This school year, give thanks to the special teachers in you or your child’s life with these 10 unique teacher gift ideas. We all know teachers have it rough with long hours spent grading papers and planning combined with the awesome responsibility of grooming the young minds of tomorrow. So make their day a little more special with a unique gift of appreciation. Our list of ideas are perfect for the first day of school or the last. As you can never say thanks enough for when a good teacher inspires and educates.
1. No. 2 Pencil Shoes
Best for: Classroom hipsters
Get ready for class in style with these super cute No. 2 pencil shoes. Teachers will love and appreciate these comfortable canvas shoes after hours of daily instruction while students can’t help but pay attention to those trendy kicks! Handmade and customizable with a teacher’s name or class these shoes are ideal for the classroom or even casual dress.
2. Timeline American History Game 
Best for: Engaging students
Kids learn best through play and what better way to teach history then with addictive card game! The rules to Timeline are simple enough. Players take turns placing their beautifully illustrated cards of historical events on the table to construct a timeline of American history. The first player to empty their hand wins, but guess wrong and draw another card. Pick up and play rules and easy setup makes this game perfect for activity time, clubs, or study hall. Not a history teacher? Then check out Timeline Science Discoveries 
3. Eutuxia Candle Warmer
Best for: Smelly classrooms
Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between the classroom and the locker room. 30 plus kids in a confined room for hours at a time can quickly become unpleasant on the senses which is why air fresheners always make welcome and unique teacher gift ideas. We like candle warmers as they can fill a room with pleasant scents without the need for a flame in the classroom. And in a pinch, they can also be used to heat up that cold cup of coffee to help power through the afternoons. Gift with a scented candle
4. Teacher Nutrition Facts Coffee Mug
Best for: Coffee breaks in the lounge
Make em laugh with this hysterical coffee mug full of important teacher facts. 500% passion, 150% caffeine and only 10% free time is what makes up a quality teacher. Microwave and dishwasher safe, this mug is ideal for the first day of school, teacher appreciation day, birthdays and even retirements.
5. How Teachers Swear Adult Coloring Book
Best for: The demon possessed classroom
Two minutes until the final bell rings. Little Timmy wouldn’t stay in his seat if it was made out of duct tape, you’ve lost track of how many times Samantha went to the bathroom, (did she ever come back?) lesson plans are due tomorrow and your coffee ran out 2 hours ago! Arrrrggh! You want to invoke your inner sailor and swear at the moon just to vent the day away but you won’t have to with this coloring book made just for educators. Shut the front door and clucking bell the stress away with these intricate patterns designed to focus teacher sanity to make it through another day.
6. Jumbo Teacher Stamps
Best for: Simple reinforcement
Have a stamp ready for any occasion with this set of 30 jumbo sized stamps. Research has proven students perform better with regular affirmations and a simple stamp on their work could mean the world to them if given. Kids also love to stamp and assigning a student helper to stamp a peers work is a tried and true reward that helps relationships and pride. Gift a set of colorful ink pads
7. Teacher Superpower Tumbler
Best for: Bragging rights
Not all superheros wear capes. Keep all 22 oz of their favorite beverage well insulated with the BPA free tumbler. Written with gold foil this tumbler will get plenty of use and is sure create many laughs. Perfect for the classroom and even better when out and about to let and and all passersbys they are in the presence of greatness. #humblebrags.
8. Wire Mesh Magnetic Storage Baskets Set
Best for: Teacher gift baskets
Help get rid of annoying classroom clutter with these handy storage baskets. Strong magnets on the back enable these to attach to any whiteboard or file cabinet for clutter free storage. Perfect for markers, hall passes, rulers, sticky notes or anything else that gets used in the classroom. We love this set of 6 as it makes it easy to give every teacher one to have in their class! Ideal for teacher care packages or gift baskets as well!
9. Learning Resources Answer Buzzers
Best for: Review games
Make studying for a test fun and enjoyable with this set of 4 answer buzzers. Bright colors and loud sounds help students become engaged while they learn as they race to buzz in correct answers. Drive out their inner competitiveness and they can’t help but learn as they participate through play. Best unique teacher gift ideas for new and experienced educators alike? Answer buzzers of course! That was easy.
10. Crystal Apple Paperweight
Best for: The first day of school
Back in the 1700s, poor families in Denmark and Sweden used to give a basket full of apples to their children’s teachers in lieu of payment. Today, apples have become a symbol of the educational profession and of a good teacher. Now you can put a twist on this honorable tradition with this beautiful crystal apple paperweight that would look sharp on any educator’s desk. A gentle and thoughtful reminder that you appreciate their efforts and a unique gift that won’t soon be forgotten.