75 Gifts For Teachers That Say 'Thank You'

Stephanie Osmanski

December 17, 2022 at 3:38 AM·15 min read

Show them the appreciation they deserve with these sweet finds.

Show the teachers in your children's lives just how much you care, respect, and appreciate them. If you're looking for the best teacher gifts, including the best ideas, we got you covered here!

Check out 25 of the best teacher gifts under $25 below, or launch the gallery for 50 more of the best teacher gifts all educators will love!

Here at Parade.com, we're all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.

What are good gifts for teachers?

The most important thing to remember when getting gifts for teachers is that teachers are people. If you know anything about your child's teacher, whether it's their favorite color, favorite band, her favorite lotion she keeps at her desk, her hobbies when she's off the clock and not grading papers, or even just her favorite subject to teach, it can help you plan her gift. If you don't know any of those factoids, we've rounded up some affordable options with input from working teachers.

What teacher gifts should I avoid?

Some teachers were brutally honest: They're sick of apple trinkets. Unless it's something personalized (or they just really like apples), your best bet is just to get stuff they like or need for the classroom instead of something that may collect dust and get recycled by the end of the year.

Related: 100 Freebies for Teachers

Best Gifts for Teachers Under $25

Teachers are some of the most important people in your kids' lives, and they always appreciate knowing that you appreciate them. They have a hard job—and a stressful one, especially in recent years. Getting holiday gifts for teachers is a sweet way to let them know that you recognize all the effort they put into shaping your child's future.

1. Weekly and Monthly Planner for Teachers, $4.99 on Amazon

Teacher Planner 2022-2023 - Weekly & Monthly Planner 2022-2023 from July 2022 - June 2023, 8'' x 10'', Lesson Plan Book, Weekly & Monthly Lesson Planner with Quotes

This lesson planer is top-rated and has everything your favorite teacher needs to Teachers can keep their lesson plans, attendance, and all other records in one easy-to-access place. Weekly and Monthly Planner for Teachers, $4.99 on Amazon

2. Pencil Sharpener, $24.99 at Classroom Friendly Supplies

There are few things more disruptive to an otherwise cooperative class than the roar of an electric pencil sharpener—but manual sharpeners pose their own issues, with broken points and calloused hands. This one, recommended by teachers, is quiet and quick and comes in a multitude of colors. Pencil Sharpener, $24.99 at Classroom Friendly Supplies

3. Personalized Teacher Facts Treat Jar, $23.39 at Personal Creations

Teachers are much less desk-trinket averse when it has their name on it! Bonus points if you fill it with her favorite candy or the desk supply she's always running out of, be it erasers, pens, paperclips, or even lozenges. Personalized Teacher Facts Treat Jar, $23.39 at Personal Creations

4. Insulated Lunch Box, $12.79 on Amazon

LOKASS Lunch Bag Women Insulated Lunch Box Wide-Open Lunch Tote Bag Large Drinks Holder Durable Nylon Thermal Snacks Organizer for Men Adults College Work Picnic Hiking Beach Fishing,Grey

This tote is so cute it doesn't look like it would be in the refrigerator near the annoying assistant principal's yogurt stash—but it's fully insulated and gets the job done! It's roomy enough to use for groceries on weekends, too. Insulated Lunch Box, $12.79 on Amazon

5. Minimergency Kit for Teachers, $18 at Pinch Provisions

Filled with the things a teacher may need from time to time: Double-sided tape, stain remover, a nail file, bandages, Advil, a mini sewing kit, stickers, lip balm, and even a red pen. Minimergency Kit for Teachers, $18 at Pinch Provisions

6. 3-Pack Relatable Teacher Journals, $9.95 at Little Dog Paper Co.

Let your kids' favorite teachers vent after a long day. Each journal has a funny and relatable statement on the front that'll make anyone in education giggle out loud. 3-Pack Relatable Teacher Journals, $9.95 at Little Dog Paper Co.

7. Complimentary Ballpoint Pen Set, $12 on Etsy

The encouraging messages on these pens can make mundane tasks like lesson plans or attendance reports feel a little less daunting. Complimentary Ballpoint Pen Set, $12 on Etsy

8. Compliment Pencil Set, $10 at Barnes & Noble

These pencils will keep a smile on any teacher's face through grading papers, planning lessons, or taking part in self-care routines. Same idea as the pens, but with less commitment since these come with erasers! Ban.do Compliment Pencil Set, $10.00 at Barnes & Noble

9. Winter Candy Apple PocketBac Hand Sanitizers, 5-Pack, $8 at Bath and Body Works

Kids are full of germs. Protect your kid's favorite teacher from having to employ a mean substitute with these festive hand sanitizers that smell as good as she'll feel using them. Winter Candy Apple PocketBac Hand Sanitizers, 5-Pack, $8 at Bath and Body Works

10. My Quotable Students: Funny, Crazy or Witty Quotes and Memories From Your Students, $7.99 on Amazon

My Quotable Student: You can't make this stuff up: Funny, Crazy or Witty Quotes and memories from your students

This journal allows teachers to document the funniest, sweetest and weirdest things their students say ... and trust us, there's always a lot to work with! My Quotable Students: Funny, Crazy or Witty Quotes and Memories From Your Students, $7.99 on Amazon

11. Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens, 24-Count, $19.99 on Amazon

Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens, Medium Point, Limited Edition Candy Pop Pack, 24 count (1979425)

Teachers love these felt tip pens for color options. "I like to switch up my ink colors when I grade papers by season or whatever holiday is nearby," one told us. "These make it easy and won't bleed through if I have to mark double-sided assignments." Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens, 24-Count, $19.99 on Amazon

12. Christmas Cheer Petits Fours, $26.99 at The Swiss Colony

Let's be honest: Teachers look forward to holiday breaks as much as your kids do. Make them even sweeter with petits fours. Christmas Cheer Petits Fours, $26.99 at The Swiss Colony

13. It's 3:30 Somewhere Stemless Wine Glass, $13.95 on Amazon

It's 3:30 Somewhere - Funny Stemless Wine Glass 15 oz - Gift for Teacher or Professor - Teaching Assistant

This gift is especially great if you're the parent of a kid who may drive their teachers to drink. It's 3:30 Somewhere Stemless Wine Glass, $13.95 on Amazon

14. Teacher's Last Nerve Candle, $21.99 on Amazon

Teacher Gifts - Teacher’s Last Nerve Candle - 2022 Thank You Gift Funny Candles Present for Christmas Retired Teachers Thanksgiving Appreciation Week

Look! The teacher's one last nerve in candle form. And it's burning. All joking aside, this is a relaxing candle that any teacher can cozy up and relax with at the end of the the day. Teacher's Last Nerve Candle, $21.99 on Amazon

15. Multi-Purpose Paper Towel Lemon Verbena Wipes, $14.35 on Amazon

Clorox Multi-Purpose PaperTowel Wipes Lemon Verbena 1/3x75ct

Help her keep her classroom (and thereby your child) as germ-free as possible. "Seriously, we go through these like water," one teacher told Parade. "We can never have enough, especially during cold and flu season when kids come in sneezing on all of the desks." The lemon verbena scent helps leave a clean scent wherever these wipes go. Multi-Purpose Paper Towel Lemon Verbena Wipes, $14.35 on Amazon

16. The Photographic Card Deck of the Elements, $25.99 on Amazon

The Photographic Card Deck of the Elements: With Big Beautiful Photographs of All 118 Elements in the Periodic Table

Make your kid's science teachers happy with this card set that will help them in a big way in chemistry. The Photographic Card Deck of the Elements, $25.99 on Amazon

17. Knock Knock Why You're The Best Teacher Ever Fill-in-the-Blank Gift Journal, $11.77 on Amazon

Knock Knock Why You're the Best Teacher Ever Fill in the Love Book Fill-in-the-Blank Gift Journal (You Fill in the Love)

You can share this gift with your kids' classmates or have your child fill it out themselves. It's sure to be a keepsake. Knock Knock Why You're The Best Teacher Ever Fill-in-the-Blank Gift Journal, $11.77 on Amazon

18. L'Occitane Hand Cream Trio, $29 at Sephora

All that chalk dust can seriously dry out the skin. These non-greasy hand creams can combat all of that plus the chilly temps that are on the horizon. These tubes are tiny enough to fit in a desk caddy or purse and smell fantastic, too. L'Occitane Hand Cream Trio, $29 at Sephora

philosophy you're amazing gift set - 2 piece set amazing grace 8oz shampoo, bath & shower gel and 4oz amazing grace whipped body creme, 12 oz

This hybrid bubble bath, shampoo, and body wash set will leave teachers smelling heavenly, in addition to being a lifesaver on rushed mornings. Philosophy You're Amazing Gift Set, $32 on Amazon

HAPPYPOP Funny Socks Crazy Socks Silly Socks For Women Funny Socks for Teens Pencil Socks For Women, Teacher Socks For Women, Reading Teacher Gifts

Your teacher will pencil in praise for these adorable socks. Happypop Pencil Socks, $9.99 on Amazon

24. Classic Giant Holiday Apple, $35.95 at Williams Sonoma

Yes, most teachers are sick of most apples, but this giant chocolate caramel apple is a major exception. Classic Giant Holiday Apple, $35.95 at Williams Sonoma

25. Oven Mitt Teacher Gift, $7.99 on Etsy

Fill these adorable potholders with brownie, cookie, and cake mix, and get ready for your kid to be teacher's pet. Oven Mitt Teacher Gift, $7.99 on Etsy

Find inspiration for the card to go with your teacher appreciation gift: 100 Best Teacher Quotes