If you’re still looking for a holiday gift to bring cheer to thank your favorite instructor, consider forgoing apple-themed presents and selecting a gift with meaning. 

“A couple of practical and thoughtful ideas, since we’re still taking COVID safety precautions, would be interesting face masks or hand sanitizer. We teachers use those all day,” said Linda Reinhold, a teaching assistant in Bethesda Md. “Teachers might also appreciate hand cream or lotions since using hand sanitizer frequently can dry out your skin.” 

Instead of sweets and other edibles, Courtney Thomas of The Picket Fence in Burke, Va. suggests a gift that keeps giving, long after the holiday season. “One of our more popular gifts this season is our Growing Candle,” she said. “These candles come in sweet little pots and are wrapped with seed paper labels. Once the candle is gone, you can plant the seed paper in the container and wildflowers will grow.”   

Give the gift of self-care this season, suggests Ann O'Shields of The Nest Egg in Fairfax, Virginia. “[We have] a luxurious bath set with therapy bath balm, bath soak, a candle and matches too,” she said. “It comes in a luxurious box with a ribbon tied and ready to go.” 

A key ring that’s both stylish and functional might be appreciated by teachers who must carry multiple sets of keys.  “Key ring bangles from Ink+Alloy, made by artisans in India, are the perfect two-in-one accessory and statement piece,” said O'Shields. “Attach it to your keys for easy-access in your tote or market bag or throw it on your wrist.”  

When school ends, but afternoon shows begin, an umbrella, particularly one that is made of a classic, but cheerful print will come in handy.  “They … will brighten any rainy day,” said O'Shields.  

“Give kitchen tea towels with funny sayings to the teacher with a great sense of humor,” said Anne M. Walker of Farm and Feast in Potomac. “A wood tray with metal frame by Clarence Town is equally at home holding beverages and drink ware on your outdoor table as it is at holding supplies on your classroom table.” 

Supplies can be organized in style with a tackle box in a garden party print. “It comes filled with pencils, push pins, binder clips, paper clips, magnets, a tear-off notepad, and an eraser,” said O'Shields.  

“One thing that teachers get a lot of each year is coffee mugs,” said Reinhold. “But I think most teachers are just glad when families show their appreciation for us.”