In the spirit of the current back-to-school season, ensure the teacher in your life is off to a good start when you choose appropriate gifts and keepsakes. Whether guiding kindergarteners towards their ABCs or grooming tomorrow’s lawyers, doctors and scientists – teachers need a little pick-me-up every now and then. The start of a new school year poses the perfect opportunity to show you care. A couple of gift ideas for teachers include:

Candy Apples

Young students have been decorating the desks of their teachers with apples for quite some time. However, the more current twist on this thoughtful gesture is to shower a loved one with the delicious sweetness of candy apples.

Neck and Back Pillow

Let your loved one steal away a relaxing moment in-between class or while waiting for students to finish up a test with a neck or back pillow for their chair. There are a lot of different kinds of pillows that come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. For example, the Lumbar Cushion is molded to curve around the sides of the back. A neck or back pillow also comes in handy at home when the school day has come to a close.

Gift Baskets for Teacher

When creating a gift basket for a teacher, consider the power of relaxing goodies, such as bath salts, aromatherapy candles, scented lotions, bubble bath, and moisturizing glycerin soaps. It’s easy to create your own gift basket with the above suggestions. Choose lavender scents (seen in the Renewal Spa Relaxing Lavender Bath and Body Set Gift Basket ) to promote relaxation, while grapefruit offers an uplifting burst of energy. If you’re on a budget, discount stores offer basket fillers for $1 in a variety of sizes, shapes and scents.

Customized Mug

From their favorite pet to the smiling faces of their own kids, gift the coffee-drinking teacher with a mug customized with a thoughtful picture.

Personalized Frame

A personalized picture frame allows loved ones to stay close to a teacher throughout the day. Choose an inspirational quote or customize with your own memorable words. Another photo gift for teachers is the wooden To Love You© Personalized Photo Cube, which allows you to customize with names and a verse of your own. This gift is especially special for teachers just starting out in the wonderful world of education – gives them something thoughtful that dresses up their first desk.