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.
Personalized Writing Journal
Customizable journals with choice of paper type and binding for an elegant, practical personalized gift.
From: 20 very cool personalized gifts for adults to make things extra special this year | Holiday Gift Guide
Limited Edition Moleskine Notebooks Collection
A set of collectible, themed Moleskine notebooks — durable hardcover journals ideal for writing, sketching, and gifting to stationery lovers.
From: Moleskine, meet Minions. And Vader. And Potter. And Haring. And Jagger...
Red Stamp — Personalized Greeting Cards & Paper Goods App
A service for creating and sending personalized printed cards or e-cards—good for remembering birthdays and special occasions on behalf of busy friends or family.
From the guide
Snarky Cubicle Hilariously Snarky Journal
Humorous, personalized journal for notes and lists that makes a playful, inexpensive gift.
From: 40 of the Best Gifts for Girlfriends: Stylish, Sexy, Soulful + Smart
Modern Return Address Stamp (Self-Inking or Wood Handle)
Customizable modern address stamp available in self-inking or wood-handle styles — practical for frequent mailers.
From: The coolest Etsy finds for spring gifting, treating yourself, or just because
'Love That Journey For Me' Journal (Zen and Tonic Designs - similar available)
Travel-themed guided journal inspired by Alexis Rose’s phrase; a thoughtful gift for list-makers and trip dreamers.
From: We found the very best Schitt's Creek gifts for all the fans on your holiday gift list
Galentine’s Quote Pencil Set
A set of printed pencils with Galentine-themed quotes—useful and uplifting for notes or to-do lists.
From: Cool Galentine's Day gift ideas for your BFF, Leslie Knope style
Leslie Knope–Style Galentine’s Postcards
Individual postcards featuring Leslie Knope–inspired compliments—easy to mix-and-match for personalized Galentine notes.
From: Cool Galentine's Day gift ideas for your BFF, Leslie Knope style
Rainbow Tape (Ban.Do)
Colorful rainbow-pattern tape—great for crafts, decorating binders, or journaling accents.
From: The coolest back to school supplies and fun accessories under $10 to make September more fun | Back to School 2018
Yoobi Doodle Print Spiral Notebook
Spiral notebook with doodle-print cover—economical and fun for notes or sketching.
From: The coolest back to school supplies and fun accessories under $10 to make September more fun | Back to School 2018
Custom Leather Journal
Handmade leather notebook for recording trips, notes, and outdoor memories.
From: 19 incredibly cool gifts for dads who love the outdoors | Father's Day Gift Guide 2019
Personalized Leather Adventure Journal (Ox and Pine)
Handmade leather-bound journal that can be personalized, ideal for notes, travel logs, or plans after graduation.
From: 16 great high school graduation gift ideas that grads actually want. Besides cash.
Hashtag-Goals Personalized Notepad
A personalized notepad for lists and notes — a small useful gift with custom text or design.
From: 30 Gifts to Wow Dad for Less Than $20 | Father's Day Gift Guide
Mama Calling Cards (customizable mom business cards)
Customizable calling cards designed for busy moms to share contact info quickly—stylish, compact, and practical for playdate exchanges.
From the guide
Ceci New York Thank-You Notes (Custom Stationery)
Elegant, customizable thank-you notes from Ceci New York—useful and thoughtful for new parents or anyone who values fine stationery.
From the guide
Chouette Designs Personalized Announcement Cards
Personalized announcement cards that combine your photo and custom text—suitable as a thoughtful, mail-ready gift or keepsake.
From the guide
Shades of Violet Graduation Card (Cap-on-a-String Design)
A playful graduation greeting card featuring a tassel/cap element—plenty of space inside for a personal message and a cash gift, making it a charming celebratory keepsake.
From the guide
Sheet of Postage Stamps
A themed sheet of postage stamps to make it easy and fun for campers to send letters home.
From: 14 cool, creative summer camp care package ideas for your happy campers
Father’s Day Printable Notebook Cover
Printable notebook covers you can print and add to a standard notebook for a personalized, doodle-ready Father’s Day gift.
From: 9 free, fun Father's Day printables, for the easiest gift giving ever | Father's Day Guide 2018
Personalized Summer Camp Stationery
Custom notecards or postcards that make writing home fun and encourage kids to send letters while away.
From: These sleepaway camp packing tips keep things stress-free. (If not tear-free.)
Modern Printable Calendar by Elli (Printable PDF)
A stylish, downloadable 2014 calendar with modern design—easy to print and gift as a simple, thoughtful stationery present.
From: The ultimate collection of 15 of the most lovely, printable 2014 calendars. Some of them free.
Tyler Feder Anxiety Tracker Printable (Roaring Softly Etsy)
Printable anxiety tracker featuring Tyler Feder’s artwork — a low‑stress, thoughtful gift for someone who appreciates artful organization and mental‑health tools.
From: 5 random cool things I'm loving this week: Women-owned small business edition
Punk Rock Authors Literary Book Tote (Out of Print)
A themed canvas book tote featuring punk-rock reimaginings of classic authors—fun, wearable, and ideal for book lovers who like quirky literary merch.
From: 6 literary totes to help you with your book nerd cred.
How We Roll Literary Book Tote (BookRiot)
A library-card–inspired book tote perfect for librarians and avid borrowers—practical for carrying books and a playful nod to library culture.
From: 6 literary totes to help you with your book nerd cred.