Cool Gifts for Teachers

Cool teacher gifts are those that come from the heart.child's mini chalkboard - apple image by samantha grandy from Fotolia.com

When deciding on a gift for a teacher, keep in mind that teachers often receive dozens of small gifts from students every year. Instead of the generic mugs, chocolates and tree ornaments many students give, choose something that your teacher will be able to use and enjoy. Cool gifts are those that come from the heart, so be sure to write a few words of gratitude on a note card attached to the gift.

Movie Night Gift Box

Teachers lead busy lives and often have to take work home with them at night. Give your teacher a night off with a movie night gift box. Fill a popcorn box with movie candies, a package of microwaveable popcorn, two tins of pop and a gift certificate to your local movie rental store.

Kids might not always think reading is cool, but most teachers do. Find out what your teacher's interests are outside of work and purchase a related magazine subscription. Another option is to purchase a magazine subscription such as National Geographic Kids for teachers of young students or Time magazine for teachers of older students. The magazines can then be used in the classroom.

Make a donation to a charitable organization in your teacher's name. Choose a charity that you know your teacher supports or one that relates to teaching, such as those that provide school supplies to children in need. Include a note for your teacher telling him how his example has inspired you to give back.

Environmentally friendly gifts are a cool choice for teachers' gifts. Choose from reusable shopping bags, stainless steel water bottles, fair trade coffee, tea or handicrafts, or seeds, plants and gardening books.