Preface Preface

• Few would deny that teaching is some of the most selfless and important occupations there is. Some would even consider teachers secondary "parents," mentors, and even confidantes. For Teacher Appreciation Day (or any day), a heartfelt gift is just the thing to show your gratitude for all the sacrifice and love that goes into being a teacher. Here are a few guidelines to spark ideas that make the grade.

Teachers Are People, Too Teachers Are People, Too

• One great way to go about gifting a teacher? Get him something that isn't about gifting at all. A piece of jewelry, a spa set, or even a food gift are things a teacher can enjoy during his downtime. (Downtime? What's that?!)

Deck Out that Desk Deck Out that Desk

• A teacher's desk is somehow more fun that most other desks. Add to the cute factor with a whimsical paperweight, a mug printed with a funny saying, or a something so silly it qualifies as a gag gift. She'll appreciate the levity of your gesture.

Get Symbolic Get Symbolic

• A pair of socks that look like a number 2 pencil, a necklace pendant shaped like a molecular structure, or ruler cufflinks are all adorable gifts for the teacher who embraces his subject matter so much, he wants to wear it on his sleeve (or neck or feet!).

Give the Gift of Relaxation Give the Gift of Relaxation

• Teaching is hard work, as any teacher will tell you. And even teachers have homework. An at-home spa gadget, a scented candle, or a gift certificate for a massage are great ways to help your hardworking teacher unwind.

Creative Takes on the Apple Cliché Creative Takes on the Apple Cliché

•  It's a symbol that's become synonymous with the teacher gift: An apple. But instead of a bona-fide fruit, try gifting a teacher with a chic apple-shaped paper weight, apple-inspired earrings, or even kitchenware decorated in an apple design.

Give the Gift of Organization Give the Gift of Organization

• Whether it's wall-mounted, desktop, or portable, anything that helps a teacher stay organized is a welcome and useful gift. After all - between homework, tests, lesson plans, and more - she's got a lot of stuff to keep in order. And an organized teacher is a productive teacher - who molds productive students!