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.
The 2021 ALA Book Award Winners (Children’s Book Collection)
A curated list of award-winning children's books from the American Library Association—great for building a thoughtful library for young readers.
From: The best children's books of 2021: All the award-winners to read in 2022
Amazon Editors’ Best Children’s Books of 2021 (Top Picks)
Amazon Editors' top children's books of 2021 compiled into a pick list—handy when choosing popular, well-reviewed gifts.
From: The best children's books of 2021: All the award-winners to read in 2022
The Marginalian’s Loveliest Children’s Books of 2021 (Artful Picks)
A curated list of visually and thematically beautiful children's books from The Marginalian—nice for gifting illustrated or poetic titles.
From: The best children's books of 2021: All the award-winners to read in 2022
The Lightmaker’s Manifesto: How to Work for Change Without Losing Your Joy (paperback or hardcover)
A thoughtful book by Karen Walrond about sustaining joy while doing meaningful social change work—good for activists, organizers, and anyone needing compassionate guidance.
From the guide
The Last Kids on Earth and the Doomsday Race (preorder - Book 7)
The seventh installment in the popular Last Kids on Earth series — a preorder that’s a great gift for fans who want the newest adventure when it releases.
From the guide
Darkness Drops (Legal Thriller Novel)
A summer legal thriller featuring a working mom taking on a high-stakes case—suitable as an engaging, escapist read to gift to mystery fans.
From the guide
Libro.fm Audiobook Membership (supports indie bookstores)
A giftable audiobook subscription that credits independent bookstores and often includes multi-book starter deals—great for readers who prefer listening.
From the guide
Prime: Reflections on Time and Beauty (photo book)
A hardcover photography book of 130 unretouched black-and-white portraits of women — a thoughtful gift celebrating strength and authenticity.
From: Prime: The photography book of women who make us want to be better women.
The Giver (novel) by Lois Lowry
A thought-provoking dystopian novel that makes a great gift for tweens who enjoy adventure, moral dilemmas, and books adapted into films.
From: Fantastic tween books made into movies: 8 adventure-packed stories to help get older kids reading more.
Litograph Literary Temporary Tattoos
Sheet(s) of temporary tattoos printed with text and designs from classic and contemporary books—fun, wearable gift for book lovers who want literary flair without commitment.
From: Wear your book on your sleeve with these awesome literary temporary tattoos from Litograph.
Ann and Nan are Anagrams: A Mixed-Up Word Dilemma
A playful children’s picture book full of hidden anagrams and illustrations—great for budding word lovers and curious readers.
From: Ann and Nan are Anagrams - The perfect book for your future word nerds.
Book of the Month Club Subscription
A recurring book subscription that delivers curated new hardcover books each month—an easy gift for avid readers who like discovering titles without browsing stores.
From: 5 terrific book recommendations for summer reading, from 5 of our favorite people, like Ellie Kemper and David Sedaris
Your Local Library — Support & Donation
Donating to your local library helps expand resources, programs, and access for community learners, a personal and community-focused gift idea.
From: 6 year-end charitable donation ideas that support children and education
Libro.fm Kids Club (kids audiobooks membership)
A kids-focused audiobook membership offering premium audiobooks for a low monthly price—great for young listeners who enjoy stories on the go.
From: Kids savings programs from popular brands…that are actually worth your time
Kohl’s Cares Books & Plush Toys
Inexpensive $5 books and plushes sold to support community causes—simple, affordable gifts for young children.
From: Kids savings programs from popular brands…that are actually worth your time
A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo (book)
A bestselling illustrated children’s book whose proceeds support charity — a meaningful basket book.
From: Your kids will love these 35 affordable Easter basket ideas - all under $15!
Hop Hop Board Book by Leslie Patricelli
A short, sturdy board book perfect for little ones and an easy addition to an Easter basket.
From: Your kids will love these 35 affordable Easter basket ideas - all under $15!
Easter Edition Mad Libs
Seasonal Mad Libs book with Easter-themed prompts — a silly printable-style activity for kids.
From: Your kids will love these 35 affordable Easter basket ideas - all under $15!
Soul Riders: Darkness Rising (Book)
A middle-grade/YA fantasy novel in the Soul Riders series—appealing to tweens and teens who enjoy horse-centered adventure and supernatural elements.
From the guide
Soul Riders Trilogy (Complete Book Set)
A coming-of-age horseback riding adventure that encourages resilience and empowerment—good for tweens/teens who love horses or inspirational stories.
From the guide
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Inspiring Young Changemakers
A hardcover collection of 100 short biographies celebrating diverse young changemakers—an empowering bedtime or coffee-table gift for girls who love real-world heroes.
From: 2 inspiring new books for our change-making girls: International Day of the Girl Child picks
Love Your Amazing Self: Joyful Verses for Young Voices (pre-order)
A picture book of uplifting poems encouraging self-worth and joy for young readers—suitable as an encouraging gift for children.
From: 2 inspiring new books for our change-making girls: International Day of the Girl Child picks
Vooks Subscription (Kids' Animated Read-Aloud Library)
A streaming subscription of ad-free, kid-safe animated read-aloud storybooks—great for encouraging reading and supporting distance learning at home.
From the guide
And Then They Stopped Talking to Me: Making Sense of Middle School (book)
A recent parenting book by Judith Warner offering insight into middle school challenges—helpful for caregivers navigating adolescence.
From the guide