What are your favorite finds from 2023 that I should add to my wish list?
This year has FLOWN by. Does anyone else feel like they have no concept of time since 2019??
Anywayyy, here are some of my favorite teacher purchases from 2023. I use all of these products daily and swear by them. They would be great options if you’re buying for another teacher in your life, or to send to anyone needing last-minute Christmas ideas for you! Heck, or just treat-yo-self!
Happy shopping!
My Favorite Buys from 2023 - Wish List Gifts for Teachers
**prices as of December 2023
Crossbody Leather Bag, under $25 on Amazon
Welcome back, fanny pack era. Hands-free, easy access, lightweight - a dream bag. This is the one I am currently using and it is the perfect size for keys, cards, phone, chapstick, and airpods. This brand also has some slightly larger versions if you need a little more room and plenty of color options to suit every style. It is perrrfect for school to keep my phone and valuables on me, especially when leaving the room for lunch or recess. I have found that I like this style more than my more traditional fanny pack option because when I wear it crossbody (my preferred way), this style doesn’t make everything fall out like the fanny pack did. It also lays pretty flat, which I appreciate.
Stanley Water Bottle with Leakproof Flip, under $30 on Amazon
Ok, if you’ve been around for a minute, you have heard me rave about the Simply Modern straw cup over Stanley straw tumbler (and I still stand by that!!)… except for this beauty. When I am on the go (read: chasing around third graders) or just truly need a leakproof option, this has become my new go-to. It is TRULY leakproof (praise hands!) and nearly indestructible. Worth every penny!
Laurel Denise Planner, under $50 on LD website
Planners are my JAM. I have owned and used alllll of the major brands (and plenty others), and discovering Laurel Denise this year has been a game changer. What makes her planners stand out is that the week pages are half sheets so you can always see your monthly spread. Head over to her website to see it in action. I use this horizontal version for my home and am excited to buy the teacher planner when the 2024-2025 one comes out this spring!
Pentel Energel 0.3 NeedlePoint Pens, under $10 on Amazon
Speaking of planners, I have used my go to Papermate Sharpwriter pencils for my planners in the past (in case I needed to make changes), but have switched over to these ultra fine point pens this year and have been loving it! No smudges and clean lines while keeping the fine point of the pencil. New favorite black pen!
3-in-1 Charger, under $30 on Amazon
I used to use one of those stand-up chargers for my various apple products on my nightstand and would inevitably knock it over in the middle of the night and startle everyone in the house awake. Then I found this sleek little guy and it is PERFECT. Not only does it have a slim profile, but it is magnetic (duh) so you can fold it over to take with you and/or minimize the amount of counter space it takes up based on what you need. My favorite feature? It charges THREE things with only ONE cord. Hallelujah. I bought an extra one to keep in my school bag for on-the-go charging needs.
Nespresso Machine, under $200 on Amazon
I kind of hate Keurig coffee, so when a colleague showed me her Nespresso she got for her room, I was like…yeah, no thanks. Then I saw how delicious it looked and thought I would give it a try. Let me tell you… it is seriously so good. So good that I immediately put it on my Christmas list… and then bought it on Black Friday. I use my frother to mix creamer and oat milk and lemme tell you, it is right up there with a Starbucks drink. The pods are about $1 per pod so it won’t take long before this baby will be saving you a lot of money. Bonus if you can have it in your classroom - talk about a pick-me-up!
Honest Skincare Icon Trio Set, under $25 on Amazon
Did you know Honest sells things other than diapers? I didn’t! (Blame the mom brain?) So maybe this is a weird item to have on a Teacher Christmas Wish List, but as a teacher we are out in ALL kinds of weather so my skin takes a beating. I have tried SO many skincare options, but I needed something affordable, easy, and gentle on my sensitive skin. Enter Honest! I have genuinely loved every product of theirs I’ve tried. This is the perfect set if you want to try out their basics (and it lasted way longer than I expected)! I also love their exfoliating powder - super gentle but totally gets the job done.
Essential Oil Diffuser, under $15 on Amazon
One of my teacher friends had an ADORABLE candle warmer lamp in her classroom earlier this year and every time I walked by her room, the lighting and smell made it feel SO cozy. However, the rules are a little gray in my building as far as candle warmers go soooo I bought one of the candle warmers for my house and got this cutie little diffuser for school and have so enjoyed it! You can change the lighting or just have the mist going.
Eos Mint Lip Balm, under $5 on Amazon
In middle school, I refused to go to any class without gum or a mint in my mouth because I was so worried about having bad breath. Fast forward a few years, and it’s kind of hard to teach with those in your mouth! Enter mint chapstick. This one is smooth, buttery, and has just the right hint of mint that doesn’t make your eyes burn. I keep this in the pocket of my recess coat and my crossbody bag and have never had a chapstick explosion.
Life is Happier with Books Sweatshirt, under $50 on TRLBR website
Last but not least, I have a double whammy for you. I love any teacher/reading sweatshirt so obviously I needed this “Life is Happier with Books” sweatshirt in a great neutral color (other colors available on her website as well as short sleeves and other great book designs). Beyond this sweatshirt, @TheRealLifeBookReviewer has been one of my favorite non-teacher finds for 2023. She reviews books (primarily romance, my favorite) and gives short reviews, spice/explicit levels, and then ways to modify the book if you want to avoid explicit scenes. As someone who frequently recommends books to others, I love having this resource to preview and offer suggestions. (Side note: next week I’ll be sharing my FAVORITE non-teacher reads from 2023 just in time for some winter break reading!)
These are just a few of my 2023 favorites - what would you add to the list?
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