mybest
Workplace gifts

Helping You Find the Best

Close
  1. TOP
  2. Gifts
  3. Workplace gifts
  4. 10 Best Gifts for Teachers in 2022 (Education Specialist-Reviewed)
  • 10 Best Gifts for Teachers in 2022 (Education Specialist-Reviewed) 1
  • 10 Best Gifts for Teachers in 2022 (Education Specialist-Reviewed) 2
  • 10 Best Gifts for Teachers in 2022 (Education Specialist-Reviewed) 3
  • 10 Best Gifts for Teachers in 2022 (Education Specialist-Reviewed) 4
  • 10 Best Gifts for Teachers in 2022 (Education Specialist-Reviewed) 5

10 Best Gifts for Teachers in 2022 (Education Specialist-Reviewed)

Are you in a pinch thinking about what to get your child's teacher to show thanks for their hard work? Finding the right gift for Teacher Appreciation Week, Christmas, or another occasion, like retirement or if they're just starting out, can be a challenge. Luckily, we're here to help.

We've scoured the internet for a wide variety of gifts that will appeal to all kinds of teachers. We found practical presents that can be used in classrooms and presents for days off and rest days. Our favorite is the Dried Fruit Gift Basket With Tray from Oh! Nuts, because it's a sweet treat that anyone would enjoy. Interested in finding out what else made it to our list? Check out the other great gifts and peruse our handy buying guide to assist you in your search. 

Last updated 09/26/2023
Minori Nagatomo
Expert
Education Specialist
Minori Nagatomo

With 16 years and counting in the education field, I have worked with pre-school age children all the way up to university students. I have taught in classrooms, trained teachers, and managed schools around the globe.

Minori Nagatomo's Profile
…Continue reading
mybest US Editors
Guide
Editing Dept.
mybest US Editors

mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.

mybest US Editors's Profile
…Continue reading
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

How to Choose Gifts For Teachers

Here are some factors you can think about to help you find the perfect gift for the teacher you have in mind. Take a look at our handy buying guide below! 

1

Match the Gift to Their Teaching Level and Grades

There are many types of teachers, but generally, you can group them based on the grades they teach. If you’re looking for a practical gift, choosing one based on their grade is helpful.

Consider Classroom Aids for Preschool and Elementary Teachers

Consider Classroom Aids for Preschool and Elementary Teachers

Whether they work at a big school or run their own homeschool service, classroom aids make an excellent gift for preschool and elementary teachers.

Try getting alphabet flashcards, animal puzzles, or packs of creative supplies like crayons or glue sticks. Another great gift idea for these teachers is a book. Preschool and elementary students spend quite a lot of time each week reading stories, so adding to the classroom library is always a solid choice! 


Keep in mind that preschool and elementary school teachers tend to get a lot of gifts. While they will appreciate any gift, they might not need any more common gift items like mugs. If you want to treat them, consider getting them something useful, like a gift card. You can always pair it with a note or greeting card for a personal touch.

Minori Nagatomo
Education Specialist
Minori Nagatomo

School teachers are often given a strict budget to purchase material for the classroom. So, your teacher friend may appreciate items for the classroom that are difficult to justify spending school's money on


For example, a beautiful plant or a faux plant or other decorative items will brighten up the classroom. Your teacher friend may also appreciate a new laptop sleeve, or a small blanket to keep by the teacher desk for winter.

Middle and High School Teachers Might Like School Supplies

Middle and High School Teachers Might Like School Supplies

For middle and high school teachers, consider school supplies. Look for pens, desk supplies, markers, and anything practical a teacher could use. If you want to step things up, you can even make a personalized gift bag filled with school supplies and notebooks! 

For Teachers of Special Subjects, Consider a Themed Gift

For Teachers of Special Subjects, Consider a Themed Gift

It's a fairly safe bet that if someone teaches a subject like music or art or coaches a sport, they might have a strong interest in it! Consider a themed gift that matches their specialty.


A piano teacher would likely be happy with anything that has a piano on it, whether it's a paperweight, tumbler, or set of potholders for their kitchen. The same goes for a math teacher, soccer coach, drama teacher, dance teacher and so on.


You can combine our other gift ideas with the appropriate theme for something that's a little more personal and that they'll enjoy in their classroom or everyday life.

2

Get Something They Can Use Outside of Work

Get Something They Can Use Outside of Work

Teachers have lives outside of the classroom! Consider things you might get for anyone: decorative items, products they can pamper themselves with, or accessories anyone would use.


They might enjoy something like hand lotion or fancy soap bars for their home. Many teachers spend a lot of time on their feet and may appreciate a spa set. Accessories like tote bags could be a safe choice, but if you want to get them something that varies by individual taste and style, such as clothing items, make sure it suits their personality.


Presents that have appreciative quotes and sayings about teaching are also great gifts. These gifts include keychains, socks, shirts, notebooks, mugs, memo pads, and tote bags. 


Not only will you brighten up their day, but they will be reminded that people are thankful for their profession whenever they see your gift. 

3

Find Something Fit for the Occasion

Find Something Fit for the Occasion

If your gift is meant to coincide with a holiday like Christmas or Teacher Appreciation Week, you can go for something related to the occasion. But, you might want to check if they celebrate Christmas before getting something with Santa on it. Since that holiday is also usually the end of a semester, a more general gift would still be appropriate.


For a new teacher or someone who's retiring, there are gifts with messages that will suit the circumstances. New teachers would probably appreciate something they can use in their job, while retirees might like something that reminds them of good times with their students, like a picture frame with a class photo.

4

Win Their Heart Through Their Stomach - A Tip From Minori

Win Their Heart Through Their Stomach - A Tip From Minori

Minori says, "If you know the teacher is a coffee or tea drinker, consider looking into a drink-themed gift. There are teas and coffees in every price range, and this kind of present is sure to keep your teacher fueled for the day


You could gift a glass or mug in addition to the drink. I recently received peach earl gray along with a beautiful mug. It was the perfect gift because it was definitely more special than what I'd usually purchase for myself."


She goes on to say, "You also can't go wrong with food gifts! A box of reasonably priced chocolates or cookies means your teacher friend can also share with their family or with other teachers. Another often-appreciated gift is something like a smaller box of high-end chocolates. 


Another bonus of food-themed presents is that it's easy to find the quantity and the quality you need. They can also be ordered online, so I could send them to my professors after the semester is already finished. Cookies also work the same way, and both cookies and chocolates keep for a good period of time."

5

Do a Little Sleuthing of Their Interests to Find the Perfect Gift

Do a Little Sleuthing of Their Interests to Find the Perfect Gift
Want to find a gift your teacher is sure to love? Do a little sleuthing to find out what they enjoy.

Some teachers may have obvious favorites, like showing up to class with a coffee from Starbucks and having a Corgi screensaver on their computer. You can use these small details to find gifts they will love! In this case, they might appreciate a gift card from Starbucks or a cute pair of Corgi socks.


You can also talk to their colleagues to see if they have any favorite items, snacks, drinks, or characters.


A personalized gift will make your teacher feel special. There are many gifts online that let you personalize them with images or text. Consider mugs, pens, or tote bags with their name on them.

Or, you can get them placards with their name and title for their desk. If you’re getting a gift for your child’s teacher, you can have your child write a little note to add to the present. 

6

When in Doubt, Go for Gift Cards

When in Doubt, Go for Gift Cards

Still at a loss as to what to get a teacher? When in doubt, go for gift cards. Gift cards give the person the freedom to get what they like on their own time.

If your teacher likes to purchase things from Amazon, get them an Amazon gift card! Other popular gift cards you can get are Google Play, Netflix, and Starbucks. 

Minori Nagatomo
Education Specialist
Minori Nagatomo

This is the ultimate gift! You may think it's impersonal, but a gift card gives teachers some great control over getting exactly what they want


Handmade cards are a great way to personalize a gift card. I've received gift cards along with handmade cards, and I still have the cards on my wall behind my desk. Some of them are from years ago, but the handmade cards remind me of the child, as well as the generous thanks I received.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Gifts For Teachers Ranking

Here are the best Gifts For Teachers, ranked according to 10 Best Gifts for Teachers (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Oh! Nuts

Teacher Notebook

Oh! Nuts Teacher Notebook 1

$36.90

High Mid

Best for a Food Gift That Suits Many Diets

2

Hommie

Sticky Notes Set

Hommie Sticky Notes Set 1

$8.99

Low Mid

Best Gift to Help Them Stay Organized

3

Pink Pueblo 2

Teacher Stamp Set and Tray

Pink Pueblo 2 Teacher Stamp Set and Tray 1

$22.99

High Mid

Best Personalized Stamps Your Kid Can Help Choose

4

Before The Rings

Gift Card in Various Gift Boxes

Before The Rings Gift Card in Various Gift Boxes 1

$52.00

High Mid

Best Gift Box to Say, "You Deserve a Break"

5

Sweet Cartolina

Teacher Personalized Notepad

Sweet Cartolina Teacher Personalized Notepad 1

$9.00

Low Mid

Best Personalized Stationery for Pre-K and Elementary School Teachers

6

Teacher Peach

Custom Engraved Ballpoint Pen With Personalized Case

Teacher Peach Custom Engraved Ballpoint Pen With Personalized Case 1

$36.99

High Mid

Best for Teachers of Older Kids

7

XYSocks

Funny Novelty Teacher Socks

XYSocks Funny Novelty Teacher Socks 1

$6.99

Low Mid

Best Quirky Gift for Hardworking Teachers

8

Aozita

Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Aozita Teacher Appreciation Gifts 1

$13.99

Mid

Best Tumbler With a Heartwarming Quote

9

iWenSheng

Teacher Keychain

iWenSheng Teacher Keychain 1

$7.99

Low Mid

Best Keychain for an Unforgettable Teacher

10

Everything Endearing

Everything Endearing  1

$10.12

Low Mid

Best Humorous Gift From the Parents

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Oh! NutsTeacher Notebook

Teacher Notebook 1
Source:amazon.com
Teacher Notebook 2
Source:amazon.com
Teacher Notebook 3
Source:amazon.com
Teacher Notebook 4
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$36.90
High Mid
Reference price
$36.90
High Mid

Best for a Food Gift That Suits Many Diets

Pros:

  • Apple-shaped tray turns into a basket they can reuse
  • Just dried fruit: vegan, no sugar added, dairy- and gluten-free to fit most diets
  • Not subject-, gender-, or grade-specific, so it's easy to gift to anyone (barring food allergies)

Cons:

  • Some reviewers stated they got stale fruits

Want to get your special teacher an apple, but worried it's too cliché? How about dried apples and a combination tray- and basket-shaped like one? In addition to apples, it has dried dates, apricots, pears, peaches, prunes and plums. The wooden tray can be reused, either flat or as a basket.


Although some reviewers said their fruit tasted stale, most said it was delicious. They also like how it suits a variety of dietary concerns, so if you aren't sure of the teacher's food preferences or allergies, it's likely to work for them.

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

HommieSticky Notes Set

Sticky Notes Set 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$8.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$8.99
Low Mid

Best Gift to Help Them Stay Organized

Pros:

  • Variety of pads, page markers and sticky notes for many uses
  • Practical gift for teachers of any age group or subject
  • Not necessarily sentimental, so it's easy to give to teachers you may not know very well

Cons:

  • Some buyers said that the adhesive was not that sticky

A teacher's schedule is often hectic, and most have planners and notebooks they use to stay on track. This set can be used in a number of different ways because it has six differently-sized pads with a total of 402 sheets. Plus, it folds shut like a book, making it easy to slip into a purse or bag.


Reviewers liked the usefulness of the wide selection of sticky notes and the folding case. They also liked that the notes aren't difficult to pull off. 

No.3

Pink Pueblo 2Teacher Stamp Set and Tray

Teacher Stamp Set and Tray 1
Source:etsy.com
Teacher Stamp Set and Tray 2
Source:etsy.com
Teacher Stamp Set and Tray 3
Source:etsy.com
Reference price
$22.99
High Mid

Best Personalized Stamps Your Kid Can Help Choose

Pros:

  • Choose from hair and accessory designs to look like your child's teacher
  • Self-inking, refillable, high-quality ink that won't dry out, providing years of use
  • Choose an ink color and text, too

Cons:

  • Some hairstyles aren't represented; you may have to pick an approximation or contact the vendor

These stamps are a great way to get your kids involved with the gift purchase! They can help choose from hairstyles in dark or light, and accessories like glasses and beards so the stamp looks like their teacher. You also get to pick the color of the ink and the text to go on it.


Reviewers say these stamps are great, but they especially praise the service of the vendor, saying they're prompt and easy to communicate with.

No.4

Before The RingsGift Card in Various Gift Boxes

Gift Card in Various Gift Boxes 1
Source:etsy.com
Gift Card in Various Gift Boxes 2
Source:etsy.com
Reference price
$52.00
High Mid
Reference price
$52.00
High Mid

Best Gift Box to Say, "You Deserve a Break"

Pros:

  • Message on box and color can be customized
  • Comes with a lot of different items; great if you're not sure of their tastes
  • Funny and touching at the same time

Cons:

  • Some of the items in the photo seem to have been switched for other things, so check with the seller if it matters

This is a great gift set for the end of the year, but you can customize the message on the box if you want to give it for another occasion. It contains treats like a personalized mug, bath and body care items, poem card, and an optional T-shirt.


Reviewers say it's nicely packaged and arrived quickly. They say the teachers loved it!

No.5

Sweet CartolinaTeacher Personalized Notepad

Teacher Personalized Notepad 1
Source:etsy.com
Teacher Personalized Notepad 2
Source:etsy.com
Reference price
$9.00
Low Mid
Reference price
$9.00
Low Mid

Best Personalized Stationery for Pre-K and Elementary School Teachers

Pros:

  • Teacher's name on the heading of each sheet
  • Choose a color and page style
  • Choices of different page numbers and style (lined or unlined)

Cons:

  • No returns, so check your spelling before you order!

Teachers can use this five by seven-inch pad to take notes or give messages to kids or their parents. It comes with your choice of 40 or 80 matte paper sheets. You can also choose the color of the name and lined or unlined pages. 


Customers loved the vibrant colors, high-quality pages, and superb customer service of the seller. Buyers said daycare and preschool teachers loved receiving this notepad!

No.6

Teacher PeachCustom Engraved Ballpoint Pen With Personalized Case

Custom Engraved Ballpoint Pen With Personalized Case 1
Source:amazon.com
Custom Engraved Ballpoint Pen With Personalized Case 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$36.99
High Mid
Reference price
$36.99
High Mid

Best for Teachers of Older Kids

Pros:

  • Holds a variety of items teachers need to bring with them
  • Cushioned laptop sleeve, water bottle pockets, and interior pockets
  • Simple, gender-neutral design

Cons:

  • Some wished it was wider than 4.5 inches

This tote is 12 inches wide by 16 inches high, and big enough to fit a 15-inch laptop plus books and other supplies. The design is not only simple and tasteful, it's not too cutesy for those who teach older kids. It's made of polyester canvas that's easy to wipe clean.


Most reviewers found it was durably made, and a decent size without being too bulky. Those teachers who bought it for themselves said it holds all the books and small items they need for their day.

No.7

XYSocksFunny Novelty Teacher Socks

Funny Novelty Teacher Socks 1
Source:amazon.com
Funny Novelty Teacher Socks 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$6.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$6.99
Low Mid

Best Quirky Gift for Hardworking Teachers

Pros:

  • One-size-fits-all from shoe size six to 11
  • Four colors available
  • Comes in a giftable box

Cons:

  • Reviewers said they're a bit thin

This comfortable pair of socks is an excellent gift for teachers to wear on their days off. They come in pink and navy, gray and white, red and black, or white with gray toes and heels like shown here. They're made of cotton and polyester.


Some buyers said these socks are not that thick. However, customers appreciated the fun design, and many included these with other items or a gift card.

No.8

AozitaTeacher Appreciation Gifts

Teacher Appreciation Gifts 1
Source:amazon.com
Teacher Appreciation Gifts 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$13.99
Mid
Reference price
$13.99
Mid

Best Tumbler With a Heartwarming Quote

Pros:

  • Comes in two colors (teal or pink)
  • Insulated for hot or cold drinks
  • Useful for the teacher's break room or their home

Cons:

  • The quote doesn't really fit for older kids' teachers

This cute tumbler comes with a heartwarming quote that's perfect for pre-K and elementary school teachers. The stainless steel tumbler keeps drinks hot or cold for up to three hours. Plus, it comes with a plastic lid and matching color silicone straw. It's available in pink or blue.


The majority of reviewers loved its beautiful design and color. They also appreciated its durability. They said this tumbler also does a great job keeping drinks cold or warm. 

No.9

iWenShengTeacher Keychain

Teacher Keychain 1
Source:amazon.com
Teacher Keychain 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$7.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$7.99
Low Mid

Best Keychain for an Unforgettable Teacher

Pros:

  • Heartfelt without being over the top
  • Practical but pretty
  • Great as a goodbye gift or for a retiring teacher

Cons:

  • The pouch it comes with wasn't reviewers' favorite

This keychain has a memorable quote engraved on it that will melt the heart of any teacher. It features an apple pendant with studded gems and comes in a jewelry bag. The pendant with the quote is one inch in diameter. 


Buyers said they chose this because it was more useful than a thank-you card, but showed how they felt about their child's teacher. Many reported that teachers enjoyed receiving this sweet gift.

No.10

Everything Endearing

 1
Source:etsy.com
Reference price
$10.12
Low Mid
Reference price
$10.12
Low Mid

Best Humorous Gift From the Parents

Pros:

  • Customizable with your name and the teacher's
  • Unique and funny, great for those who prefer humor over sappy quotes

Cons:

  • You have to provide the booze

This bag might just say what's really in your heart. If you or the teacher has a good sense of humor, this is sure to bring a laugh. Add a bottle of red or white wine, or champagne or liquor if it's the last day of school!


This item hasn't been reviewed yet, but the shop has good ratings. It goes without saying, though, that you should make sure they drink alcohol before getting this.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've tried to help you out with one of the most commonly asked and slightly sensitive questions about giving gifts to teachers- how much?

How much should I put on a gift card for a teacher?

First, make sure the school doesn't have a policy specifying amounts for gifts! Then, there are a few ways to decide.


You can take into account what the gift card is for. If it's a card for a restaurant, you probably want to make sure the amount at least covers a meal for the teacher and their guest, for example.


Consider the occasion, as well. A teacher at a small school may have been with your child over several grades, and deserve a bigger gift. The end of the school year might call for more than a gift before winter break.


What do other parents do? It varies widely, from 15 to 100 dollars, but it seems most people spend about 20 to 50 dollars for gift cards.

Minori's Recommended Gift for Teachers

In addition to reviewing our buying guide, Minori was kind enough to offer her recommended gift for teachers. 

Amazon's Best Selling Thank You Gift Cards

Want to see what kinds of gift cards others have bought? Some of Amazon's most popular thank you gift cards could be the perfect match for your teacher.

In Collaboration With Education Specialist Minori Nagatomo

Minori Nagatomo
Education Specialist
Minori Nagatomo

This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.

Top 5 Gifts For Teachers

No. 1: Oh! NutsTeacher Notebook

No. 2: HommieSticky Notes Set

No. 3: Pink Pueblo 2Teacher Stamp Set and Tray

No. 4: Before The RingsGift Card in Various Gift Boxes

No. 5: Sweet CartolinaTeacher Personalized Notepad

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
  1. TOP
  2. Gifts
  3. Workplace gifts
  4. 10 Best Gifts for Teachers in 2022 (Education Specialist-Reviewed)

Popular articles

Search by category

mybest

We connect users with the best tried and true products,
tested by our in-house guides and backed by expert insight.

Copyright mybest All Rights Reserved.