30 Best Teacher Gifts, According to Actual Teachers
Small gestures, unique ideas and more ways students can thank their educators.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
To find out what teachers really want, we surveyed more than 40 teachers for this story — educators for different grade levels across the country, either currently working or retired. One thing that most teachers had in common? They really cherish notes, handwritten thank-you letters, and handmade items. Several teachers also agreed that versatile gift cards (like Amazon, Target and Visa) are gold.
But if you wanted to give them something they can unwrap, our respondents suggest going with your teacher’s preferences first, if you can. For every educator that said they loved chocolate, there was another who said if they never saw another Godiva box again, it would be too soon. Baked goods, coffee, mugs, candles and wine were the most divisive, showing up on both our "most wanted" and "least wanted" lists.
And what not to get? Teachers advise to avoid gifting jewelry or fragrances. They also agreed that they'd rather get a customized gift than something that just says "teacher" on it.
An Amazon gift card was far-and-away the most requested gift on our teachers' lists. And it makes sense: You're giving them the option to get what they want most. This one even comes in its own gift box, and all you have to do is add a thoughtful note.
Paper Mate Flair Nature Escape Scented Felt Tip Pens
Several teachers online say they love getting Flair pens as a gift, because they say they love being able to write in different colors. These ones from Paper Mate are scented, too. "It’s such a simple touch, but it made using them feel even more enjoyable," said one Amazon reviewer.
After gift cards, personalized items came up the most often as a much-wanted gift. Teachers will delight in their very own stamps, created to look just like them, with their hairstyle, facial hair, glasses and other accessories. You can get them for male teachers and female teachers, and you can also personalize the text.
Knock Knock Why You're the Best Teacher Ever Journal
Lots of teachers say that what they want most, above gifts, are hand-written notes. But if your student finds it hard to get the words out, this journal helps them make it easy by offering fill-in-the-blanks that'll get the inspiration flowing. The class can even work on it together and make it a group gift.
Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler
The same travel tumbler that's used en masse by students is also a hit with their teachers. With the ability to hold a whipping 40 oz of liquid, we get it. The insulation keeps beverages cold for hours, which is helpful for a teacher that has to stand up and talk in front of a class all day. Just don't forget the straw cover to go with it!
Once they're in the building, carrying their school IDs, cash and other cards is much more convenient with a wristlet. We bet the teacher in your life will enjoy this trendy set from Lululemon, available in nine colors.
This is such a creative way to give a teacher a bouquet. The pop-up display stands 12 inches tall and makes for wonderful classroom decor. It comes with a blank card, ideal for letting your teacher know how wonderful they are.
After Amazon, Visa cards were the second most-requested. Teachers liked how versatile they are and noted that they'll almost certainly be used and not re-gifted.
If you have a crafty, DIY type of teacher, go in on a group gift with this one. It helps them take their bulletin boards, class giveaways and projects to the next level, cutting out precise patterns on cardstock, vinyl decals, iron-ons and more.
Teachers haul a lot of stuff around, so a carryall tote is a big help. This one is insulated on the inside, large enough to hold a 15.6-inch laptop and has extra pockets for all of their essentials, plus extra school supplies.
Compendium Publishing Because I Had a Teacher by Kobi Yamada
Give this sweet book to a teacher, and cue the waterworks as they read about how they've made a difference in the world. It's a children's book, but the sentiment inside is universal, and teachers at any level will appreciate hearing it.
They say an elephant never forgets, and with this desk organizer a teacher will never forget where they put their basic supplies, and there's even a phone holder on the front. It comes in three patterns.
If you had to non-stop talk all day, you'd need quality lip balm, too. Pamper your hardworking teacher with this set of four hydrating lip treatments. For men, try this set of Jack Black moisturizing lip balms.
While our teachers asked for desk plants, they said nothing about the pots they come in. This two-pack features pots with cute messages designed to make teachers' hearts melt. All you have to do is get a succulent or air plant to pop in it, and you're good to go.
For the quick coffee they have prior to the first bell — or the one they enjoy on a break — this 10-ounce YETI mug ensures that their drink stays hot. On-the-go teachers will like the lid that helps prevent spills. It comes in 31 colors, so pick their favorite (if you know it!) or go with the school's colors.
These will be wonderful for anyone who has crossing-guard, bus lane, or recess duty throughout the winter. They can last up to four hours on a single charge, and they come in several colors and patterns.
Perfect for a reading or English teacher, these name plates are made from repurposed Scrabble tiles. You can also add an apple, star or heart embellishment. It's a great just-a-little-something that won't take over their whole desk.
One teacher mentioned Vera Bradley totes specifically as a welcomed gift, and we can see why: They're big enough to carry a helpful amount of stuff, they come in such fun prints and the quilted cotton keeps it from digging into their shoulder. Vera Bradley's ID holders with lanyards also hold just the right amount of cards and keys.
After a busy school day, they'll appreciate unwinding with these aromatherapy shower steamers. The lavender scent is supposed to instill calm, something every teacher needs.
One teacher made it plain: "Wine is an acceptable teacher gift — don’t believe the hype." If you don't want to go for the bottle alone, you can gift it in this reusable tote, which can be frozen so the wine so the wine stays cool during transport.
Marisa (she/her) has covered all things parenting, from the postpartum period through the empty nest, for Good Housekeeping since 2018; previously, she wrote about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother. She lives with her toy-collecting husband and daughter in Brooklyn, where she can be found helping out her team at bar trivia or posting about movies on Twitter and Bluesky.
Jessica is a commerce editor at Hearst Magazines, where she writes for Good Housekeeping, Esquire, House Beautiful, Country Living, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Elle Decor, Town & Country, Harper's Bazaar, and Prevention. With more than 15 years of experience, she tests and reports on useful, unique, and trending products—everything from baby gear to home decor to power tools—and tracks the best sales in the lifestyle and tech spaces.
The Only Back-to-School Shopping Lists You Need
Amazon's Back-to-School Deals Are Underway!
40 Fun First-Day-of-School Activities
35 Back-to-School Organization Ideas
