For the Teacher

Teachers are given a great many mugs. What they actually use are the things that make a long day go a little better: a good pen, a hand cream for the desk drawer, a candle for the end of the week, and a card that says something specific.

This edit starts with the gifts that sold best last December: Ecoya hand cream, car diffusers and mini Madison candles, then refillable metal rollerball pens, notebooks and sticky notes from Emma Kate Co and Made of Tomorrow. For home there are Therapy hand creams, candles and diffusers from The Aromatherapy Co.

If several families are chipping in, a group gift works well: a candle, hand cream and pen together feel generous without being too personal. Or let them choose with a Flux Boutique gift voucher, which can be redeemed in store or online and has no expiry. For more desk ideas, see stationery and desk.

What do teachers actually want as a gift?
Useful things they would not buy themselves: a quality pen, hand cream for dry classroom hands, a car diffuser or a candle for home. Above all, a handwritten card naming something specific they did for your child.

Is a group gift for a teacher a good idea?
Yes. Pooling with other families means one considered gift instead of a desk full of small ones. A bundle of hand cream, candle and pen works well, or a Flux Boutique gift voucher lets them choose for themselves.

What can I add to a small gift?
A thank-you card or gift tag from Emma Kate Co turns a hand cream or candle into a finished present, and gift wrapping is complimentary.

What is a good thank-you gift for a male teacher?
Try the Therapy Man Sandalwood & Sea Salt body wash or lotion from The Aromatherapy Co, the Ecoya car diffuser, a Karlsson alarm clock or a refillable metal pen.