Teachers are responsible for molding lives — it’s their job to shape the future. While there are many rewarding moments for performing this vital task, feeling appreciated can be the much-needed boost that helps a teacher thrive when burnout threatens to settle in.
Gifts are an excellent way to express appreciation. They can come from students or parents who just want to show how grateful they are for their teacher’s efforts. Holidays or the end of the year are ideal times to do this. Gifts can also come from friends and family who want to give a teacher the tools and supplies they need to excel. This guide is brimming with gift ideas for the deserving teacher in your life.
Teacher holiday gifts
For class projects
Cricut Joy Machine DIY Card-Making Bundle
The teacher in your life will love a Cricut. This remarkably flexible device can personalize items for the class with the touch of a button. It can be used for presentations, class decorations, special projects, and more. This special card-making bundle comes with cards, pens, mats, and other supplies.
Sold by Amazon
A laminator protects and preserves important papers and documents. Whether a teacher wants to make awards to give out or save notes they receive from their students, this is an excellent gift for an educator. This model has two heated rollers and can laminate items up to nine inches wide.
AeroGarden Harvest Indoor Garden with Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit
It’s thrilling to watch things grow, especially if you can eat them. An indoor garden makes a great gift for a teacher. They can place the plants on a shelf nearly anywhere in the classroom and the students can watch a garden grow all year long. This offering comes with basil, parsley, dill, thyme, and mint.
How to Draw Cool Stuff: A Drawing Guide for Teachers and Students
To make sure they can reach all students, one skill teachers need to have is the ability to draw recognizable objects. This book trains the teacher to see simple shapes and lines in complex objects so they can dazzle their students with wow-worthy drawings.
Sold by Amazon
Secura 60-Minute Visual Countdown Timer
Whether taking a test or playing games, a countdown timer can come in handy for a number of classroom tasks. With its bold color, this highly visual, 60-minute model is easy to see. It functions mechanically, so no batteries are required.
Sold by Amazon
For extra comfort at work
There’s no chance to rest at school — a teacher has to work through any nagging aches and pains that develop throughout the day. Having a personal massager on hand can provide a great deal of quick relief. This pocket-sized model from Therabody has unparalleled portability backed by impressive power.
Sold by Therabody, Amazon, Kohl’s, and Macy’s
L'Occitane Hand Cream Classics
There are a lot of materials that a teacher comes in contact with that suck the moisture out of their hands. To keep skin youthful and elastic, it’s important to use hand cream. This three-tube set features almond, lavender, and shea butter creams to keep hands soft and nourished all day long.
Sold by Ulta Beauty and Amazon
ElegantPark Canvas Teacher Bag
When you’re a teacher, you have to carry stuff. This large canvas tote bag is not only functional, it contains a powerful quote about the important role teachers play in our society. The versatile design allows this tote to carry anything from binders and books to a hearty lunch.
Sold by Amazon
For lunch and coffee breaks
Keurig K-Mini Plus Coffee Maker
Coffee is the morning beverage of choice for most of the U.S., and teachers are no exception. If you want to help someone get their day off to a delicious start, a Keurig coffee machine is a great gift. This mini model holds nine K-cup pods and features a compact design to save on counter space.
Sold by Amazon, Home Depot, Kohl’s, and Wayfair
The only thing better than a fresh mug of coffee is a hot fresh mug of coffee. This smart model lets you choose your preferred temperature setting. By using the included charging coaster, your favorite teacher can keep their beverage exactly how they like it all day long.
Crock-Pot 24-Ounce Lunch CrockFood Warmer
Did you know that Crock-Pots come in individual-sized models? This 24-ounce offering is the perfect size for lunch. The built-in handle means your teacher can easily carry dishes back and forth from home to school and have a home-cooked meal every day.
Sold by Amazon
Lille Home Stackable Stainless Steel Thermal Compartment Lunch Box
The clever design of this stacking insulated lunch box is perfect for a teacher. It lets them carry one, two, or three hot or cold dishes to work each day. A lunch bag, fork, spoon, and extra silicone seals are included with purchase for convenience.
Sold by Amazon
Black + Decker Compact Refrigerator
A compact refrigerator is a handy addition to a classroom. It lets a teacher have cold beverages whenever they desire. It also gives them a safe place to stash their lunch. And, if they’re a health-conscious teacher, having a mini-fridge in the classroom makes it possible to safely store healthy snacks right in the classroom.
Sold by Amazon, Macy’s, and Wayfair
For their bookshelf
When you give a teacher a Kindle, you’re giving them nearly limitless access to inspiration. This model features a weatherproof design, offers up to 10 weeks of battery power, and has 20% faster page turns. The glare-free display reads like real paper, and it can even be used in bright sunlight, such as you would find all summer long down at the beach.
Things My Students Said: A Teacher’s Journal of Memorable Sayings from Students
When you’re around kids all day, you’re going to hear some astonishing things. With this book, the teacher doesn’t have to forget all those gems, they can document them and maybe use them as the basis for their next book. This journal also has prompts for name, age, and date above the quote, so you can remember all the important details of the moment.
Sold by Amazon
Knock Knock Why You're the Best Teacher Ever
Kids have to fill in prompts about themselves all the time. This book flips the script and has students fill out all their favorite things about their teacher. This personalized gift is the type of item a teacher will treasure long after their career is over.
Sold by Amazon
MadeMeHappy Laser Engraved Bookmark
To make sure your teacher never loses their place in a book, get them a bookmark. This personalized wooden bookmark is laser engraved with both the teacher’s and the student’s names to make it extra special.
Sold by Etsy
Other top holiday gift deals in this space
- A teacher (especially in elementary grades) can never have enough disinfecting wipes on hand
- Dry erase markers are a necessity in any classroom
- A teacher who has personalized pencils will never lose another one to a student again
- This unique planner will make outlining an educational plan almost fun
- Whenever you’re not sure what to get, a gift card is the perfect solution
Teacher appreciation gifts
For the classroom or home
Artnaturals Essential Oil Diffuser and Humidifier with Bluetooth Speaker and Clock
This diffuser is a thoughtful gift to keep in a classroom to help with immunity, energy, and relaxation. It minimizes odors while also humidifying the room. The diffuser has a clock and built-in Bluetooth speaker to play music, so it’s a useful multipurpose item for a teacher.
Sold by Amazon
The Amazon Echo Dot is an affordable device that connects to smartphones via Bluetooth so a teacher can play music and games, set timers, and more. It has excellent sound and adds some fun to the classroom. It’s also easy to find a space to place the Echo Dot due to its compact size.
Sold by Amazon
Natural Fragrance Rose Hydrated Flower
This real preserved flower makes beautiful decor for a teacher’s desk or home and offers a pleasant scent. This is a thoughtful alternative to buying a bouquet of flowers for a teacher. When the flower wilts after a few months, the display case can be used to store other items.
Sold by Amazon
Teachers go through a lot of pens when writing lesson plans and notes and grading assignments. This pen has a professional look and a thoughtful phrase to remind a teacher how much they matter.
Sold by Amazon
Tiny Expressions Teacher Notepad
This stylish notepad helps a teacher to keep track of tasks for the day. It’s easy to keep close by if they need to write down a thought or reminder, and it has a checklist to mark off completed items. The communication section is convenient for keeping track of parents and colleagues who need to receive an email or call.
Sold by Amazon
Amazon Basics Dual Brew Single Serve Capsule Coffee Maker
This versatile coffee machine can be used at the teacher’s home, but it’s a nice gift idea for the classroom. The teacher can brew coffee throughout the day while at work with coffee grounds or capsules. The machine is compact and has simple controls.
Sold by Amazon
My Space Organizers Acrylic Office Desk Organizer
Teachers appreciate having a sturdy and elegant organizer to keep track of supplies that start to accumulate on their desk. This one has compartments for notebooks, notepads, and pens and pencils. The drawer is a convenient place to store small items like push pins and paper clips.
Sold by Amazon
DeskPlate Personalized Desk Name Plate Plaque
A nameplate is a useful addition to a teacher’s desk and gives it a more professional look. This plaque is elegant and offers a wide variety of designs to choose from. It’s easy to customize and comes with a sturdy wooden stand.
Sold by Amazon
Votum Teacher Appreciation Gift Set
This affordable gift set is a good option if you want to give a teacher a variety of items or don’t know which gift to choose. Each included item is useful for a teacher and features encouraging phrases to help them get through the day.
Sold by Amazon
For self-care
Teachers will love sliding their feet into comfortable slippers after standing for most of the day. This pair resists water and has sturdy rubber soles. The interior is so cushy and soft that the teacher might want to wear the slippers in the classroom.
Sold by Amazon
ANRRI Blue Light-Blocking Glasses
Teachers spend a lot of time in front of screens while planning and delivering lessons or grading assignments. These blue light glasses help to reduce eye strain and irritation caused by computer and phone screens.
Sold by Amazon
Chesapeake Bay Joy + Laughter Candle
This candle has a minimal and stylish design with a sweet floral scent. Teachers will love that it’s made in the USA with natural soy and essential oils and burns for about 50 hours.
Sold by Amazon
For the commute
It’s important to stay hydrated during the day, especially for teachers who are frequently moving around and don’t have much down time. This durable water bottle comes in many colors and insulates drinks so they stay warm or cold. The bottle doesn’t leak when the cap is on, so a teacher doesn’t have to worry about spills if they throw the bottle in their bag.
Sold by Amazon
Studio Oh! Hand Sanitizer Holder
Teachers are frequently exposed to germs, so it’s convenient to have easily accessible hand sanitizer on the go. This sanitizer holder comes in beautiful designs and clips easily to a teacher’s bag, keys, or lanyard. It even comes with an empty dispenser so the bottle can be refilled.
Sold by Amazon
No matter what beverage they bring to school, a teacher can use this durable and insulated thermos from a popular brand. It has a large capacity and is easy to use and clean. The Yeti Rambler has a wide handle, fits in many cupholders, and is available in different colors.
Sold by Amazon
Other top teacher appreciation gift deals in this space
- A trinket dish to hold a teacher’s jewelry and other items at home and in the classroom
- A pair of fun and cozy socks made just for a teacher
- An affordable two-pack of pencil name signs that you can personalize yourself
- Natural and invigorating shower aromatherapy tablets to help a teacher start the day
- A sweet tabletop sculpture to thank a teacher for their hard work
End-of-year teacher gifts
Under $10
You Are An Amazing Teacher Because
For a fun and personal gift teachers will read over and over, consider this fill-in-the-blank journal filled with questions students can fill out with their favorite memories and moments.
Sold by Amazon
Nourished skin and hydrated lips are a must-have for anyone, especially teachers. This self-care set comes with a body lotion, hand salve, deep cleansing cream, coconut foot cream, and a lip balm. All products are travel-size to take on the go.
Sold by Amazon
Under $20
MyGift Miniature Artificial Succulents
These low-maintenance plants don’t require watering, sunlight, or additional maintenance to stay fresh and green all year long, making them ideal for classrooms or the home of a busy teacher. This set of four succulents comes in matching white ceramic pots featuring a geometric design.
Sold by Amazon
ExcelMark Round Self-Inking Teacher Stamp
Customize this self-inking stamp with a teacher’s name and a fun message so they don’t lose books again. The two-sided ink pad can be flipped over when it runs dry to double the number of impressions, and it features an open base to see the stamp easily.
Sold by Amazon
Drinking coffee while it's still warm is a luxury that teachers don't often have during the school day. However, this portable coffee mug warmer heats drinks in less than two minutes so teachers can enjoy warm beverages all day long. Plus, its long power cord allows for mobility.
Sold by Amazon
Easthill Big Capacity Pencil and Pen Case
Whether they’re grading papers, writing notes, or coloring a sign, teachers need a lot of pens, pencils, and markers. With a large capacity, this case can hold up to 50 pens or 90 pencils. As a bonus, it features zippered pouches and mesh bags for separation.
Sold by Amazon
LemonGrace Personalized Stationery
Whether teachers want to write an encouraging note to a student or send a thoughtful message to a friend, this personalized stationery makes it a breeze. The customized cards measure 4.25 by 5.5 inches and come with envelopes that match the color of the script.
Sold by Etsy
Under $30
From keys to ID cards to travel hand sanitizer, this lanyard can hold everything a teacher needs and can be personalized with any name. The high-quality beads are lightweight and won’t crack or fade. It’s designed with a breakaway clasp and comes with a free gift bag.
Sold by Amazon
Brooke and Jess Designs Teacher Tote Bag
Constantly hauling heavy books, piles of paperwork, and school supplies is commonplace for teachers. Help them carry the load with a five-inch deep tote bag with sturdy, soft-touch handles. It features a spacious zippered main compartment and an oversized front zipper pocket.
Sold by Amazon
Under $50
The Happy Planner 12-Month Academic Planner
Teachers love planning and organizing, and this academic planner is the perfect classroom companion. It has a 12-month design from August 2022 to July 2023 with 12 designed dividers, weekly pages, monthly pages, and a classroom checklist to keep track of a busy schedule.
Sold by Amazon
Standing for several classes in a row is sure to cause back pain and muscle aches. This foam wheel roller helps by strengthening the muscles around the spine to relieve pressure. It’s covered with a skid-resistant and eco-friendly padding.
Sold by Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods
Wimly Mugs Personalized Teacher Name Tumbler
Staying hydrated is essential for anyone, especially teachers who don’t get many breaks. Personalize this tumbler with the teacher’s name for a unique gift. It’s a 20-ounce skinny cup with a straw, a BPA-free sliding lid, and a gloss finish over the graphics to ensure they never fade.
Sold by Etsy
Under $125
Whether they’re sitting at a desk or relaxing at home, teachers can use this foot and back massager anywhere. It features two heating levels, a rolling massage with three optional modes, and three intensity levels. Plus, the removable cover can be put in the washing machine.
Sold by Amazon
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
Help a teacher capture and remember every moment of the school year with this mini instant camera. Choose from several chic colors and customize the camera with the included shutter buttons. Plus, it automatically chooses the optimal shutter speed to capture bright subjects and backgrounds.
Sold by Amazon
Anyone who sits for long periods will appreciate this durable and easy-to-clean seat cushion. A combination of temperature-neutral material and hundreds of air channels keep sweat away. In addition, this cushion features a groove to encourage a straight spine and a grid that cradles the tailbone.
Sold by Amazon
Other top end-of-year teacher gift deals in this space
- A teacher coloring planner with full pages to color and keep track of teaching schedules throughout the year
- A cute pencil bath bomb with a citrus and lavender scent to help teachers relax after a long day with students
- Teachers can keep track of their place in a relaxing book or teaching planner with an engraved metal bookmark
- This inspirational calendar to encourage teachers and provide positive affirmations each day
Contributing authors: Allen Foster, Margot Malverty, and Bre Richey
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