Looking for a special way to show your child’s teacher that you care? Looking for a holiday gift? We’ve got ideas. Some are sentimental, some are funny, and some are downright practical, but they’ll all surely be appreciated! When you’re thinking about the best teacher gifts, you can either choose something they can use in their classrooms or something they can enjoy during their much-needed time off. Our list of the best gifts for teachers includes a terrific selection of both, with options to fit any budget.
Quick tip: Check your school’s gift policy before giving; some prohibit homemade treats and/or gifts over a certain monetary value.
- Gift Card Ideas for Teachers
- Teacher-Recommended Gift Ideas
- Food and Drink Gifts for Teachers
- Classroom and Desk Supplies Teacher Gifts
- Apparel and Jewelry Gifts for Teachers
- Self-Care Gifts Teacher Gifts
- More Teacher Gift Ideas
Gift Cards for Teachers
When we ask real educators about the best gifts for teachers, the number-one answer is always the same: gift cards. They don’t need to be for a huge amount: $5 at Starbucks will get most teachers a cup of coffee, and with $10 at Dunkin’ Donuts, they can grab a snack too. If you feel like a gift card isn’t enough, we’ve also rounded up some creative ways to present these gifts for teachers.
Top 5 Teacher Gift Card Picks
We surveyed more than 350 teachers to find out what their most-wanted gift cards are. Here are their top five choices; see the full list of teacher gift card picks here.
Teacher Gift Card Holders
Some people worry that gift cards don’t feel “personal” enough. If that’s the case, you can always spring for a creative or personalized gift card holder. Here are some of our favorites.
Teacher Appreciation Week Gift Card Holder
This one is designed specifically for Teacher Appreciation Week. Buy this digital file once, and you’ll have a printable you can use year after year.
Buy it: Teacher Appreciation Week Gift Card Holder at Etsy
Coffee-Themed Gift Card Holders
If you’re gifting a Starbucks or Dunkin’ card, these holders are absolutely perfect!
Buy it: Coffee-Themed Gift Card Holders at Amazon
Pencil Gift Card Holder
This affordable set nets you 24 of these pencil shaped card holders. The front and back both have plenty of room to add a personalized note of thanks.
Buy it: Pencil Gift Card Holder at Amazon
Clipboard Gift Card Holder
This gift card holder is absolutely adorable, and it’s reusable too. Your teacher can use it to pass on the love, or tuck notes or pictures inside the slot.
Buy it: Clipboard Gift Card Holder at Etsy
Flower Gift Card Holders
These holders are so pretty, and the sentimental messages help you express your true appreciation.
Buy it: Flower Gift Card Holders at Amazon
Teacher-Recommended Gift Ideas
Personalized Thank-You Note
What gifts do teachers really want? Most teachers we know say they appreciate a handwritten thank-you note over just about anything else. Truly, nothing beats it. You don’t need to get fancy, but if you want to add a little something extra, you could buy one of these awesome greeting cards for teachers or use these printable thank-you cards for teachers to express your message.
Food and Drink Gifts for Teachers
Godiva Truffles
Coffee and chocolate are the two main teacher food groups. They’ll love any chocolate you give. But if you really want to make them feel special, splurge on a gourmet option like Godiva. These are perfect for savoring slowly while binging Netflix, or rewarding themselves after turning in their final grades on time!
Buy it: Godiva Chocolatier Patisserie Dessert Truffles at Amazon
Their Favorite Drink
This is an affordable but highly appreciated gift. Pair a case of their favorite potable with a thank-you note and your child’s teacher will treasure you forever. Not sure what their favorite beverage is? Ask your child what drink they see on their teacher’s desk after lunch … they’ll know.
Buy it: Dr. Pepper Zero Sugar at Target
YETI Rambler 14-oz. Insulated Mug
Teachers rarely get to sit down and enjoy a whole cup of coffee in peace. That’s why insulated mugs are must-have teacher gifts. This YETI mug is a top-notch choice, keeping your brew hot for as long as it takes you to get to the bottom. It holds enough coffee to get a teacher from first bell to at least their lunch break!
Buy it: YETI Rambler 14-oz. Insulated Mug at Amazon
Ember Temperature-Control Smart Mug
The best gifts for teachers don’t have to be pricey, but it doesn’t hurt. This is definitely a bit of a splurge, but the Ember coffee mug not only keeps your coffee hot, it maintains it at the exact right temperature. Set your desired temp using the app, and Ember will ensure your coffee or tea is perfect from the first sip to the last.
Buy it: Ember Smart Mug at Amazon
David’s Brownies and Cakes
No time to bake? Amazon will deliver this delightful assortment of sweet treats for you!
Buy it: David’s Assorted Brownie and Crumb Cake Basket at Amazon
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker
No need to worry about heated or insulated mugs when you can brew a fresh cup right in the classroom. The Keurig K-Mini is one of those teacher gift ideas they’ll be thanking you for over and over again. (Check out more of our coffee station ideas.)
Buy it: Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker at Amazon
Edible Arrangement
Healthy snacks can be delicious (and beautiful) too! Edible Arrangements are always popular, and they offer lots of yummy treats that are good for you too.
Buy it: Thank You Delicious Fruit at Edible Arrangements
Cravebox
Real Teacher Story: “I know I’m not the only teacher who feels better having a stash of snacks in their cupboard. I like to know that I’ve got something there to offer a hungry student or grab if I forget my lunch.” Snacks will never not be appreciated, and this box offers an excellent variety.
Buy it: Cravebox at Amazon
K-Cup Variety Pack
Who doesn’t love coffee, especially Starbucks? Gift your favorite teacher or multiple teachers this variety pack, which is sure to have something for everyone. These K-cup pods will unquestionably be a welcome addition to the teacher’s room!
Buy it: Starbucks Variety K-Cups – 40 Pack at Amazon
Crumbl Cookies
A Crumbl Cookie pastel pink box is becoming as iconic as a Tiffany blue box. Teachers love a sweet treat. If you gift a box of cookies, you can set it in the teacher workroom and treat all your child’s teachers at once!Don’t have a store in your area? Crumbl Cookies ships nationwide!
Buy it: Crumbl Cookies at Crumbl
Bento Box
These are all the rage now, and perfect for packing healthy and delicious teacher lunches. Personalize yours by adding their name with permanent vinyl lettering, and fill it with delicious snacks and candy for a practical, delicious gift they’ll love.
Buy it: Bento Box at Amazon
Classroom and Desk Supplies Teacher Gifts
Scotch PRO Thermal Laminator
Want to become a teacher’s hero? Gift them their own personal laminator! This model from Scotch with Never Jam technology is one of our favorites. Here’s what one teacher thinks: “LOVE! It surpassed my expectations. It’s nearly silent! … It also laminates fairly quickly! I would absolutely recommend.”
Buy it: Scotch PRO Thermal Laminator (TL906) at Amazon
Personalized Stationery
This personalized pad is perfect for writing notes to colleagues, parents, or students. Teachers can use it in their personal lives too.
Buy it: Personalized Notepad at Etsy
Whiskey River Soap Company Pencils for Teachers
Teachers will want to make sure they hang on to these pencils for themselves! The clever sayings on each will make them giggle. One teacher shares, “So cute! Love the sayings because as a teacher I have personally felt each one. One of the best gifts for teachers to brighten their day!”
Buy it: Whiskey River Soap Company Pencils for Teachers at Amazon
Label Maker
Part of a teacher’s job (and one many of them absolutely love!) includes organization. Label makers will definitely upgrade their organization systems. Think of the endless possibilities!
Buy it: Label Maker at Amazon
Personalized Library Stamp
Teachers build their classroom libraries with loving care. Help them keep their selections from disappearing with a personalized stamp like this one. Real teacher review: “This stamp is very sturdy. I have had other custom stamps fall apart after a long session of classroom library building, but this is still going strong.” (See more teacher stamps we love here.)
Buy it: Self-Inking Teacher Library Stamp at Amazon
Personalized Notebook
Real Teacher Story: “A group of students who gifted me a notebook this year. It meant so much to me that I wanted to use it for something special. I decided to write down funny moments that happen throughout the years and give it to them for a graduation gift.” This one is adorable, can be personalized, and is less than $15.
Buy it: Personalized Notebook at Etsy
Magnets
Magnets are great for both fridges at home and whiteboards at school, making them one of our favorite little teacher gifts. This set is especially fun for English teachers and their fellow grammar geeks.
Buy it: Grammar Correction Bottle Cap Magnets at Etsy
Apparel and Jewelry Gifts for Teachers
Lanyard
Lots of teachers wear lanyards to hold their school IDs, keys, and all the other paraphernalia they need quick access to throughout the day. This is one of the best teacher gifts because you can get a lanyard to match their personality. We’ve got a whole selection to choose from for teachers of any subject here.
Buy it: Rock Nerdy Math Lanyard at Amazon
Personalized key chain
Keychains are really practical teacher gifts, since they usually lots of keys to keep track of. These simple personalized leather keychains are an easy and elegant gift for any teacher.
Buy it: Personalized Key Chain at Etsy
Personalized Tote Bag
Since teachers often need to carry papers and other school supplies, what better gift than a tote bag or two? We love the personalization option.
Buy it: Personalized Tote Bag at Etsy
Be The Good Shirt
This fun shirt comes 10 different colors and has a fun retro vibe, with a message that embodies the philosophy of pretty much every teacher we know.
Buy it: Teacher Shirt at Etsy
Teacher Bracelet
We love that this bracelet set is equally cute and affordable. Bonus: It will make your child’s heart swell with pride when they see their beloved teacher wearing it!
Buy it: Teacher Bracelet at Amazon
Ventured Living Hand Sanitizer Holder Set
Hand sanitizer is a teacher must-have, and they can clip these holders to their lanyard or belt, refilling as needed. They come in a cute floral pattern too. Here’s what one reviewer had to say: “I’m a teacher and this product is perfect to keep on my backpack. I can easily use it entering/leaving school, with peace of mind for sanitation. We are buying more for my teacher friends and family.”
Buy it: Ventured Living Hand Sanitizer Holder Set of 2 at Amazon
Belt Bag
This bag is trendy and for good reason! It is a functional, fashionable version of a fanny pack. Your child’s teacher will love a gift that leaves their hands free while storing their phone, hand sanitizer, key card, and wallet.This one is simple but comes in tons of colors.
Buy it: Tinyat Belt Bag on Amazon
Book Stack Earrings
These adorable statement earrings are perfect to dress up any outfit, even on jeans day! When it’s a messy bun day, your child’s teacher will feel more put-together with these fun earrings.
Buy it: Book Stack Earrings at Amazon
Teacher Tie
Tie-loving teachers likely have an impressive collection, but there are so many unique options out there that make fantastic teacher gifts!(Find more fun teacher ties here.)
Buy it: Math Tie at Amazon
Self-Care Gifts Teacher Gifts
Manicure or Pedicure
Real Teacher Story: “I consider it a real treat to get my nails done and normally that happens for me just twice in a school year. I get my nails done at the start of the year and again when it is time to break out those toes for sandal season. Gifting your teacher a manicure will make them want to find an excuse to use the document camera and spend more time pointing at things on the Smart Board!” A Pick Your Polish gift card can be used nationally at 15,000 different locations.
Buy it: Nail Gift Card at Pick Your Polish
Spa Day
Everyone can use a little relaxation time! With this gift card, teachers can choose the services they are interested in and can use it at spas found nationally. (Check to make sure you have a location near you that accepts the gift card.)
Buy it: Spafinder Gift Card at Amazon
L’Occitane Hand Cream Classics Trio Gift Set
Teachers tend to get a lot of bath and body products, so if you’re going to go that route, pick a high-quality, luxurious option so your gift will stand out. L’Occitane makes some of the best hand cream around, perfect for reviving hands that are dry and cracked from using sanitizer all day long. Buy this set and give it as-is, or split it up and pair each one with a gift card for three separate teacher gifts.
Buy it: L’Occitane Hand Cream Classics Trio Gift Set at Ulta Beauty
Shower Steamers
Teachers will love these shower steamers that make them feel a little more excited about their regular routine. These shower steamers have great reviews and offer a collection of calming scents to allow for relaxation.
Buy it: Shower Steamers at Amazon
Scented Candle
Be warned: these are really popular teacher gifts, so if you’re going to gift one, make it good quality and in a scent they’ll actually really enjoy.
Buy it: Voluspa Candle at Amazon
More Teacher Gift Ideas
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
Adding pictures of fun moments in the classroom around the room would be such a nice personal touch to any teacher’s classroom. Then when the year is over, they’ll have photographic proof of the memories made that year.
Buy it: Fujifilm Mini 11 Instant Camera
Live Plant
Plants make great classroom decorations, and add some life even in the darkest months of winter. Choose a plant from a local nursery (ask for advice on good plants that need minimal care), or order an easy care favorite like this fiddle fig from an online supplier.
Buy it: Fiddle Fig Plant at Amazon
Lovepop Bouquet
Want something that will last longer than cut flowers? Lovepop’s paper bouquets are gorgeous, and make a gorgeous classroom display or home decor item.
Buy it: Cherry Blossom Bouquet at Lovepop
Mini Fridge
Help teachers make the most of their much-needed break time by saving them a trip to the teachers’ lounge fridge. This little model is just big enough to hold some fizzy water and yogurt, exactly what teachers need for a midafternoon pick-me-up. (Check out more terrific mini-fridge options here.)
Buy it: Frigidaire 6-Can Retro Beverage Fridge at Target
Amazon Echo Dot Smart Speaker
Smart speakers with voice search built in have so many uses in the classroom. The Amazon Echo Dot is one of our favorites, since it’s so easy to use and coordinates with other Amazon products.
Buy it: Amazon Echo Dot at Amazon
Photo Collage
Gather your favorite photos from the year (check social media or photos your child’s teacher shared in class emails or newsletters). Then, turn them into a keepsake collage. This one is extra adorable with the modern look and the LED light. Add your teacher’s favorite quote, a quote about teaching, or just their class and year.
Buy it: Custom Photo Collage Frame w/LED Light at Etsy
Kindle Paperwhite or Fire
If you’re up for a splurge or looking for a teacher gift from the whole class, Amazon’s e-readers and tablets offer great value for the money. If your teacher already has one, consider a Kindle Unlimited membership.
Buy it: Kindle Paperwhite and Fire HD 8 Tablet at Amazon
Personalized Photo Frame
Teachers and coaches love the gift of memories. Share your child’s favorite memory with their teacher in a personalized frame. This is a perfect gift to display in a teacher’s classroom for years to come.
Buy it: Personalized Picture Frame at Personalization Mall
Coasters
These cute coasters are the perfect teacher gifts for those teachers who always have a mug or bottle on their desk. Even without the mug, teachers can display this personalized desk tchotchke to add some flair to their space.
Buy it: Personalized Coaster at Etsy
Audible Membership
Give a lit-loving teacher plenty of audiobooks to enjoy during their much-deserved downtime. Audible gift memberships are available from one month to a year, so there are teacher gift options for all price ranges.
Buy it: Audible Gift Membership at Amazon
