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 water bottle that fits in the bag, a hand cream for the desk drawer, and a card that says something specific.

This edit covers desk favourites from Emma Kate Co, including refillable metal rollerball pens, sticky notes and notebooks, Papier HQ notepads and pen holders, and slim Memobottles in A5, A6 and A7 sizes. For the staffroom there are reusable glass Joco cups, and for home there are Therapy hand creams, candles and diffusers from The Aromatherapy Co and Madison candles from Ecoya.

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, a reusable water bottle or coffee cup, hand cream for dry classroom hands, 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.

Which Memobottle size is best for a teacher?
The A5 Memobottle holds 750ml and slips into a laptop bag beside papers. The A6 holds 375ml for a smaller bag, and there is a universal desk stand if you want the bottle to live upright on the desk.

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, a Karlsson alarm clock, a Memobottle or a refillable metal pen. A Joco reusable glass cup is a safe bet for any coffee drinker.