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36 Sweet Valentine’s Day Gifts for Special Teachers

They'll love that you thought of them.

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thoughtful valentine's day gifts for teachers
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So you've rounded up Valentine's gifts for all the kids in classroom, but don't forget to get a gift for your kid's teacher. Teachers spend time with your kids all day — and that should already tell you that even a little something can go a long way to show how much you appreciate them.

But what's an appropriate gift that you can give from both parent and student? And what's a gift they'd actually like and use? Well, we actually conducted a survey with teachers across the country and found that the top gift most teachers would appreciate are gift cards. So we've compiled some of our favorite gift card suggestions for teachers below.

But if you wanted to gift something a little more tangible, we've also come up with some other ideas, including bestselling items and personal recommendations that your favorite teachers will definitely enjoy.

From practical desk accessories to personalized mugs to fun knick-knacks that show off teacher pride, you'll find the best Valentine's Day gifts for teachers below. No matter who you're shopping for, you'll find something any teacher, coach or principal on this list. An added bonus: None of these gifts costs over $50. Just note that for any personalized items, you'll want to factor in delivery time since you'll be dealing with small businesses (which we love!).

Looking for more great Valentine's Day gifts? Check out these Good Housekeeping guides:

Valentine's Day Gifts for Yourself | Funny Valentine's Day Gifts | The Best Valentine's Day Gifts on Amazon

Custom Gift Under $15

Initial Teacher Bracelet

Initial Teacher Bracelet
Now 16% Off
Credit: Amazon

Your favorite teacher gets two bracelets in this set. One features an apple charm, and the other comes with the initial of your teacher's last name.

Great Gift for Any Teacher

Teacher Off-Duty Socks

On Sale
Teacher Off-Duty Socks
Credit: HAPPYPOP

Several reviewers commented on the super soft material on these socks. What's better, they come with gift packaging.

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Easiest Teacher Valentine Gift

Amazon Gift Card

Amazon Gift Card
Credit: Amazon

It seems impersonal, but teachers really, really do appreciate gift cards. (Of course, you can always get something cute to go with it.) This one already comes in a Valentine's-themed gift box, with gold hearts on it, so all you have to do is sign your name to the card. You can also get a $25 gift card in a plain, black box.

Blank Journal

Things My Students Said Journal

Things My Students Said Journal
Credit: KennieBStyles Journals

This is a blank journal where teachers can write down all the funny moments that happen throughout the year. The class can even fill out the first few pages with notes of appreciation.

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Best-Selling Teacher Gift

Custom Self-Inking Teacher Stamp

Best Seller
Custom Self-Inking Teacher Stamp

Help them add a personal touch to their grading with this customized stamp. You get a single stamp for $11, and you also get to choose the ink color.

Cute Appreciation Gift

Plant Cube

Plant Cube
Credit: Cheersville

This little planter comes with a message teachers need to hear: Thank you for helping us grow. It comes with the planter, peat pellet and seeds (and spring is just around the corner).

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Fun Writing Tools

Glitter & Glitz Jumbo Floaty Pens

Glitter & Glitz Jumbo Floaty Pens
Credit: Be Rooted

It's like a celebration every time they grade papers with these pens, which have gold glitter floating around inside of them. And, with a set of two, they'll always have one on-hand.

Personalized Teacher Gift

Personalized Scrabble Name Plate

Personalized Scrabble Name Plate

At your last parent-teacher conference, you noticed that their desk could use a little something. Add that special finishing touch to their workspace with a totally customizable name plate. Each one holds up to 20 letters, including an embellishment like an apple or star.

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Meaningful Valentine's Day Gift for Teachers

Why You're the Best Teacher Ever Book

Why You're the Best Teacher Ever Book

The best Valentine's gift a teacher could get is thoughtful notes from students about how much the year has meant to them. This book makes it easy, offering prompts and fill-in-the-blanks that help kids put their feelings into words.

Pretty and Practical

Rifle Paper Co. Zippered Pouch Set

On Sale
Rifle Paper Co. Zippered Pouch Set
Credit: Rifle Paper Co

We love that this set comes wrapped in ribbon, ready for gifting. It comes with one large and one medium-sized pouch, both made of sturdy canvas.

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For Reusable-Cup Collectors

Personalized Teacher Tumbler

Personalized Teacher Tumbler
Credit: MRC Wood Products Store

This tumbler is one of the cheaper personalized options we found. Plus, it'll ensure that no one ever takes their tumbler from the Teacher's Lounge.

Best Edible Gift

Dylan's Candy Bar Milk Chocolate Positivity Pops

Dylan's Candy Bar Milk Chocolate Positivity Pops
Credit: Dylan's Candy Bar

You can choose the message on these "positivity pops," with affirmations ranging from "brave," to "best" to "magic." Gift one with a note, or get a few to make a bouquet from the class. Each one is made with solid milk chocolate.

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Funny Teacher Gift

F in Exams: The Very Best Totally Wrong Test Answers

On Sale
F in Exams: The Very Best Totally Wrong Test Answers
Now 39% Off
Credit: Chronicle Books

Just when they thought they had seen it all, you gave them this book. Give your teacher a good laugh with these seriously wrong, seriously hilarious test answers. Slip a gift card to a bookstore in it, and you're good to go.

Meaningful Desk Accessory

Wooden Box Sign

Wooden Box Sign
Credit: Primitives by Kathy

Truer words have ever been spoken. Pair this with a heartfelt card to thank your kid's teacher for all that they do. This sign can stand up on a desk or hang on a wall.

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Great Gift Under $20

Teacher Name Mug

Teacher Name Mug
Now 20% Off
Credit: Modparty

Camping everything is a huge trend right now, and these campfire-style mugs can be used for hot or cold beverages, indoors or outside. The stainless steel can also withstand drops.

For the English Teacher or School Librarian

Novel Teas

Novel Teas
Credit: Bag Ladies Tea

These book-themed teas are a perfect complement to your kid's lit class (or storytime) or cheeky nod to lessons on the Boston Tea Party. Each of the 25 literary-inspired tea bags come with a quote from a famous author including C.S. Lewis, Alice Hoffman and Margaret Oliphant.

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Sweet Teacher Gift

Teacher Potholder Gift

Teacher Potholder Gift

This is perfect for a teacher who loves to bake, or one that has a sweet tooth. You can fill the pocket in of the potholder with a baking spatula and baking mix (not included) to complete this gift.

Let Them Choose

Sugarwish Gift Card

Sugarwish Gift Card
Credit: Sugarwish

Not sure what your teacher's favorite snack is? Let them decide! Sugarwish notifies a recipient that you've sent a gift, and allows them to choose what treats they want sent to their door. You can give the gift of candy, cookies, snacks, coffee and tea, popcorn or even flowers.

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For the Teacher Who Has Everything

Homedics UV Clean Phone Sanitizer

Homedics UV Clean Phone Sanitizer

Anything to keep teachers away from all the seasonal germs is sure to be greatly appreciated. This device uses UV light to sanitize things like phones, credit cards, keys and other high-touch items. (Just note: Our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute say that UV light isn't a replacement from washing hands and using disinfecting wipes, but every little bit helps!)

From the Class

Heart Snapshot Mix Photo Art

Heart Snapshot Mix Photo Art

Get every student's class photo together, and Minted can turn it into a heart-shaped collage perfect for Valentine's Day. You can get it framed or unframed (and maybe the kids can sign their pictures), and in a variety of sizes.

Headshot of Marisa LaScala
Marisa LaScala
Senior Parenting & Relationships Editor

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. 

Headshot of Shanon Maglente
Shanon Maglente
Contributing Editor

Shanon is a writer and editor who specializes in best-of product roundups and deals. She has over six years of experience, including almost three years as a Good Housekeeping product and reviews editor, covering the best sales and products across home, appliances, health, beauty, parenting and more.

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