A lesson in giving: Our Best Christmas Gifts for Teachers

When it comes to masterful gift-giving, the teacher gift is an unsung hero. It should be thoughtful, but not extravagant. Useful, but not boring. Special, but not especially serious.

So this year, we’ve put together a few ideas for teachers’ Christmas gifts that check all the boxes. From thoughtful little things for their non-school days to useful presents that feel sweet and practical, these are our favorite ways to thank the person who goes above and beyond, even in the most trying circumstances (remote learning, we’re looking at you).

The clever gift: any apple candle

Yes, the apple-for-teacher thing is a little overplayed—but with fragrances this bright and juicy, how could you resist? We’re especially fond of giving Winter Candy Apple (it’s just so festive), but any apple-based scent will make the grade. Consider pairing it with a simple, year-round candle holder for extra credit; they’ll use it as a thoughtful décor accent now…and an even better pencil holder later. Shop

Winter Candy Apple candle gift for teachers

The sweet gift: Vanilla Bean Noel everything

Our alternative to that batch of sugar cookies: a body cream, lotion or mist that captures all the magic of holiday baking…but lasts way longer. This is an especially cute Christmas gift for teachers with a sweet tooth. It’s fun, personal and much more useful than cookies alone (though we don’t know anyone who would turn down both). Shop

Vanilla Bean Noel gift set for teachers

The self-care gift: Aromatherapy Stress Relief

Teachers dedicate their days to helping other people, so the gift of me-time? Serious gold-star material. Our Eucalyptus Spearmint blend helps them relax and reground before the end of winter break, and a thoughtfully curated package of goodies instantly says “thank you for everything you do.” Tuck a heartfelt note into the box too; personalized cheer is always a good idea. Shop

Stress relief gift set for teachers

The teach-from-home gift: our prettiest Wallflowers

If you know an educator who’s been living the virtual-classroom life, these air fresheners are the 24/7 fragrance for their 24/7 duties. Grab a few customer-favorite scents, wrap them up with a gorgeous (and camera-ready) plug, and voila: a useful Christmas gift for teachers that’s also super special. Oh, and bonus: these freshen up locker rooms too, so coaches, take note. Shop

Christmas air freshener plug gift for teachers

The germ-fighting gift: a package of Pocketbacs

File this under school supplies, but make it thoughtful. A sampling of our hand sanitizers gives them one less thing to stock up on—and adds a little fragrant, hydrating power into their rotation. Package these together with a festive hand cream; when it comes to good Christmas gifts for teachers, this one’s an A+. Shop

Christmas hand sanitizer gift for teachers

The no-fail gift: gift cards

Before you discount this idea as a last-minute Hail Mary, hear us out: gift cards are actually the most useful Christmas gift for daycare teachers, grade-school teachers—anyone who needs to stock up on soaps, sanitizers and other classroom essentials. Add a pretty ribbon and a personal, handwritten note, and you’ll elevate the humble gift card from “I couldn’t decide” to “I want you to decide.” And what’s more thoughtful than that? Shop

Gift cards for teachers

More A+ ideas, this way.

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