The Best Teacher Gifts

Stumped about what to give your teachers? Well, we went straight to the source to find the best teacher gifts. Here are the questions we asked teachers across the country, across all grade levels — and what they told us they love (and don’t love) to see.

Collect for a Teacher Gift

The best teacher gifts: Gift cards knock out the competition

What’s the best teacher gift to receive?

85%: Gift card 85% 85%
8%: Personalized class memorabilia 21% 21%
2%: Handmade items 2% 2%
2%: Gift Baskets 2% 2%
0%: School supplies 0% 0%
0%: Mugs 0% 0%
0%: Gas 0% 0%
0%: Soaps and lotions 0% 0%
0%: Other 0% 0%

What about the second favorite?

33%: Gift baskets 33% 33%
15%: Gift card 15% 15%
15%: School supplies 15% 15%
15%: Handmade items 8% 8%
15%: Personalized class memorabilia 8% 8%
4%: Other 8% 8%
2%: Soaps and lotions 8% 8%
2%: Books 8% 8%
0%: Mugs 8% 8%

*63% of teachers surveyed said they never want to see another mug.

Let’s talk more about gift cards: What are your top choices?

Top Choice:

65%: Large retailers (e.g. Target) 65% 65%
21%: Prepaid cash cards (Visa, MC) 21% 21%
10%: Restaurants 2% 2%
4%: Coffee 2% 2%
2%: Other 0% 0%
0%: Teachers Pay Teachers 0% 0%
0%: Groceries 0% 0%
0%: Gas 0% 0%
0%: Local Shopping 0% 0%
0%: Spa 0% 0%

Second Choice:

28%: Large retailers (e.g. Target) 28% 28%
26%: Restaurants 21% 21%
17%: Prepaid cash cards (Visa, Mastercard) 2% 2%
13%: Coffee 2% 2%
6%: Teachers Pay Teachers 0% 0%
6%: Groceries 0% 0%
4%: Spa 0% 0%
0%: Gas 0% 0%
0%: Local Shopping 0% 0%
0%: Spa 0% 0%

Gift cards are also an excellent choice when you’re short on time. In need of more last minute ideas? We’ve got you covered.

What’s one of the most meaningful gifts you’ve ever received?

“A rock from a child who didn’t have money to buy something. I still have it years later.”

“A binder full of hand-drawn pictures of the students’ favorite memories with me.”

“Books in the genres I like, but picked out by student and parents as recommendations!”

Do you enjoy receiving notes and pictures from your students?

81%: Both 81% 81%
17%: Notes 21% 21%
2%: Pictures 2% 2%

Do you prefer notes over gifts?

67%: I like them equally. 67% 67%
17%: Yes 21% 21%
17%: No 2% 2%

Some of the best teacher gifts don’t require money.

“I love to receive a nice personalized card from each family and hear how my presence as a teacher has impacted your child’s learning journey. Feeling recognized, seen and appreciated for our hard work goes a long way!”

33% of teachers prefer group gifts

You don’t need to do it on your own! Coordinate with others in the class or school to ensure you get the best teacher gifts this year. Get your collection started with these tips for collecting a teacher gift.

More about what makes the best teacher gifts

“Every gift is meaningful, but the ones who take the time to truly choose or make something that they know resonates with that teacher’s personality because they have been listening and paying attention to the teacher, those are the ones I love the most.”

“A note goes a long way — just telling the teacher how much you appreciate all they do. Even something little given randomly, like a piece of candy with a note on a Friday.”

“I prefer not to receive gifts that are meant to last forever (decorations, mugs, etc) except for personalized notes or handmade items. Clutter is a teacher’s enemy, and well-meaning gifts can contribute to that. Consumable things are always welcome, whether food or gift cards.”