We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping The Best Gift Ideas of 2024 Gift Ideas by Interest The 53 Best Gifts for Teachers of 2024 Practical and personalized gifts they’ll love. By Christine Winder Christine Winder Christine is a commerce writer for Real Simple. She's been a contributing writer to local and national publications since 2019, covering topics such as home, lifestyle, and wellness. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on September 04, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Reviews FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Marcus Millán Teachers play an important role in their students’ lives and deserve to be celebrated for their hard work. Whether you’re showing them your appreciation during the holidays or at the end of the school year, we found a variety of items that will earn you an A+ in gift giving. Julie Kenney, founder and CEO of The Gifting Experts, encourages adding a personal touch to their gift. “It doesn’t have to be expensive,” she says. “By far, the favorite teacher gifts are the personalized gifts that come from the kid’s heart or a note or words of gratitude.” To find the best gifts for teachers, we researched all the goodies out there that your favorite educator might be delighted to unwrap on any occasion, whether school supplies and self-care items. We also tapped Kenney and Eden Delaune, founder of gifting company Bisette, for expert gift-giving advice. Pinch Provisions Teacher Kit PHOTO: Amazon $14 at Amazon View on Pinchprovisions.com View on Littleobsessed.com There’s no telling what mini emergencies may pop up throughout the day, but this teacher kit will make sure they’ll be ready for anything. It holds 14 essentials, including stain remover, pain reliever, hand sanitizer, and gold star stickers. The kit’s compact size makes it easy for teachers to store in their desk or throw in their work bag, too. NorthwestPaperStudio Personalized Stationery Set PHOTO: Etsy View on Etsy Stationery is a must have for teachers, and you can personalize this one with your teacher’s name and color of your choice. It’s made from thick, matte cardstock and comes in a pack of 10 with matching envelopes. It comes wrapped in a nice paper and tied with ribbon, so it’s ready to gift as soon as you receive it. Tervis #1 Teacher Water Bottle PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $25 $23 at Amazon View on Tervis.com Help your favorite teacher stay hydrated with this 24-ounce Tervis tumbler. Made from durable, BPA-free plastic, it’s shatterproof, making it safe to use in the classroom, and its double-insulated design keeps drinks cold and reduces condensation. It also features a two-in-one lid with a swappable chug or straw spout for versatile drinking. When not in use, the lid snaps shut with a secure safety lock to prevent leaks or spills. Gaduupa Pencil Hair Clip PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $8 $7 at Amazon $6 at Target For the fashionable teacher on your list, this hair clip adds a fun touch to any outfit. Whether they use it to try out a new hairstyle when getting ready or keep it on their desk for impromptu updos throughout the day, this is a gift they’re sure to get plenty of use out of. Homesick Thanks Scented Candle PHOTO: Homesick $30 at Amazon View on Barnesandnoble.com View on Homesick.com Express gratitude to the teacher in your life with this hand-poured soy wax candle. It comes in a decorative box with a label on the back to fill out what you’re thankful for. The fragrance is a mix of oud wood and lemon flower, and it burns for a total of 80 hours. Winoxy Designs Teacher Baking Set PHOTO: Amazon $13 at Amazon If you know a teacher who loves baked goods or just appreciates a pun, they’ll love this baking set. The kit comes with everything they need to bake cookies, including baking mix, a spatula, and a potholder. CooperAndClaire Teacher Appreciation Coaster PHOTO: Etsy View on Etsy Cute and customizable, these handmade coasters will make a functional addition to a teacher’s desk. They can be personalized with different color supplies and fonts as well as the teacher’s name and can be used either as a coaster or a paperweight. Little Words Project Custom Pearl Apples Lanyard PHOTO: Little Words Project View on Littlewordsproject.com This pearl lanyard is not only pretty but practical, with a plated brass clasp to hold a school ID or key card. It’s customizable with up to 13 characters of texts and symbols. We recommend personalizing it with the teacher’s name or grade or a thoughtful message, such as “thank you” or “best teacher.” TOPEAST Monogrammed Toiletry Bag PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $16 $10 at Amazon Whether they fill it with pens and pencils or use it as a toiletry bag, teachers will appreciate the versatility of this pouch. It’s made from waterproof leather that can easily be wiped clean and is available in nine colors. Gift it plain or with an added monogram letter. L.L.Bean Boat and Tote Bag PHOTO: L.L. Bean $35 at Zappos $35 at L.L.Bean Back to school isn’t complete without a new bag to carry books and school supplies in, and L.L.Bean’s signature Boat and Tote bag is a classic. Handmade from heavyweight canvas, this tote has been tested to hold up to 500 pounds and has reinforced handles and double-stitched seams. It can also be embroidered with a teacher’s initials, name, or grade to give it a personal touch. Uncommon Goods Desk Yoga Card Deck PHOTO: Uncommon Goods Orig. $20 $18 at Amazon $20 at Uncommon Goods View on Barnesandnoble.com Whether they need to stretch after sitting at their desk for too long or need some quiet after a stressful day, this deck of 52 yoga practices will help them reset. Each card features a positive mantra to keep in mind and a different stretch or meditation to try. It also includes a helpful guide with recommendations for cards to use whether you feel tired, have a headache, or need to mellow out. Uncommon Goods Potted Felt Flowers PHOTO: Uncommon Goods View on Uncommon Goods Flowers are a beautiful gift to thank teachers for all they do, but the downside is that they only last a few days. These felt flowers, however, will last the school year and more. Choose from handmade sunflower, dahlia, or poppy to add some color to their classroom, and thank them for helping your student grow. Chronicle Books 500-Piece Puzzle PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $19 $17 at Amazon View on Barnesandnoble.com View on Chroniclebooks.com English teachers, librarians, and book lovers will appreciate this puzzle showcasing books from diverse authors. Not only will it give them a fun and relaxing activity to do after work, but with over 60 titles included in the puzzle, they’ll get inspired to add new books to their to-be-read pile. The box is also shaped like a book, so it can be displayed on a shelf next to their other literary favorites. Ember Mug 2 PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $130 $89 at Amazon View on Nordstrom $150 at Wayfair Busy teachers may experience the bummer of their hot coffee going cold—that’s where a temperature-controlled mug comes in. The Ember Mug keeps coffee between 120°F and 145°F depending on their preferred temperature, which can be set using the Ember app. It also has an automatic shut off feature, so they don’t have to worry about draining the battery once they’ve finished their coffee. Sugarfina Gummy Candy Bento Box PHOTO: Bloomingdale's View on Sugarfina.com View on Bloomingdales $22 at Macy's If the teacher on your list has a sweet tooth, treat them to this trio of candies from Sugarfina. The set comes in a beautiful gift box and includes peach, strawberry, and sour-flavored gummy candies. You could also split up the set and give one candy to three teachers. Beskar Rechargeable Hand Warmer PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon Make recess a little more enjoyable during colder months with a rechargeable hand warmer. Unlike disposable hand warmers, this one provides six to 12 hours of warmth and can be used over and over again. It heats up to 131°F and fits comfortably in the palm of your hand or coat pocket. Vitruvi Stone Essential Oil Diffuser PHOTO: Amazon $123 at Amazon $123 at Nordstrom $123 at Parachute Whether they want their classroom to smell good or boost their mood with aromatherapy, teachers will love this essential oil diffuser. Unlike candles that have an open flame, it’s safe to use at school or home and can be set to run for four or eight hours. Bentgo Lunch Box PHOTO: Amazon $15 at Amazon $15 at Target Orig. $17 $15 at Walmart Students aren’t the only ones who need a lunch bag for school. This one has two food compartments to separate hot and cold foods, and there’s another compartment for the included utensils. The containers are microwave- and dishwasher-safe. Express Pencils Personalized Pencils PHOTO: Amazon $15 at Amazon View on Walmart Teachers will never have to worry about students stealing their pencils again, thanks to these personalized ones. The set includes 12 pencils available in 31 colors, including an assorted variety pack. Customization is included with up to 55 characters (including spaces) to add a teacher’s name or a fun phrase. Erin Condren Teacher Record Book PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon View on Erincondren.com This record book will help teachers keep track of important information such as attendance, grades, and assignments. It comes in two sizes with six cover designs to choose from. Touchland Hand Sanitizer Spray, Fresh 3-Pack PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon These adorable sanitizers will help teachers keep their hands clean on the go. The moisturizing formula uses aloe vera and essential oils, so you don't have to worry about them drying their hands out. They’re also vegan and cruelty-free, and each container provides 500 sprays. CraveBox Healthy Snack Box PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon View on Cravebox.com Keep teachers’ snack drawers filled with this box of 35 munchies. It includes fruit snacks, granola bars, and popcorn for them to enjoy whenever they need a quick bite to eat. Zebra Pen Journaling Set PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $30 $13 at Amazon View on Papersource.com Teachers can never have too many pens, and they’ll love this colorful set for writing notes or grading. The pack includes seven double-ended highlighters and seven retractable gel pens with non-smearing ink. L’Occitane Hand Cream Classics 3-Piece Set PHOTO: Ulta $33 at Amazon $33 at Nordstrom $33 at Sephora Grading papers and using hand sanitizer can seriously dry out teachers’ hands, so treat them to this set of hand creams. They’re made with 100% organic, fair-trade shea butter and are free from parabens, phthalates, and silicones. The small travel size also makes them perfect to keep in their desk, work bag, or car. Belkin Power Bank PHOTO: Amazon $70 at Amazon View on Belkin.com Teachers use their fair share of devices, and this power bank will make sure they stay charged all day long. With both a lightning cable and a USB-C cable, they can charge two devices at the same time with up to 31 hours of additional power. Scotch TL901X Thermal Laminator PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $36 $31 at Amazon $31 at Target View on Walmart This user-friendly laminator is a thoughtful gift for teachers, giving them an easy way to keep flashcards and important documents looking fresh and durable. Plus, it’s a gift that keeps on giving, saving them time and money by extending the life of their resources. Duncan & Stone Teacher Memory Book PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon View on Etsy View on Duncanandstone.com Teachers can capture all their favorite moments of the school year with this linen-bound hardcover journal. It contains 130 pages with five sections to fill out, including a class roster, student quotes and stories, and end-of-year reflection. They’ll love looking back on all the photos and memories for years to come. Knock Knock Why You're the Best Teacher Ever Book PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon View on Knockknockstuff.com View on Barnesandnoble.com For a thoughtful gift your child’s teacher will cherish, this fill-in-the-blank journal is a great option. With 112 pages of writing prompts, children can share their favorite things about their teacher. Phomemo D30 PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $58 $30 at Amazon View on Walmart A label maker makes a great gift for teachers who love to keep their classroom organized, and this one is small and compact enough to store in a desk drawer. It connects to an app with pre-designed templates, frames, and fonts to choose from. It also uses thermal printing, so they’ll never have to worry about running out of ink. My Space Organizers Acrylic Marble Desk Organizer PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $40 $30 at Amazon View on Walmart Organization is key for teachers, especially for their desks. This organizer features nine compartments for them to store everything including notebooks, pens, and paperclips without taking up too much space. Milk Bar Sampler PHOTO: Milk Bar $60 at Milkbarstore.com Treat teachers to this box of classic sweets from Milk Bar. Packaged in a giftable tin, this sampler pack includes individually packaged truffles, cookies, and pie. Levoit Core 300 True HEPA Air Purifier PHOTO: Amazon $100 at Amazon $100 at Wayfair $100 at Target This air purifier will help filter allergens and pollutants from the air, giving teachers and students a clean environment to work and learn. Its QuietKeap technology reduces noise so it’s not distracting during class. Cricut Joy PHOTO: Target Orig. $149 $140 at Amazon $169 at Wayfair $149 at Target Teachers spend a lot of time crafting for their classrooms, and this cutting machine will help them create custom designs. It comes with 30 preloaded images and cuts over 50 materials, including cardstock and vinyl. It’s also portable, so they can take their projects from home to school. Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens PHOTO: Amazon $20 at Amazon View on Walmart These pens are a teacher favorite for good reason. They’re made with water-based ink so they won’t bleed through paper and are smear- and fade-resistant. This pack comes with 24 vibrant colors. Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Eucalyptus Spearmint Gift Bag Set PHOTO: Bath & Body Works $39 at Amazon View on Bathandbodyworks.com This aromatherapy set will help teachers unwind after a busy day. The collection comes with essential oil mist, hydrating body cream, and foaming hand soap made from rejuvenating eucalyptus and spearmint oil. A decorative gift bag is included. lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag PHOTO: lululemon $50 at Amazon $38 at Lululemon This bag will take teachers from recess during the week to running errands on the weekends. It’s the perfect size to hold all the necessities—phone, wallet, keys—and comes in 18 colors. Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Throw PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $158 $127 at Amazon $158 at Nordstrom $158 at Zappos Whether they have a drafty classroom or want to curl up on the couch after a long day, teachers will love this cozy throw blanket. It’s super soft, made from 100% polyester microfiber, and is a Real Simple editor favorite. Cheroloven Teacher Affirmation Cards PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $13 $10 at Amazon We all know how important teachers are, but sometimes they can use a little reminder. Each of the 30 affirmation cards in this deck has a positive message to help teachers reduce stress and remember the pivotal role they play in their students’ lives. The kit also includes a wooden card holder so teachers can display the affirmations on their desk. Sprout Wood-Cased Pencils PHOTO: Amazon $15 at Amazon View on Walmart Pencils are a school supply staple, but these aren’t your average pencils. Each one contains a cellulose capsule filled with seeds that can be planted once you’re finished using it. Each pack contains eight pencils with a variety of flower, herb, and vegetable seeds to grow. Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler PHOTO: Amazon $35 at Amazon $45 at Nordstrom View on Target Stanley tumblers have been popular among students, but teachers enjoy them, too. The double-wall vacuum insulation helps cold drinks stay cold and hot drinks stay hot for hours. They come in five size options and a variety of colors and feature a comfort-grip handle. Courant Catch:3 Essentials Wireless Charging Tray PHOTO: Pottery Barn $100 at Amazon $100 at Target $100 at Pottery Barn Ideal for teachers who juggle numerous tasks and tech, this charging station will keep their workspace organized and their devices ready for the day. It features a charging area compatible with Apple and Android products as well as a catch-all tray to store keys or other everyday items. It’s available in linen or leather finishes and seven colors. Uncommon Goods Library Card Socks PHOTO: Uncommon Goods $12 at Uncommon Goods View on Outofprint.com View on Sockologie.com Celebrate your favorite bookworm with these socks that look like empty library cards. Available in small and large, they’ll fit most men’s and women’s shoe sizes. Pink Pueblo 2 Personalized Male Teacher Rubber Stamp PHOTO: Etsy $27 at Etsy View on Pinkpueblo.com Take personalized gifts to the next level with a handmade stamp modeled after your child’s teacher. Select from different hairstyles and accessories to create a customized stamp that also features their name. Choose from black, green, blue, purple, pink, or red ink. Homedics Cordless Shiatsu Massage Pillow PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $80 $51 at Amazon $80 at Target $80 at Best Buy Teaching can be a physically demanding job with long hours of standing and keeping up with students. Give the gift of muscle relief with this massage pillow, which has three speed settings and a warming option to melt away neck, back, and shoulder pain. Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $100 $60 at Amazon $90 at Wayfair Orig. $90 $60 at Target For the teacher who relies on coffee to get them through the day, an in-classroom coffee maker is a must. Its compact size makes it ideal for keeping just about anywhere—just grab some K-Cups or a mug to go with it. Tile Mate Tracker PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $25 $18 at Amazon View on Walmart View on Tile.com If you know a teacher who’s constantly misplacing their keys or school ID, Tile Mate is an ideal gift. All they have to do is attach this Bluetooth tracking device to their belongings to keep tabs on their whereabouts using the Tile app. If they ever misplace their phone, they’ll also be able to find it by pressing the button on the Tile to make their phone ring. F in Exams PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $11 $7 at Amazon $9 at Uncommon Goods View on Barnesandnoble.com Teachers will enjoy a laugh at this compilation of 250 hilariously wrong test answers. With excerpts from exams across a variety of subjects, such as chemistry, math, history, geography, and English, it’s sure to resonate with any teacher. Burt’s Bees Hand Repair Gift Set PHOTO: Amazon $15 at Amazon $15 at Walmart View on Burtsbees.com Winter can be tough on hands, but this set from Burt’s Bees includes everything teachers need to keep their skin soft and smooth. It includes two hand creams and a cuticle cream, all made from natural ingredients, along with cotton gloves to help lock in moisture. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB PHOTO: Amazon $150 at Amazon Orig. $150 $133 at Target $150 at Best Buy For the bookworm on your list, an Amazon Kindle will let them carry their favorite books from home to the classroom, all on one device. The Paperwhite lasts for 10 weeks on a single charge, is waterproof, and comes in three different colors: agave, black, and denim. Gift it along with a case or a Kindle Unlimited subscription. Marshall Emberton II Bluetooth Speaker PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $170 $120 at Amazon $170 at Nordstrom $170 at Target For the music teacher (or music-loving teacher) on your list, enhance their listening experience with this portable Bluetooth speaker. Whether they’re playing their favorite songs at home or using it for a dance break with their students, they’ll enjoy the speaker’s 30+ hours of battery life on a single charge. It’s dust- and water-resistant, so it’s safe to use outdoors. Spafinder Gift Card PHOTO: Amazon $50 at Amazon $50 at Target View on Spafinder.com Give teachers the gift of relaxation and self-care with a trip to the spa. Rather than giving them a gift card to a specific location, a Spafinder gift card allows the recipient to choose from a service at any participating location near them. DoorDash Gift Card PHOTO: Amazon $25 at Amazon $25 at Walmart View on Doordash.com After a long day of work and a late night of grading papers, teachers will appreciate the gift of ordering in dinner rather than having to cook for themselves. Amazon Gift Card PHOTO: Amazon $50 at Amazon With so many teachers making Amazon wish lists for their classrooms, an Amazon gift card will help them make sure they get everything they need. If they aren’t in need of school supplies, they can still shop other Amazon products or buy themselves a Prime membership or Kindle Unlimited subscription. Questions You Might Ask How much should I spend on a teacher? There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to how much you should spend on a gift, as it depends on the gift giver’s budget. However, Kenney says $20 to $25 is an appropriate amount. If you’re looking to give a more expensive gift, Kenney and Delaune recommend splitting the cost with multiple people. What is the most popular gift for teachers? The most popular gifts for teachers are those that combine practicality and personalization. Classroom essentials such as notepads or pencils can be personalized with their name to make a thoughtful gift that they’ll get plenty of use out of. Is a gift card a good teacher gift? Delaune and Kenney both agree that teachers appreciate receiving gift cards. They also recommend giving gift cards along with another smaller item or a handwritten note or picture drawn by the student to make the gift feel more personal. What gifts should you not get a teacher? When giving a gift to a teacher, it’s best to stay away from anything too personal such as alcohol, clothing, or candles. What time of year should you get a teacher a gift? While teachers never expect it, the best times of year to give them a gift are at the beginning of the school year, the end of the school year, and during the holidays. What are the items that teachers need most? Teachers often spend their own money on school supplies, so gifting them extra markers, pens, or pencils will ensure that they’re stocked up for the school year. Delaune also notes that teachers don’t have a lot of time for lunch during the day, so a food delivery gift card makes a great gift, too. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Christine Winder, a contributing writer for Real Simple with years of experience writing lifestyle content and shopping roundups. She spent hours researching popular gifts for teachers and talked with gifting experts Julie Kenney and Eden Delaune for advice on how to find gifts teachers will truly love.