Looking for a nice 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 will 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.
(WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)
1. Thank-You Note
What gifts do teachers really want? Most teachers we know say they would 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, try one of these awesome greeting cards for teachers to hold your message.
2. To-Do List
Let’s face it, teachers have a massive list of to-do’s so why not help them manage them with this sticky note pad? We especially love the cute Friends reference!
Buy it: Teacher To-Do List Sticky Notes at Amazon
3. Gift Card in a Fun Holder
Most teachers have received quite a few ornaments over the years, but this one that doubles as a gift card holder is a favorite. When we ask our WeAreTeachers fans on Facebook about the best gifts for teachers, the number-one answer is always the same: gift cards. Amazon and Target are reliable choices, plus check out our full list of favorite teacher gift cards here. Pair it with a thank-you note to make it extra special!
Buy it: Teacher Gift Card Ornament at Etsy; Amazon Gift Card at Amazon; Target Gift Card at Target
4. Tote Bags
Since teachers often need to carry papers and other school supplies, what better gift than a tote bag or two? We love the undeniably true message printed on the bags as well!
Buy it: Teach Love Inspire Tote Bag at Amazon
5. Why You’re the Best Teacher Ever Book
You can also take your thank-you note a bit further with this sweet fill-in-the-blank book. Your child can fill it out on their own, adding illustrations if they like. Or for a truly special teacher gift, coordinate with other parents to have each kid in the class contribute a page. That’s a keepsake that a teacher will treasure forever!
Buy it: Why You’re the Best Teacher Ever Book at Amazon
6. Bookmark
No one loves to read more than a teacher (or perhaps your school’s librarian) so why not gift them with this lovely keepsake bookmark? We love that it is metal and therefore will last for years.
Buy it: Teacher Appreciation Bookmark at Amazon
7. S’well Water Bottle
OK, so most teachers already have a pretty good selection of water bottles. But does yours have a really good one—one that will keep their drinks hot or cold for up to 36 hours? If not, they’ll love a S’well bottle. The sleek design and cool patterns set them apart from the bottles most kids are carrying. One Amazon reviewer notes, “Perfect for those long school days, fits nicely in side pocket of backpack.” This is one teacher water bottle they’ll really use. (See more of our favorites here.)
Buy it: S’well 17 oz. Stainless-Steel Water Bottle at Amazon
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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
11. 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
12. 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
13. Plant Pot
Although small, this planter would be perfect for a teacher who loves plants. Unlike fresh flowers that die quickly, a succulent planted in this pot would last for a long time.
Buy it: Small Succulent Plant Pot at Amazon
14. Crock-Pot Lunch Crock Food Warmer
Save your favorite teacher from yet another sandwich on the go with this adorable little Crock-Pot! Take it from this Amazon reviewer: “After growing tired of having semi-hot food or having to wait for forever on the microwave at work, I decided to purchase this. It is wonderful. I plug it in about an hour before I have to eat lunch and my food is perfectly warmed. As a teacher, I get tired of turkey sandwiches or trying to wolf down what’s supposed to be a hot lunch but isn’t for whatever reason.”
Buy it: Crock-Pot Lunch Crock at Amazon
15. 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 gift ideas.
Buy it: L’Occitane Hand Cream Classics Trio Gift Set at Ulta Beauty
16. Ventured Living Hand Sanitizer Holder Set
Speaking of hand sanitizer, it’s clearly a classroom must-have that’s here to stay. Teachers 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
17. Paperweight
Paperweights are practical and beautiful at the same time. Since teachers usually have piles of papers on their desk, this gift will help keep all of that organized. We especially love the touching poem inscribed on it.
Buy it: Heart Paperweight at Amazon
18. Desk Organizer
Teachers have a lot of office supplies so give them a gift to store all of them! We particularly like this one since it has a sweet message.
Buy it: Teacher Appreciation Desk Caddy at Amazon
19. Teacher Voice Baseball Cap
This hat has two perks: It shields teachers from the summer sun and reminds everyone that their “teacher voice” doesn’t just come out in the classroom.
Buy it: Teacher Voice Baseball Cap at Etsy
20. Paper Mate Flair Pens
Teachers LOVE pens. They’re intensely loyal to their favorites, and for many, Flair pens top the list. This set is one of our best gifts for teachers due to the cool colors and yummy scents. This reviewer agrees: “A magical set every teacher should have on their desk or at home!” (Find more favorite teacher pens to gift here.)
Buy it: Paper Mate Flair Scented Felt-Tip Pens at Amazon
21. Picture Frame
If you can manage to get a photo of your little one with their teacher, then this is the gift for you! We especially love the cute blackboard-style theme of this frame.
Buy it: Teacher Frame at Amazon
22. COOLBROS Elephant Pencil and Phone Holder
Looking for thoughtful small teacher gifts? This elephant phone stand might just fit the bill! This is one of the best gifts for teachers because it’s cute, practical, and so much fun. It comes in several different patterns too, so you can choose one that suits your favorite teacher’s personality.
Buy it: COOLBROS Elephant Pencil Holder With Phone Holder at Amazon
23. Godiva Truffles
Coffee and chocolate are the two main teacher food groups. They’ll love any chocolate you provide. 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
24. Reward Punch Gift Set
This is such a cute gift that provides teachers with an easy reward system to implement in their classroom.
Buy it: Reward Punch Card Pack of 200 at Amazon
25. 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
26. Things My Students Said Journal
Kids say the darndest things, right? Help your teacher remember all the funny things their students say before they forget them all. This gift will make for a keepsake that teachers will look back on fondly for many years to come.
Buy it: Classroom Stories Memory Journal at Amazon
27. AstroAI 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: AstroAI Mini Fridge Thermoelectric Cooler and Warmer at Amazon
28. YIMICOO Reusable Travel Utensils
Whether teachers are grabbing a quick bite at their desk or joining their colleagues for a chat in the teachers’ lounge, this utensil set has everything they’ll need. The rainbow finish is fun and unique, and they’ll feel good about not adding plastic utensils to the landfill.
Buy it: YIMICOO Reusable Travel Utensils at Amazon
29. Amazon Echo Dot Smart Speaker
Smart speakers with voice search built in have so many uses in the classroom. These little gems are so affordable now that they make great gifts for teachers. 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
30. This Day in History Calendar
Page-a-day calendars make terrific small teacher gifts. They’re fun for the teacher, plus it gives them something to share with their class each day. There are lots of great options, but we love the “On This Day in History” version. It works for any grade and any subject.
Buy it: 2022 On This Day in History Page-a-Day Calendar at Amazon
31. Personalized Teacher 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
32. Vintage Globe Earrings
For just a few bucks, you can get an adorable teacher gift like these globe earrings. They’re perfect for a social studies or history teacher, or anyone who loves to travel. (Looking for more teacher earrings? Find our top picks here.)
Buy it: Vintage Globe Earrings at Etsy
33. STEM 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 gifts for teachers because you can get a lanyard to match their personality, like this one with STEM-themed icons. We’ve got a whole selection to pick from for teachers of any subject here.
Buy it: STEM Lanyard at Amazon
34. 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. Great gift for a teacher to brighten their day!”
Buy it: Whiskey River Soap Company Pencils for Teachers at Amazon
35. Zoweetek Voice Amplifier Microphone Headset
“This product has been a voice-saver for me! I am a high school teacher and have vocal issues,” says one reviewer of this voice amplifier. “It has completely saved my voice.” Teachers who need to wear masks in the classroom will especially appreciate this, as well as P.E. teachers or those who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Buy it: Zoweetek Voice Amplifier Microphone Headset at Amazon
36. Scratch-and-Sniff Stickers
Is there a kid alive who doesn’t love scratch-and-sniff stickers? That’s why they’re a mainstay in every teacher’s drawer. This set comes with 85 sheets in 17 different scents; there’s plenty to split up and tuck into thank-you cards for every teacher you know!
Buy it: Horiechaly Scratch and Sniff Stickers at Amazon
37. Lap Desk
A teacher’s job is never done so we love the idea of gifting your teacher with this portable and fashionable lap desk for home. Unlike some lap desks, these come in a variety of patterns and colors to choose from.
Buy it: LapGear Designer Lap Desk at Amazon
38. Writing Tablet
Let’s face it, dry-erase boards are messy and you don’t always have an eraser or paper towel on hand. These fun LCD tablets erase with the touch of a button and would make for a cute gift for either a teacher or a student!
Buy it: LCD 10-in. Writing Tablet at Amazon
39. A Comfy Seat Cushion
Teachers spend a long time sitting in their chairs while grading and doing other tasks so why not make it that much more comfortable? This cushion will definitely be high on the list of best gifts for teachers who have sore backs or muscles!
Buy it: Seat Cushion for Office Chair at Amazon
40. Scented Candle
Help your favorite teacher relax with the gift of a hand-poured soy candle. Candles should be on any list of best gifts for teachers, and we especially love that these candles are eco-friendly in addition to smelling great!
Buy it: Perception Aromas Luxury Scented Candle at Amazon
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