10 Great Gift Ideas For Teachers

If there is any field wherein the phrase overworked and underpai feels particularly true, it is definitely education. Teachers are some of the worlds most unsung heroes; they work long hours educating our youths, and oftentimes they resort to spending their own money to improve their classrooms. If there's anyone who deserves a surprise gift, it's that special teacher in your life.

Do you want to pick up a gift for your favorite teacher but don't know what to buy him or her? Here are the 10 best gift ideas for the educator in your life, organized from least to most expensive.

1. Pens and Pencils

An alarming number of teachers have to resort to purchasing their own pens, pencils and supplies. While a box of 60 pens might seem an underwhelming gift, any teacher appreciates free supplies.

2. Disinfectant Wipes

Do you want to get that special teacher something cheap, simple and incredibly practical? Any educator will tell you that, while schools are fantastic institutions of learning and enrichment, they can also be hotbeds for viruses and bacteria, especially during cold and flu season. Pre-moistened cleaning wipes can be a teacher's best friend for quickly sanitizing desks and tabletops. 

3. Humorous Coffee Mug

Chances are, your favorite teacher definitely needs that cup of coffee to get through their busy day. Consider getting them an adorable mug that's witty enough to give adults a laugh, but appropriate enough for any classroom setting. 

4. Scented Oil or Wax Warmer

This might not seem to be the most obvious of teacher gift ideas. However, anyone who's ever spent time in an elementary or high school can tell you that with hundreds of sweaty kids running around, classrooms don't always smell the freshest. Since most school districts ban open flames, many teachers use electric scented oil or wax warmers to keep their classrooms smelling nice. 

5. Cushioned Shoe Inserts

Most people don't realize that teaching can be exhausting. If they're not on their feet moving around the classroom, then they're sitting at a desk on an uncomfortable chair all day. Cushioned shoe inserts come in handy for any busy, overworked teacher.

6. A Rolling Tote or Briefcase

Teachers are constantly bringing papers and assignments to and from work. A rolling tote can be extremely helpful in getting their supplies from home to school each day. 

7. A 10-Drawer Plastic Organizing Unit

Most teachers are obsessed with staying organized. When they're constantly assigning and collecting papers and assignments, it's essential that they keep everything in order. A 10-drawer organizer is relatively inexpensive and can be used to store assignments, art supplies or any other tools a teacher might need. 

8. A Tablet or E-Reader

Most people have yet to meet a teacher who isn't a total bookworm. A tablet or e-reader is a treasured gift for just about any educator.

9. An Inexpensive Laptop

While teachers often have access to a desktop computer, a laptop can be helpful. However, many teachers can be skittish about bringing their own laptops to work for fear of theft or accident. An inexpensive laptop is a perfect accessory for any educator. 

10. Gift Cards

Because so many teachers work in underfunded classrooms, they often have to resort to spending their own hard-earned money on the supplies and tools they need to do their job. Any teacher would appreciate a gift card to a retailer such as Walmart or Amazon, which allows them to buy the specific books and supplies they need.

Teaching our future leaders is a difficult job, and many teachers find themselves having to fund their own classroom needs. Giving a special gift to a teacher is a significant and meaningful gesture, and one would make any hardworking educator smile.

Credits: Susan Marie