10 of the BEST Christmas Gifts for Teachers (According to Educators)
Need teacher gift ideas? Here are the best teacher gift ideas according to teachers.
If you’re looking for the best teacher gift ideas for the holidays or to gift when school starts back after the winter break, you’re in the right place! We know what teachers really want and need because these gift ideas were all submitted by actual teachers!
Check out our best teacher gifts guide according to actual teachers:
1. Students could be asked if they would like to contribute $1 or more each towards a gift for the teacher to use on themselves or for classroom supplies.
Amazon Gift Card – $25+
Need more teacher gift ideas? Here are the top requested gift cards to consider:
- Starbucks
- Target
- Gas stations
- Grocery stores
- Local small shops
- Local masseuse, nail salon, or self-care service
- Or a Visa Gift Card they can spend anywhere
- Get the most bang for your buck by scoring a restaurant gift cards deal from our big list of current offers!
2. A hand-written card they can look back on is one of the best gift ideas for teachers.
Handwritten Cards – Potentially FREE!
Teachers across the country agree that handwritten cards of appreciation from students or parents are the most cherished gifts they’ve kept over the years. On tough days, these heartfelt notes provide encouragement, making them one of the most meaningful teacher gifts you can give. ❤️
“Teacher here! Have your kid write a nice card. I have saved every single one I’ve ever received from a student. I call it my ‘happy file and look through it on bad days.” – Emily, Hip Reader & Teacher
“Gift cards are always nice, but a handmade card from your student will always take the cake! I have every card/note/picture my students have given me in a box in my classroom. They’re nice reminders on tough school days.” – Bailee, Hip Reader & Teacher
“For those with tiny or no budgets for teacher gifts, I can honestly tell you, a sincere note of appreciation, especially if you can be specific about something the teacher did, is way more meaningful than any gift.” – Anne, Hip Reader & Teacher
3. A hot meal delivered for lunch or something they can save for later since they rarely (if ever) get to eat lunch out.
Teachers rarely get a chance to enjoy a hot meal from their favorite spot, making a gift card or lunch delivery a thoughtful and much-appreciated gift. Be sure to check their favorite foods and dietary preferences to ensure your gesture hits the mark!
“There is a healthy meal prep lady where we live. I gave the teachers a choice of which meal they wanted for their family, and it was delivered to school. They had to only take it home and pop it in the oven. They LOVED it.” – Stacy, Hip Reader & Teacher
4. Treat your favorite teacher to some homemade snacks.
Treat your favorite teacher to one of these yummy recipes:
You may want to check with the teacher beforehand to find out any dietary restrictions or allergies.
“I have a student right now and he dips Oreos in chocolate and puts sprinkles on them and brings them to me for every holiday! So good and it’s a snack to keep me going through the day at school!” – Ashly, Hip Reader & Teacher
5. A gift basket filled with goodies is one of the most requested teacher gift ideas.
Zulay Microwave Popcorn Maker – $11.99+ (regularly $14.99)
While popcorn isn’t a specific item that teachers request, many of them said how much they love thoughtful gift baskets with treats and foods they really enjoy. To create our popcorn gift basket idea, all you need is our favorite collapsible silicone popcorn maker, some kernels, a drink, and a little note to tie your vision together. You can also add some fun popcorn seasonings too! 🤩
Consider treating them to a s’mores basket that will be perfect for Fall!
“Include stuff for s’mores, telescoping roasting forks, fire flame colors, s’mores themed towel, etc. with a card that reads; ‘Here’s to a holiday break that’s ‘s’more’ amazing than ever!'” – Sarah, Hip reader
6. Gift a group of teachers an affordable mirror with a cute cardstock note.
Mini Folding Compact Mirrors – $7.29 (just 61¢ each!)
This gift only requires the purchase of a compact mirror set and some sweet notes from your kiddo to pair with each one. While the fruity mirrors pictured above are currently sold out – the pack listed above would be under $1 per teacher!
Here are some thoughtful ideas for cards if you’re gifting these at the beginning of the school year.
- “You make our class shine brighter than holiday lights!”
- “May your holiday be merry, bright, and full of good reflections!”
- “A mirror to reflect the wonderful teacher you are! Have an unforgettable break!”
- “Every time you look in this mirror, remember that you’re an inspiration to us all! Here’s to a wonderful holiday break!”
- “A mirror to remind you that you’re not just a teacher; you’re a shining example! Have a great break!”
- “A mirror to remind you that every day you reflect greatness! Here’s to a brilliant break!”
- “Look in this mirror to see someone who makes a world of difference! Thanks for shining bright!”
- “Thank you for helping me shine this year! See you in 2025!”
Group Gifting? Check out our group gift ideas – all under $2 per person.
7. Fun gift ideas for teachers include beautiful plants they can keep in their classroom or take home.
20 Live Succulent Plants on Amazon – $27.48 ($1.37 each)
Our amazing teachers help our children grow every day and showing your appreciation of their growth in a live plant will be a constant reminder of you and your kiddo’s gratitude. Plus, when you buy a large pack of succulents, it makes a super affordable gift to give to multiple teachers.
Here are some thoughtful ideas for cards if you’re gifting these at the beginning of the school year.
- “Thanks for helping me grow all year long!”
- “You’ve planted seeds of knowledge that will last a lifetime.”
- “May your holidays be merry, bright, and full of new growth!”
- “Thank you for helping me bloom—have a joyful holiday season!”
- “You’ve helped me grow smarter and kinder—happy holidays!”
- “Your care helps us grow strong, like this little plant!”
- “Thank you for being such a nurturing teacher—happy holidays!”
- “You’ve helped me thrive this year—wishing you a season full of joy and growth!”
- “Like this plant, I’ve grown so much thanks to you!”
- “You’ve rooted so much love and learning into our hearts—thank you!”
Hip Tip: Make an easy ruler succulent planter if you want to gift them something they’ll love displaying on their desk. 🤩 Walmart has wood rulers for just 54¢!
8. Personalized items for the classroom can make thoughtful and cool teacher gifts.
Personalized Whiteboard Eraser Teacher Gift – $13
*Order ASAP for 12/23 delivery. Shipping is $4.38 or FREE on $35+ orders.
One of our Hip readers, Kelly, makes these adorable custom whiteboard eraser gifts that are well received every school year. We think these highly-rated personalized erasers would look so cute and cheerful in the classroom and it’s something every teacher will use all school year!
9. Classroom essentials and school supplies to stock a teacher’s classroom are great ideas too.
- Classroom supplies as low as 25¢
- Dollar Tree Caddies – $1.25 each
One of the best gift ideas for teachers is a donation of classroom supplies they can use throughout the year! A LOT of teachers reported shelling out big bucks to stock their own classrooms. Walmart is a great place to find many items priced well under $1 each. You can even grab the pictured 6-cup holder caddy from Dollar Tree to fill with your goodies.
As a rule of thumb, it’s always best to check with your teacher directly to see what supplies they most need. Even if they’re fully stocked right now, they’ll continue to need more supplies as the year goes on.
Here are some affordable supplies to gift to teachers any time of year:
10. Flair pens, and Flair pens only.
Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens – $2.29+
If you’re unsure of a teacher’s love language, it’s Flair pens, and Flair pens only! Gift a pack of Paper Mate Flair pens, pair them with a heartfelt card, and you’ll have an affordable, thoughtful gift sure to be appreciated.
BONUS: Still can’t decide? Try this DIY drink holder gift that has a combination of gift ideas…
Give your teacher a thoughtful holiday gift with a customizable drink holder filled with goodies like a gift card, candle, plant, or coffee.
Browse all of our FREE Teacher printables that can be used year-round!
Librarians! I never see librarians listed! Please don’t leave out your child’s librarian.
I think the “Teacher Favorites” lists are the golden ticket. Knowing a teacher’s favorite place to shop, their favorite drink/snack etc helps them feel known and appreciated all throughout the year. Definitely a quality over quantity situation. I very much appreciated a surprise latte on a random Monday:)
Five years from now most teachers and staff won’t remember if you gave them any gifts throughout the year, but they will remember if you were kind and appreciative. As a former teacher and para, express your gratitude rather than spend money.
Every year a parent in the classroom asks for monetary donations to go towards a teacher gift fund. I love this idea! It’s so much easier for me to contribute once to the fund and know the teacher will receive a group gift for the holidays and end of the year.
Our school does a Google doc with all of the schools teacher info (elem-high school). Things such as favorite drinks, pop, candy, food, ect. That way if you want to ever get them anything, even small. You don’t have to guess. In their individual classes the teachers will usually tell us what they’re shot on and parents can sign up & donate items during the year. I tend to do those things, instead of something they might not want later. For bus drivers I just give him chocolate or candy with a note saying thank you for driving us safely.
Don’t forget about the school nurse!!
Teacher for 30 years here. PLEASE send in those handmade cards! I have a large manila envelope full of all of the heartfelt cards I’ve received over the years–they are dear to my heart. I wouldn’t think for one second, “Where’s the gift card that should go with this?” Truly, most teachers would just love to be recognized, appreciated, thanked for their hard work.
I think when these lists are put out, it’s because parents are asking and the school office or PTO…are wanting to be helpful.
You could get $ 1 scratch off lottery tickets and put into a card saying how lucky I am to have you as my teacher. Or you could make a bunch of muffins and package nicely with a little note. Or buy a bag of individual potato chips and give them out with a note you are all that and a bag of chips. Things purchased in bulk will keep the cost down.
A few times a school year I take bake and take about 100 (it’s a small school) chocolate chip cookies up to the front office for everyone with a cute note attached telling them all how appreciated they are. They all seem to really appreciate the thought and sentiment.
I bring my girl’s kinder teacher a coffee once a month. They got $15 gc for dutch bros coffee for treat during break and I’ll do the samr for Christmas.
That’s super thoughtful of you to treat your daughter’s teacher each month, Nkiser! I’m sure it’s much appreciated! ☕️❤️ Thanks for sharing what you’ll be gifting! 🎄
I work in a preschool. Please stay away from anything scented unless you know your teacher likes a certain one. All the candles, lotions, etc. are a nice gesture but a lot of folks can’t take scents. We always use soaps, hand sanitizer, tissues, expo markers and sharpies and most of that comes out of our pockets. Also books for the classroom with your child’s name put on the inside is always a welcomed gift. I appreciate even just a $5 gift card. That’s enough to get a coffee or breakfast on the way to work or to grab lunch.
As a teacher myself, I happily accept any gift I am given whether it’s something I want or not. I am just grateful for the gesture. I don’t drink coffee, but if I receive it, I express my gratitude and then I give it to someone who I know drinks coffee. Apply that logic to scented candles and lotions. Easy!
Life is expensive for families, for mine, too. I always appreciate hand written notes or the pictures my students draw. It’s just nice to be appreciated and remembered.
I always try to donate throughout the school year because I was a hands on volunteer for many years and know alot comes out of the teachers pockets. wish more teachers would post what they like such as candy coffee treats but many don’t. if they have a family I try to do a gift card for a night out to the movies or a restaurant I know life is busy and atleast make one meal easy or have a little family outing.
Thankyou to all you Teachers that shape our futures!! Thankyou to all the contributors that put together theses posts!! Such an unselfish act to help others like ALL of you do!!