You've checked off the kiddos, the parents and maybe even your partner. Next on the list this season? Finding the right gift for your kiddos' teacher.
Here's a fact: Being a teacher is NOT an easy job—especially not the past couple years. The days are long and the little personalities are strong, and yet these kind and patient professionals make magic happen every single day. I mean, now that we've all had the experience of home schooling for at least a hot minute it's even more impressive that they teach, care for and inspire students and manage to do it with a smile. (And not end each day looking like they just got shot out of a cannon. Speaking from experience here.)
Related: 5 ways parents can partner with teachers throughout the school year
Because of that, it's only appropriate that we show them our utmost appreciation. And because we know these hardworking profs have more than their share of mugs and artwork from your special humans, we've curated a list of thoughtful teacher gifts that we know they would be completely touched (and grateful!) to receive.
Below we give you the best outside-the-box ideas for the teachers in you and your child's life, ranging from pampering bath bombs to pretty artwork, personalized tote bags to Starbucks gift cards. You know, items they actually want and will actually use.
Here are the best teacher gifts to consider.
$24
Nothing is better than a heartfelt card—except perhaps a card that doubles as decor!
$10
Many teachers spend their hard-earned money on classroom resources year after year. An awesome way to help offset those costs and show appreciation is with a Scholastic eGift card. Through the Scholastic Teacher Store they can purchase everything from books to classroom charts that will be enjoyed by students for years to come. Choose any amount or pull in other parents to contribute!
Field Notes
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$14.95
Every teacher needs a place to jot things down–and the stylish Field Notes notebooks are a personal favorite. There are always a ton of fun collections to choose from, but the limited edition “Signs of Spring” collection feels like the cheery optimism everyone can use right now. Each of the three pocket-sized notebooks features a debossed cover with patterns based on three flowers that are among the very first to appear in the Spring each year across the U.S.—the Ghost Flower in the Southwest, Quaker Ladies in the East, and Contra Costa Goldfields in the San Francisco Bay area.
$37.50
Only healthcare professionals scrub up more than teachers these days. Give their parched hands a little pampering with this gorgeous trio of luxe and hydrating cream.
$49
Know your kiddos’ teacher is a fitness nut? Then they’ll totally love getting access to Classpass’ online lineup of yoga, pilates, spinning, kickboxing, meditation and more.
$29
If they’d rather rest and reset, the extra cozy neck wraps from Warmies are just the thing. Just pop them in the microwave or the freezer, place on your neck and bask in the lavender-scented calm.
$13.50
Add their name or thoughtful words of encouragement to these personalized pencils. They come in tons of colors and can be customized with up to 23 characters.
$24
Part game, part calendar, teachers and students alike will get a kick out of starting the day with a challenge. Try to match each stainless steel ball with the correct month, day and date and revel in some good old fashioned analog fun.
$48
If you know they’ve got a pair of Airpods, a monogrammed leather case from Cuyana is a classy gift they’ll appreciate on the daily. After all, it’s far too easy to lose those things!
$30
Not sure what to get? Let Knack do the work for you! The woman-owned gifting platform makes it super easy to send some appreciation their way with customizable gift sets that fit any personality. What’s more, you can shop by ethos, choosing sustainable, BIPOC-owned, or even handmade products. But the icing on the cake? Each gift includes a beautiful, custom-printed card and/or video message you can personalize. Prices start at $30.
$24.99
Help your teachers get organized with these streamlined-yet-sleek drawer organizers that will keep their many pencils, erasers and Post-Its in neat order.
$45
Give the gift of self-reflection. The guided monthly Human Being Journal is designed to help even the busiest people connect with their deeper sense of being—without being just one more chore on the to-do list.
$21.95
Everyone on the planet appreciates custom stationery and this line from Etsy vendor CurioPress is simple and sweet all at once.
$35
While we acknowledge that a candle isn’t the most original teacher gift, we can guarantee this will be their favorite one to date. Not only does the message make them feel extra special, but the luxe scents are totally dreamy. (And if your relationship is a little cheekier you could always opt for other messages like Wine O’Clock or the very pandemic-appropriate Wake Me Up When This Is Over.)
$19.99
Teachers have to carry SO many binders, books, papers and more to and from their car daily, so give them a fun (and thoughtful!) tote to transport it all.
$26
Whether they opt to hang it in their classroom or their home, this artwork will surely brighten every day for your child’s teacher. Painted by Philadelphia artist RedRedOrange, this dreamy piece of artwork depicts lavender fields in France’s Provence region.
$15
Encourage them to fit in a much-needed relaxation session after a long day of trying to tame your kiddos. The raved about Hemp CBD and epsom salt bath gem from Prima are an extra-special treat for mind and muscles.
$20
Back to bath time! If they’re more of a bath salts and less of a fizzy bath bomb type, these calming salts from Herbivore are ideal. The scent is gorg and so is the packaging!
$26
The only people on the planet who might need a daily dose of coffee more than moms is teachers! Sign them up for a one-time or subscription delivery of Brooklyn’s finest, most delicious brew. Prices start at $26
$18
Alternatively, for the latte lovers! Copper Cow Coffee brings barista-level treats right to your cabinet with their innovative pour-overs. On a mission to sustainably support and share the vibrant heritage of Vietnamese coffee, Copper Cow’s sampler set includes the best-selling flavors along with individual sweetened condensed milk creamer that creates the perfect drink every time.
$15
They’ve probably amassed a decent collection of face masks by now, but what about a convenient way to keep them clean and at-the-ready? The handy sealable silicone case protects masks while they’re stored in pockets and bags and comes with a matching refillable silicone bottle for their favorite hand sanitizer.
$12
Everyone can use a pair of cozy socks! Not only will these keep their feet warm—they’ll also warm their heart knowing that each sale donates $1 to Room to Read, a non-profit that provides books and literacy programs to children in need.
$32
A little greenery is always a welcome gift. And even better when it’s heart-shaped! The Sill offers tons of different potted options they’ll love.
$12.99
There’s no reason necessities have to look boring! We love this gilded tape dispenser that makes their desktop a little more stylish.
$25
Contribute to their next manicure, pedicure, facial or massage by giving your teacher a Spafinder gift card which can be redeemed at thousands of local spas all over the country. (Starting at $25)
$15
School desks aren’t known for their beauty, so they’re sure to love something pretty to perch on top. Rifle Paper Co. always knocks it out of the park with beautiful designs that brighten up the day.
$4.99
The zero-prep, no refrigeration-required meals from Proper Good are perfect for teachers. Not only are they made from nutritious and clean ingredients that are incredibly delicious, they’re also ready to eat in just 90 seconds. Choose from savory meals like hearty plant based chili and chicken noodle to energizing breakfasts like blueberry coconut oats and stock their desk with love and nourishment!
$40
Here’s a fact: You can never go wrong with a Starbucks gift card. Given that they’re pretty much on every street corner in America, we’re confident your teacher will find a time to use it. This four-pack means you can also dole out thank-yous to crossing guards and the school librarian, too. Buy a bundle to save!
$48
A little bit of bougie pampering goes a long way. The washable silk eye masks from Lunya are the perfect intersection of practical and thoughtful.
A version of this post was published June 3, 2021. It has been updated.
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