30 Thoughtful and Affordable Holiday Teacher Gifts
Updated: Jan. 20, 2023Your kids' teachers work so hard day after day after day. Why not show them your appreciation for all that they do? Here, 30 heartfelt holiday gifts for teachers—that will enable you to stay on budget, too.
A refreshing way to keep hydrated
Teachers are on their feet all day and are often so busy they forget to take care of themselves. This insulated BPA-free water bottle offers a cool twist: It comes with an infuser tube that can be filled with fresh mint, lime, lemon, or berries. This is a simple teacher gift she or he will find super useful. Make the gift more personal by including one of these 34 inspirational quotes about teachers in your card.
A dash of green
Plants are among the best teacher gifts. Not only do these add a little bit of the outdoors to any classroom but tiny succulents—and these come in a pack of five—require very little maintenance. A win-win for your child’s very busy teacher.
Bookmarks aplenty
With any luck, your kids’ teachers will be spending their holidays curled up with a good book, instead of catching up on lesson plans or grading. These bookmarks come 30 to the pack so you can share with all of your child’s teachers (and even write a personal message on the back).
A swipe of self-care
There are certain gifts that never go to waste. Give your child’s busy teacher a few inexpensive self-care items like Burt’s Bees lip balm—and this package comes with four tubes of Original Beeswax, Strawberry, Coconut & Pear, and Vanilla Bean—as a much-appreciated survival kit for busy school days. Read on for 60 of the best Amazon Prime gifts for everyone on your list.
Warm hands
If your child’s teacher is usually the one who waits out front as the last yellow school bus leaves for the day, then why not gift her with warm and cozy gloves? These are even more ideal for lots of outdoor time thanks to their tech-friendly touchscreen fingertips.
Bath treats
When you’re a teacher there’s never enough time for downtime but, with this shea butter duo, which is just right for harsh winter temps, your child’s teacher will appreciate the gesture.
Jot it down
This three-pack of journals is a perfect teacher gift. Ideal for stowing in a backpack or on a desk, the covers are also water-resistant, just in case of potential (kiddie) spills. Don’t miss these $10 and under stocking stuffers.
Cookie sampler
A simple cookie sampler is often the perfect teacher gift, especially when it’s delicious shortbread that happens to be shaped like a Christmas tree.
Personalized pencils
It’s one thing to give your child’s teacher a box of fun-colored pink pencils. It’s another to get them personalized, always a very thoughtful gift.
A rainbow of colors
School supplies are often in short supply and felt-tip pens are always a hit, whether your child’s teacher wants to use them in the classroom or to address her own holiday cards.
Scented jar candle
There’s nothing nicer than gifting a teacher with a scented jar candle. To make your child’s gift stand out, tie it with a bow or have your child decorate it with paint pens. Note: Try to find out what types of scents your child’s teacher likes best—before you buy—though this bamboo and eucalyptus candle, designed and poured in the United States, is mild enough for most.
Coffee, please
There are few teachers who won’t be pleased with a refillable Starbucks gift card. Get your child’s teacher started with this $25 card for a super-generous start to their morning coffee.
Desk accessory
You know your kid has a fabulous teacher. Acknowledge it with a “World’s Greatest Teacher” desk nameplate featuring faux woodgrain design and a shiny gold-covered base and the best additional line: “Because Superhero Isn’t an Official Job Title.”
A new way to brown bag it
Why not look have your child’s teacher look chic when she’s brown-bagging it? Your child’s teacher will love toting this cafeteria goodie anytime she’s lunch monitor. These are the best gifts for fitness lovers.
Coffee, part two
Deliciously fragrant hazelnut coffee will be a treat for your child’s hardworking teacher. This is a just-right gift for her or for the entire teacher’s lounge to use in the a.m. brew.
Herbalicious
Whether this ends up coming to life in your child’s classroom or in your teacher’s kitchen window, this basil plant is emblazoned with the sweet sentiment “Thank you for helping me grow.” Best of all, it’s gift-boxed and ready for gift-giving.
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A better mousepad
No need for a blah monochrome mousepad when you have this assortment of mousepads that feature flamingos or and other nature-inspired patterns and come with an anti-slip base—a perfect teacher gift to enhance any desktop.
Tea time
If you know your child’s teacher loves tea this gift set featuring blends that are just right for breakfast, afternoon energy boosts, and even chamomile for sleep will be a crowd pleaser either in the teacher’s lounge or for your child’s teacher alone to enjoy.
Cuddle time
There’s nothing like having a velvet plush throw blanket to have at the ready for cold nights. This polyester version is ultra-soft and comes in eight vibrant colors and will be a treat for your child’s hardworking teacher. Pair it with a bestselling book and you have a terrific present that will be very appreciated.
A treat for the eyes
Grading is tough on the eyes so a super-soft lavender eye pillow will always be an A+. This one is filled with organic flax seed and pure aromatherapy herbs to relieve tension and stress.
Wooden block calendar
Help your child’s teacher keep track of the days with this stylish wooden block calendar that features the month, day and date. It’ll add a little vintage flair to his or her desktop!
Chocolate truffles
Who can say no to a delicious assortment of gourmet truffles? This Lindt package comes with a variety of flavors, from dark chocolate to hazelnut, and comes in a fancy gold gift box. Easy peasy! Check out our list of best food gifts (none are fruitcake!).
Thank you cards
In the end, if you’re still stuck on what to give your child’s teacher, remember this: A handwritten (by your child) thank you note will always be appreciated by a hardworking teacher. This pack comes with 24 thank you cards all made from 100 percent recycled stock. More of a DIYer? These are the handmade gifts for everyone on your list.
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