand Sanitizer
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If you're buying for more than one teacher
Pocket Hand Sanitizer
Not only do these refillable pocket-sized hand sanitizers kill 99 percent of germs, they're made with moisturizing botanical oils like eucalyptus and bergamot so they smell as good as they disinfect. You can divide up this set of four if you're buying for several instructors, too!
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Streamlined and smart, this ultra-convenient gizmo contains not only a pen but also four other implements that'll come in handy in the classroom, including a screwdriver, a touch stylus for smart devices, a ruler and even an integrated bubble level.
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This super-snarky collection of zingers
Literary Insults Poster
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This super-snarky collection of zingers
Literary Insults Poster
Sure to be as big a hit with students as it is with their teacher, this chart is filled with sidesplitting poetic put-downs from literary greats including Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Mark Twain and more.
Teachers are often responsible for buying their own classroom equipment and supplies, which makes a paper shredder a particularly gracious gift. Just think of the time and energy they'll save disposing of sensitive documents with this eight-sheet shredder, instead of trying to rip them up by hand.
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Great for elementary school teachers, this charming organizer will help clear desk clutter with separate compartments for storage. You can personalize the front with your favorite teacher's name for a special touch.
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This all-natural self-care set
De-Stress Gift Set
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This all-natural self-care set
De-Stress Gift Set
Give the gift of relaxation with this set of handmade wellness products crafted from comforting ingredients like lavender, chamomile, frankincense, and eucalyptus. Includes bath soaks, pillow mist and a headache roller.
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This seriously cool light box
Light Up Marquee Box
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This seriously cool light box
Light Up Marquee Box
Teachers who love movies—or just fresh, fun ways of communicating—will have a blast with this extra-large, retro-inspired 17"x 12" light box. It comes complete with 100 black & red letters, numbers, characters, symbols and blank tiles, so they're have no trouble getting their message across, whether it's an inspiring quote, or some short instructions.
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This LOL Paperback
F in Exams: The Very Best Totally Wrong Test Answers Book
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This LOL Paperback
F in Exams: The Very Best Totally Wrong Test Answers Book
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A book filled with 250 hilariously incorrect (but incredibly creative) test answers...what could be more teacher-appropriate? After all, chances are they've seen more than a few similar responses in their time!
Educators love receiving notes of gratitude from their students, and this clever card manages to make the experience even better. Scan the QR code inside and have your child create their own thank you video. Teacher scans the code to watch and save the message, so they can replay it over and over again.
If you want to splurge a bit for that teacher who went the extra mile for your child, consider this HEPA air purifier, an Amazon best-seller. It can purify the air of a 1,095 square-foot space in just one hour, helping rid the classroom of dust, pollen and other nasty airborne contaminants so teacher and students alike can breathe easier.
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Apples are a classic gift for teachers, but we think this clever accent piece handmade from repurposed book pages definitely goes the fruit one better. How fab would it look perched on the corner of their desk or atop a bookshelf?
Anna Mahan
Associate Commerce Editor
Anna Mahan is the Associate Commerce Editor for Country Living. She finds and shares a variety of the best lifestyle products, from fashion and beauty to cast iron skillets.
Jill Gleeson
Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.