So much of school was stressful for me, due in part to the pressure I put on myself (“pressure” is an understatement, ha), but I loved learning. I still remember the teachers who encouraged my curiosity and creativity! It meant so much to me. With in-laws who work in education and a son in daycare, I feel even more grateful for everything teachers do. I wanted to add them to my list of gift guides this year and round up some teacher gift ideas that feel a little more useful than another mug or candle. (Also, if you’re shopping for an English teacher, check out my gifts for book lovers guide!)
Teacher Gift Ideas 2023
STARBUCKS GIFT CARD // AMAZON GIFT CARD // SEAT CUSHION
BOAT AND TOTE // AIRTAG // AIRTAG HOLDER // HAND WARMERS
ELECTRIC KETTLE // TEACHER PLANNER // ELECTRIC LUNCHBOX // MUG WARMER
I might as well start with the most obvious teacher gift idea: gift cards. If you have a lot of teachers to buy for or don’t know the teachers very well, you can never go wrong with Starbucks or Amazon gift cards. I also think it’s wonderful to give them a gift card to the local spa or nail salon – somewhere luxurious and indulgent they might not prioritize going to otherwise! A seat cushion may not be a “fun” gift, but it’s definitely practical, especially for older teachers.
A monogrammed Boat and Tote won’t arrive until after the holidays, but I still think it’s worth including because it’s personal, durable, and functional. It’s better to get them a gift they’ll use and appreciate late than one they won’t. Remember to get the long handles so they can be comfortably hands-free and drape the tote on their chair during the day! AirTags seem unnecessary until you have one, and then you wonder how you ever lived without it. They could use it for their luggage, keys, pet collar, or school lanyard – just don’t forget a holder for it! I imagine these rechargeable hand warmers would be a lifesaver during recess duty, especially because you can choose from three different temperatures.
If the teacher is a tea drinker, I love the idea of gifting an electric kettle for them to make tea without leaving the classroom. All the better better if you know their favorite tea and can include it! For teachers who prefer manual planning versus digital, this record book has student checklists, communication logs, blank pages, and much more. I think this electric lunchbox is brilliant – their soup and leftovers will be perfectly warm by lunch instead of too hot or too cold from the microwave. In that same vein, a mug warmer does exactly what it sounds like: keeps mugs of coffee, tea, and hot chocolate hot when teachers are too busy to finish their drink right away!
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So many great ideas! I love gifts that are practical and fun!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
The best teacher gift I’ve ever received was lobster from the son of a lobster fisherman. Second best is always wine or gift cards to the liquor store! IYKYK
A lobster is AMAZING!
Thank you for supporting teachers! I’m a high school English teacher in the suburbs of Nashville and some of my favorite gifts I’ve received from students are honestly hand-written notes — I keep all of them in a box. On days when the grading, teenage hormones, and dark events in the world feel extra heavy, these are the greatest gift. I’ve also received books from students at the end of the school year (that they love or think I would love) with a hand-written note in the cover from the student– these are so personal and special.
Great list! The rechargeable hand warmer is genius and the little crockpot is so cute!
Yep, every teacher I’ve asked in the past has always said “gift cards” or just a thoughtful note, if budget doesn’t allow.