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The past year has been difficult for everyone (thanks a lot, global pandemic!), but it was a year for teachers (not to mention healthcare workers).
In their own way, teachers were first responders, adapting to every twist and turn thrown their way. From virtual learning to social distancing measures in the classroom, these professionals had no choice but to make it work. They risked their health to make sure students got the education and attention they deserved.
Keeping school engaging, fun, and meaningful from the other side of a computer screen is no easy task, yet so many teachers managed to not only do it, but thrive in the environment. And although the pandemic isn’t fully over yet, in-person learning is slowly becoming the norm once more.
You don’t need to wait for Teacher Appreciation Day (which is May 4th this year, by the way) to begin showering the teacher (or teachers) in your life with thoughtful gifts. The switch back to in-person school will be an adjustment for all, and letting them know you’ve been thinking of them will make all the difference throughout the year.
Because it can be difficult to think of a personal gift for someone you may not spend very much time with, we’ve done the hard work for you by sifting through the internet to find the best gifts we’re sure your teacher (or teacher friend or teacher family member) will cherish.
Ready to show the teacher in your life some love? Start shopping below!
After a year-plus of virtual teaching,the title "Best Teacher Ever" truly fits.This insulated cuphas aleak-proof lid and silicone base, making it sturdy enough for long work days
With this thoughtful gift, they'll never get their clipboard confused with another teacher's again. This one also comes in navy and gold chevron, black and gold polka dot, and turquoise and gold chevron.
Teachers laminate pretty much everything, and oftentimes, they have to share one with their co-workers.Not anymore! This personal one is super light, convenient, and will still get the job done. If you purchase this one, be sure to throw in some laminating sheets, too.
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The teacher with the bean bag chair in their classroom immediately becomes the coolest teacher on the block. (We don't make the rules!) This one comes in five vibrant colors and is wrapped in a stain-resistant, durable fabric that'sbound to last a good while.
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These giant, chunky knit blankets are super popular—andwe can understand why. Reviewers say cozying up with one "is like laying with clouds," and unlike other similar blankets, it's machine washable.Ending theday wrapped inits cushy warmth is an experience every teacher deserves.
The teacher in your life is bound to find good use for one of these, whether they use it at home or in the classroom.From checking the weather to playing music, the Echo Dot just makes life easier.
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Great Useful Stuff Charging Station Dock & Organizer
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Great Useful Stuff Charging Station Dock & Organizer
Most teachers juggle a mix of personal and professional devices, and as learning only gets more technology-based, this charging/organization dock is a must-have.It can charge one laptop, one tablet, and three cell phones all at once, and its wood finish will look chic and professional in any workspace.
Framing a class picture alone is a nice gesture, but adding the extra touch of a personalized frame will show the teacher in your life just how much you appreciate them.
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We've all had ourfair share of missed answers on a test—even teachers. And this book celebrates those mistakes by making light of them. It features250 true life responses to common test questions from grade school through high school and is bound to give the whole class a good laugh.
For the music and charcuterie-loving teacher in your life, there is no better gift than this cheese board. Choose between a guitar, piano, and violin-shaped board, all made fromNova Scotian yellow birch.
English teachers will love these classic literature glasses (whether they drink whiskey or not). They could even be a fun classroom display. There's one forUlyssesby James Joyce,The War of the Worldsby H.G.Wells,Moby Dickby Herman Melville, andDon Quixoteby Miguel de Cervantes.
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For as much paper that teachers go through, this invention is dream-worthy. No more repurchasing notebooks—just add more sheets!The pages can also be moved around for ultimate organization. Genius!
Whether they playwith the class or a group of friends, teachers will enjoy flexing their creative muscles with this story-telling, ad-lib like game. To play, draw two gold cards to describe your story's main character (i.e. "nose-picker" and "high school coach"), grabacopper card toset the scene (i.e. "last day on the job"), and let your imagination do the rest.
A new way to explore the history of presidencies, this poster is not only informative, it's super fun and artsy—worth hanging on any classroom wall.
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Holding a book open with two hands can become annoying after a while.This little gadget makes it easy to read with one hand (or no hands at all!).
Even if the teacher in your life doesn't teach history, they'll appreciate this cool tea set.Each tube contains avariety of tea that was thrown overboard during the BostonTea Party.They can be displayed in the classroom or steeped to perfection.
Kayla Blanton
Kayla Blanton is a freelance writer-editor who covers health, nutrition, and lifestyle topics for various publications including Prevention, Everyday Health, SELF, People, and more. She’s always open to conversations about fueling up with flavorful dishes, busting beauty standards, and finding new, gentle ways to care for our bodies. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University with specializations in women, gender, and sexuality studies and public health, and is a born-and-raised midwesterner living in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and two spoiled kitties.