This list helps address the upcoming holidays by providing some great gift ideas specifically for teachers, professors, or instructors in general. Each gift on the list (compiled by talking to several different teachers, professors, and instructors) is useful, highly rated, and ranges in price from $10 to $100 (but no higher) to help address all budgets. Everyone in academia has worked extra hard this year so they deserve some awesome holiday gifts and a very Merry Christmas time.
1. Webcam: Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam, $98.92. This webcam is highly rated across multiple websites as well as within Amazon, comes with a built-in microphone, has a resolution of 1080p at 30 frames per second (FPS) / 720p 60 FPS, and actually has a built-in ring light. Many of those conducting online classes do not have adequate lighting when doing their videos so helping them level up to a more professional webcam is a great gift idea.
2. Second Monitor: Acer SB220Q Ultra-Thin Zero Frame Monitor, $93.99. With nearly a perfect score on Amazon, this super thin, full HD (1920 x 1080), HDMI & VGA Port, 21.5 Inch monitor would make an excellent gift for instructors. Live web conferencing classes and course creation is made so much easier with a second screen.
3. Microphone: Movo M1 USB Lavalier Lapel Clip-on Omnidirectional Microphone, $29.95. Designed to work on both PCs and Macs, this clip-on lavalier microphone will add a nice professionality to any video creation (regular instructional videos and live webcasts such as through Zoom, Skype, Google, or Microsoft). This model provides professional studio sound along with the convenience of a lapel clip, windscreen, and 20-foot long cord. The truth is, all teachers need one of these in order to sound their best for students.
4. Book: How to Enhance Instructional Presence, $9.99. A good physical book is always a great gift (e-book also available). As teachers at all levels continue to instruct online it is important to understand the human side of teaching and learning when interacting online. This book (which I authored) highlights this important aspect and provides step-by-step instruction on how to ensure excellent instructional presence to enhance both the instructor and student experience.
5. E-Reader: Kindle 10th Generation, $59.99. This digital ink reader is a great tool to have in that it allows anyone that has to do a lot of reading (like a teacher/professor/instructor) to do so without straining their eyes. Having heavily used a Kindle reader I can attest to its easy readability and the validity of its extremely high rating on Amazon. This newer version is at a great, budget-friendly price point and comes with a built-in reading light, multiple adjustments, and a very long battery life.
6. Light Kit: TaoTronics 12″ Selfie Ring Light, $49.99. Proper lighting is one of the top 3 things needed in order to have the best video experience possible (good audio and framing are the other two). This lighting kit offers a lot of bang for the buck with multiple angle adjustments, light intensity settings, various connections, and an included tripod stand (that’s a big added value). Depending on how you or your giftee are making videos (with a cellphone, video camera, or via a laptop), two sets might be needed for the best setup (think 2-point lighting system)..
7. Chocolate: Godiva Holiday Assorted Chocolate Gold Gift Box, $29.95. Awesome as teachers, professors, and instructors are, we have to remember that they are still human and as such pretty much anybody would love a box of premium chocolates from Godiva. These limited edition gourmet chocolates come with assorted filling such as smooth pralines, dark ganache, luscious fruits, and other delicious fillings within milk, white, and dark chocolate shells. I have tried them and yes, they are extremely tasty.
8. Spa-Kit: Bath and Body Gift Basket for Women and Men – Orchid and Jasmine Home Spa Set, $27.99. Let’s face it, pretty much anyone in academia is highly overworked and could use some de-stressing. This customer-favorite provides a wonderful home spa-kit which includes body scrubs, lotions, oils, gels, and more (a 9-piece set that includes a luxury towel). The producer of this set states that their product is 100% paraben and cruelty-free.
9. T-Shirts, Mugs, & other Teacher Themed Accessories $14.99. Teachers and anyone associated with academia should be celebrated. These teacher/academic themed apparel and accessory designs do just that with interesting and motivational sayings that uplift anyone going through the teaching and learning adventure.
10. Gift Card: Amazon Gift Card, $50. If you can’t decide on exactly what to get that teacher, professor, instructor in your life, then you can’t go wrong with a simple, but always appreciated Amazon gift card. Available in multiple denominations and styles, it is always just the right size 😊
There you have it, the best and most useful holiday gift guide for teachers, professors, and instructors, version 2020-2021. What are your thoughts? Do you like what is on this lift? Do you have some other good suggestions? If so please comment below, and thank you. Happy Holidays Everyone!