Gold-Star Appreciation Gifts for Teachers and Education Who Go the Extra Mile

Teachers work throughout the school year to not only educate but guide and encourage their students. A thank-you gift is a great start to surprise the teacher in your life with a token of your gratitude, from a Starbucks gift card for their daily coffee fix to gifts for book lovers to a custom desk sign for them to proudly display. You could even splurge and treat them to an at-home spa day or a kitchen gadget that’ll make their lives easier. Whatever level of present you’re looking for, we’ve rounded up the best appreciation gifts for teachers.

But first, read on for suggestions and ideas from the people themselves.

What are the Best Teacher Appreciation Gifts, According to Teachers?

To make sure you give the best teacher appreciation gift, we reached out to educators to get their take on teacher appreciation week and find out what gifts they’re always happy to receive.

“Teachers deserve lots of love all the time, but this one week of the year is the perfect way to show them how much you care,” shares Kristen Dobbins, a mom and teacher of 15 years. Last year, Dobbins organized and the parents paid for a catered breakfast for teachers. Dobbins also gifted her daughter’s teachers personalized water bottles and baskets filled with gift cards and treats based on their individual preferences.

Handmade gifts from students are also a hit. As one elementary school music teacher we talked to shares: “Anything that the student had input in means something to me. I honestly have a folder with all of my notes and drawings from students and parents. I read them when I’m having a bad day.” So feel free to let your little one draw in your teacher appreciation greeting card.

Additionally, practical gifts are worth considering. Along with fancy hand cream, meal kits, and a wireless phone charger, Sara Urben, a teacher in Chicago also suggests coffee gifts, since teachers often have lots of mugs. You can keep their supply of joe flowing with a coffee subscription.

Whichever gifting route you decide to go, our list of teacher appreciation gifts has what you’ll need to let them know you're thankful.