Life abounds with teachers. From a schoolteacher for your child, a professor who took extra time to explain their course, to a professional mentor, selecting the right Christmas gifts for them can mean a lot. But unlike with personal friends, you may not have extensive knowledge of their exact tastes. Here are some classic ideas with a modern twist.

Life abounds with teachers. From a schoolteacher for your child, a professor who took extra time to explain their course, to a professional mentor, selecting the right Christmas gifts for them can mean a lot. But unlike with personal friends, you may not have extensive knowledge of their exact tastes. Here are some classic ideas with a modern twist.

For elementary school teachers, particularly, consider a gift card. They have many needs that school budgets no longer cover and those costs may end up coming out of their own pockets. If the teacher is female and you want to add a personal touch, consider a bath and body basket. They come in a myriad of irresistible scents.

If the teacher is a man, a gift card is still a terrific idea. Adding a personalized mug or a picture drawn by the student can be a great touch. Passes to a local theater might be another way to make the gift extra special.

At the university level, day spa gift certificates might be thoughtful, to show your appreciation at the holidays. Often, people do not think to take the time to schedule a message for themselves. Another idea is the same thing, but for a local restaurant.

For a colleague who has taken time to act as a mentor, consider what you do know about the taste of the individual. There are premium lines of pens and pencils that make great gifts. A lighted desk globe is a fun idea to replace the traditional potted fern for their desk approach.

So, do not be deterred if you know little about the person for which you wish to buy Christmas gifts. There are more options and ideas out on the Internet or you can ask someone who has known them better for suggestions.