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.
Bamboo English (Alexa Skill)
An Alexa-based English learning skill for kids—easy to use and a thoughtful educational gift for families with young learners.
From the guideGoogle Families (Digital Parenting Resource)
A free, curated collection of digital parenting guides and tools from Google and partner organizations — useful as a gift of guidance for caregivers navigating kids' online life.
From the guide
Coding with Kids — Weekly Online Tech Camps (Ages 5–18)
Live, instructor-led weekly online coding camps that teach kids programming and game design — a practical, engaging gift for young learners.
From: Scrambling for summer activities? These fun, affordable online coding camps for kids just got even more affordable.
Outschool Live Online Classes (Giftable Class Credits)
Live, small-group online classes across subjects (Minecraft, LEGO, languages, theater, STEM, art) that make a thoughtful experiential gift for kids who want to learn and connect with peers.
From: How to encourage your kids' interests and passions: 5 expert tipsB+H Photo — Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Kids listing
The same kid-focused Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 available from B&H Photo, a solid gift option with parental controls and child-friendly content.
From the guide
Night Zookeeper Online Subscription (kids 6–12)
A monitored, gamified writing and reading platform for kids ages ~6–12 that encourages creativity and literacy through themed activities and educator feedback — a thoughtful digital gift for young learners.
From: This may be the most fun way to help kids improve their reading + writing skillsSamsung Galaxy Tab 3 Kids (Tablet)
A kid-friendly 7-inch tablet with parental controls and durable software features, making it a practical gift for young children.
From the guide
Remind Tutoring Online Math Lessons
A personalized online math tutoring session — thoughtful gift for students who need extra academic support, with the first class free and follow-ups at about $40 each.
From: Online math tutoring that's like sitting at the kitchen table with a favorite teacher.Dot. (children's TV series)
Animated/live-action kids' series about an inquisitive 8-year-old who uses technology and problem-solving—great as an educational screen-time gift for STEM-curious 4–7 year olds.
From the guide
Digital Subscription Gift Pack (apps, books, music, film)
Online video learning subscription offering expert-taught courses — a versatile digital gift for lifelong learners.
From: Tons of amazing last-minute gift ideas that don't feel last-minute at all.SciGirls (PBS Kids series)
Series showcasing real girls using science and engineering with professional mentors—excellent as an empowering STEM-themed gift for tweens and teens.
From the guide
New Sphere Online Preschool Subscription (Free Trial)
A subscription-based online preschool program for ages 2–6 that provides structured early-learning classes and activities—good for parents wanting guided, at-home education.
From: This absolutely wonderful preschool program lets kids learn right from homeSight Word Games & Flash Cards (app)
Flash-card and game-based app focused on high-frequency sight words — helpful for early readers practicing fluency.
From the guide
MasterClass Online Course Subscription
Access to video lessons taught by experts across cooking, sports, writing, and more—flexible gift for someone who likes learning new skills.
From: 15 gift ideas for the guy who's hard to shop for. | Holiday Gift GuideMain Idea: Sentences (app)
An app focused on sentence structure and identifying main ideas—helpful for building comprehension skills.
From the guide
Short Companion Films — Children Interview Holocaust Survivors
Short filmed interviews conducted by children that help make survivor stories accessible and engaging for younger viewers.
From: Outstanding videos and resources to teach our kids about the Holocaust on Holocaust Remembrance Day.Learn with Homer (app)
Comprehensive learn-to-read subscription with stories, lessons, and phonics practice — good as a gift for sustained reading support.
From the guide
Minimalist Malala Poster (The Film Artist on Etsy)
A motivational graphic print featuring Malala—an inspiring piece of wall art for a child's study space.
From: Setting up a study space at home: Tips to make it one your kid will actually useKudos — Instagram-style social app for kids
A moderated, Instagram-style social app designed for children to learn safe social media habits and control comments—good as a digital gift or parental-approved app to install for a child.
From the guide
Annedroids (streaming on Amazon Prime)
A kid-friendly STEM-focused series that makes science and engineering fun — a good gift idea for curious tweens who love hands-on learning and robots.
From: 9 great TV shows for tweens that you might not have consideredcodeSpark Academy — Kids Coding App (7‑day free trial)
A kid-friendly coding app that teaches coding, math, reading, and problem‑solving through games — a low‑risk gift to introduce kids to STEM learning.
From the guide
Knowledge Is Power Kids' T-Shirt (Science Trio)
A colorful kids tee celebrating science icons to inspire curiosity and a passion for learning.
From: 11 wonderful kids' t-shirts that promote a love of learning and the importance of education. Yes!Amazon Household / Amazon Teen (teen account & spending controls)
A parental control feature that lets teens shop with their own account while parents set spending limits and approve purchases—useful for teaching responsibility and safe online independence.
From the guide
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Costume (Etsy by Bored Inc.)
A themed justice robe costume kit inspired by Ruth Bader Ginsburg — includes robe and fun fact card to help teach kids about the trailblazing jurist.
From: Beyond Wonder Woman: 14 empowering girl Halloween costumes inspired by real life heroes