This is the season of giving, so I thought I would share a few thoughtful gift ideas for the social studies teacher in your life. Whether you are a colleague, partner, or friend, I have some ideas that are great for the classroom, the teacher, and the home. If you can find meaningful gifts by thrift shopping (my personal favorite), I believe that's always a great place to start, but here are some ideas. All of the items in this gift guide are things I personally use and recommend. This post contains affiliate links to make it easier for you to find the items shared in this post.
For the Teacher:
This is a great gift for the tea drinker whose classroom is a bit of a walking distance from the staff room. I know when I worked in a portable and had to walk outside in the snow during the winter months, I often skipped a trip to the staff lounge just because of the distance. Gift an electric kettle and a box of tea or hot chocolate.
I love these reusable storage bags for packing lunch and snacks. These bags are more eco-friendly than plastic ziplocks and are long-lasting. Pack up the bags with some special treats and wrap them together as a gift set.
For the coffee-loving social studies teacher, this is a great option. We have been using this press for over a year now and it's durable and holds the heat. Plus, a french press is so much better than the staff room coffee.
For the Classroom:
Books are always a great gift option for teachers because they last for years to come and can be enjoyed by many. Here are a few of my recent favorites.
This young adult novel is a historical thriller that is based on real events in communist Romania and the citizen spy network. An excellent read that I couldn't put down.
This is book one of a series based on true events in Chile. It is hard to find chapter books on this topic, and this one is a great classroom library addition.
This novel won the Edgar Allen Poe Award for Best Young Adult Novel in 2022. It had me captivated the entire time. It's a YA thriller about a Native teen who must root out the corruption in her community. For those who love books by Angie Thomas or Tommy Orange, this is a good addition.
For the Home:
I know, I know, a candle might seem like a generic gift, but why not add a rechargeable lighter? We have had this one for several years and it holds its charge well. It can be recharged with a USB Type C cable. It uses plasma tech so there's no harmful chemicals or flames.
For the social studies teacher who likes to spend time in the kitchen, this is a practical gift and eco-friendly swap. I switched to using food huggers to store my veggies and it's been a game changer. My produce lasts so much longer and they are no longer slimy from sitting inside a plastic bag or being seran-wrapped. This gift would pair well with the silicone reusable storage bags.
I hope this guide gives you some inspiration this season. If you are interested in other money-saving and eco-friendly products and tips, check out these blog posts: Easy Ways to Live Sustainably and Ecofriendly on a Teacher Budget, Shopping for Teacher Outfits on a Tight Budget: Shopping with Sustainability in Mind
Happy Holidays,
Michelle McDonald