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49 Best Teacher Gift Ideas, According to Actual Teachers
Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week 2023 with these heartfelt and practical gift ideas.
This year, Teacher Appreciation Week is May 8-12, 2023. Parents and students, that means it's time to start planning how you'll show your favorite educators how much you appreciate them. If you want to give a thank you gift to your favorite teacher, we can help steer you in the right direction and narrow down all of your options. Woman's Day spoke to teachers to get their input on the best teacher gift ideas, so you can choose a gift that they really want in 2023.
Laura Potter of Happy Thriving Mom blog, who's been a teacher to elementary-aged students for six years, says she's so appreciative of any gifts she receives from students. Among her favorites, though are: "heartfelt notes and drawings that I keep on my desk as a reminder that I have hopefully touched my students' lives for the better." Potter also loves getting gift cards. "One student gave me the gift of a movie theater gift card, which I was able to use to take my family out for movie night," she says. "It was special to be gifted something my whole family could enjoy."
Donna Paul, a Montessori elementary teacher turned author, blogger, and co-creator of That’s So Montessori, knows that “finding the perfect gift for an elementary school teacher like myself can be a challenge. It’s important to keep in mind that an ideal gift should be meaningful, useful, and have a personal touch,” she says. Paul, who spent over 10 years in the classroom teaching grades 4 to 6, recommends the following gifts for teachers: A basket of supplies that the teacher can use in the classroom; stationery; items for the perfect coffee or tea break; any type of gift basket or gift box; a gift card to a local bookstore or coffee shop; books that celebrate the teacher’s passion.
“These gifts remind me that the students really are listening and having fun learning new things,” Paul adds. “No matter the gift given, I always greatly appreciate the generosity of my upper elementary students and their families. Gifts that are well thought out and clearly have my students involved in the process always stand out to me.” Keep reading for 49 great teacher gift ideas, based on these real-life recommendations.
Personalized Teacher Gifts
'Number 1' Personalized Stationery
The teacher who prefers a minimalist style will love these punny personalized notecards that feature a sweet reminder you think they're number one.
'Teaching Comes From the Heart' Personalized Notebook
'Teaching Comes From the Heart' Personalized Notebook
Of all the professions, teachers are some of the few who still write by hand. They can use this personalized notebook with the words "teaching comes from the heart" to jot down notes.
Minted 'Apple for the Teacher' Custom Photo Art
Minted 'Apple for the Teacher' Custom Photo Art
For an end of the year gift any teacher will treasure, collect a photo from each student to create an adorable custom photo collage from Minted.
Personalized Pencils, Set of 12
Your child’s teacher won’t have to worry about their favorite pencils walking away when they’re personalized with their name or a "please return to teacher" message.
'Why You're the Best Teacher Ever' Fill-in-the-Blank Gift Journal
'Why You're the Best Teacher Ever' Fill-in-the-Blank Gift Journal
Have older elementary students work together to fill in the blanks of this sweet journal for a keepsake sure to warm any teacher's heart.
Best Gift Cards for Teachers
Whether they use it to add to their personal reading list or to purchase books for the classroom, a Barnes & Noble e-gift card is a practical gift any teacher will appreciate.
A Bookshop gift card is another great option for the teacher who can't get enough literature in his or her life.
For the kindergarten teacher who loves to craft, any art teacher, or an educator who finds joy in decorating their classroom, a Michaels gift card is the perfect pick.
No teacher can receive too many Starbucks gift cards, and that's a fact.
Dunkin' Donuts Gift Card
Do they run on Dunkin'? Then send them an e-gift card to DD that they'll get almost instantaneously.
Visa $50 Gift Card (Plus $4.95 Purchase Fee)
Not sure what they're into outside of the classroom? A Visa gift card gives teach an opportunity to spend on whatever they please.
Target is another teacher favorite, since they really do sell everything!
If you can't bring a physical gift to your child's teacher, an Amazon eGift card is the way to go. All you need is their email address, and they can use it on whatever they want.
Give your teacher something to look forward to this weekend with an AMC movie theater gift card they can use to catch a film with a partner, friend, or their family.
Useful Gifts for Teachers
Bibliophile Diverse Spines Notes: 20 Different Notecards & Envelopes
Bibliophile Diverse Spines Notes: 20 Different Notecards & Envelopes
These beautifully illustrated notecards featuring diverse book titles make a one-of-a-kind gift for your favorite bibliophile teacher.
Desk Stash Subscription Box
Who doesn't love fresh office supplies? This subscription box aims to inspire its recipient to work more creatively and efficiently than before. The teacher you gift it to will enjoy unboxing a variety of quirky desk accessories, and showing them off at school. Just choose the number of boxes and frequency.
Superstar Ring Light for Desk
For teachers who still find themselves in virtual classrooms, this 10-inch USB ring light that works on any desk or table will be an appreciated gift. Teachers can choose from three lighting tones: warm, cool, or natural and fiddle with the brightness level to get the best look.
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
Ysolt Usigan is a lifestyle writer and editor with 15+ years of experience working in digital media. She has created share-worthy content for publishers Shape, What To Expect, Cafe Mom, TODAY, CBS News, HuffPo, The Bump, Health, Ask Men, and Best Gifts. A working mom of two, her editorial expertise in parenting, shopping, and home are rooted in her everyday life.
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