Last Minute Gift Ideas for Teachers

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You've seen them-- long bright colorful sweaters adorned with sewn-on seasonally-appropriate bobbles and sequins. Often used not only for fashion purposes but for educational ones as well. How many snowmen do you see? Can you guess what holiday it is?

These sweaters are not for everyone though. Neither are coffee mugs with apples on them or body lotion or the many other things most people think teachers will love. There's nothing wrong with these gifts when you get one but imagine getting 30 each year.

And when people are pressed for time, teachers get an especially short end of a stick.

Which leads me to my Top 6 gift ideas for teachers. They are all:

• Good last minute choices, as they are found at your grocery store.
• Gender neutral; Safe for men or women.
• Practical.

1. Money.

   I don't mean like a tip or a payoff; I mean like a gift certificate. My favorite places are Macy's, Nordstrom, Target, and Bed Bath & Beyond.

   Even better if you can get a few other families to pitch in together. What's more useful: 10 coffee mugs or a $50 giftcard to Macy's?

   

2. A Thank You Note.

   A genuine note of thanks from a student, parent, or both can really make a teacher's day.

   Don't know what to write? Read these teacher thank you note samples.

   

3. Coffee.

   While coffee mugs are a dime a dozen, coffee itself can be a very welcome gift. Just be sure your teacher is a coffee drinker.

   Give a Starbucks giftcard or a couple pounds of fresh beans.

4. Plants.

   I like plants because they're cheerful, natural, and you don't have to run to find a vase for them.

   Most grocery stores and even some hardware stores have a decent selection. Focus on finding the one with the cutest pot. Bonus if you can find a functional plant like rosemary or aloe.

5. Bookstore Giftcard.

   Your teacher can spend this on books for him/herself or on resources for the class.

6. Stationery.

   Teachers certainly need to write notes so why not give them the supplies. Target has cute ones or if you have a Hallmark nearby, dash in there.

   Stay away from teacher-related themes and just get something classic.

7. Bonus Item:

   If it's the holidays, a Christmas ornament is always nice. Something not-too-religious like a snowman or a reindeer is appropriate. I like Restoration Hardware's selection. If you don't have one of those nearby the Hallmark store always has the classics.

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