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Apple Schmapple: Unique Teacher Gifts

Lions are the kings of the jungle but who are the unsung heroes of the “jungle?” Teachers, that’s who! They can wrangle a bunch of rowdy kids without breaking a sweat (well, most of the time) while dishing out knowledge and wisdom. They’ve got the power to turn boring textbooks into exciting adventures and make math problems feel like thrilling puzzles (okay, maybe not all of them can do that, but the good ones sure can). They even appear to have eyes in the back of their heads, spotting troublemakers from a mile away and thwarting note-passing with a single dirty look.

Teachers seldom get the praise or admiration they deserve so let’s fix that, shall we? Even a small gift can make a teacher feel special. Whether it’s new pens and notepads (teachers love school supplies), coffee (mmm … coffee) or gift cards (to literally anywhere), the smallest act of kindness can mean the most. So, while you’re nabbing last-minute crayons and notebooks, grab a gift for the teacher in your life.

Editorial Note: We review everything independently. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a commission.
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Head Of The Glass

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Behold, the glass “can” that’s tougher than your morning coffee! Crafted from 100% high-density borosilicate, it can handle cold and heat too, keeping your bevies chilled or cozy. And check out its dimensions because it’s designed to fit snugly wherever you go. Sleek, stylish, and ready to quench your thirst, it’s the ultimate drinkware sidekick for the kitchen, classroom, office and beyond. Sip on, my friend, sip on!

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Crack The (Morse) Code

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She (or he) will “decode” style with this Morse code bracelet that says they’re a “bada$$ teacher” without any side-eye from the Karens in their life. Made from stainless steel, they’re eco-friendly and promise not to pull any disappearing acts on your wrist. No fading, no tarnishing, and definitely no turning your skin green. The Morse code chain is a perfect fit at seven inches, with a handy 1.5-inch extender. An included gift box makes gifting even simpler.

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Take Notes

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Stick it to the man with this sticky note set that’ll tackle every note-taking situation. With various shapes and sizes like dotted line notes, a ruler, a blackboard and even an apple-shaped note, it’s the ultimate teacher’s assistant. And hey, it’s not just a one-hit wonder; you get a whopping 550 sheets of fun and functionality. Toss ’em in your bag, and you’re good to go. Teacher-themed designs? They’re a total class act.

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Sock It To Them

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Get ready to give your teacher the gift of laughter and relaxation. This hilarious gift box is packed with goodies that’ll have them grinning from ear to ear. Sip in style with the wine tumbler sporting a witty proverb; and, when the teacher’s off-duty, those cozy socks will do the talking. With these goodies and a heartfelt greeting card, you’ll get a gold star for “best gift giver.”

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Let’s Dish

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This delightful trinket dish is loaded with appreciation from a clever student. With a “Thanks for bee-ing a great teacher” and a buzzworthy design, it’s a real charmer. Perfectly placed on their classroom desk, bedroom nightstand or even in the bathroom, this dish safely stashes rings, earrings, necklaces and even tiny clips and paper clips with no vanishing acts. He (or she) will “bee” thrilled with this one.

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Shower Power

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Step into the shower and let the magic begin with this six-pack Bloom tube. These shower bombs are like a scent symphony, from eucalyptus mint to milk honey, all vying for your attention morning or night. Dubbed “luxury self-care,” these shower steamers are stress’s worst enemy. (And, teachers get all the stress.) Armed with natural essential oils, they dissolve in your shower, creating a relaxing oasis.

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Pinkie Swear

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This irreverent coloring book is a wild ride of teacher sayings and quotes, paired with mesmerizing designs like mandalas and flowers — and maybe a few swear words.
Peek inside this softcover gem to find hilarious and funny phrases that will have them in stitches while they color your way to relaxation (or color away the day from hell). Mindfulness has never been so relaxing.

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Stamp Of Approval

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Hop aboard this stampin’ school bus an eight-piece set of self-inking stamps. It’s a cheer squad and gentle nudge all in one—six encouraging reward messages, a playful “needs work,” and a savvy “sign & return” design to keep things real. But, the real star is the school bus-shaped container. Teachers and students alike go gaga over its cuteness. Stamp it like it’s hot!

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Bag It Up

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Rock the classroom, beach, grocery store or even the post office with this jute bag set. It’s a two-in-one deal: a generously-sized jute beach bag and a matching makeup bag, both boasting a personalized letter in high-density embroidery. These bags are eco-friendly and fashion-forward, and have a plethora of straps and pockets for toting all their school essentials.

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Pack A Pouch

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You don’t have to drop serious cash to make an impression. This teacher appreciation package, priced at less than $6, includes a keychain with multiple pendants and a handy makeup bag or pouch emblazoned with “Teacher Kit” on the outside. It’s the perfect way to show some serious love on your teacher’s special occasions — birthdays, Thanksgiving, graduations, back-to-school moments and more.

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Flower Child

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Say goodbye to ordinary greetings and hello to the extraordinary! Meet the pop-up flower bouquet that’s about to steal the show on every occasion. Birthdays, back to school, encouragement, get well soon, thank yous and more —this floral surprise has got it all covered. A large 12-inch pop-up cards bloom right before their eyes, complete with a paper vase for extra flair. An included notecard lets you jot down your heartfelt message.

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Fired Up

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Attention students and parents: Want to give your teacher a gift they won’t forget? Look no further than this hilarious candle. With the saying “Teacher’s last nerve — oh look… it’s on fire,” it’s a true masterpiece in teacher humor. And hey, this isn’t just any candle—it’s a unique lavender-scented gem that creates a Zen-like atmosphere. They’ll think of you every time they light that flame.

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Frame Of Mind

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Looking for a way to thank your favorite teacher? Look no further than this picture frame. Made from high-quality wood and designed to perfectly display a 4″ x 6″ photo, this frame is both elegant and practical. Plus, it’s suitable for male and female teachers alike, making it a versatile choice. This frame is sure to become a cherished keepsake for any teacher — once you add a picture of your favorite student, that is.

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As The Wind Blows

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Looking for a gift that will have your teacher singing your praises? Look no further than this calming wind chime. With its “Tree of Life” design, it’s not only beautiful to look at but also symbolizes growth, strength and new beginnings. Plus, it comes in a gorgeous keepsake box that will make any teacher feel appreciated. And when the wind blows, the chimes emit a soothing melody that’s sure to calm even the most frazzled educator.

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Hold All The Cards

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An apple a day keeps the teacher away? Nah, teachers and apples go together like peanut butter and jelly. Consider getting charming apple-shaped wooden pencil holders as a thoughtful thank-you gift for your teacher. They come in a set of two, are made of sturdy wood and have a smooth surface with a sweet saying on the outside. They’re just the right size for holding all of his writing instruments.

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Here’s A Sign

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Celebrate educators who have a big heart with a “heart” of their own. This acrylic keepsake doubles as a paperweight, symbolizing appreciation for tireless mentors. Its elegant gift box ensures a seamless presentation, complete with a heartfelt wishes card for a personal note. The clear finish boasts a colorful design and thoughtful message. Plus, it’s a bargain for less than $11.

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Grab A Pad And Pen

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Do you have multiple teachers you need to thank? This 24-piece pad and pen set has enough to pass along to a dozen educators in your life. These notepads are made of high-quality paper, so sticky notes won’t fade or fall off, and the metal pens are a rock-solid, unbreakable crew, in a rainbow of colors. Comedy and reliability combined – the ultimate classroom buddies.

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Cream Of The Crop

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Help her pamper her overworked hands with this 10-pack of hand cream bliss. This collection offers an aromatic journey from cherry blossom to avocado to berry. Let their mood decide! Lush with natural ingredients like shea butter, sweet almond oil, and aloe, these creams offer deep hydration and ultimate moisturizing goodness. And, with 10 tubes, she can throw them in her school bag, purse, gym tote and more.

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Box Office

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Meet the ultimate jewelry case – the perfect gift for anyone you know, honestly. Made with top-notch materials like dusty pink velvet for a luxe touch, it’s got a hidden earring compartment and a built-in mirror. There will be no more tangled necklaces, thanks to seven slot rolls and four removable dividers. The compact four-inch design is perfect for a handbag or luggage.

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Drinks All Day

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Coffee in the morning, wine in the evening and shots as needed? He or she can do it all with this clever drink set. The three cups, plus socks, a cosmetic case and a cute apple keychain are packed into a teacher-themed gift box (so you don’t even have to wrap it). Get ready to score “teacher’s pet” status with this one.

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Coffee Talk

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Coffee keeps teachers alive. (It’s a scientific fact, I swear.) Reward them with a gift card bundle that’ll cover the cost of their favorite brew up to $40 worth. These can be redeemed at nearly all Starbucks locations, and trust me, they’ll be your best friends forever. With these cards, they’ll never run low on that sweet, sweet fuel. Coffee addicts, rejoice!

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Mug Shot

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Does your teacher have a good sense of humor? They’ll love this 20-ounce tumbler that proclaims they’re drinking the “tears of my students.” It’s the perfect size for their precious beverages (is it vodka? No one will ever know.) and it fits in nearly every cup holder – practical, right? Made of stainless steel with double-wall insulation, it comes with a stainless steel straw, silicone tip and cleaner. They’ll be sipping in style … when they aren’t laughing.

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Patch Things Up

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I found the ultimate teacher tote, which looks a lot like the gear from the Little Words Project but at a fraction of the cost. “TEACH” chenille letters scream trendiness and sparkle while the tough canvas is designed for teachers who have to handle it all. Sturdy, soft and water-resistant, it has a zipper closure that keeps stuff contained and is roomy enough for teaching supplies, a laptop, folders, pencil cases and more.

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Pencil Pusher

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Step aside, boring accessories – the handmade pencil earrings have arrived. They’re perfect for the first week of classes, because who wouldn’t want to show off their fresh fashion sense? A pencil charm with colorful beads and rhinestones? Oozing with luxury vibes, darling. Go ahead and get the whole school gossiping about her fab, study-inspired jewelry – nobody will know they only cost 10 bucks!

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By The Neck

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Teachers at faith-based schools and those for whom their faith is important will cherish this cross necklace that integrates a religious symbol with their daily calling. This 18-in. necklace (with a two-inch extender) is made from stainless steel, lead-free, nickel-free, hypoallergenic materials that won’t rust or discolor. Pro tip: There are other styles to choose from so simplify your gift-giving by adding them all to your cart.

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Put Her Name On It

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Nothing is more thoughtful than a personalized gift, and this nameplate is one they’ll use year after year. Just hit “customize now” on the product page and let the magic begin. Pick your style, font and add your custom details – don’t hold back! Be precise with capitalization, titles, and everything you desire. Order early since customized gifts require a bit more processing time.

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Friends Zone

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Ask your favorite teacher, “How you doin’?” with this Friends-themed notepad. He or she will scream, Janice-style, “Oh. My. God,” when you drop this gift on their desk. Sure, you’ve been “on a break” since last school year but you can show them they’re “your lobster” with this gift that Friends addicts will love. If they don’t like it? Well, it’s a “moo point.”

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Power Of The Pen

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I grew up with a teacher and I’m telling you — they never get sick of new pens (even after they retire). Engraved with motivational quotes like “You are amazing,” they’re practically ink-based therapists in disguise. Three pens in pastel hues, they’re all wrapped up like a perfect present. Don’t be fooled by their charm, though – these pens mean business whether they’re sending a note home or grading papers.

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Gift Card Goodness

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If you know anything about teachers, you know they spend a good deal of their own money stocking their classrooms. Give them a break with an Amazon gift card where you can choose the denomination from $50 to $200. They can shop for their classroom or even themselves because, hey, they deserve it. It’s packed in a gift box and ready to be handed over.

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Fit To A Tee

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Ladies, get ready for the comfiest teacher shirt ever. Soft, skin-friendly, and oh-so-breathable – its lightweight and moisture-wicking fabric is perfect for any season. The graphic is packed full of tools of her trade, and is one she’ll break out everycasual Fridays. With a classic loose fit and short sleeves, it’s destined for a prime spot in her closet.

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Slap On The Wrist

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Show some love for the unsung heroes of education with the Alex and Ani teacher charm bangle. A timeless addition to their accessory collection, this adjustable bangle rocks an embossed circle charm with an apple on a book – a tribute to those amazing teachers. It’s a classic choice to honor these professionals, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t need an apple-adorned bangle in their life? 22

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Get Growing

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Does your teacher have a green thumb? Add to his or her “plant person” vibe with this succulent plant pot. Designed with a plant-themed saying on the front, this ceramic pot comes with a bamboo saucer to catch excess water without dripping on the counter or floor. For an even better gift, choose a succulent for them and have it planted and ready to go when you present it.

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Now You’re Cooking

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Teachers are educators at heart, whether they’re actively instructing or chilling at home. This spatula set reminds them why they do it, even if they’re whipping up pancakes for the fam. Made of premium food-grade silicone (heat resistant to 450°F) with bamboo handles, these could even be separated and paired with a cookie mix or bread recipe to extend the gift-giving possibilities.

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