Gifts for Teachers

Most teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies every year, and by December they have more apple-themed mugs than they will ever use. The gifts they talk about afterward are the practical ones: good markers, a laminator at home, a gift card for the supply list. A small edible treat or a coffee that stays hot is a close second.

Under $25 7 ideas

  1. Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens, Medium Point, 12 Count

    The colored felt-tip pens many teachers grade with, because they do not bleed through paper. They run out over a school year, so a fresh pack is always used.

    Paper MateStocking stufferGets used up

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  2. EXPO Low-Odor Dry Erase Markers, Chisel Tip, 12 Count

    Whiteboard markers dry out constantly, and schools never seem to have enough. The standard brand in most classrooms.

    EXPOGets used up

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  3. Mr. Sketch Scented Markers, 12 Count

    Scented markers that teachers use for anchor charts and that students always remember. Bright, chunky lines that read from the back of the room.

    Mr. SketchStocking stufferGets used up

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  4. Ticonderoga #2 HB Wood-Cased Pencils, 96 Count

    Pencils that sharpen evenly and do not snap, unlike the bargain packs. Elementary teachers go through hundreds a year.

    TiconderogaGets used up

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  5. Contigo West Loop Autoseal Travel Mug, 16 oz

    A travel mug that only opens while the button is pressed, so a knocked-over coffee does not drown a stack of graded papers. It keeps drinks hot through the morning.

    Contigo

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  6. Amazon.com eGift Card

    Many teachers keep a classroom wish list on Amazon, so this goes straight to supplies or a book they wanted. Delivered by email, any amount.

    AmazonArrives by email

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  7. Lindt Lindor Assorted Chocolate Truffles

    A safe edible treat that nobody re-gifts, individually wrapped so it can last until the next long afternoon. Good for families on a small budget.

    LindtGets used upStocking stuffer

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Under $50 7 ideas

  1. Scotch Thermal Laminator TL901X

    A small home laminator for name tags, game cards and posters. Teachers often wait in line for the school's laminator, or pay for it themselves.

    Scotch

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  2. Classroom Friendly Supplies Manual Pencil Sharpener

    A hand-crank sharpener made for classrooms that gives a sharp point without the grinding noise of an electric one. Teachers recommend it to each other.

    Classroom Friendly Supplies

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  3. Brother P-touch PT-D210 Label Maker

    Labels bins, cubbies and shelves in a classroom that has to stay organized for thirty children. Teachers find a hundred uses at home too.

    Brother

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  4. Rocketbook Core Reusable Smart Notebook

    A notebook that scans pages to the cloud with a phone and wipes clean with a damp cloth. Useful for meeting notes and lesson ideas without piles of paper.

    Rocketbook

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  5. Teach Like a Champion 3.0

    A widely used book of concrete classroom techniques, with video examples. Best for newer teachers, who tend to find it immediately useful.

    Doug LemovBook

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  6. The First Days of School

    The classic guide to classroom routines and procedures, handed down from mentor teachers to first-year teachers. A thoughtful gift for someone just starting out.

    Harry K. Wong and Rosemary T. WongBook

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  7. Harry & David Royal Riviera Pears Gift Box

    A box of large, ripe pears shipped straight to their home. A good group gift from a class's families that feels generous without being personal.

    Harry & DavidGets used up

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Under $100 3 ideas

  1. Erin Condren Teacher Lesson Planner

    A spiral planner laid out for teachers, with lesson grids, a calendar, and pages for notes on students. Teachers who plan on paper are loyal to it.

    Erin Condren

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  2. JBL Clip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

    A small, loud speaker that clips to a bag, for music during work time, transition songs or recess duty. Much better than a laptop speaker in a busy room.

    JBL

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  3. Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera

    Teachers use instant prints for student-of-the-week boards, class photos and end-of-year cards. Point, shoot and print with no settings to learn.

    FujifilmAn experience

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$100 and up 3 ideas

  1. Ember Mug 2, 10 oz

    A heated mug that keeps coffee warm all morning. Teachers are famous for pouring a cup before first period and finding it cold at lunch.

    Ember

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  2. Cricut Joy Xtra Smart Cutting Machine

    A compact cutting machine for bulletin board letters, labels and stickers. Teachers who decorate their rooms are some of Cricut's biggest fans.

    Cricut

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  3. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless All-in-One Printer

    A printer with refillable ink tanks instead of cartridges, so worksheets printed at home cost very little. For teachers who print more at home than the school allows.

    Epson

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