There are plenty of ways to recognize teachers, but if you’re looking to purchase a teacher appreciation gift, why not shop local and support a small business in our Dallas community?
Here are some great local shops you can support while shopping for teacher gifts. Thank you teachers for the invaluable work and care you provide for our kids!
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1. Candles by Carol
Candles by Carol fills the streets of downtown Rockwall with heavenly scents, and she can make your teacher’s classroom smell that way, too (Goodbye kindergartener breath!). Carol has been pouring candles in her shop for 20 years. Choose from candles, tarts, sprays, and oils in tons of fragrances. Masculine scents include Clean Green, Sweet Cream Pistachio, Coastal Man, and Woodland Noir. Sweeter scents are Creme Brulee, Hawaiian Breeze, Rosemary Mint, and Fierce. She also creates seasonal scents such as Texas Blue Bonnet.
Extra Credit: No additives or fillers, ever!
2. Cotton & Gold Gifts
Cotton & Gold Gifts is an online shop owned by Dallas moms, Allisa and Amanda. They create customized gift boxes for any occasion and budget. Simply click the “Teacher” button on the website to find appreciation gifts for the educator in your life. Consider the “Well Deserved” bath bomb and candle bundle, or the “Peace and Quiet” face mask and eye gel kit.
Extra Credit: All of Cotton & Gold’s items have been carefully selected from local vendors and artisans, so you know you are supporting small and local when you shop here.
3. Leila Bakery and Cafe
European baked goods from Leila Bakery and Cafe in Lakewood are sure to say “I appreciate you, teacher!” Chef Kelly’s sweet and savory confections are not only delicious, but visually stunning, too. Choose cake or pie by the slice, cookies, muffins, scones, even soup. She also offers gluten-free and vegan options, and homemade granola by the pound.
Extra Credit: Short on time? Leila Bakery offers delivery (although, you might just want to come in, so you can enjoy a delicious cappuccino).
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4. Lone Chimney Mercantile
Lone Chimney Mercantile, with two locations in Richardson and the Dallas Farmers Market, is a unique place to find teacher appreciation gifts. Owner Annie Holland has curated funky and cheerful gifts with lots of different price points. Whether you’re looking for greeting cards, locally-made jewelry, small plants in vintage pieces, Texas-themed gifts, or handmade soaps, you’ve got to check out her shop and support this local mom and other local artisans.
Extra Credit: Walking through her shop puts me in the best mood every time — must be all that quirky humor!
5. Neighborhood Supply Co.
For the teacher who loves all things Dallas, Texas, Neighborhood Supply Co. (NCSO) in Lake Highlands is the perfect place to shop for teacher appreciation week. It has a huge selection of vintage caps and hats, embroidered trucker hats, baseball caps, and accessories that show off local pride, from neighborhoods to sports teams.
Extra Credit: Purchase a gift card, a.k.a. a ticket to the hat bar where your teacher can create his or her own custom look!
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6. Outside Texas
For the teacher that loves to spend time in the great outdoors, Outside Texas is the place to go! The owners have created goods and apparel with a Texas theme. You’ll find shirts, hats, stickers, water bottles, and other Texas accessories.
Extra Credit: A portion of every sale goes to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
7. Pita’s Planters
Pita’s Planters in Dallas sells houseplants and handcrafted planters. Although full of treasures for a plant lover, you can opt to purchase a gift card that gives your teacher access to the potting bar, complete with moss, soil, and pebbles. Here, teach can flex his or her green thumb and make the perfect home for a new plant baby.
Extra Credit: All the planters are lovingly made from upcycled materials like broken glass and CDs.
8. Rockwall Charcuterie
Looking for a gift you can send to the teacher breakroom for everyone to share? Rockwall Charcuterie has you covered! Its boards don’t just taste amazing, they look amazing, too. Depending on how many teachers you wish to thank, you can order by the box, board, or grazing table.
Extra Credit: All ingredients are sourced right in Rockwall.
9. Tallulah & Hess
For the teacher with refined tastes, step inside Tallulah & Hess. This one is the perfect mix of creative and classy! Find puzzles like you’ve never seen ’em before, pretty pajamas, delicate stacking bracelets, original paintings by female Dallas artists, and travel books. Get inspired and find something one-of-a-kind.
Extra Credit: Enjoy complimentary gift wrapping with every purchase.
10. The Store in Lake Highlands
The Store in Lake Highlands is a boutique with something for everyone. From home accents to candles, clothing, jewelry, books, and more, you’re sure to find something meaningful to show your appreciation. Popular finds are Voluspa candles, kitchen towels, Jack Black skincare products, and locally-made earrings. Find Dallas- and Texas-based brands on display throughout the store for a really local gift.
Extra Credit: If you have a little shopper in tow, join its weekly story time — no shopping required.
