"Teachers play such an important role in helping grow and shape our children, and it can be hard to find the perfect gift to thank them for the huge part they play in our kids’ lives. What captures the appreciation of them dedicating their lives to educating the next generation? Not to mention, putting up with tantrums and big emotions on the regular is more than enough reason to get some gratitude.
Many teachers may have Amazon wishlists or other classroom supply lists you can shop from. But they also deserve a little something for themselves, whether it’s for Teacher Appreciation Week—which is May 5-10, 2025—or as an end-of-the-school-year thank-you gift gift. Many of us opt to go the gift card route (after all, everyone loves cash, right?). There’s absolutely nothing wrong with sticking to a tried-and-true thank you like a gift card (some of our favorites for teachers include Target, Visa, Starbucks, and DoorDash), but if you want to do something a little different (or in addition to a gift card) this year, we have you covered.
We’ve rounded up some amazing teacher appreciation gifts that they’ll actually want. From Amazon gifts that you still have plenty of time to get with Prime to more creative ideas, we know your child’s teacher will love these.
Amazon Teacher Appreciation Gifts
A Tumbler They’ll Actually Use
Step away from the “World’s Greatest Teacher” mug. These editor-approved tumblers are ones that a teacher would actually appreciate and use. Make the gift extra special by popping a Starbucks gift card inside or adding a fun accessory.
A mini size that’s perfect for iced coffees on the go!
20+ colors available
Keeps to-go coffee hot or cold for an extended period of time.
10+ colors and patterns available
Work Bag Essentials
This selection is aimed more toward female teachers (not that a male teacher can’t use them, but we know they probably just want a gift card). The women teaching our children deserve a little something to keep in their work bag, like a tried-and-true beauty product or something to help them stay organized. Pro tip: Order a multi-pack and divide it up to save money if your child has multiple teachers.
An editor favorite, this facial spray refreshes and kills bacteria.
Desk and Classroom Gifts
These are the little things that really say, “I appreciate you,” because they are actually useful for their classroom. Think of these gifts as items that a teacher can keep on their desk and just might make their day a bit better.
Lunchtime Upgrades
Teachers have to pack and bring a lunch almost every day, so they can never have too many lunch box options. Something like a bento box or a reusable set of utensils might be that item that they never even knew they needed, but will fall in love with.
Other Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas
- A Gift Card
- You truly can’t go wrong with a gift card, and this way, a teacher can get something they actually want. Some ideas are Starbucks, Dunkin, Amazon, Target, or your local coffee shop. Gift cards also make great additions to other small gifts.
- A Handwritten Letter or Handmade Gift from the Student
- Don’t want to spend a lot? A small handmade gift (like a photo frame or memory book) or a handwritten letter from their student often make the most heartfelt gifts.
- Basic Classroom Supplies
- What does a teacher always need? Basics. Help them save some of their own money by gifting things like disinfecting wipes, fresh writing utensils or art supplies, tissues, and more.
- Personalized Stationery
- If you have the time, personalized stationery makes for an extra-special gift. Think thank you notes or journals with their name on them. Some of our favorite places to shop for personalized items are Papier, Mark & Graham, Minted, and Etsy.
Teacher Appreciation Gifts to Avoid
The last thing you want to do is give a gift that creates a chore for its recipient. The below gifts are ones that we’d recommend avoiding.
- Mugs. They probably already have plenty!
- Homemade food. You never know about allergies or dietary restrictions.
- Scented candles or lotions. Everyone has their own personal preference when it comes to scents, and some people might avoid them altogether.
- Knick-knacks. While they can be cute, those “#1 Teacher” tchotchkes probably just make for unnecessary clutter.
Why You Can Count On Us
The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Jessica Welsh, Commerce Editor
As Commerce Editor, Jessica oversees and edits all shopping content on The Everymom—including everything from mom fashion to product reviews. She also writes in-depth styling stories, trend reports, capsule wardrobes, gift guides, and more. She has created editorial content for major brands such as Nordstrom, Old Navy, and Kohl’s, and was previously a regular contributor to The Everygirl. Jessica believes that fashion should be accessible to everyone, so she is very determined to scour the internet for the best looks for less and affordable finds
Products included in graphics linked within article.