Many teachers, by nature, are warm, compassionate and patient people. But even the most patient teachers need a little help dealing with the ups and downs of their workday. It used to be customary to give an apple to your favorite teacher, but these days, something to help them survive the day would be more suitable.

Bath Salts

Bath salts are a gift you can make yourself.
Bath salts are one gift idea that encourages relaxation. After a long day of teaching, she can relax with a warm bath and your thoughtful gift of bath salts. For a special touch, make them yourself. You can even involve the kids with this project. Just mix kosher salt with Epsom salts, add a few drops of your favorite color and scent with some fragrant essential oils, such as peppermint, orange or coconut. Find a decorative glass jar to present the newly-made bath salts as a gift to your favorite teacher.

Inspirational Quote or Poem

Frame inspirational words, poems or quotes.
There are many great quotes and inspirational sayings that can serve to lift a teacher's spirit on a tough day. Find one that is best suited for your favorite teacher and make it into a work of art. Use a word processing program to find fancy fonts and images. Some examples of quotes that are appropriate for a teacher are "Nine-tenths of education is encouragement" by Anatole France or "A teacher affects eternity: he can never tell where his influence stops" by Henry Adams. Once you have a look that you're happy with, find a simple frame for the page, making this a gift your teacher can proudly display on his desk.

Coffee Gift Certificate

Gift certificates can be bought at most local coffee shops.
Most people, at one time or another during the day, could use a little pick-me-up. Teachers are no exception. To help your favorite teacher get through her day, buy a gift certificate to a local gourmet coffee shop, preferably something close to the school. This way, on an especially rough day, she can head to the coffee shop on her lunch break. A little caffeine can go a long way to make the afternoon a little brighter.

A Bottle of Wine

Chardonnay is among the most popular wines in the U.S.
While he'll have to refrain from enjoying your gift during school hours, it can certainly help him unwind after a long day. If you don't know his favorite wine, buy a common varietal, such as chardonnay or Merlot. For an extra special teacher, you can present the gift with an accessory, such as a set of wine stoppers or a corkscrew.