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.
A new podcast for kids that the whole family will love
A kid-friendly science podcast that sparks curiosity and makes learning fun—great for young listeners who love stories and experiments.
From the guide
The Anti-Racist Kid: A Book About Identity, Justice, And Activism (Tiffany Jewell)
A well-regarded primer on anti-racism for young readers that helps kids understand identity, justice, and how to take informed action — a thoughtful educational gift.
From: Help kids be the change they want to see in the world with these 7 terrific children's books about activismJotterPad (Android writing app)
A simple, distraction-free plain-text writing app ideal for kids who enjoy writing stories, scripts, or organizing ideas—pairs well with a Bluetooth keyboard for extended use.
From the guideKinToons Nursery Rhyme DJ (Kids App)
A safe, kid-friendly app that lets children mix and play with nursery rhymes — a playful, educational gift for preschoolers and young kids.
From the guide
Science-Lovers Mystery Box (Uncommon Goods)
Monthly science-themed kits and curiosities—good for inquisitive minds and hobbyists who enjoy experiments.
From: 21 wildly cool subscription gifts for men. From fair trade coffee to tech toys and everything in betweenThe Pop Ups — Giants of Science (Kids' Synth-Pop Album)
A science-themed, synth-pop album of catchy, kid-friendly songs celebrating inventors—great for curious kids who love music and learning.
From the guide
History By Mail Subscription
Curated historical artifacts and replicas delivered regularly—a thoughtful gift for history buffs.
From: 21 wildly cool subscription gifts for men. From fair trade coffee to tech toys and everything in betweenSight Word Games & Flash Cards (Google Play)
Flash-card and game-based app focused on high-frequency sight words — helpful for early readers practicing fluency.
From the guideSight Word Games & Flash Cards (Amazon Appstore)
Flash-card and game-based app focused on high-frequency sight words — helpful for early readers practicing fluency.
From the guide
Skillshare Membership (Online Course Creator)
A Skillshare subscription gives creatives and makers access to thousands of classes so they can learn new skills or build a course to earn income.
From: How to make extra money each month: 24 legit ideas (and no MLMs)How to talk to your kids about money.
A practical guide to help parents talk to kids about money and introduce family budgeting—useful as a resource to pair with a budgeting app gift.
From the guide
PrepScholar Self-Paced Online Test Prep
Affordable, self-paced online programs for SAT/ACT and subject prep—supports students without intensive tutoring.
From: How parents are surviving the school year (so far)Sight Word Games & Flash Cards (iOS)
Sight word-focused games and flash cards that help early readers build vocabulary and fluency through practice and play.
From the guide
Being Black at School Supporter Mug
A commemorative mug supporting Kelly Wickham’s Being Black at School—useful and meaningful for teachers, parents, or allies.
From: Striking or not, here are 11 ways to honor International Women's Day to make an impact long after March 8
Bitsbox Coding Subscription & Toys
A monthly coding activity box and coding-themed toys that introduce kids to programming through fun, hands-on projects.
From: All the best 2018 Black Friday deals and discount codes online: From the big guys to the awesome indies
Highlights for Kids Subscription
Magazine subscription for children featuring stories and activities — a recurring gift that encourages reading and play.
From: Last-minute holiday gift ideas: Tons of options that let you skip the $$ shipping
Uncle Goose Moon Phase Wooden Blocks
Durable wooden blocks illustrating lunar phases—good for hands-on learning about the moon for toddlers and elementary-age kids.
From: Our favorite space themed toys and kids' gifts to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Rosetta Stone Language Subscription
Digital language-learning subscription that unlocks courses in 25+ languages as an experience gift.
From: 45 brilliant last-minute holiday gift ideas you can ship, make, pick up, or IOU. You've got this! | Holiday Gift Guide
Children’s Magazine Subscription
A recurring curated magazine subscription that arrives throughout the year for kids and teens.
From: 45 brilliant last-minute holiday gift ideas you can ship, make, pick up, or IOU. You've got this! | Holiday Gift Guide
Gem Snow Sparkly Advent Calendar
A gem-and-mineral Advent calendar revealing a new crystal, mineral, or rock each day with ID labels — great for teen collectors.
From: Over 20 of the best Advent calendars for 2022: From the magical to the luxurious, to... goofy dad jokes?
What Can I Say (children's book)
A children's book that helps kids learn positive relationship skills and effective communication—nice for families navigating social situations.
From the guide
The Sleep-Deprived Teen (book) by Lisa L. Lewis
A practical book offering research-backed insight and strategies to help teens (and parents/schools) improve sleep—great for parents of adolescents.
From the guide
Braintrust Tutors — Executive Function Coaching for Kids
Personalized tutoring and coaching focused on executive function skills (organization, planning, time management) — helpful for kids who need academic and life‑skill support.
From the guide
KidsBeeTV Kids' Educational App (subscription)
A child-friendly streaming app offering curated, safe videos and educational content — nice as a gift subscription for families with young children.
From the guide