Here’s a fact: Being a teacher is NOT an easy job—especially not the past couple years. The days are long and the little personalities are strong, and yet these kind and patient professionals make magic happen every single day. I mean, now that we’ve all had the experience of homeschooling for at least a hot minute it’s even more impressive that they teach, care for and inspire students and manage to do it with a smile. (And not end each day looking like they just got shot out of a cannon. Speaking from experience here.)
Related: 5 ways parents can partner with teachers throughout the school year
Because of that, it’s only appropriate that we show them our utmost appreciation. And because we know these hardworking profs have more than their share of mugs and artwork from your special humans, we’ve curated a list of thoughtful teacher appreciation gifts that we know they would be completely touched (and grateful!) to receive. We also know that “buy teacher gifts” is one more potentially stressful thing to add to your to-do list.
We’re here to help! Below we give you the best outside-the-box gifts for teachers in you and your child’s life, ranging from pampering sleeping masks to pretty artwork, personalized tote bags to Starbucks gift cards. You know, items they actually want and will actually use. (And can teachers get a raise while we’re at it?)
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of ourholiday gift guides!
Here are the best teacher gifts to consider
A Pop-Up Card
$24
Nothing is better than a heartfelt card—except perhaps a card that doubles as decor!
A quirky notepad
$15
They’ll never forget a great idea with this fun notepad perched on their desk! Cleverly disguised as a school-lunch milk carton, this 500 sheet notepad and pencil “straw” doubles as desk decor.
Scholastic eGift Card
$10
Many teachers spend their hard-earned money on classroom resources year after year. An awesome way to help offset those costs and show appreciation is with a Scholastic eGift card. Through the Scholastic Teacher Store they can purchase everything from books to classroom charts that will be enjoyed by students for years to come. Choose any amount or pull in other parents to contribute!
Field Notes
Signs of Spring Notebooks
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$14.95
Every teacher needs a place to jot things down–and the stylish Field Notes notebooks are a personal favorite. There are always a ton of fun collections to choose from, but the limited edition “Signs of Spring” collection feels like the cheery optimism every teacher has at the end of the school year. Each of the three pocket-sized notebooks features a debossed cover with patterns based on three flowers that are among the very first to appear in the Spring each year across the U.S.—the Ghost Flower in the Southwest, Quaker Ladies in the East, and Contra Costa Goldfields in the San Francisco Bay area.
An extra special journal
$17.99
With its colorful Liberty London landscape artwork and beautiful gilded embroidery, this handmade journal is almost too pretty to use.
Hand Cream
$33
Only healthcare professionals scrub up more than teachers. Give their parched hands a little pampering with our favorite splurgey hand cream–Aesop’s Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm. It really helps nourish skin but it’s the bright citrusy and earthy scent that has us totally hooked.
Mind & Body Reset
$36
Whether they’ve got a regular meditation practice or simply need a between class pick-me-up, this portable trio of essential oil roll ons can make the most of those moments. And to make it even more giftable, high-quality blends (Energy, Cleanse, Reflection) come packaged in a stylish case to keep them safe and organized.
Virtual Fitness Classes
$59
Know your kiddos’ teacher is a fitness nut? Then they’ll totally love getting access to Classpass’ online lineup of yoga, pilates, spinning, kickboxing, meditation and more. Prices range from $19 to $99 for a one-month subscription.
Personalized Pencils
$13.50
Add their name or thoughtful words of encouragement to these personalized pencils. They come in tons of colors and can be customized with up to 23 characters.
A Desktop Game
$24
Part game, part calendar, teachers and students alike will get a kick out of starting the day with a challenge. Try to match each stainless steel ball with the correct month, day and date and revel in some good old fashioned analog fun.
Personalized Tech Case
$68
Help keep their essentials organized with a classy a monogrammed leather tech case from Cuyana. It always comes in handy and never goes out of style.
A Curated Box of Goodies
$48
Not surewhat to get? Let Knack do the work for you! The woman-owned gifting platform makes it super easy to send some appreciation their way with customizable gift sets that fit any personality. What’s more, you can shop by ethos, choosing sustainable, BIPOC-owned, or even handmade products. But the icing on the cake? Each gift includes a beautiful, custom-printed card and/or video message you can personalize. Prices start at $33.
Guided Journal
$48
Give the gift of self-reflection. The guided monthly Human Being Journal is designed to help even the busiest people connect with their deeper sense of being—without being just one more chore on the to-do list.
Customized Stationery
$21.95
Everyone on the planet appreciates custom stationery and this line from Etsy vendor CurioPress is simple and sweet all at once.
A Luxe (and Flattering!) Candle
$35
While we acknowledge that a candle isn’t the most original teacher gift, we can guarantee this will be their favorite one to date. Not only does the message make them feel extra special, but the luxe scents are totally dreamy. (And if your relationship is a little cheekier you could always opt for other messages likeWine O’Clock or this one, which is perfect for really any time during the school year: Wake Me Up When This Is Over.)
Personalized Tote
$51
Teachers have to carry SO many binders, books, papers and more to and from their car daily, so give them a fun (and thoughtful!) tote to transport it all. We love the durable Snap Totes from Minted which come in a ton of gorgeous prints designed by independent artists. Personalize it with a foil pressed Italian leather tag to make it even more special!
Artwork
$49
Whether they opt to hang it in their classroom or their home, this artwork will surely brighten every day for your child’s teacher. Painted by California-based artist Erin M. Wheeler, her whimsical artwork uses painted and found papers to create works inspired by forms found in nature. Best of all, it’s all framed and ready to go! Prices start at $49.
Coffee Sampler
$13
The only people on the planet who might need a daily dose of coffeemore than moms is teachers! Sign them up for a one-time or subscription delivery of the finest, most delicious brews from Bean Box. The super curated Coffee Sampler box includes four artfully crafted artisan blends from award-winning roasters. Prices start at $24
At Home Lattes
$18
Alternatively, for the latte lovers! Copper Cow Coffee brings barista-level treats right to their desk drawer with their innovative pour-overs. On a mission to sustainably support and share the vibrant heritage of Vietnamese coffee, Copper Cow’s sampler set includes the best-selling flavors along with individual sweetened condensed milk creamer that creates the perfect drink every time.
A Handy Safety Kit
$15
Lots of teachers have stored away their masks by now, but not all—especially during cold and flu season. That’s why this is still very much a practical and suitable gift for teachers who live in germ-infested petri dishes all week long. The handy sealable silicone case protects masks while they’re stored in pockets and bags and comes with a matching refillable silicone bottle for their favorite hand sanitizer.
Literary (and Philanthropic!) Socks
$12
Everyone can use a pair of cozy socks! Not only will these keep their feet warm—they’ll also warm their heart knowing that each sale helps fund literacy programs and book donations to communities in need.
A Potted Plant
$34.99
A little greenery is always a welcome gift. And even better when it’s incredibly easy to care for! This climbing mini monstera grows like a weed, even for questionable plant parents. And the fact it’s all potted and ready for gifting? No brainer.
Fun Desk Accessories
$12.99
There’s no reason necessities have to look boring! We love this gilded tape dispenser that makes their desktop a little more stylish.
Spafinder Gift Card
$25
Contribute to their next manicure, pedicure, facial or massage by giving your teacher a Spafinder gift card which can be redeemed at thousands of local spas all over the country. (Starting at $25)
A Pretty Desk Pad
$14
School desks aren’t known for their beauty, so they’re sure to love something pretty to perch on top. Rifle Paper Co. always knocks it out of the park with beautiful designs that brighten up the day.
Starbucks Gift Cards
$40
Here’s a fact: You can never go wrong with a Starbucks gift card. Given that they’re pretty much on every street corner in America, we’re confident your teacher will find a time to use it. This four-pack means you can also dole out thank-yous to crossing guards and the school librarian, too. Buy a bundle to save!
A Silk Eye Mask
$48
A little bit of bougie pampering goes a long way. The washable silk eye masks from Lunya are the perfect intersection of practical and thoughtful. (Or check out some of our other favorite sleeping masks!)
32 oz Glass Water Bottle
$23.99
Okay, yeah, your kids’ teachers probably have plenty of mugs, but do they have enough water bottles? Can you ever have enough? Teachers need to drink water all day long, and a cute tumbler like this one with a time marker and silicone sleeve will help them stay hydrated so they can power through their very long days.
Cratejoy Subscription
$39.95
We all know that teachers in every state use their own funds to buy classroom supplies. It’s a reality no one likes, but a reality nonetheless. So one of the best thing we can do to support teachers is to help them financially by gifting them a subscription to a service like Cratejoy. This bundle for kindergarteners comes with classroom supplies like books and activities along with a teacher gift. And check out Cratejoy for boxes for other grade levels as well!
A version of this post was published June 3, 2021. It has been updated.
