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Chances are, you’re among the millions ofpeople who did their holiday shopping earlier than everthis year.

PerNBC News, two out of three Americans actually started hitting the stores and Amazon well before Black Friday.

Boy giving teacher gift bag

Falling into that category are teachers.

If you’re botanically inclined, a potted plant is a better teacher gift option.

Try a succulent that doesn’t need much water.

Teacher coffee mug

As a teacher present, however, it’s iffy.

Your school may have rules against bringing alcohol on campus to begin with.

Compromise by giving a wine-scented product instead, like theBath & Body WorksBlack Cherry Merlot candle.

Teacher holding flowers in classroom

You don’t have to rule out food gifts altogether for a teacher, though.

A box of chocolates or gourmet cookies is usually a good bet.

A better choice for a teacher would be a good-quality hand cream like this one fromBurt’s Bees.

Woman holding wine bottle

They’ll think of you gratefully as they use your present to combat winter-roughened skin.

Clothes

Like perfume, clothing style is a highly personal preference.

It crosses the fine line between their professional and personal lives and can make them feel awkward around you.

Christmas theme fruit basket

It might seem obvious, but the same goes for any kind of underwear or lingerie.

They’re adorable, appropriate … and your child’s teacher probably has a dozen of them already.

Religious gifts

Another tricky theme for any kind of gift-giving is religion.

perfume bottle beside flowers and twigs

Whatever the case, avoid the tree trimmings when you’re gift-hunting.

For a teacher, it can send the message that you don’t respect their job.

Gift cards are always a good choice and, surprisingly, so is money, according toWe Are Teachers.

red Christmas sweater

girl in hooded holiday pajamas

Best Teacher Ever plaque

Woman with gold cross necklace

Christmas throw pillows

Apple, bus, and blackboard ornaments

Bag of coal gag Christmas gift