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.
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes
Lysol disinfecting wipes are a familiar, effective choice for disinfecting frequently touched items like phones and cases.
Not No. 2…. Always No. 1 Pencil
A novelty pencil stamped with “Not No. 2…. Always No. 1” — a cheerful, confidence-boosting addition to a pencil box or desk and an easy small gift.
Chouette Designs Personalized Photo Cards
Custom photo announcement and holiday cards that print your picture with personalized text—good for keepsakes and mailing to friends and family.
Quip Electric Toothbrush and Refill Kit
Sleek toothbrush with replaceable heads and refill options to reduce bathroom waste—useful and sustainable.
PhoneSoap UV-C Smartphone Sanitizer (original)
The original PhoneSoap UV-C sanitizer is a compact way to sanitize phones and is a practical gift for frequent device users.
Quip Kids Electric Toothbrush (with subscription option)
A compact electric toothbrush and subscription brush-head plan designed for kids — a practical, parent-friendly gift that promotes healthy habits.
Man Notes Card Sets
Themed masculine card sets featuring designs like toy soldiers, hand grenades, skulls, and tools—good for military dads or those who prefer rugged imagery.
Very Baby Very Basic All-in-One Cloth Diaper
A simple, built-in waterproof all-in-one cloth diaper that makes reusable diapering as easy as disposables — a practical gift for new parents wanting eco-friendly options.
European/Northern Europe Travel Power Adapter (Recessed Outlet Compatible)
A compact travel power adapter that fits Northern European recessed outlets and includes USB ports — useful for charging phones and devices while visiting Iceland.
ControlWithCable.org
A free online resource that helps parents set up and use cable-provider parental controls to manage kids' screen time and content — a practical gift of knowledge for busy families.
Voter Registration Guide (State-by-State Deadlines PDF)
A concise, printable guide outlining state-by-state voter registration deadlines and steps — helpful for teens preparing to vote.
Native Land Interactive Map — iOS App
Mobile version of the Native Land map for exploring Indigenous territories on the go — handy for travel, teaching, or family activities.
From the guideNative Land Interactive Map — Android App (Google Play)
Android app for the Native Land interactive map, perfect for exploring local Indigenous territories from your phone or tablet.
From the guideMathpid Math App (Kids) - Free
An AI-assisted math tutoring app designed to help kids practice and learn concepts interactively, making it a thoughtful educational gift for students.
From the guideWorld Computer Exchange Laptop Donation
Donate working laptops to support education abroad — a purposeful gift idea for someone passionate about digital equity and learning.
From the guide
Baking Class: 50 Fun Recipes Kids Will Love to Bake (book)
Kid-friendly cookbook that teaches baking skills with clear, colorful instructions and 50 approachable recipes.
From the guideWizard School by Duck Duck Moose (iPad app)
An educational app with videos and creative/tech challenges from Duck Duck Moose to spark curiosity and hands-on learning.
From the guide
SoFAB Kids Culinary Camp at Southern Food & Beverage Museum (New Orleans)
Half-day week-long sessions teaching nutritional literacy, food history and hands-on cooking — a fun, educational food experience for children.
From the guideSecret Code (intro to coding app)
A beginner-friendly coding app that lets kids build and program a robot to learn basic computational thinking.
From the guide
The Kids Table Summer Camp (Chicago) — duplicate entry cleaned
Weeklong hands-on cooking camps for ages ~7–14 with field trips and daily 3-course meals—listed as a local experiential gift option.
From the guideTeachMe (grade-customized learning app)
Customizable lesson-plan apps for early elementary grades that mix math and reading practice with reward incentives.
From the guideWord Cookies (iPad app)
A kid-friendly word jumble puzzle app that helps early readers practice spelling and vocabulary; ad-free upgrade available.
From the guideMasterClass All-Access Pass
Online class subscription granting access to video lessons from well-known experts across cooking, writing, music, and more—great for hobbyists and lifelong learners.
From the guideBrilliant.org membership
Interactive math and science problem-solving courses that make a thoughtful gift for curious learners and students.
From the guide