7 Shops With Terrific Teacher Gifts in Arlington and Falls Church

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5-9. Say thank you and score an A+ for gratitude with these fun finds from local boutiques.

Covet - Arlington, VA — Say thanks to the educators in your life with on-theme gifts, such as these bracelets available at Covet in Arlington, Virginia. (Courtesy photo)

Sure, gift cards are useful, but they’re generic. And chances are teachers already have an abundance of mugs with cutesy sayings. Do your homework this time around and get the educators in your life something special that will really make them smile. These independent retailers have just the mementos you’re looking for.

The 79th

Charm the teacher who really shines with some bling from this new Arlington-based online jeweler. The tropical and aspirational Vacation charm ($99) is a solid gold palm tree. For a different kind of symbolism, consider The Guide, a star-shaped charm ($69) made of mother-of-pearl and gold.

Covet

Shopkeeper Autumn Clayton has an eye for fun, trendy and cool, so if your kiddo has a teacher who also fits that description, you’ll hit the jackpot at her Bluemont boutique. Say thanks with a pair of Teacher of the Year socks ($14), a crafty set of mismatched cloisonné earrings ($22) or a stack of stretch bracelets ($12 each) that would surely earn Taylor Swift’s stamp of approval. // 5140 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Bluemont)

Diament Gifts & Accessories

Libby Diament’s namesake shop in Shirlington has plenty of ways to tell your favorite teacher they’re the best. A faux leather tray with an upbeat message ($18) is handy for storing rogue rubber bands, paperclips and other classroom detritus. Or, spring for a beaded coin pouch ($20) for vending machine purchases, or a calming scented candle ($24). Keep that star teacher hydrated with a 16-ounce glass with push-on lid and straw ($24) from the fittingly named brand Talking Out of Turn. // 4017 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)

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Lemoncello Boutique

The best teacher gifts are all about summer at this family-owned and -operated shop. Go in on a waterproof Bogg Bag ($70) for the beach or pool and accessorize it with a beaded teacher keychain ($18). And nothing says “school’s out” like a Dock & Bay Quick Dry Beach Towel ($34). For the teacher who deserves some stress relief, tropical-style, try a Beauty Mocktail Face Mask in piña colada ($8). // 4518 Langston Blvd., Arlington (Lee Heights Shops)

One More Page Books

Instilling kids with a love of reading is a gift that can never be repaid, but Arlington’s favorite indie bookstore has a few ideas for saying thanks, from a resistance-minded Bans Off Our Books Tote ($22) to Teacher by Teacher: The People Who Change Our Lives ($29), an inspirational tribute to the power of public education by the nation’s 10th Secretary of Education. For a cheeky stress-reliever, pair a copy of Be More Moo Deng: The Unofficial Coloring Book ($12.99) with a set of Space Swirl Colored Pencils ($14.95). // 2200 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington (East Falls Church)

Stylish Patina

Kelly Millspaugh Thompson’s Falls Church boutique has plenty of gifts to make teachers’ lives easier—or at least funnier. Go snarky with a set of pencils ($10.95) from Kitty Meow Boutique with NSFW sayings such as “Stop picking your damn nose!” and “No, you can’t get another drink.” If you’d rather play it safe, a soy candle with a simple “Thank You!” ($24.95) is a surefire winner. Also useful: A ShopLikeYouLiveHere Virginia tote ($27.95). For the educator who’s a consummate nurturer, try a Modern Sprout Awesome Sauce cherry tomato grow kit ($11.95). // 248 W. Broad St., Falls Church

The Urban Farmhouse

“We love gifts that people can use,” says owner Sarah Allen, whose aptly named shop occupies the ground floor of a charming farmhouse in Bluemont. Consider stationery such as notepads ($18) and envelope-less notecards ($15) from E. Frances, or a notepad for an A+ teacher ($10). Also cute and practical: a versatile clutch bag ($48) that teachers can use to hold personal items or school supplies. Everyone’s always-and-forever favorite are the ones from Erin Flett, a little woman-owned business in Maine,” Allen says. // 5140 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Bluemont)