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The 85 Best Gifts For Teachers To Show Your Appreciation

The holiday season is here, and it’s natural to want to find a special gift for our children’s teachers. After all, they spend hours and hours guiding and shaping the next generation. The best gifts for teachers honor these everyday heroes who toil daily for an audience that isn’t always as appreciative as they could be. If you want to celebrate them but aren’t sure where to start, we spoke to a handful of educators to round up a thoughtful selection of presents that can be personalized and tailored to their individual interests.

“Gift cards are great, because you get to choose something you’d like to buy, now or in the future,” adds preschool teacher Ashley Houston in Delaware. “I saved my gift cards to buy décor for my house.” Some schools will send out information at the beginning of the year or around the holidays that list out teachers’ favorite things, and Houston recommends holding onto that and using it as a guide when shopping. “It makes the teacher feel heard and appreciated,” she says, especially when you buy something they’ve already said that they like.

After chatting with a handful of teachers and perusing the wish lists from the educators in our lives, we’ve put together this curated list of the very best gifts for teachers to thank them for all their hard work.

The Best Gifts For Teachers At A Glance

The Best Gifts For Teachers

Best Gifts For Teachers Under $20

For The Teacher That Likes To Rock Out

Electric Guitar Stud Earrings

Ideal for music teachers or that sweet kindergarten teacher who always breaks into song, these cute guitar studs will be worn on repeat. Choose from sterling silver or gold metals; both come in a pretty velvet case.


A Sweet Gift Card Holder

Holiday Chocolate Truffles Gift Card Holder

Planning to go the gift card route? Sweeten the deal with this unique gift card holder. It features four truffles in dark, white and milk chocolate, along with a spot to write a brief note. Slip your gift card in front, sign the box and you’re all set.


An Under $10 Book That’ll Make Them LOL

F In Exams Book

Whether you’re on a budget or want a small add-on to round out your gift, you can’t go wrong with this F In Exams book, which “celebrates the creative side of failure.”


A Mug With A Meaningful Message

Threshold You're Doing Great Mug

This stoneware mug looks more expensive than it actually is, and is decorated with a much-needed pep talk for hardworking teachers. With a 15-ounce capacity, they can fill it up with plenty of coffee, tea or other beverage of choice.


These Plants Don't Need Water

U Brands Succulent Magnets

Plants are great, but they require TLC—and your teacher is already funneling plenty of that into students. These magnets look like succulents for a pretty effect, but require zero maintenance.


Geography Lesson In A Glass

True Zoo U Ice of A Silicone Ice Cube Tray

Take your teacher’s drink of choice to the next level with this geography-themed ice cube tray. The tray has slots for every state in the continental U.S., creating a functional conversation starters after a stay in the freezer. This is crafted from silicone, making it easy to pop out the icy states.


A Meaningful Gift Card

Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Card

Want to help a teacher with the cost of school supplies? Give a gift card from Teachers Pay Teachers, a marketplace where educators share, sell and buy original teaching resources. Cards can be redeemed for lesson plans, worksheets, assessments and more.


A Cute Breakfast Courtesy Of You

Dash Mini Waffle Maker

Mini waffles are hard to resist—and this bestselling maker has a small price tag to match. Dash offers a range of different colors and patterns, so you can find one that’s just right for your teacher. Each one cranks out waffles that are just 4 inches in diameter.


Cheery Bookends To Organize Their Classroom

Acrimet Premium Metal Bookends

These cheery and functional metal bookends come in a range of hues sure to brighten up any teacher’s day. They can use them in the reading corner to keep books accessible or just for organizing all those papers and binders around the classroom.


Help Keep Their Counters Clean

Genuine Fred Sauced Up Ravioli Spoon Rest

Home Economics teachers and pasta-lovers alike will flip over this spoon rest. The 4 x 4 inch holder looks like a ravioli for playful kitchen décor. The silicone faux pasta is even dishwasher safe for easy clean-up.


A Gift Card For Themselves

Target Gift Card

Because you can’t go wrong with a gift card: Target allows you to load up a card with whatever price you prefer and even deliver it via email. Target is a great option for teachers because it has supplies they may need for class, plus the retail giant is also packed with great home, clothing and personal care items, so your teacher can splurge on themselves.


Express Gratitude In Your Own Words

Knock Knock Why You're the Best Teacher Ever Book

Have a teacher in mind who’s really impacted your child’s life? Let your kiddo say it in their own words (with helpful prompts) with one of Knock Knock’s fan-favorite “fill in the love” books. This one is called Why You’re The Best Teacher Ever. One warning: It may induce teacher tears.


Dinnerware With The Force

Light-Up Lightsaber Chopsticks

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a teacher who doesn’t think these light-up lightsaber chopsticks are cool, whether they’re a Star Wars fanatic or not. Made of BPA-free plastic, they turn on and off with the push of a button. If you want to really splash out (or pick up a set for yourself), you can also purchase a two-, three- or four-pack.


Flowers With A Built-In Message

Thank You Daisies Grow Kit

This simple flower-growing kit comes with its own terra-cotta pot. It has seeds, the planter and a coconut filter to help the plant self-water and drain. We think pretty packaging is so pretty that you don’t need additional gift wrap.


This Greeting Card Has A Hidden Message

Hallmark Personalized Video Holiday Card

Greeting cards are a great way to celebrate the holiday season, but this option from Hallmark comes with a cool twist: Your child can record a video message that their teacher views by simply scanning an included QR code. At $6, it’s on par price-wise with most greeting cards, but is much more memorable.


Best Gifts For Teachers Under $30

A Heartfelt Candle

Coffee & Motivation Teaching Is A Work Of Heart Candle

Designed by the aptly named company Coffee & Motivation, the label on this hand-poured candle says it all with heartfelt appreciation. Choose from five scents with tantalizing names like “Smells Really Good” and “Best Spa Day Ever.”


A Coffee Pod Holder That Doubles As Décor

Ototo Coffee Shop Coffee Pod Holder

Coffee pods are a quick and easy way to get a hit of caffeine, but organizing them can be tricky. This coffee pod holder can house up to 25 pods at once, with a sweet home design to brighten up your teacher’s coffee station or desk.


An Instagram-Ready Cup

Chasing Y Camera Lens Coffee Mug

This gift is ready-made for an art or photography teacher, or anyone who likes to spend their time making photos. The insulated stainless steel mug looks exactly like a professional camera lens, complete with a clear cap-slash-lid.


A Tea Towel With An Important Message

Teacher Appreciation Dish Towel

Get your message across with this adorable dish towel. The towel is decorated with pencils that read “No. 1 teacher,” plus the heartfelt message: “How sweet it is to be taught by you.” While it may not be a top choice for high school teachers, it’s perfect for elementary and preschool educators.


A Quirky Twist On A Household Staple

Duomuo Retro Record Coasters

Coasters are a must for anyone looking to preserve the life of their table. This set has a fun vinyl record theme—a set of record-shaped coasters are housed in a mini faux record player. It’s a great fit for a music teacher or anyone who loves their classic jams.


Brew Tea In Seconds With These Bagless Teas

Tea Drops Beginner's Tea Sampler

Teachers and tea are a natural pairing, making this Tea Drops sampler a sweet token of appreciation. Tea Drops are made of organic ground teas that dissolve in water for easy bagless brewing. (As explained by the site, “like a bath bomb, except it’s tea!”) This sampler comes in a sleek wooden box that makes a great little trinket holder once the teas are gone.


The Gift Of Caffeine

Starbucks $25 Gift Card

Teachers need a lot of energy to get through their days. You can choose from a range of styles with a Starbucks gift card—whatever look you go for, the idea is the same. Your favorite teacher will give you a mental cheers when pre-work coffees are on you.


A Fun Option For The Hogwarts Fan

Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle Ice Mold

Help your teacher chill out with these cool ice molds. Each creates an intricate model of the famous wizardry school from Harry Potter to elevate any drink. The flexible BPA-free silicone molds make it easy to get the ice shapes out.


Remember A Treat For Their Best Friend

Wild One Tennis Tumble Puzzle Toy For Dogs

If you know their best bud walks on four legs, then a posh treat, collar and lead or this fun puzzle toy from Wild One might be the most thoughtful teacher gift. After all, it shows you’re paying attention to the VIPs in their life, not just your child.


Aromatherapy On The Go In Delicious Scents

Scentered Escape Aromatherapy Essential Oils Balm Stick

We could all use a dose of serenity, but maybe especially teachers. These essential oil sticks can be rolled on before bed, or just between class periods, to help anyone find a moment of zen. It’s the perfect pocket-size gift for teachers.


They've Never Seen A Vase Like This

Ban.do Vintage Inspired Rise and Shine Vase

This fun vase is shaped like a container of orange juice for a quirky way to display floral arrangements. It’s bright and sunny, just like your favorite teacher.


Relieve Tension After A Hard Day

Prosourcefit Ki Acupressure Mat And Pillow Set

Multiple Vetted shopping editors swear by this acupressure mat for end-of-day relief from all those neck cricks and back pains that come with working at a desk and standing at the whiteboard. Lie directly on the mat, and it goes straight to work helping those knots to let go. It might be just the right pick for your overworked, multitasking teacher, too.


Moisturizing Bath Bombs For A Moment Of Quiet

Zenbombs Bath Bombs Gift Set

Bath bombs are fun, no matter your age. This set of 20 bombs is crafted with shea butter and essential oils for a pampering experience every time. Your teacher can choose from 10 different scents, all artfully arranged in a cute box.


A Lunch Bag That Looks Cool

Carhartt Insulated Two Compartment Lunch Cooler

Carhartt is known for creating rugged gear that lasts, and this insulated lunch bag is no exception. It’s water repellent and has enough room for a six-pack, just in case your favorite teacher wants to use it after-hours. It includes a separate top compartment that’s also insulated and front zippered pouch for holding utensils, crackers and more.


This Collapsible Popcorn Maker Pops The Perfect Snack

W&P Microwave Silicone Popper Maker

This collapsible popcorn maker packs up flat, so teachers can tuck it into a backpack and then use it in the lounge when that craving calls, or keep it stored at home for movie night. I have one—it’s a cinch to clean and has popped my corn perfectly every time.


A Pretty Jewelry Box That Goes Everywhere

Benevolence LA Plush Velvet Travel Jewelry Organizer Box

This best-selling box has a slew of compartments to store jewelry, including seven slot rolls, three rectangular divisions and an earring compartment. It even has a built-in mirror. Choose from 13 different shades.


Best Gifts For Teachers Under $50

This Viral Tumbler Keeps Drinks Cold For An Entire Workday

Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler

Working on their feet and talking all day, teachers are definitely a profession that needs to hydrate. Snagging them one of the perpetually out-of-stock 40-ounce Stanley Tumblers would certainly make for one of the best gifts for teachers. The 90% recycled stainless steel cup has ergonomic handles, fits in a car cup holder and keeps drinks hot for seven hours and cold for 11 hours, so they can fill it with their fuel of choice.


Self Care That Smells Amazing

Old Whaling Co Assorted Bath Bombs

This set of four bath bombs from Old Whaling Co. comes in fun boxes that will look great tossed into a gift bag or tied up with a bow. Each features one of the brand’s signature scents, including Coastal Calm, French Lavender, Sea La Vie and Seaweed and Sea Salt.


Put These On Just About Anything

MOST POPULAR

Momofuku Seasoned Salts 3-Pack

Momofuku has earned a huge fan base for its delicious foods and cooking products—and this three-pack of seasoning salts is a favorite. It features three different flavored salts (spicy, savory and tingly) designed to be used to elevate a range of meats and vegetables. Each jar is a generous size and looks nice sitting out.


An Ornament With A Hidden Message

Your Name in a Snowflake Ornament

At first glance, this is an ordinary snowflake ornament. But the wooden design is actually composed of any name you choose. Design it around your teacher’s name, the word “teacher” or just “thanks.” Whatever you choose, they’ll appreciate the originality.


An Extra Chic Tea Kettle

Chantal Vintage Teakettle

Speaking of tea, your favorite teacher may need a chic vessel to brew some up. This vintage-inspired tea kettle from Chantal is just the pot for the job, featuring a timeless style that looks great on any stovetop or table.


A Delicious Room Diffuser For Unwinding After Class

Editor’s Pick

Brooklyn Candle Studio Love Potion Reed Diffuser

With one whiff of Brooklyn Candle Studio’s Love Potion Reed Diffuser, the lucky recipient will want to take it home. And that’s OK, because its dreamy scent will set the tone for their after-school oasis where they can kick up their feet and finally exhale.


An At-Home Foot Massage

Curecure Foot Spa Bath Massager

With 16 non-motorized massage rollers and a jacuzzi-like bubbling function, this heated foot massager gives teachers some well-deserved pampering. Plus, it will help relieve some of those daily aches and pains that can come with standing on your feet all day.


These Cozy Booties Can Be Warmed In The Microwave

Warmies Gray Marshmallow Boots

Your gift recipient can pop these slippers into the microwave and then sink their feet into a pair of these soothingly warmed up booties. One of our home editors even declared these slipper boots a new mom must-have, but we think they also make the perfect self-care teacher gift, particularly after a long day of standing. You can also chill them.


A Crowdpleaser Of A Board Game For Quiet Nights In

Settlers Of Catan Board Game

Whether your teacher keeps it in the classroom or plays at home, this popular family board game is a great way to flex those strategic thinking muscles away from screens. It’s a crowdpleaser and a fun way to pass the time as you compete to build cities and acquire resources.


A Chic Reusable Tote

Clevermade Snapbasket Luxe

This reusable tote can take teachers from home to school to the grocery store with no issue. It features a reinforced bottom and structured feel to hold plenty of gear. It also comes in a range of patterns, from herringbone to a cheetah print.


A Lotion Trio Soothes Dry Hands

L'Occitane Hand Cream Trio

Frequent hand-washing is necessary with all the germs flying around classrooms, and that can leave teachers with seriously dry skin. This set from L'Occitane boasts three thick hand creams in different scents: shea butter, almond and lavender. It comes in a beautiful box, so there’s no need to wrap it. Coaches who train with kids outside will appreciate this gift, too.


A Slim, Indestructible Wallet

Rains Folded Wallet

This slim but stylish wallet will keep all their essential cards and passes organized in its waterproof exterior. Forbes Vetted named this streamlined wallet as one of the best slim wallet picks available: our tester called it indestructible and declared it “perfect for throwing in your backpack, traveling on the go and living an adventure-filled life.”


A Desk Organizer That’s Pretty And Practical

Rifle Paper Co. Garden Party Tackle Box

Leave it to Rifle Paper Co. to deliver the prettiest way to stay organized. The Garden Party Tackle Box will brighten up (and help tidy) any teacher’s desk or drawer. Cute office supplies are included.


An Ideal Mini Labeler For The Classroom

Phomemo D30 Label Maker Machine

This mini labeler, beloved by one of Vetted’s tech editors, will help them keep everything organized in the classroom—and ensure all items are returned, too. It’ll also save their hands from another round of writing, and it’s currently on sale.


These Cute Pouches To Organize Their Day

Baggu Go Pouch Set: Sunshine Fruit

Baggu’s Go Pouch Set comes in a slew of cool and fun patterns. Each zippered pouch is made from recycled heavyweight nylon and is perfect to help your favorite teacher get organized. The set comes with a small, medium and large pouch.


A Three-Pack Succulent Pick-Me-Up For Homeroom

Succulent Plants

Studies have shown that indoor plants help reduce stress and improve productivity, so some greenery could prove to be a useful gift. This succulent three-pack is a low-maintenance option that will help make the atmosphere in the classroom more pleasant—or at least a bit more green.


An Insulated Multipurpose Mug For Anytime

YETI Rambler 14-Ounce Mug

This YETI mug is perfect for transporting coffee, chili or soup, doubling as a drink-holder or lunch container. It’s double-walled and vacuum-sealed to keep everything at the right temperature, and the sliding lid prevents things from sloshing out during active days.


This Sweet And Savory Gift Basket

Stonewall Kitchen Sampler Gift Basket

With six jars, it’ll be easy for teachers to share these treats with a crowd over the holidays. Of course, they might also appreciate opening a jar at a time as a special solo spread. The New England-themed gift basket from the delicious, Maine-based Stonewall Kitchen includes its iconic Wild Maine Blueberry jam, as well as two more jams, two mustards and a red pepper jelly.


An Organizer To Keep Essentials Tidy

My Space Organizers Desk Organizer

Teachers have a lot of stuff to keep track of each day. Help your educator get sorted with this handy organizer. It features nine compartments to house pencils, pens, scissors, sticky notes, paper clips and more, in one tidy spot. Choose from four finishes, including a cool marble look.


A White Noise Machine To Block Out Recess

Lectrofan High Fidelity White Noise Machine

It can be tough to get through planning period when recess, lunch, maybe construction and other school noises are happening outside your door. Help your favorite teacher block out external sounds with this popular white noise machine. It offers 20 fan and white noise sounds, along with a timer to shut it off when class is back in session.


A Craft Coffeemaker

Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker

Coffee fans love Chemex’s glass coffeemaker for its ease of use and ability to make a smooth, clean brew. This coffeemaker is made from non-porous Borosilicate glass with a special design that allows the user to cover the top and refrigerate and reheat the coffee on demand without losing flavor. The lathed wooden collar protects fingers and looks chic.


A New Book Of Possibilities

Joy Hardcover Notebook

A fresh journal shows people who love to write you care. This hardcover journal from Papier comes in several pretty shades and offers free personalization. Just add their name or a special message before ordering.


A Sweet Treat They’ll Savor

Milk Bar The Cookie Faves Tin

In case you haven’t heard (or tasted), Milk Bar cookies are the best. This pack contains three of each of the brand’s mega-popular cookie flavors: Compost cookies, Cornflake Chocolate Chip Marshmallow, Chocolate Confetti cookies and regular Confetti. They arrive packaged and ready to gift.


Best Gifts For Teachers Under $75

A Salty Serving Platter

Williams Sonoma Himalayan Salt Plank with Holder

Foodie teachers will appreciate this Himalayan salt plank, which is surprisingly versatile. It can be used to sear seafood and meat on the grill, or chilled and used as a flavorful platter for vegetables and cheese. It comes with its own holder with angled handles for easy carrying.


Caffeinated Chocolate For A Convenient Jolt

Awake Caffeinated Chocolate Bites (50-Pack)

For the teacher who runs on caffeine (who can blame them?), these caffeinated bites are a fun and unexpected gift. Each adorable owl-shaped chocolate has the same amount of caffeine as half a cup of coffee, making them ideal for stashing in a bag or pocket for those times when guzzling more java just isn’t an option.


This Mini Coffee Maker Is Petite But Powerful

Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker

Keep your favorite teacher fueled and ready for what’s ahead with this single-serve coffee maker. At just 5 inches wide, it’s petite enough to perch on a desk or shelf without being obvious. It also brews cups from 6 to 12 ounces.


A Handy Tool For Green Thumbs

Gardener's Harvest Basket

Teachers who like to garden will love this harvest basket. It has a wire mesh body for maximum breathability and ease of cleaning. You choose a personalized or non-personalized version, with up to two lines of text.


Perfect For Dink Shots

On Holiday Pickleball Paddle

Give the gift of America’s new favorite pastime. On Holiday’s pickleball paddle comes in an attention-grabbing style that looks pretty on and off the court. The grip is sweat-proof and designed to hold up well, even when used by the most intense players.


A Tabletop Flame That's Begging For S'mores

Solo Stove Cinder

Solo Stove, the company behind the popular smokeless fire pits, just launched a tabletop version called the Cinder. This mini pit is designed to be used indoors and is powered by smokeless gel fuel. Your favorite teacher can use it to create an ambience or to even roast s’mores inside whenever the weather is subpar.


A Festive Holiday Beauty Set

Sephora Favorites Holiday Makeup Must Haves

This sweet set from Sephora is like a getaway in a bag. It features a slew of products to pamper the skin. The whole thing comes in a pouch that’s so cute, you won’t need to gift wrap it.


A Duo Of Pampering Essentials

Black-Owned

Ornami Skincare Bestie Combo

In addition to offering sumptuous self-care products, Ornami’s packaging is undeniably fun. Grab the Bestie Combo for your favorite teacher who’ll enjoy exfoliating with the “No Scrubs” body scrub and then slathering on some “Let That Mango” body butter after a long day at school.


A Skincare Kit To Protect Against The Sun

Supergoop Travel Glow Kit

Supergoop’s set features three of the brand’s glow-enhancing products for the face and body—all with SPF protection. You’ll get the Glow Screen Body Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40, Glow Screen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 and full-size Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF 50, so they can stay protected during days off or just during recess duty.


Attention-Grabbing Serving Dishes

Majolica Salsa Turtles (Set of 3)

These sweet turtle dishes are perfect for sauces and small sides. Each features a unique pattern your favorite teacher will love. Bonus: They can also hold school supplies, like paperclips and erasers, if your recipient prefers to keep them in the classroom.


A Special Holder For Books And More

Book Nook Reading Valet

Downtime is crucial for teachers, and this cool valet makes it a pampering experience. It features dedicated spots for a mug and glasses, along with a triangle to hold their page. It’s also lightweight enough to move from place to place in the house.


A Luxe Leather Clutch

Gives Back

Parker Clay Abeba Leather Envelope Bag

Every teacher deserves a little luxury, and this handcrafted leather envelop clutch is an upgraded essential. Suitable for anything from stashing in a suitcase to completing a night-out ensemble, it’s extremely versatile. But here’s the best part: Parker Clay offers dignified employment and training for at-risk women in Ethiopia. Each purchase helps support their salaries.


A Smart Speaker For Music—Or Just Keeping Everyone On Task

Echo Dot (5th Gen) With Clock

A smart speaker might feel like a splurge at first, but Amazon continues to drop the prices on its Echo smart speakers. The petite Dot can play music, podcasts, keep everyone on task with timers and it now displays the time, which is handy for any teacher’s room.


The Perfect Necklace For Someone Special

Rowan Butterfly Pavé Necklace

Show your favorite teacher that you appreciate her talents with this butterfly necklace. It’s vintage-inspired and hypoallergenic, so you don’t have to worry about irritation. Made of gold vermeil and sterling silver, the necklace looks expensive, but it’s less than $75.


Best Gifts For Teachers Under $100

A Spa-Like Experience They Can Enjoy Again And Again

Brooklinen Super-Plush Robe

Help your teacher unwind at the end of the day with this luxurious robe. It’s made from combed long-staple Turkish cotton for an incredibly soft, spa-like feel. The robe also has roomy pockets for storing the essentials. Choose from a range of neutral shades.


A Quick Way To Capture Memories

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera

Classrooms are fleeting and teachers often want to capture memories of the school year along the way. This bestselling camera creates high-quality instant photos that can be used for classroom collages or whatever your teacher enjoys in their off-duty time. There’s even a built-in mirror for self-portraits. Choose from a range of pretty finishes.


A Viral Clothing Press To Ease The Morning Rush

The Nori Press

Does anyone have time to iron these days? Treat your bestie teacher friend with this viral, handheld wrinkle destroyer. It steams or presses clothing with six fabric settings, so they can always look fresh.


A Yoga Mat That Travels Easily

Alo Warrior Mat

Whether your teacher is a weekend yoga warrior or just likes fitness, this yoga mat will be appreciated. It’s generous in size, anti-odor and moisture-repellent to keep the user from turning into a sweaty mess. The mat is also non-toxic and PVC-free.


A Sleek Schoolbag

Dare To Roam Prodigy Backpack

Teachers need cool backpacks, too. Made from ethically sourced nylon, this antimicrobial backpack will help prevent the spread of bacteria, mold and germs. It features roomy compartments that are ideal for stowing work and travel essentials and is available in eight chic colors.


A Tote That’s Perfect For School Gear

Mali + Lili Estie Recycled Vegan Leather Tote

This faux leather tote is roomy enough to hold school essentials like folders, papers to grade, a water bottle and comfortable flats, but it’s sleek enough to use for just about anything. It comes with a matching wristlet, too.


A Cozy Shrug For Chilly Classrooms

Ugg Orla Wrap Cardigan

If the classroom has air conditioning, odds are high it gets freezing at some point. This drape jacket from Ugg is made from the brand’s signature cozy fleece and is neutral enough to be tossed over just about any outfit when the need strikes.


An Air Purifier To Filter Out Gunk

Levoit Air Purifier Core 300

It’s no secret that classrooms are full of dirt, dust and all kinds of germs. Give the gift of cleaner air with this HEPA air purifier. It’s petite enough to stash out of the way and can tackle spaces up to 547 square feet in 30 minutes, giving your teacher a solid clean-air radius to work with. They can flip between several settings to find the one that is right for them.


Best Gifts For Teachers Under $150

A Mug That’s Almost As Smart As They Are

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

This mug keeps beverages warm throughout the day, making it easy to have a warm cup on standby for when teachers need it most—and at their preferred temperature (between 120 to 145 degrees).


Cookware That Nearly Does It All

Our Place Always Pan

Our Place has built up a reputation for delivering multifunctional pots and pans in a slew of pretty colors. The brand’s bestselling Always pan is billed as a 10-in-1 cooking system that braises, sears, steams, bakes and more. It even comes with a beechwood spatula and colander—and will wow your favorite teacher.


A Crafter's Dream

Cricut Joy Machine & Digital Content Library

Cricut Joy is a compact machine that cuts a slew of images in seconds from just about whatever your teacher wants—cardstock, vinyl, iron-on and more. The machine draws any shape and writes in any style, making it perfect for classrooms.


An E-Reader That’s Dunk-Proof

Kindle Paperwhite

Downtime is precious when you’re spending your day teaching. Help your favorite instructor kick back with a Kindle Paperwhite. This e-reader has a glare-free display that looks like real paper. It’s also made to withstand water immersion, just in case it gets accidentally dunked in the pool or bath.


A Throw Pillow With Hidden Meaning

Personalized Word Search Pillow

This gift is seriously cool: It features a word search that you personalize. Hide up to 15 words in the puzzle that serve as fun reminders of the school year or your favorite teacher. One word is highlighted to clue them in to the game. They’ll have fun playing—and replaying.


Best Teacher Gifts Under $300

A Swanky Way To Lounge In The Sand

Teak Beach Chair

A great beach chair can make or break a shoreside experience. Indulge your favorite teacher with this sleek beach chair that’s sure to elevate their day off. It’s made from teak and canvas for a sturdiness that will last season after season. Backpack straps make it easy to tote over the dunes.


Wall Art That's Anything But Ordinary

Custom Song Wall Art

This wall art has a special meaning—it’s crafted from wooden pieces designed to mimic the sound wave from your song of choice. Pick a recording of any song and choose either a snippet, chorus or the entire song and artist Claudia Moldovan will create the artwork to match. (She also creates a card that explains what song it represents.)


A Cool Jacket For Chilly Commutes

Men's Charcoal Zip Up Jacket

Contemporary brand Vuori has earned a huge following after debuting in 2015, and the company just launched outerwear. Indulge your favorite on-trend teacher’s love of fashion with this waterproof jacket. It has a fleece-lined collar that can be flipped up for extra warmth.


Why Trust Forbes Vetted

Forbes has rich experience covering the best gifts for everyone. As a mom of four kids, writer Korin Miller has given many teacher gifts. She’s also the only person in her immediate family who isn’t a teacher, giving her plenty of firsthand experience with gifts that go over well and which are less impactful. We also interviewed several teachers at various grade levels and schools to ask them directly about their favorite gifts.

During your search, you may want to look at more of our gift guides to find the right item for everyone on your shopping list.


How We Chose The Best Gifts For Teachers

To choose the best gifts for teachers, we spoke with real educators to get their take on the gifts that have stood out to them and their colleagues over the years. We then looked for products with the best reviews and evaluated them for elements like quality, presentation and the ability to fit into a busy teacher’s lifestyle. Budget was considered as well—most of our picks are in the $60 and under range, although we have a few suggestions for splurges as well.


What Is The Greatest Gift To Give A Teacher?

Teachers will often say that seeing kids learn and grow is the biggest reward of their job. But, when pressed, every teacher we spoke with for this story said they like gift cards. These allow them to buy something they know they like, and it can be as simple as a card to Starbucks. (One teacher shared that one of the best gifts she’s gotten in her decade of teaching was a $50 gift card to the coffee chain.) If you don’t know much about your child’s teacher, it’s a safe bet. But if you have some clues to what they’re into, a personalized gift will be appreciated, too.


What Is A Good Holiday Gift For A Teacher?

Most teachers will say they don’t need anything if you ask. However, they often drop clues about the things they like in the beginning of the year when they introduce themselves to kids and their families. (Some even give handouts listing these, along with a brief bio about themselves.) If you have one of these sheets handy, you can often get gift ideas from there. If not, one of the gifts we listed above should be a great fit.

Of course, there are a few surefire categories of gifts that tend to delight this crowd. Gift cards to favorite stores and restaurants, for example, always make the best gifts for teachers, says Elizabeth S., a high school special education teacher in New York. She adds that “teachers love sweet treats.” Sending a stocked gift basket is another smart way to thank a teacher or a whole group of them, including the front office team.


What Small Gifts Do Teachers Like?

Elizabeth S. stresses that it’s the thought that counts. Meaning, whatever you end up getting for your child’s teacher is noted and appreciated. Still, gifts like candy, a small plant they can leave at school to brighten up the classroom and supplies you know the class needs can be helpful.


How Much Should I Spend On A Teacher Gift?

You don’t need to spend a set amount on a teacher gift, and it’s often whatever you feel like giving. Teachers will appreciate gifts under $25 and pricier items, too. If you have multiple children in the same school, it’s not a bad idea to keep consistency in mind, spending the same range on each teacher. Ultimately, though, the right amount to spend on a teacher gift is the one you choose.


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