Teacher Holiday Gift Guide (Teacher-to-Teacher Edition): 10 Things I Actually Use

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

If you’re a teacher shopping for another teacher, you already know the truth: we don’t need another “Best Teacher Ever” apple situation. We need things that make the day easier—because the only consistency is the inconsistency. (Minimum day again? Shocking.)

Also, I’m “living the dream”… and sometimes that dream is rainbows and unicorns… and sometimes it’s Nightmare on Elm Street.

🏆 White Elephant Legends (around a $40 swap)

1) Stackable mug set + holder (The One People Still Talk About)

This is not a mug set. This is a staff lounge myth. At our white elephant party it got stolen multiple times, and the people who didn’t get it are still processing the trauma.

Why it wins: stackable ceramic mugs + stand = looks fancy, feels useful, and starts chaos. 

Link (paid link): The Legendary White Elephant Gift

2) Red stapler (Office Space vibes, IFYKYK)

Funny + functional. It says, “I have boundaries,” without saying a word.

Best for: the coworker who would absolutely notice if you touched their desk stuff.

Link (paid link): Excuse me, I believe you have my stapler

3) Brita water pitcher (Classroom hydration, but make it not gross)

I do not share water fountains with kids. Period. Plus it fits in smaller classroom fridges! Bonus!

Best for: anyone who has ever looked at a school fountain and said, “absolutely not.”

Link (paid link): Filtered Goodness!

4) Simple Modern handled tumbler (aka my emotional support water bottle)

I aspire to be a minimalist but I need the stickers! :)

Mine has fun stickers—teacher + history + pets + reading—because if I’m going to be dehydrated and overstimulated, I’m at least going to be cute about it.

Why it’s clutch: big, insulated, and built for actual daily use (handle + straw + “I can carry this while holding 900 papers”). 

Link (paid link): Keeping Me Hydrated!

5) Simple Modern travel coffee mug (warm coffee… all day… while sprinting)

I might need some more stickers!

I need coffee that stays warm while I’m running around, putting out tiny fires, and saying “living the dream” through a smile. This one’s insulated and designed to sip from a 360° lid. 

Link (paid link): Hot Drinks ✅ Yes!

🗂 Desk Sanity for People With 1,000 Tabs Open

Bliss Bins are LIFE!

Activity Bin in Teal = holds all my pens, pencils, highlighters, etc.

The other two are small Bliss Bins. They hold my random electronic, chargers, and personal items to keep it all tidy and organized.

6) Maple + Lark Small Bliss Bins (the tiny bins that save your desk)

I use these to keep my bag from becoming a paper-and-cord crime scene: one for cords, one as an “activity bin” for pens, etc.

Link (paid link): Activity Bin + X-Small Bliss Bin (Small is currently Sold Out on Amazon - Check Website but also watch out for poorly made dubs!)

7) Cord organizer clips (so you can find the charger immediately)

Because when your laptop is running 50 PPTs and 1,000 tabs, you don’t have time to play “which cord is this?” These clips are designed to hold/guide cables (including swivel-style options). 

Link (paid link): Tame Cord Chaos!

8) Bluetooth label maker (for the teacher who labels EVERYTHING)

Bluetooth is the glow-up. You can make labels from your phone (Design&Print2 app support is one of the big draws), which is perfect when you’re labeling at home while mentally prepping for 17 transitions tomorrow. 

My favorite use: labeling desks for emergency responsibilities—fire drill = no confusion.

Link (paid link): I Got A Label For That!

9) Desk calendar (for surviving “special schedules”)

I SWEAR the calendar is there LOL! Under the madness, it keeps me organized!

It keeps me sane because the schedule changes constantly and nobody tells you until 8:07 a.m.

Link (paid link): Organized Under Chaos!

10) Away Everywhere bag / weekender-style duffle (the teacher-to-human crossover bag)

I love that you can wipe it down & it’s versatile.

This is my “back and forth from home” bag that also becomes a personal-item carry-on. Water-repellent material + organization pockets = teacher life + travel life in one. 

Link (paid link): Dual Purpose + Chic!

What’s in my “teacher survival kit” (stored in the bins, obviously)

Motrin, DayQuil, throat lozenges, Emergen-C, face wipes, makeup, allergy meds… basically a tiny Walgreens, because we’re professionals.