The best teacher gifts of 2024 (according to teachers) (2024)

Being a teacher is one of the most important jobs in the world. Think of it—you're handing your child off to this person for seven hours a day, 180 days a year. When you do the math, it gets you thinking: This gift better be good.

To help find the best gift ideas for teachers, we consulted Leila Howland, a teacher, mom, and writer. We also spoke to current and former teachers from our freelancers and staff, as well as other teacher friends. If you're looking for the best gifts for teachers, keep reading for some fantastic selections that go beyond the typical office supplies or mug.

What's an appropriate gift for a teacher?

Teachers do so much for our world, so it's only right that we reward them for it during a special time like Christmas. Although most public school teachers can't accept gifts worth more than $50, you can still get them something they can enjoy from our list of affordable presents. From sweet treats to replenishing their school supplies to cute socks, score your favorite teacher something they'll love this holiday season.

Cute school supplies (and other essentials)

1. For adding a personal touch to papers: Paper Mate Flair felt-tip pens

For writing crisp comments on papers, doodling pictures during in-service days, or tidily labeling folders, nothing beats a classic Flair pen. This 24-pack of pens includes classic colors, vivid jewel tones, and pretty pastel shades so your favorite teacher will always have the perfect pen for the project at hand.

2. For the teacher who loves to leave a note: Pajean notepad set

Help your favorite teacher stay organized through the whole school year with a set of encouraging teacher-themed notepads. This set includes 24 pads, each with unique styles and designs. Every pad includes 30 pages with strong adhesion for all sticky note needs—from to-do lists to daily reminders to encouraging mantras.

3. For the teacher who always has a kind word to say: Best Teacher Stamp Set

If your favorite teacher loves decorating work with encouraging compliments, get them this colorful stamp set at Amazon. It comes with eight stamps with different colors and messages, plus container to store them in. Perhaps best of all, it's only $12.

4.For the crafty teacher: Scotch thermal laminator

Amazon reviewers love this Scotch Thermal Laminator—and we think any teacher will, too. It laminates up to 9 inches, and its two heated rollers ensure bubble-free, wrinkle-free results.

5. For the teacher who deserves encouragement: Mesmos engraved pens

Bring a smile to your teacher's face every time they pull out one of these engraved pens. Each one features encouraging quotes that can validate and inspire them. Plus, these pens come packaged beautifully, ready to be gifted.

6. For refreshing the classroom library: Books from Bookshop.org

Chances are your teacher’s classroom library could use some refreshing. Call up your local independent bookstore or use Bookshop.org and ask the knowledgeable bookseller about the hottest new titles for your teacher’s grade level. Make sure to include a gift receipt!

7. For the teacher who hand writes everything: Kate Spade pen set

A shiny apple is the iconic teacher gift, and this Kate Spade set is a stylish way to give one. This graphic set of five black-ink pens includes polka dots, stripes and even an apple print, a cheeky nod to tradition your teacher will appreciate as they plan their days.

Adorable Decor for the Classroom and Beyond

8. For encouraging good reads: First Edition framed book cover

If your teacher is passionate about reading—and they probably are!—a First Edition Book Cover Art Print of their favorite classic book cover would be an unusual and thoughtful gift. From Pride and Prejudice to The Murder on the Links to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, there’s a wealth of titles to pull from.

9. For the home ec teacher: Anthropologie teacher appreciation dish towel

This Teacher Appreciation Dish Towel has adorable pencils all over it and the sentimental message, “How Sweet it Is To Be Taught By You.” Generously sized and made from 100% cotton, this is a sweet gift for your favorite home-ec teacher.

10. For the teacher with an eye for design: Rifle Paper calendars

Rifle Paper Company creates all kinds of paper goods, including wall calendars that are pretty enough to frame. Their 12-month planners have plenty of room for teachers to keep their schedule on track, and the colorful fruit or flower drawings on each page will make them smile all year round.

11. For your favorite Earth sciences teacher: Storm glass weather predictor

Snow globes are a classic gift, but why not spice it up with a present that tries to predict the oncoming snow? Nab a storm glass weather predictor from Amazon right now and wow your favorite science teacher with a glass filled with transparent liquid that can change states based on the ambient temperature.

12. For the teacher who keeps it cool: RCA vintage mini fridge

This RCA vintage-style mini fridge will look cute in a classroom, but it’s also a practical place to store extra drinks or snacks. It cools to 20 degrees Fahrenheit below ambient room temperature and stores up to six beverage cans.

13. For the teacher with a green thumb: The Sill plant delivery

A potted plant is a welcome gift to enhance any space. The Sill offers beautiful plants—as well as helpful resources and trendy planters—right to your teacher's door or classroom. Choose an easy-care plant that adds a splash of greenery to any home or classroom.

Gifts your Favorite Teacher will Use

14. For the teacher who keeps it all going: Chaos Coordinator glass

If your favorite teacher is the eye of the storm, this is the cup for them. The Chaos Coordinator Glass holds 16 ounces of their beverage of choice. It comes with a glass straw and a bamboo lid (no spills here)—and makes it clear who the real classroom “rockstar” is.

15. For staying hydrated: Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate 40 Ounce Tumbler

Your teacher needs a quality water bottle — and it doesn’t hurt if it’s an influencer favorite, too! The vacuum-insulated, 40-ounce Quencher H2.0 Stanley tumbler features a lid with a removable straw, fits into a cup holder and it's easy to carry around thanks to a sturdy handle.

The cup comes in a gorgeous range of matte colors and keeps beverages hot or cold for hours. Be sure to get their favorite color, or a noteworthy pattern. There’s a good chance a lot of their students will have the same tumbler, so help theirs stand out.

16. For the bookworm: Kate Spade canvas tote bag

If your teacher loves to read—both on and off the clock—this Kate Spade tote bag could be a dream accessory. It's made of heavyweight canvas for lugging books and other materials to and from work, and it features an interior pocket to avoid small items getting lost.

17. For the teacher who eats on the go: Dash Sous Vide Style Egg Bite Maker

This Dash Deluxe Sous Vide Style Egg Maker makes the perfect sous vide-style egg bites at home. It’s perfect for the teacher who likes to eat on the go to get in before the bell rings.

Just prep the eggs, pour them into the silicone cups and the egg bites are ready in minutes. We love the egg bite maker because it can be used for breakfast sandwiches, healthy snacks and even dessert.

18. For the teacher who loves to travel: Lands’ End monogrammed weekender bag

Time away is just the thing a teacher needs after a long week. A sturdy, attractive weekender bag like this Canvas Weekender Duffle Bag makes packing for last-minute trips easy as ABC. Once you’ve selected a color, monogramming is irresistible!

19. For the teacher on the go: Yeti Rambler travel mug

Teachers are generally stocked up on coffee mugs—but this vacuum-insulated, no-spill tumbler will now be the only one they need. The Yeti Rambler Tumbler with Magslider Lid will keep their drinks hot for hours and is great on the go.

Self-Care Gifts for Teachers

20. For the teacher who’s always got an iced coffee: Takeya cold brew pitcher

For iced coffee fans, nothing compares — it’s the only way to start the day. Give the coffee loving teacher in your life the gift of cold brew.

Our favorite cold brew maker—the Takeya cold brew pitcher—can be made in large batches ahead of time. We loved how easy it is to use, and we love the tasty cup of coffee it makes even more.

21. For the teacher who loves a cuppa: Sips by tea gift box

If your teacher loves tea, consider a Sips by Tea gift box. High-quality teas from around the world are offered in a range of boxes full of classics and some surprises. This box is inspired by Italy, with flavors like Amalfi Lavender Limoncello and Tuscan Dreams.

For extra credit, add this adorable Manatea tea infuser to their gift. It’s the best tea infuser we've ever tested, fitting snugly on mugs and keeping tea leaves firmly in place.

22. For the teacher who needs to moisturize: Beekman 1802 Milk Carton Spa Set

Beekman 1802 is best known for using a unique ingredient hailed as a beauty secret for centuries: goat’s milk. We tested this buzz-worthy brand and found that it lived up to the hype. Each product we tried had an amazing scent and felt nourishing and calming on the skin.

The Beekman 1802 Milk Carton Spa Set from 1-800-Baskets includes goat milk hand cream, cuticle cream, and two bar soaps. It’s perfect for the teacher whose skin could use a little extra TLC.

23. For the teacher who loves their things labeled: Personalized gift box

You can never go wrong with a personalized gift box! This Teacher Gift Box from Etsy will make your favorite teacher feel appreciated. Inside you'll find hand cream, a candle, a pencil case, a pocket mirror and a delicious chocolate bar.

24. For the coffee fiend: Gift boxes from Angel's Cup

If your teacher is a coffee lover, then an Angel's Cup gift box is certainly a gift they'll appreciate and use. When we tested this service, we were impressed by the tasting notes and presentation—perfect for a teacher who notices all the details.

25. For the teacher who deserves some zen: Asakuki essential oil diffuser

Treat your teacher to some much needed self-care with the Asakuki Oil Diffuser, which we love for its even, quiet diffusing and beautiful design, which features built-in LEDs.

26. For the teacher who needs some relaxation: MoCuishle Neck Massager

This Shiatsu Neck Massager uses heat and eight deep tissue kneading nodes to help your favorite teacher relax and release any day-to-day classroom-related stress. This Shiatsu Neck Massager with Heat has an adjustable shape that can massage just about any of its aching body parts.

Best Gift Cards for Teachers

27. For a quick coffee fix: Starbucks gift card

Even the most devoted coffee lover doesn’t have the time or drive to make themselves a fresh cup every morning. Offer a helping hand on those tired mornings with a Starbucks gift card. Whether the Starbucks drive-through is part of their morning routine or a special treat, they’ll feel appreciated.

28. For fashion and more: Nordstrom gift card

Teaching doesn’t generally leave a lot of spare time or cash for refreshing the wardrobe. At the same time, an outfit can be a great way to communicate your personality or command a room when you have a lot to say and little time to say it. A Nordstrom gift card can help your teacher keep their classroom look fresh.

29. For Best Buy gift card

Best Buy is a great option for the tech-inclined teacher. They offer everything from classroom-essential devices to headphones and video games to enjoy during precious down time. A Best Buy gift card can be a fun, helpful gift, whether it’s for an art teacher to put towards an Apple Pencil, or just a nice pair of noise-canceling headphones.

30. For a quick bite to eat: Grubhub gift card

Sometimes the best gift is one they can choose for themselves. If you're in a pinch or don't know the teacher well enough to choose a more personalized gift, a gift card is the way to go — and will always be appreciated. Best Buy and GrubHub are just a few of endless options you can purchase conveniently at Amazon.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.