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 Great Courses Plus (streaming learning subscription)
A streaming subscription offering thousands of video courses on topics from history to practical skills — a thoughtful gift for curious parents who want flexible, self-paced learning during downtime.
From the guide
The Stolen Year: How Covid Changed Kids’ Lives…and Where We Go Now — Anya Kamenetz (book)
A recent nonfiction book exploring how the pandemic affected children and families — thoughtful gift for parents, educators, or anyone interested in public policy and child development.
From the guide
GPS: Global Problem Solvers — Animated Online Series for Kids
Animated series teaching kids critical thinking, teamwork, collaboration, and social good—good as an educational gift or enrichment resource.
From the guide
Travel USA Map Puzzle (25-piece)
Compact, car-friendly 25-piece jigsaw of the United States — a kid-friendly travel activity that encourages geography learning.
From the guide
Parker Bent — I Am Your New Music Teacher (Children's Music Album)
A kid-friendly music album by California music teacher Parker Bent featuring catchy, educational songs—great for young children who love sing-alongs and learning through music.
From the guide
Putumayo World Playground: A Musical Adventure for Kids (CD)
A colorful world-music compilation curated for children that introduces global rhythms and instruments—great for family listening and early musical education.
From the guide
Epic! Kids Digital Reading Subscription (2 months free trial)
A subscription service offering thousands of ebooks, audiobooks, and learning resources for kids; a useful gift for encouraging reading and screen-time learning with parental controls.
From the guide
Coding with Kids — Online Summer Coding Camps for Kids
Instructor-led online coding camps that teach real-world STEM skills through projects — a practical, screen-based summer activity for children interested in programming and problem solving.
From: Coding with Kids: The online summer camp that blends fun and real world STEM skills. | Sponsored Message
Big Life Journal (kids & teens growth mindset workbooks)
Guided journals with activities, prompts, and stories to help kids and teens build resilience and a growth mindset—suitable as an encouraging, development-focused gift.
From the guide
Bitsbox STEM Coding Subscription Box (Kids)
A monthly coding subscription box that teaches kids (roughly 6–12) programming concepts through progressively challenging app projects.
From: 10 of the best holiday gifts on Amazon this year, most supporting small businesses
Scholastic We The People Election Lessons & Resources
Age-tailored election lessons and activities from Scholastic designed for grades 4–10 — a ready-made, parent- and teacher-friendly resource to help kids learn voting and civic basics.
From: The best presidential election resources for kids: Reader Q&A
Foreign Language Alphabet Flash Cards (Printable)
Printable alphabet flash cards in multiple languages ideal for early language learners and a compact, educational gift for curious kids.
From: The coolest free school printables: Lunch notes, planners, labels, chore charts and more | Back to School Guide
Children of Fallen Patriots — college scholarship support
Contribute to scholarships and educational assistance for children of military members who died in the line of duty as a meaningful gift in their honor.
From: 11 top-rated veterans charities offering everything from adaptive housing to service dogs to support exclusively for women
Prodigy Math (online subscription)
An engaging, curriculum-aligned online math platform for grades 1–8 that makes practicing math feel like playing a game — a good gift for school-aged kids who need extra practice or motivation.
From the guide
I’m The Chef Too — Educational Kids’ Cooking Kit Subscription (Monthly)
A subscription of educator-created monthly cooking and baking kits that combine themed culinary projects with hands-on learning — great for birthdays or seasonal gifts.
From: Deal of the Day: Huge Sale on the Educational Cooking Kits for Kids from I'm a Chef Too
Dolores Huerta Coloring Page (Piccolina Free Download)
A printable coloring page honoring labor leader and activist Dolores Huerta — useful for lessons on civil rights and community organizing.
From: 21 fabulous, famous women coloring pages celebrating some of our favorite American women
Kamala Harris Coloring Page (San Joaquin Delta College Printable)
A free printable Kamala Harris coloring page from an educational coloring-book collection — useful for lessons on contemporary civic leaders.
From: 21 fabulous, famous women coloring pages celebrating some of our favorite American women
Harriet Tubman Coloring Page (Amazing Women of History Blog Printable)
A downloadable Harriet Tubman illustrated coloring page — simple, educational, and great for kids to learn about a key figure in American history.
From: 21 fabulous, famous women coloring pages celebrating some of our favorite American women
Susan B. Anthony Coloring Page (Woo! Jr. Free Download)
A printable Susan B. Anthony coloring page that introduces children to the suffrage movement through a hands-on activity.
From: 21 fabulous, famous women coloring pages celebrating some of our favorite American women
Dover Publications: Famous American Women Coloring Page (Justice Sandra Day O'Connor)
A portrait-style printable of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor from Dover Publications — a thoughtful educational activity about the first female Supreme Court Justice.
From: 21 fabulous, famous women coloring pages celebrating some of our favorite American women
Mae C. Jemison Coloring Page (ScienceWorks Museum Free Download)
A free printable coloring page of astronaut Dr. Mae C. Jemison that celebrates her achievements and encourages STEM interest in kids.
From: 21 fabulous, famous women coloring pages celebrating some of our favorite American women
Dover Publications: Clara Hale Coloring Page
A printable coloring page of Clara Hale that celebrates her humanitarian work and makes a gentle, educational activity for children.
From: 21 fabulous, famous women coloring pages celebrating some of our favorite American women
Michelle Kwan & Kristi Yamaguchi Coloring Pages (Evan Hayden Series)
Free downloadable coloring pages of Olympic figure skaters Michelle Kwan and Kristi Yamaguchi — great for young sports fans and creative play.
From: 21 fabulous, famous women coloring pages celebrating some of our favorite American women
Ida B. Wells Coloring Page (Piccolina Kids Free Download)
A downloadable Ida B. Wells coloring page highlighting the investigative journalist and civil rights leader — suitable for educational use.
From: 21 fabulous, famous women coloring pages celebrating some of our favorite American women