18 Best Gifts For Teachers: Suggestions From Actual Teachers!

They inspire, engage, and can be some of the most influential people in your life. 

Good teachers guide you and ignite your passions. They can support you and nurture you into successful careers and fulfilling lives.

It’s these teachers that deserve a big heart-felt thank you every once in a while. Because let’s face it, for all the great work they do, teachers seldom get the recognition they deserve! 

Whether it’s the holidays, their birthday, or just a gift to express your appreciation, a thoughtful gift for your teacher will put you in a class by yourself, pardon the pun.

The teacher in your life may be your spouse, your parent, or another special person in your life.  So here’s a look at some of our favorite gifts for teachers because you’ll have to do better than just an apple! 

Hilarious Book About Failure

This book is called F in Exams by Richard Benson. It documents some of the funniest, most creative wrong-answers assembled from real teachers.

For example, what is a fibula? One student answered, “A little lie.” 

Every teacher will relate to this book. 

If you’re going to fail, you might as well make your teacher smile. Then maybe they will let you retake the test!

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“Instant Teacher Just Add Coffee” Mug

Just like most of us, teachers can be a zombie behind a desk until they get that first cuppa java into their bloodstreams. This mug comically sums up what most teachers feel when they get to work.

The white ceramic mug holds 15 ounces of coffee, soda, or soup and will be a cheerful reminder to keep your teacher happy through the worst days. Safe to use in the dishwasher in the teacher’s lounge.

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Teachers Change The World Pillow

It’s true. Teachers do change the world. 

Let your favorite teacher know how much they are appreciated with this attractive pillow.

It’s excellent for use at home or in their desk chairs. The pillow is 18″ x18″ and comes in a neutral color, so it will match any home or classroom decor!

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Icon Book Light

Reading will be a bit more “enlightening” with this cute, portable book light. The small light clips onto the edge of the book, while a flexible gooseneck can be adjusted so that the light hits the page at a perfect angle.

The icon is a smiling, puffy white cloud or a smiling yellow sun. It takes three AAA batteries that aren’t included.

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Reusable Insulated Cooler Lunch Bag

My favorite class at school? Lunch! 

It’s a welcome break for students and teachers, so why not give your favorite teachers a stylish bag that they can take with them to school every day?

This bag is insulated to keep food hot or cold and is insulated with foil and foam with multiple leakproof compartments to keep things organized. It comes in a variety of styles and patterns. 

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Teacher Survival Kit Bag

Whether it’s art supplies, makeup, or pens and pencils, this is a useful gift that any teacher will love. It’s an attractively designed bag that is great for storing and organizing.

We love the feel of this product. A high-quality zipper and durable fabric mean this is not just some cheap flimsy gift!

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Morse Code Beaded Bracelet

Who taught you Morse code? Give that teacher this beautiful Morse code beaded bracelet to say thanks! 

This handmade bracelet spells, guess what? “Teacher” in Morse code with a series of gold, white and blue beads. It is a secret message that only you and your teacher will know.

The box it comes in has a great inscription: “It takes a big heart to shape little minds.” So true!

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Rainbow Sticky Notes

Who doesn’t love sticky notes? This colorful combination of rainbow-themed sticky notes will brighten up anyone’s desk. 

Six sticky note pads come in cute shapes and sizes. There are about 360 notepads in total, and they’re great for writing reminders or flagging pages in textbooks.

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Organizing Utility Tote Bag

They’re not just teachers. They are parents, coaches and often active in the community. 

In other words? They are busy people! 

Get them this spacious and attractive multi-purpose tote bag with multiple pockets for easy organizing. When it’s full, it stands its own, and when it’s empty, it flattens out for easy storage.

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Globe Desk Pen and Pencil Holder

Don’t know what to get the geography teacher who has everything? Try this pen and pencil holder that is shaped like a globe.

It’s a sturdy organizing tool, made of tough resign with a copper base.

The rustic-colored globe has a vintage look and feel and holds between 10 and 15 pens. It’s an eye-catching design that will add style to any desk at home or school.

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Motivational Grading Stamp Set

This set of eight stamps will make marking homework more enjoyable. These self-inking, mess-free stamps have positive, motivational messages such as “Excellent,” “100%,” and “Great work!”

The colorful collections are kid-friendly and non-toxic. They’ll make learning fun and exciting for students and teachers of all ages.

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Makeup Mirror with Grateful Inscription

This is a beautiful rose gold makeup mirror that is a perfect gift for any occasion. The inscription, “It takes a big heart to help shape little minds,” is a sentiment that your favorite teacher in your life will never forget.

Great for travel of wallets, this makeup mirror has two sides, one that magnifies for tweezing and another normal view.  It opens 180 degrees to lay flat on any surface, or you can prop it up to use hands-free.

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Floral Printed Lanyard

Lanyards are a necessity in many schools these days, but they don’t have to be boring! These richly-colored floral printed lanyards will stand out and make a unique fashion statement.

Never lose your keys, ID badge, or other accessories again! Feel good about this purchase as a portion from every sale goes to a charity.

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Acrylic Dry Erase Board

This is an impressive take to the old whiteboard you have in class. This elegant acrylic board is transparent, making it an almost invisible addition to a desk, counter, or shelf.

The only time you know it’s there is when you write on it with a dry erase marker (included). It’s easy to clean with a damp cloth.

This is a cool way to make to-do lists, grocery lists, or daily messages for a loved one.

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Suede-Covered Journal

This is a top-shelf journal that will get any teacher writing. The suede is soft to the touch and comes in a variety of colors. 

It contains 126 pages and has an elegant tie wrap to hold it closed.

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Fizzy Bath Balls

You don’t have to be a teacher to enjoy a luxurious bath. These fizzy bath balls from Weekends & Chocolate will take your breath away with scents included sweet vanilla, toasted almonds, and creamy coconut. Yum!

Each vintage jar contains 14 bath balls made of Epsom salt, aloe powder, vitamin E for your skin, and oils from avocados, coconuts, and jojoba seeds. Soft and relaxing!

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USB Cup Heater

This is an ingenious use for a USB cable if we ever saw one! The USB cable connects to a colorful mat shaped like a butterfly. 

The mat gets warm when you plug it in. Put down your cup of coffee or tea, and then the mat will keep whatever’s inside nice and warm!

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Personalized Acrylic Name Bar

You don’t get much more personal than this. These are made of transparent acrylic with letters and graphics reverse-etched on the back to have a 3D effect.

Just make sure you spell your teacher’s name correctly when you make your order!

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Best Gifts for Teachers: What to Avoid

Some gifts might get you a great big “F” from your teacher.  Here are some gifts for teachers that you should avoid:

  • Food: You’ll never know for sure if the teacher is gluten-free? Allergic to nuts? Prefers tea to coffee? Best to stay away from food because it is too risky.
  • Stuffed animals: Toys, no matter how cute, aren’t that useful.
  • Scented lotions: This is pretty tricky because what might smell nice to one person may stink to high heaven for another. Be careful with scents!

So those are some of the best gifts for teachers that we have found. Think about your favorite teacher; would they love one of the gifts on our list?

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