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.
Joyful Courage by Casey O’Roarty (book)
A short parenting guide that offers stress-aware tools and the Three B’s Method to help caregivers feel more present and connected—good as a supportive gift for new or seasoned parents.
From the guide
Radical Kindness: The Life-Changing Power of Giving and Receiving (book)
A bestselling self-help book by Angela Santomero that inspires compassion and practical ways to practice kindness—suitable for book clubs and thoughtful gift-giving.
From: Radical Kindness, by Angela Santomero: Cool Mom Picks Book Club Selection 2
Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls by Lisa Damour
A thoughtful, research-informed paperback that helps parents and caregivers understand and support girls dealing with stress and anxiety—good as a thoughtful gift for moms, teachers, or counselors.
From: Presenting the Cool Mom Picks Virtual Book Club: Join us! It's easy, fun, and there will be wine.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (Paperback or Hardcover)
A powerful YA novel addressing race and justice—a thoughtful gift for teen and adult readers interested in socially relevant stories.
From: I read 39 books in 2018 in Goodreads' Annual Reading Challenge. Here are my 10 favorites.
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green (Paperback or Hardcover)
A smart, timely debut blending humor and sci-fi-adjacent themes—a fun gift for readers who like novels about fame and internet culture.
From: I read 39 books in 2018 in Goodreads' Annual Reading Challenge. Here are my 10 favorites.
The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood (Paperback or Hardcover)
A moving contemporary novel about unlikely connections and grief—a heartfelt, easy-to-wrap gift for literary fiction readers.
From: I read 39 books in 2018 in Goodreads' Annual Reading Challenge. Here are my 10 favorites.
The Big Book of Less: Finding Joy in Living Lighter
A practical book about decluttering and simplifying life — a thoughtful gift for moms interested in minimalism and intentional living.
From: 13 wonderful self-care gifts for moms. Because we need it. Oh...how we need it. | Mother's Day Gift Guide 2019
Parenting: 101 Ways to Rock Your World by Sue Groner (paperback/book)
A practical, award-winning parenting book full of approachable strategies to reduce conflict and bring more calm to family life—an easy gift for new or seasoned parents.
From the guide
True Colors — Picture Book (based on the song)
A beautifully illustrated picture book adapting the lyrics of 'True Colors' into a celebration of diversity and individuality — a thoughtful gift for young children and families.
From: True Colors is a gorgeous picture book inspired by the song, and we're crying from page 1.
How to Be a Happier Parent: Raising a Family, Having a Life, and Loving (Almost) Every Minute
A practical, research-backed parenting book by KJ Dell’Antonia offering actionable strategies to help parents find more joy and balance—an easy, thoughtful gift for new or seasoned parents.
From: Cool Mom Picks Book Club Selection 4: How to be a Happier Parent, by KJ Dell'Antonia
Finding Kindness by Deborah Underwood (Children's Picture Book)
A gentle, illustrated picture book that teaches children about kindness in many forms — a thoughtful gift for storytime and social-emotional learning.
From: Finding Kindness: A beautiful new children's book with a message the world needs | Sponsored Message
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones (book) - James Clear
A practical, bestselling self-help book that offers clear, actionable strategies for building better habits—an accessible and thoughtful gift for anyone working on personal growth.
From: Atomic Habits: Cool Mom Picks Book Club Selection #9
Leading the Way: Women in Power (book)
A short, engaging collection of 50 biographies of women political leaders across history and the political spectrum — a thoughtful gift for readers interested in history, politics, or inspiring biographies.
From the guide
Bag Man by Rachel Maddow (Hardcover)
Rachel Maddow's investigative book based on her podcast—suitable for readers interested in political scandals and investigative journalism.
From: Political gifts for women who need to laugh, need to recharge, need to keep going | Holiday Gifts 2020
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Collector's Editions
Collector's edition copies of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's books—a literary gift for readers who appreciate contemporary fiction and feminist writing.
From: Political gifts for women who need to laugh, need to recharge, need to keep going | Holiday Gifts 2020
My Art Book — Board Book Trio (Phaidon)
A trio of small art-themed board books that are giftable for babies, toddlers, new parents, or anyone who enjoys compact art books.
From: 10 of my favorite holiday gifts from Oprah's favorite things list 2023: For men, women, kids and teens
Very Hungry Caterpillar’s 8 Nights of Hanukkah Board Book
Board book adaptation of The Very Hungry Caterpillar for Hanukkah—bright, durable, and ideal for young children.
From: 20 wonderful Hanukkah gifts for kids from toddlers to teens | Holiday Gift Guide
Rookie Moms (guide to the first year of motherhood)
A practical, friendly guide for new parents covering the first year—useful as a thoughtful gift for expectant or new moms.
From the guide
Amazon E-Gift Card
Digital Amazon gift card sent by email — convenient and flexible for teachers to choose what they need or want.
From: 8 creative ways to thank our teachers during a very different Teacher Appreciation Week
Babygate: How to Survive Pregnancy and Parenting in the Workplace (book)
A practical, empowering book about navigating pregnancy and parenting at work — a thoughtful gift for expectant parents or advocates.
From the guide
Dream Variations (poem, children's edition)
A child-friendly edition or inclusion of Langston Hughes’ poem 'Dream Variations' that can spark conversations about history and equality—good for classroom or home gifting.
From: Teaching kids about racial justice with the best teacher ever: Langston Hughes.
All’s Faire in Middle School (graphic novel)
A middle-grade graphic novel about navigating peer pressure, acceptance, and family life—a relatable and accessible gift for tweens.
From: Help your kids navigate the hell of middle school with the new graphic novel from the author of Roller Girl.
The Fine Art of Family by Monica Rich Kosann
A keepsake-style photography and family memory book by Monica Rich Kosann—suitable as a sentimental holiday gift for new parents or families.
From: Cool Gifts for the Holidays? Look no further than our Holiday Gift Guide!
Donation to Book Industry Charitable Foundation (BINC)
A monetary gift that directly supports booksellers in need—meaningful for someone who wants to help independent bookstores and their staff.
From: 6 cool ways to support indie bookstores right now. They need it...and we need them.