Teacher Gifts They'll Actually Appreciate
Teachers deserve so much more than another "World's Best Teacher" mug. These are our favorite teacher gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week, the holidays and the end of the school year, including gift cards done right, classroom upgrades, self-care treats and personal touches from the kids. It's a small thank-you for a huge job.
Earlier guides
Explore our earlier guides, newest first. These are archived recommendations; prices and availability may have changed.
Frequently asked
What is a good gift for a teacher?
Teachers consistently say they appreciate gift cards (for coffee, books or classroom supplies), heartfelt notes from students, and practical treats over more mugs and trinkets. A note from your child is often the most treasured part.
How much should you spend on a teacher gift?
There's no set amount. Many families spend a modest sum, and class-wide group gifts are a great way to give something more meaningful without anyone overspending. Check your school's gift policy too, since some districts set limits.
How much should a teacher gift card be for Teacher Appreciation Week or the holidays?
Small, thoughtful amounts are completely appropriate. Pooling with other families for a larger group card is also popular. The note your kid writes matters as much as the amount.
What should you put in a teacher gift basket?
Mix a treat (good coffee or snacks), a small self-care item, a few classroom supplies they always run out of, and a handwritten note from your child.
Shop all picks
This guide contains affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission from some purchases to help support our team. All picks are determined editorially by our staff; there has been no compensation in exchange for our picks.
This Is Me Journal
A guided keepsake journal that lets kids draw, write, and record memories—great for preserving a child’s own stories and artwork.
From: A Kids' Keepsake Kids Keep Themselves
Sherlock Holmes Pencil Set (Set of 6)
Themed pencil set ideal as individual favors or a shared gift for escape-room party guests.
From: Over 25 ideas to throw an exciting Escape Room party at home. Let the adventures begin!
Rifle Paper Co. Floral Foil 17‑Month Planner
A foil-fronted 17-month planner with colorful floral interior art and a plastic ruler/placeholder — pretty and practical for a stylish recipient.
From: 9 of the coolest, prettiest 2017-18 school year planners to get you and your family on the same page
“Love You to the Moon and Back” Wooden Journal
A USA-made wooden-covered journal engraved with a sentimental phrase—useful for notes or memories.
From: 17 wonderful Mother's Day gifts for Grandma, Nana or Oma | Mother's Day Gift Guide 2018
Retro 80s VCR-Style Notebook
Novelty notebook styled like a VCR tape — useful for lists, journaling, or nostalgia-loving dads.
From: 30 Gifts to Wow Dad for Less Than $20 | Father's Day Gift Guide
Seedlings Spiral Journal
Pretty spiral journal great for to-do lists, creative notes, or gifting several for the holidays.
From: Our favorite steals from Anthropologie's 50% off sale ending today. Including holiday gift ideas under $10!
Marimekko Unikko Notes (20 notecards & envelopes)
Cheerful Unikko-pattern notecards and envelopes—perfect paired with a handwritten message.
From: Last-minute Mother’s Day gifts that still feel thoughtful
Hadley Designs Pack of Lunchbox Note Cards
Pack of lunchbox note cards to add encouragement or fun messages to a child's lunch.
From: 30 cool lunch box accessories to make school lunch more fun. Lots on sale too! | Back to School Shopping
Minted Stationery & Art
Ornament cards combine greeting and small gift in one, ideal for holiday exchanges or mailed presents.
From: All the best 2018 Black Friday deals and discount codes online: From the big guys to the awesome indies
Mechanical Pencils (set)
Reusable mechanical pencils make a practical, low-waste gift for writers, students, or artists who prefer consistent line width.
From: 50 cool but still practical stocking stuffers, for people who just can't with the plastic crap.
Colorful Sharpie Marker Set
Assorted-color permanent markers are versatile for labeling, crafting, and decorating, and add a cheerful pop to any stocking.
From: 50 cool but still practical stocking stuffers, for people who just can't with the plastic crap.
Inspiring journals and stationery by Emily McDowell
Inspirational journals or stationery from Emily McDowell featuring encouraging messages—small but meaningful gifts for everyday encouragement.
From: 9 creative, healing, self-care gift ideas that go beyond bath salts and chocolates
Rifle Paper Co. pencils (set)
Pretty, patterned pencils (often sold with a matching holder) that add charm to a mom's pencil cup or desk.
From: 15 perfect home office gifts for moms working from home -- probably more than she should | Mother's Day Gifts
"Open to New Ideas" letter opener (See Jane Work)
A decorative metal letter opener with a positive message—stylish and useful for opening mail at her desk.
From: 15 perfect home office gifts for moms working from home -- probably more than she should | Mother's Day Gifts
Grandparent Pen Pal Set
A curated letter-writing kit to encourage correspondence between kids and grandparents as a meaningful gift.
From: 20 unique gifts (good ones!) for dads who have everything | Father's Day Gift Guide
Postcards to Voters Printable Postcard Templates
Printable postcard templates you can download, print on cardstock, and mail—great for gifting civic-engagement supplies to an organizer or volunteer.
From: How to help fulfill Justice Ginsburg's last wish: 3 simple action steps to help voters
Oh, the Places You'll Go…Later — Graduation Card (RAYGUN)
An irreverent, Dr. Seuss–inspired graduation card that captures the uncertain humor of the Class of 2020; a thoughtful small gift for grads and includes a charitable donation from profits.
From: The perfect graduation card for the Class of 2020
Handmade Rubber Stamps from Creatiate (Etsy)
Unique handmade rubber stamps are a thoughtful gift for crafters, card-makers, and journalers who enjoy adding personal, inked designs to their projects.
From: DIYers: Get inspired with these very cool handmade rubber stamps
Penelope Poppy "Up, Up and Away" Moving Announcement (via Minted)
A whimsical, kid-friendly moving announcement card design that makes informing friends and family fun for children.
From: Simple tips for moving with kids: How to make it easier, from a mom who's done it. A lot. Alone.
RBG Notepad with Gavel Pencil (Card Bureau gift set)
A themed notepad featuring a RBG quote paired with a gavel pencil—cute, inexpensive kit for fans of the late Justice.
From: 17 feminist gifts that honor our activist women friends after a long, hard year
Dolores Huerta Quote Weekly Planner
A year-long weekly planner featuring an inspirational Dolores Huerta quote—practical and motivating for organizers and busy friends.
From: 17 feminist gifts that honor our activist women friends after a long, hard year
Pep Talk Postcards by Emily McDowell
A book of 20 illustrated pep-talk postcards offering short, uplifting messages — a small, thoughtful gift for encouragement.
From: 13 wonderful self-care gifts for moms. Because we need it. Oh...how we need it. | Mother's Day Gift Guide 2019
We Are All Smith Laser-Engraved Pencil Set
Set of laser-engraved pencils by We Are All Smith with an encouraging message—handmade-feel school supplies that make a thoughtful pick-me-up or back-to-school gift.
From: Get the write stuff with cool pencils for a back to school ego boost
ban.dō Best Year Ever 2020 Wall Calendar
A colorful 2020 wall calendar with inspirational designs — a cheerful, practical gift for staying organized.
From: The Best Black Friday Deals 2019 online: From the big brands to the small businesses we love.