Holiday Gift Guides
The Best Gifts for Teachers Approved by Teachers
The holidays are here, and it’s the perfect time to thank our kids’ teachers. Teachers have one of the most important jobs there is. They give so much of their time, energy, and care to our kids, and they make a huge difference in their lives. But choosing gifts for teachers can be hard, because they can only own so many candles and hand soaps. My kids have had the most wonderful teachers, and I always want to do something special to say thank you.
So I asked the teachers who follow me to share their favorite (and least favorite) gifts, and I heard from dozens and dozens of them. A huge thank you to every teacher who weighed in. I had some ideas of my own, but I wanted to make sure every gift on this list was teacher-approved.
The Best Gifts for Teachers
A teacher’s work never seems to end. Between long days in the classroom and evenings spent planning lessons, it’s a job that takes so much time and energy. Whether you’re shopping for the holidays, Teacher Appreciation Week, or the end of the school year, these are the best teacher gifts, and every one is approved by real teachers. I even cut a few things from my original list, because no one (and I mean no one) wants a mug. Not even a travel mug. And if a gift isn’t in your budget this year, a handwritten note means so much. Teachers love them.
What Teachers Want
I polled my Instagram followers and asked teachers what they do and don’t want, and the top two answers were exactly what I expected: a thoughtful note or drawing from your child, and a gift card. Gift cards let teachers buy what they actually need, and since so many teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies, they come in especially handy. The most-requested were Amazon, Target, and Starbucks.
A spa gift card came in right after those. I didn’t include one here, since it’s best to find a local spa near you. Teachers also don’t mind a small gift, as long as it isn’t a mug. If you’d like to give something alongside a gift card, everything on this list is teacher-approved.
What Teacher’s Don’t Want
Visa gift cards were the least favorite, since they’re the hardest to use. Teachers also said they don’t want hand soap, hand cream, candles, baked goods, homemade treats, or mugs. These are the most common teacher gifts, and most of them end up being given away or thrown out. I can’t stress the mugs enough. How many “World’s Best Teacher” mugs can one person own?
Consider an Experience Gift Card
One year, I gave my daughter’s kindergarten teacher a gift card to my favorite local nail salon. I knew she lived close by, and I put enough on it for a manicure, pedicure, and foot massage. Experience gifts are so nice because they give teachers a chance to relax and treat themselves, whether that’s nails, a massage, or a nice dinner out.
Sentimental Gifts
Sentimental gifts show teachers the impact they’ve had on their students, and they’re often the ones teachers keep for years.
Handwritten Notes: A heartfelt note from your child, or a group of students, sharing specific ways the teacher has made a difference is incredibly meaningful. I always make sure my kids’ teachers know how much we appreciate them.
Student Artwork: A drawing from your child, especially one that captures a classroom memory or inside joke, will touch any teacher’s heart. It’s also a great way to get kids involved in saying thank you.
Photographs: A framed class photo or a collage of moments from the school year is a sweet reminder of the impact they’ve had.
Memory Book: A scrapbook filled with messages, photos, and stories from current and former students makes a touching tribute, especially at the end of the year.
Personalized Gifts: A tote or a piece of jewelry with the teacher’s name or initials, like the BaubleBar tote or the Little Words Project charm, shows extra thought.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Before you buy, check your school’s gift policy. Some schools set limits on teacher gifts or encourage class gifts instead. A group gift from the whole class is a great way to give something bigger, like a nicer gift card, without anyone spending too much.
In the end, the best teacher gifts are the ones that show real appreciation for everything they do. Whether you choose a gift card, a small treat from this list, or a handwritten note from your child, it will mean so much.
BaubleBar Monogrammed Tote
Teachers are always carrying papers, laptops, and lunches back and forth, and this monogrammed tote makes it a little more stylish. Add their initials for a gift that feels personal.
Jones Road Lip Recharge
Long days of talking can leave lips dry, and this lip balm is so nourishing. It’s a small, useful gift that’s easy to keep in a desk drawer.
Le Pen Pastel Pens
Teachers can never have too many good pens, and these pastel ones make grading a little more fun. It’s an affordable gift they’ll actually use every day.
Sunny Somewhere Reading Is My Favorite Sport Sweatshirt
This sweatshirt is perfect for the teacher who loves books. It’s cozy, cute, and great for casual Fridays and weekends.
Vintage Brass Bell
This vintage brass bell is a sweet, classic touch for any classroom. It’s charming on a desk and handy for getting the class’s attention.
Paume Hydrating Antibacterial Hand Mist
Teachers are constantly sanitizing their hands, and this hand mist cleans without drying them out. It smells so much better than regular hand sanitizer, and it’s small enough for a desk or bag.
Pura Home Diffuser
The Pura diffuser fills a room with fragrance without a flame. It’s a fun upgrade from the candles teachers say they get too many of.
Maison De Sabre AirTag Keychain
Between classroom keys, lanyards, and bags, it’s easy to misplace things. This AirTag keychain helps them keep track of their keys, and it looks so chic.
Magnolia Book Stack Ornament
This book stack ornament is perfect for the teacher who loves to read. It’s a sweet holiday gift they’ll hang on the tree every year.
Vornado Mini Fan
Classrooms can get so warm, and this little fan is a lifesaver. It’s quiet, compact, and perfect for keeping on a desk all year long.
Rifle Paper Co Bookshelf Puzzle
This beautiful bookshelf puzzle is perfect for book-loving teachers. It’s a relaxing way to unwind over winter break.
Jellycat Pencil Desk Buddy
This little pencil plush from Jellycat is such a fun desk accessory. Students will love seeing it, and it adds a smile to the classroom.
Favorite Daughter Favorite Teacher Sweatshirt
This sweatshirt lets teachers wear their title with pride. It’s soft, comfy, and a fun gift from the whole class.
Amazon Gift Card
An Amazon gift card was one of the most-requested gifts from teachers. They can use it for classroom supplies or something just for themselves.
Starbucks Gift Card
A Starbucks gift card is a teacher favorite, especially for the coffee lovers. It’s an easy way to treat them to their morning drink before a long day.
Crock-Pot Electric Lunch Warmer
Teachers often eat lunch at their desks with no time to wait for the microwave. This electric lunch box heats their food right at their desk, so they can enjoy a warm lunch.
Lands’ End Monogrammed Tote
Lands’ End’s canvas tote is a classic for a reason. It’s sturdy enough to hold everything teachers carry, and a monogram makes it their own.
LEGO Rocking Plants
These LEGO plants are a fun, low-maintenance way to brighten up a classroom desk. They’re fun to build, and they never need watering.
Little Words Project Apple Charm
This apple charm is a sweet, subtle way for teachers to show their love for what they do. It’s a meaningful gift they’ll wear every day.
Chronicle Books Bibliophile Diverse Spines Puzzle
This puzzle features the spines of beloved books by diverse authors, and it’s perfect for teachers who love to read. It’s a fun way to unwind over the holidays.
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