We’re going to keep it real here. When we asked teachers what they wanted, many said to keep it simple: A gift card, a thank you, perhaps alcohol. (We cannot confirm or deny whether that last suggestion was a joke. We imagine it varies.) But in an effort to bring you an array of simple, stylish options, here are ideas for what to gift your kids’ teachers. We all know teachers are having an unprecedented year and have earned some extra appreciation for the holidays and beyond.
Young Mountain tea bundle
Tea and coffee are constants for many educators. Young Mountain Tea works directly with farmers in India and Nepal. Try a green tea bundle, or for just one, grab the organic Nepali green pearl. $11.99, youngmountaintea.com
Penrose tray
Add elegance to an educator’s desk. This brass Penrose tray designed by Stephen Molloy and Gunnar Rönsch offers an elegant and fun way to store a teacher’s favorite pens. $30, mcachicagostore.org
Many Thanks Neon Greeting Card
Teachers appreciate a thoughtful note about why and how they are making a difference in your child’s life. One teacher told us that sending their bosses a note, too, means a lot. Show appreciation with a Gabriel Stromberg-designed acrylic neon card that lasts longer than the paper version. $14, mcachicagostore.org
BP blue light blocking glasses
Help save an educator’s eyes from all the screen time during remote teaching with these BP rectangular blue light blocking glasses from Nordstrom. $15, nordstrom.com
Lumens document camera
A document camera can help a teacher more easily show things to students. They aren’t cheap, but perhaps a parent pod can share the cost. The Lumens DC125 Ladibug 30fps HD lightweight document camera features a lamp and brightness adjustment. $399, amazon.com
Indoor potted plant
As we spend more time working in our own spaces, a little greenery can brighten things up. Pop into your neighborhood plant store for unique selections or order plants online. This Sansevieria zeylanica snake plant ships in a 6-inch grower pot. $20.72, homedepot.com
Book of the Month subscription
Book of the Month offers a good read — and who doesn’t need the distraction of a delicious novel right now? Gifts start at $49.99 for three months, and the recipient chooses from five new books every month. $49.99 to $169.99, bookofthemonth.com
Yeti rambler
Teachers need to stay hydrated, and they should do so in style. The Yeti Rambler is a 36-ounce bottle ready to keep drinks icy cold or piping hot. It’s dishwasher safe, making it an easy one to wash and refill. $49.99. yeti.com
Absolut gift set
Let’s face it, many teachers might need a drink. This Absolut Elyx Boutique cocktail gift set includes everything to shake, stir and strain. $109, absolutelyxboutique.com
Hand sanitizer holders
This cute hand sanitizer holder that looks like a box of crayons can be personalized for your child’s teacher. $8.50, etsy.com.
Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free hand Wash
Hand soap has become a major essential like never before. Buy teachers one they might not splurge on for themselves. The alcohol-based Resurrection rinse-free hand wash from Aesop kills bacteria. $10, nordstrom.com
Alapash candle
Teachers can enjoy the sweetness of figs with Alapash’s ginger and fig soy wax candle. $19, alapash.com
Denik notebook
Give an educator a notebook with an artful, inclusive design like this Love All lay flat journal. Denik’s notebooks feature a variety of creative covers. $9.99, embellishchicago.com
Gift cards
Teachers told us gift cards are appreciated. They allow the teachers to choose what they want. You can also show support to local businesses by grabbing one for a teacher’s favorite restaurant or shop. Some neighborhoods, like the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce, offer gift cards you can use at many participating businesses. From $5 to $500, lakevieweast.com
Smart-looking mugs
If you want to add another mug to a teacher’s cupboard, make it a unique one. Local stores such as 57th Street Books in Chicago offer smart-looking designs. You can buy online or go in person and browse. $9.95, semcoop.com
Concept planner
Help a teacher stay on track with this planner from the Museum of Contemporary Art. Made with bold colors, it encourages goal-oriented scheduling with space for goals and ideas. $34, mcachicagostore.org