The 40 Best Teacher Gifts to Thank Your Favorite Educator (2024)

We love the Vera Bradley Signature Cotton Lanyard as a small yet useful and thoughtful gift for your favorite teacher. It has a lobster clasp which is great for holding a school ID, key card, or small wallet; and a key ring for other small items to keep their essentials within reach. We like that it’s made of lightweight recycled cotton, has an attached clip for holding face masks, and is available in nearly 50 different colorful patterns—we’re partial to the Island Garden and Pastel Plaid prints.

Hand cream is a winter essential, so treat your favorite teacher to this set of three hand creams, which are available in a variety of scents. All the lotions are made from nourishing shea butter, argan oil, and calendula, and the set comes in a beautiful (and very giftable) tin. If you want to spread the love, you can alternatively give one hand cream each to three teachers.

Whether grading papers, filling a calendar, or organizing a lesson plan, teachers can never have too many pens or markers. The Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pen 20 Piece Set has assorted colors, giving their tasks and projects a vibrant and cheery touch. Each pen has a felt tip and reinforced point for durability and stability. These pens are also designed to avoid ink bleed through paper and are smear- and fade-resistant.

A mug may seem unexciting, but this Rifle Paper Co. option is too pretty to pass up. The whimsical design, gold handle, and "World's Best Teacher" message make it a statement piece for any teacher’s desk, and they can even use it as a pen holder if they don't want to use it for their morning coffee. If you like the design but don't want to gift a mug, there's a matching card you can buy instead.

Dry erase markers are a teaching necessity, but they can dry out fast if they're used a lot. Help a teacher out by gifting them this set of 16 dry erase markers, which are made of low odor ink and come in a range of bold colors. If you don't want to splurge on a 16-pack, you can also purchase in 8- or 12-count varieties.

In the chaos and business of a typical school day, teachers might forget their morning cup of coffee or tea on their desks. To ensure their drink stays hot (or cold), we recommend the Fellow Carter Move Mug. This travel tumbler is perfect for teachers to take on the go (it fits in most cup holders), and we especially like that it has a snap-in splash guard and can keep hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours. It also has a thin lip for easy drinking and ceramic coating. While you can add a custom engraving for an additional cost, we think this travel mug looks great in the available 10 solid color options and three size options.

Naturally, books are a major part of any teacher’s life, and sometimes it can be hard for them to keep track where they left off in a text. The Joyberg Magnetic Bookmarks are not only a flashy remedy to this situation, but their magnetic nature is perfect for easily attaching on the side of desks, boards, or more. What’s especially great is that these bookmarks come in packs of 15, allowing your teacher to have multiple on hand for either themselves or other students.

Teachers are constantly taking notes and collecting papers that take up valuable space. The Quartet Glass Desktop Dry-Erase Easel consolidates endless note-taking into one easy board, making it a convenient and compact gift for any teacher. It’s made of tempered glass, so it’s resistant to scratches and dents, and it can be erased and cleaned without leaving any streaks or stains. We like that it comes with one dry-erase marker, a built-in storage slot, and a removable clip that fits A4-size pages. Whether creating their to-do list or writing a message of the day for students, this dry-erase easel is the ultimate gift for teachers.

Grading papers is a regular task for any teacher, which is why we love the Reliancer Colorful Stamp Set and Tray. This pre-inked colorful stamp set can stamp more than 30,000 impressions, lasting for several semesters, and has eight instructional and encouraging messages and cartoon designs for students and parents to appreciate. We like that it comes with a carrying tray to keep the ink fresh; the ink is oil-based and acid-free; and each stamp is sturdy and laser-cut to leave a clear impression every time. With this stamp set, teachers can make a typically tedious task like grading papers a fun experience.

While the average American student spends around six hours in school, many teachers stay longer to plan, organize, or do extra work. Throughout all those hours, it’s common for a teacher's phone battery to drain, so we think the Anker Portable Charger is the ultimate tech-friendly gift. It’s about the size of an iPhone 13 and is compatible with several types of iPhones, Androids, and other devices like tablets so your favorite teacher can stay connected all day. This charger has a 20W USB-C port and a 12W USB port for a second device, a safety system with fire-resistant casing and temperature control, and an 18-month warranty. Along with the power bank, the package also includes a USB-A to USB-C cable and USB-C to USB-C cable.

Candles are a popular and beloved gift, but they may pose a fire hazard and safety concern in classrooms. An essential oil diffuser can be just as, if not more, fragrant than a candle without much risk involved. We love this one from Urpower that’s durable yet chic and has an auto-shut-off design for safety. It’s available in two sizes, two base color options, seven LED colors, and each has four mist timer modes. Your favorite teacher (and even their students) will appreciate the soothing scents wafting through their classroom.

A lot of teachers run on coffee to get through the day, so why not make their favorite drink a little more special? The Bean Box Gourmet Coffee Sampler comes with four bags of specialty ground coffee from various roasters. You can customize the blends, and if you’re feeling especially generous, you can order this gift as a recurring subscription as well.

Staplers are a must in any teacher’s toolbox, so if you want to elevate your teacher’s everyday tools, we recommend the Ellepi Klizia Metal Stapler. Made in Italy with metal and enamel powder-coated steel, this stapler can last for years (using a patented anti-jamming device) and has a charming design that mimics the shape of a whale. The package includes 1,000 staples, and the stapler is available in 12 colors. Although your favorite teacher may need to refill on staples every now and then, the refills are affordable and strong enough to puncture more than 10 pages simultaneously.

Most teachers carry important essentials to school, from textbooks and planners to laptops or tablets. We love the Bag Wizard Laptop Tote Bag that will give any teacher much-needed comfort and relief when transporting these items without compromising style. Made of a durable duck canvas and double-rolled faux leather strap, this tote bag is fully padded and snugly fits a 15.6-inch laptop in the side compartment. It also has pen loops and zippered pockets to make everything easily accessible.

For teachers or professors working from home, sitting for long periods can become uncomfortable. We recommend this seat cushion because it’s portable, durable, and comfortable. The column-buckling technology helps alleviate tension on pressure points throughout the body while also keeping you cool. It has a non-slip bottom that stays in place all day. We also like that teachers can use it for other seats aside from a desk chair, including airplane seats, theater seats, and even a car seat.

While a school vending machine may have treats to satisfy your favorite teacher’s sweet tooth, they may not be as high-quality and delicious as the Milk Bar The Cookies Faves Tin. We love that this tin contains 12 individually wrapped cookies so they can stay stored and fresh for a couple of months. They are packaged in a reusable windowed tin so your teacher can keep track of their sugary treasure. The cookies include three “Compost” Cookies (Milk Bar’s mix of pretzels, potato chips, graham crackers, coffee, oats, and butterscotch), three Cornflake Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies, three Chocolate Confetti Cookies, and three Confetti Cookies—great for sharing or indulging alone.

English teachers are sure to adorn their desk with this educational calendar by Merriam-Webster that features a new word every day of the year. Each word is accompanied by a definition, example sentence, pronunciation guide, and an explanation of the origin of the word. Moreover, each page is 100% ethically sourced and completely recyclable.

Save your favorite teacher the hassle of heating up water for their tea or coffee with an electric tea kettle. The Hamilton Beach Electric Kettle was featured in our roundup of the best electric kettles as our favorite budget pick, as this handy appliance does everything a kettle needs to do with a push of a button, all without breaking the bank. We also really loved that this kettle has a drip-free spout along with an automatic shut-off to prevent any messes.

Due to their busy schedules, self-care is a practice that falls by the wayside for some teachers. Give your favorite teacher the luxurious Just Breathe Eucalyptus Spa Gift Set that will make them feel pampered and at ease. Each kit has two parts: everything they need to grow the always invigorating eucalyptus (a bamboo pot, non-GMO eucalyptus seeds, coconut pitch, perlite soil, a plastic tray, activated carbon, and plant food), and botanical bath salts and a jute body scrubber for a relaxing spa experience.

Tape is just one of the many supplies teachers run through while keeping up with day-to-day tasks, but the Dowling Magnets Adhesive Magnetic Tape is more than just a restock gift. This unique office supply not only has an adhesive side to it, it also has a magnetic side that sticks well to desks and other metal surfaces. Bear in mind, however, that this supply isn’t suitable for heavy objects but rather lighter things like photos and paper.

Taking a restful moment in the middle of a school day may seem impossible for many teachers, so a gift that offers comfort with some discretion is a huge win. The ErgoFoam Adjustable Foot Rest can hide behind your favorite teacher’s desk while offering optimal support and comfort due to its firm shape and high-density foam. It has an arched structure they can flip over and use as a rocker footrest for improved circulation. We also like that it has a soft cover (in a velvet or mesh material) that’s machine washable. Best of all, the height is customizable to fit any personal needs and stature.

Stationery is a useful gift for any teacher but can seem like a luxury some teachers won’t want to splurge on. Surprise your favorite educator with the Papier Scallop Trim Notecard Set—it has a charming wavy scalloped border and is available in nine colors. Plain white envelopes are included, or you can customize the interior flap of the envelope with different colors and designs. You can also personalize the notecard with the teacher’s name and have the option to add a printed envelope address. Plus, the quantity options start at 20 and go up to 250. For an extra special touch to this gift, you can grab the Papier Notecard Gift Box, which fits 20 notecards and envelopes.

Not every teacher has the time and energy to keep their desks perpetually tidy. We think the Yamazaki Home Desk Bar-Wood & Steel Organizer is a perfect gift for those teachers who want to keep their personal belongings separate from their school work. Made of steel and wood, it’s sturdy and durable so your favorite teacher never has to worry about young students breaking it as they roam the classroom. It also has compartments for small items like watches, writing utensils, eyeglasses, a ruler, a cell phone, and other items that can easily get lost.

Plants can brighten any classroom, inspire students, and lift your favorite teacher’s mood. The Sill’s Snake Plant Laurentii is one of the best teacher gifts for plant lovers since it’s relatively low maintenance, which means novices and green thumbs alike can care for it. The small version of this plant measures from 6 to 12 inches tall from the soil line to the top of the foliage, and comes in a nursery grow pot. You can also add one of six planters, available in eight colors, to give your gift an extra pop of color.

If your teacher is a foodie, they will love the Edible Arrangements Simple Edible Fruit Bouquet. This refreshing and bright fruit arrangement includes a freshly-crafted assortment of honeydew wedges, cantaloupe wedges, pineapple daisies, pineapple stars, strawberries, and cantaloupe balls. It also comes in a cute container (color and design may vary) that will brighten the day for any teacher.

Teachers are mindful of germs common in classrooms. The Touchland Travel Kit is one of the best gifts for health-conscious teachers since it includes a convenient neoprene travel pouch with a snap hook and a micro-mist hand sanitizer available in 13 scents and one unscented option. Each hand sanitizer is hydrating, softening, and fast-absorbing. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and kills 99.99 percent of common germs. If you want to give the hand sanitizer without the pouch, pair it with a rubber-silicone case or lanyard.

The Main + Mesa Marble Geometric Bookends are made of natural white marble and have a center wooden stripe, each with its own unique variations due to the natural stone and wood. The geometric triangle design can be used vertically or horizontally, keeping books organized in the classroom or at home. While these definitely look more expensive than they actually are, they won’t burn a hole in your pocket and will also make your favorite teacher feel special.

Math teachers (along with their students) go through pencils like water, so we think Sloane Stationery's Clever Pencil Box is a thoughtful gift for teachers who want to keep some high-quality, witty pencils for themselves. Each red pencil has a clever phrase or title (our favorite might be “The Boss”) in gold lettering. The pencils are packaged in a chic lizard-texture embossed box to keep these pencils tucked away and tidy. Jones recommends pairing this pencil gift box with gourmet chocolate or a handmade card for an added special touch.

Pencil breaks are a daily occurrence in the classroom, and if your favorite teacher can use a new sharpener, consider gifting the X-Acto Pencil Sharpener. This office supply has a “SmartStop feature” that prevents pencils from over-sharpening, which typically causes pencils to break more easily. Additionally, this device is compatible with colored pencils as well, making it a suitable gift for art teachers in particular.

Gifting supplies is helpful for many teachers, but you can take it to the next level with this Personalized Whiteboard Eraser from Etsy. Each eraser comes engraved with your teacher’s name in cursive or print, and you can even add extra Expo markers if you’d like. Just note that the gift wrapping option only applies to orders that include the markers.

If there’s one gift teachers love above the rest, it’s “handwritten or hand-drawn cards from their students expressing their gratitude for their hard work and time,” says Jones. These Custom Message Shortbread Cookies combine the sentimentality of a handmade card with the indulgence of a treat. This made-to-order box includes 24 vanilla shortbread cookies with customizable text imprints, each message fitting three lines of 12 characters of text. This is a perfect food gift from a classroom to a teacher since the cookies can have a collective affectionate message from the students.

If your favorite teacher is a true bookworm, they will love the Book Nook Reading Valet by Uncommon Originals. This portable book caddy is made of acacia wood and has a triangle design that works as both a book holder and page marker—the front is labeled as “Save My Spot,” and the back is labeled with “To Be Continued.” The triangular opening also functions as slim storage for a phone or other small items, while the tray has designated spots for a cup or eyeglasses. It also has soft, scratchless feet to keep it in place and prevent any scratches on whatever surface it's on. While this is a great desk gift for any teacher, it also makes a practical nightstand accessory so your favorite teacher can enjoy it in the classroom or at home.

The school year can run smoothly when teachers stay organized, which is why we recommend this sleek Baronfig Guardian Pro Notebook & Pen Case. This compact case can hold a phone, a small notebook, and a few pens. It’s ideal for teachers who commute on public transportation and need extra time to take notes. We like that this case has a full-zip enclosure to prevent items from falling out and that it's made of water-resistant materials for added durability. It also comes in five colors and fits in most tote bags, purses, and backpacks.

Many teachers buy their own school supplies and equipment. If you’d like to alleviate that responsibility, we recommend the Scotch Thermal Laminator. This practical machine laminates items up to nine inches wide using two high-quality heated rollers, leaving laminations bubble- and wrinkle-free. This laminator preserves and protects items teachers want to keep and use frequently (like dry-erase math flashcards), saving them money in the long run.

For the teacher whose sanctuary during a school day is the lunch break, we recommend the MochiThings Medium Rattan Cooler Bag. This lightweight bag is insulated with a zipper closure to ensure meals stay at the optimal temperature. It also has a mesh pocket for ice packs or utensils and two carrying handles. It's available in blue and pink, as well as a larger size. We especially like the rattan weave, which is also useful for picnics and camping trips.

Regardless of the season, some classrooms can get chilly throughout the day. This L.L.Bean Wicked Plush Throw is not only one of the best teacher gifts but also one of the best throw blankets around. One side has a plush fabric, while the other features a soft-brushed fleece. It’s available in nine colors and two sizes, and as a bonus, you can monogram the blanket for an extra thoughtful and personalized touch. Teachers will love this blanket to keep on their lap while students take a test or at home snuggled on the couch.

If bookmarks seem a little too basic for your favorite teacher, consider gifting them this bookweight from Leatherology instead. This item is made from flexible, full-grain leather that is very durable and can hold open heavy textbooks. If you want to make this gift a little more personal, you can also select eight different colors ranging from scarlet to river.

If your gift recipient is an art teacher, the Amazon Basics Craft Paint & Brush Organizer Rack doubles as a thoughtful present and useful tool. This wooden rack can hold up to 60 bottles of craft paint, or up to 22 brushes, giving your favorite art teacher a solid amount of storage space for all their supplies.

If you’re looking for a minimal and sleek gift, look no further than the Hobonichi Techo Planner Book. This planner is simplified to be functional in all countries and in every language, and it has a unique stitch-binding that allows it to sit flat. It also has a charcoal gray and red color scheme and contains 448 pages of thin, bleed-resistant paper that feature daily quotes and selected words from the designer Sonya Park. This planner includes a yearly index, monthly calendar, daily pages, a page for important contacts, international size charts, a conversion table, and bonus pages like one for the moon phase and one for “The Secret of Japanese Sweets.”

If your teacher has a pet or favorite place they talk about, consider immortalizing it in a custom snow globe. This item from Etsy can be customized to contain a variety of objects, ranging from mini figurines of animals to small-scale models of houses and buildings. This gift makes for a whimsical piece of personal decor that can be placed on a classroom desk, or even in their home if they desire.