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.
Kohl's Holiday Gifts (apparel, toys, LEGO, bedding)
Wide selection of school-ready clothing, shoes, and supplies with rewards that stretch a budget for family shopping.
From: The very best Black Friday deals of 2025, all in one place
Personalized Name Label Set (Mabel's Labels)
Durable personalized name labels to mark belongings — a practical, kid-friendly Easter gift.
From: Your kids will love these 35 affordable Easter basket ideas - all under $15!
Air Jordan Big Boys Skyline Backpack
Air Jordan Skyline backpack sized for big kids, combining sporty branding with school-ready functionality.
From: 30+ cool backpacks for tweens, teens and older kids from minimalist to outrageous | Back to School Guide 2018
Gear Up Ombre Personalized Backpack for Big Kids
Ombre-colored backpack sized for big kids and tweens, offering a colorful but mature look and personalization options.
From: 30+ cool backpacks for tweens, teens and older kids from minimalist to outrageous | Back to School Guide 2018
WeCare Kid-Sized Disposable Face Masks (Pack of 50)
Child-sized disposable masks in fun patterns—practical, affordable option for school, outings, or as a handy backup supply.
From: The one trick to make sure your child's face mask fits properly, to comply with the brand new CDC recommendations.
Animal Friends Stainless Steel Kids Water Bottle (silicone exterior)
Cute, grippy silicone exterior stainless steel bottle that’s spillproof and keeps drinks cold ~24 hours or hot ~12 hours — a practical, kid-friendly gift for school or camp.
From: The new water bottles your kids may want to take to bed: One Cool Thing
Harry Potter Backpacks & School Gear
Themed backpacks and school supplies from the Harry Potter collection—practical, fandom-friendly items for students.
From: The most magical pieces of the new Harry Potter collection from Pottery Barn
Wee Gallery Illustrated Dog Coated Canvas Backpack
A coated canvas backpack featuring whimsical dog illustrations—lightweight and kid-friendly for early grade school use.
From: 27 very cool backpacks for grade school this year | Back to School Guide 2019
Parkland Nebula Galaxy Backpack
A space-themed Parkland backpack available in multiple fabrics with a playful galaxy print, good for kids who like colorful patterns.
From: 27 very cool backpacks for grade school this year | Back to School Guide 2019
Herschel Heritage MLB 15" Laptop Bag
A minimalist team-logo laptop backpack from Herschel that pairs retro style with everyday function for school or travel.
From: 27 very cool backpacks for grade school this year | Back to School Guide 2019
Nike Air Heritage Backpack
A simple, sporty retro backpack from Nike that offers clean styling and practical storage for an active student.
From: 27 very cool backpacks for grade school this year | Back to School Guide 2019
Harry Potter Gryffindor Backpack
A Hogwarts house-themed backpack themed to Gryffindor—appealing to young fans who want to show their house pride at school.
From: 27 very cool backpacks for grade school this year | Back to School Guide 2019
Herschel Supply Faux Denim 16" Backpack
A gender-neutral faux denim backpack with timeless styling and durable construction, suitable for elementary and middle school kids.
From: 27 very cool backpacks for grade school this year | Back to School Guide 2019
Stuck On You Personalized Lunch Bags & Bento Sets
Customizable lunch bags and bento sets ideal for school — personalized with names or designs to make lunchtime fun and reduce mix-ups.
From: 9 cool personalized school supplies to help make the school year a little more fun | Back to School 2018
Gap Factory Kids’ Value Apparel
Lower-priced alternatives to Gap's classic kids' styles for families seeking similar looks at better prices.
From: Smart back-to-school picks for families on a budget
The Children’s Place Kids’ Uniforms & Basics
Affordable, durable school uniforms and basics that make back-to-school dressing simple for families on a budget.
From: Smart back-to-school picks for families on a budget
Gap Kids Mix-and-Match Clothing
Versatile, stylish kids' apparel pieces that mix and match for easy outfits and practical back-to-school gifting.
From: Smart back-to-school picks for families on a budget
Printable Lunch Box Jokes
Printable joke cards sized for lunchboxes that make a playful, inexpensive surprise for kids on the first days of school.
From: The coolest free school printables: Lunch notes, planners, labels, chore charts and more | Back to School Guide
Back-to-School Party Printables
A bundle of printable party items (invitations, toppers, signs) plus extras like lunch notes and bookplates, useful for hosting or gifting a themed celebration.
From: The coolest free school printables: Lunch notes, planners, labels, chore charts and more | Back to School Guide
So Tired Card — Sapling Press
A wry, irreverent letterpress greeting card that’s great for friends who appreciate dark humor and tactile stationery.
From: We're supporting these amazing indie stationery shops right now that need us. Can you join us?
Year of the Pig 2019 Printable Notecards
Printable Year of the Pig notecard designs — a practical, stylish option for thank-you notes from new parents.
From: The cutest Year of the Pig baby gifts for all the 2019 little piggies
Personalized 1989-Inspired 2025 Journal (Standout Gear, Etsy)
Customizable journal inspired by 1989 — a practical, personalized gift for journaling Swifties.
From: 22 of the best Taylor Swift gifts for your special Swiftie | Holiday Gift Guide
Re-Marks Harry Potter Quotemarks Bookmark Set
Set of Harry Potter-themed bookmarks featuring quotes and eco-friendly materials — a thoughtful gift for fans who love collectible, USA-made stationery.
From: These Harry Potter bookmarks make reading more magical.
Pretty Bitter Stationery
Quirky, irreverent stationery perfect for dads who appreciate edgy, humorous cards and paper goods.
From: Love, Dad