Chances are teachers already have a pencil-shaped mug with a cutesy saying on it. So step away from the ceramics and do your homework to find the educators in your life something special that will really make them smile. These independent retailers have just the mementos you’re looking for, and here are a few more places to check, too.
Urban Farmhouse
Owner Sarah Allen, whose aptly named shop occupies the ground floor of a charming farmhouse in Bluemont, says the boutique is full of “the cutest planters and vases for spring…and super cute teacher-themed cards and gifts.” The latter includes a notepad and pen set, complete with an apple-shaped pen; a set of pencils that read “Teachers Change the World”; and a pad of 50 sticky notes shaped like an apple. 5140 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Bluemont)
Lemoncello
Celebrating 10 years in business this year, this Best of Arlington 2026 winner is a treasure trove of gifts. Some options owner Nicole Kahle suggests are gender-neutral Teacher of the Year Gumball Poodle socks, a beaded No. 1 teacher bracelet from the popular Little Words Project brand and a story you help write, filling in the blanks of the Why You’re the Best Teacher Ever Fill in the Love Book. And when in doubt, say it with chocolates. Or more specifically, treats from Maryland-based Choquette Chocolates that are stamped with appreciative phrases. 4518 Langston Blvd., Arlington
Covet
Shopkeeper Autumn Clayton—Allen’s neighbor—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. Pick up a canvas coin purse shaped like a sideways Diet Coke can for all those runs to the vending machine in the teachers lounge, or wrap up a pair of star-shaped hoop earrings for the superstar educator. 5140 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Bluemont)
Le Village Marche
Say au revoir to the school year with something from this French-inspired boutique at the Village at Shirlington. Find candles, handbags, wraps for chilly classrooms, pocket-size packets of tissues with beautiful wrappers for emotional sendoffs, and brightly colored reusable tote bags for lugging around books and papers to grade. 2800 S. Randolph St., Arlington (Shirlington)
Sassanova
Owner Angela Tandy says fun socks make a great gift. She recommends a pair by Lazyjack Press, like the summery ones pictured. For teachers who like to dress up, you can’t go wrong with a tie, and if you’re going in on one big gift from the whole class, consider the snazzy yet functional Transit Work Bag from Bellroy and the Bellroy Tech Kit for organizing tech accessories without tangles. 6224 Old Dominion Drive, McLean
Diament Gifts & Accessories
Libby Diament’s namesake shop in Shirlington has plenty of ways to tell your favorite teacher they’re the best. Bag keychains are all the rage right now, so get a teacher who’s always on trend one shaped like a bee, butterfly, hummingbird or sea turtle. Instead of gifting a bouquet they have to schlep home, opt for a painted pail that comes ready with a sunflower seed packet so teachers can grow their own flowers. 4017 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
The Golden Fox Boutique
Paula Frishman’s three-year-old shop at The Crossing Clarendon has an ever-revolving inventory of gifts, athleisure wear and other luxuries. For teachers, she recommends colorful luggage tags from R. Nichols in celebration of summer travel or a tea assortment from Tea Forté “for leisurely summer mornings.” Or go for peak relaxation with a spa retreat candle by Moodcast, Lavender Do Not Disturb shower steamers by Chez Gagne and a Hello Sunshine fizzy salt soak. 2700 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Stylish Patina
Kelly Millspaugh Thompson, owner of this Little City boutique, pulled together a list of options that teachers might like. They include a soy blend candle cheerfully labeled “Best Teacher” or the “Thank You” candle from Clark & June that smells citrusy and vanilla-y, a stemless wine glass with the words “Teacher’s Little Helper,” and teacher life pencils with NSFW sayings. Remember, a simple, from-the-heart card can go a long way, too. 248 W. Broad St., Falls Church