26 Best Gifts for Teachers, According to Educators Themselves

Maria Navarro, a special education teacher in New Jersey, says an insulated mug is a foolproof gift for teachers. This high-quality stainless-steel tumbler is big enough to hold teacher-size coffee—and it’ll keep iced drinks chilly and warm drinks piping hot. Bonus points if you personalize the tumbler with the teacher’s name or initials (through the Yeti website).

A gift card might seem like the “easy” option, but trust us, teachers love them. “I’m thrilled when families give gift cards to my favorite local spots, like the nail salon or a favorite restaurant. It’s super thoughtful when they also go the extra mile to personalize the gift. This gift card holder has the extra touch teachers appreciate,” says Amy.

A tote bag that zips closed is both personal and practical, especially for the teacher who needs to stay prepared at all times with water bottles, lesson plans, Band-Aids, and more. Customize this cult-fave L.L.Bean tote with their initials or a quirky message (“Best Teacher Ever” or “Keep Out!” maybe).

Teachers’ hands go through a lot: “The dry winter months, daily handwashing, and nonstop classroom disinfecting take a toll on my skin. I have one in my desk drawer, bags, and at home to keep my hands moisturized,” says Allie McKay, a fourth-grade teacher in Connecticut. This thoughtful under $50 gift set pampers hardworking hands with a silky-smooth shea butter formula.

There are two major perks to a coffee subscription: It boasts high-quality, freshly roasted blends from the around the world and delivers to their door (no need to hit the grocery store).

If they’re a book lover then a personalized gift stamp that says “From the library of…” makes it tough for anyone to “borrow” their books without permission.

Know a teacher who just happened to be “out sick” on an Eras Tour date? This candle is a fun tribute to their teacher life with a wink to their inner Swiftie. And with the soothing scents of jasmine, rosemary, and sea salt, it’s the perfect cozy gift to help them unwind after a long day in the classroom.

School supplies are almost always a great gift for teachers. Functionality’s a plus (see Lysol wipes or Kleenex boxes), but there’s no reason the present can’t be cute. We’re partial to this colorful label maker, which they can endlessly use for printable organization and lesson plans, especially in high school, middle school, and elementary classrooms that have lots of moving parts.

Teachers have their fair share of tough days, and a cheerful, smiling plant pot might lift their spirits. “An adorable succulent is a fabulous way to bring life to my desk and a smile to my face—especially during those long winter months when kids are cooped up inside,” says Sarah Hertzler, a high school teacher in Bristol, Connecticut. Pop in your own succulent (or a faux one for a no-maintenance option).

Perfect for preschool or kindergarten teachers, this quick and easy customizable project is a playful twist on the beloved classic children’s book. Think of it as a mini scrapbook-meets-goodie-bag: Each page is a tribute to their hard work, with spots to tuck in Starbucks gift cards, a few of their favorite treats, and other small surprises to make it truly special.

Educators are always on the go, so keeping up with healthy eating can be a real challenge. “As a busy teacher and mom, I appreciate anything that simplifies meal prep. After a long school day of teaching, I always crave something quick, healthy, and filling to hold me over until dinner. This is perfect for blending a nourishing smoothie to sip on my drive home,” says Amy. Just load it up with fruits, veggies, and ice, flip to blend, then flip back to sip—it stays cold for an impressive 24 hours.

Gift them this instant camera (and film) along with a scrapbook, so they can save photos of their students in one place.

This year, consider teaming up with a few other parents to gift a Keurig. “Teachers practically run on coffee, but some days there’s no time to dash out for a cup,” says Amy Z., an elementary school teacher in Cranford, New Jersey. “A coffee maker like this would be an amazing gift from the class or PTA for the faculty room—it’d keep us all energized for the afternoons ahead.” This pick gives the option of serving coffee piping hot or refreshingly chilled without watering it down with ice. Pair it with a cute monogrammed coffee mug so your teacher can sip in style.

“Sticky notes are a must-have in my classroom. Not only do I use them to help me stay organized, but I also use them often to leave notes of encouragement or praise for my students,” says Allie. It adds a pop of personality with fun prints and colors—even when they’re leaving a note on a less-than-stellar essay.

Brighten your favorite teacher’s windowsill with an easy grow kit that will waft the soothing scent of lavender across their desk.

Pre-K and kindergarten teachers hold a special place in your child’s developmental journey—and this relationship is beautifully laid out in this touching book that’s simple enough for your little one to read and relate to as well. Let them scrawl a thank-you note inside the cover to make it memorable.

“Chic” and “hand sanitizer” aren’t words you’d typically put together, but Touchland mists pull it off perfectly. “Between small group work and helping kids with everything from art supplies to pencils, there’s a lot of cross-contamination. Staying healthy is key—there’s nothing worse than scrambling for sub plans! These mists are both cute and super functional,” says Amy. This five-pack of fun scents (think watermelon, mint, and lemon-lime) is ideal for gifting multiple teachers or stashing around the classroom for a stylish, germ-free boost wherever needed.

Featuring Marimekko’s famous bold and vibrant patterns, a box of blank note cards is the perfect gift for all those moments when teachers want to jot a quick thank-you, send a positive note home, or celebrate a colleague’s birthday.

How cute is this tote illustrated with classic novels? They can store their favorite reads or Kindle in it.

No teacher—nay, person—can have enough fun socks. This delightful gag gift nods to the bygone days of library cards—a nostalgic surprise for the voracious reader or librarian.

Surprise them with an out-of-left-field soft-serve maker. It’s the perfect end-of-year teacher gift, since they’ll have a little more time during the summer to experiment with their favorite fruits and flavors.

Handmade gifts are always welcome. “My favorite gift from a student was a small jar that the parent decorated and then added Hershey’s Kisses inside,” Shanelle Ziegler, a kindergarten teacher in Glendale, Arizona, says. It’s a fun way to incorporate your child’s art skills too.

A zippered, monogrammable jewelry case like this one is an elegant, thoughtful way for them to keep their bits and baubles safe as they commute from home to school (or, hopefully, on a long-weekend trip!). It’s one of the most popular gifts for women, year after year.

Teachers often start their days bright and early, making a restful night’s sleep essential. Help them wind down with this trio of shower gel, lotion, and pillow spray—all infused with calming lavender, vetivert, and chamomile oils to promote deep relaxation.