We all know that teachers deserve the best, because they work hard all day helping to mold our kids into the people they will become. So, when it's time to show some end-of-the-year teacher appreciation, you want to make sure the teachers in your life feel treasured. The only question is: How?
We surveyed more than 40 teachers to find out what they actually want as a teacher gift. Our respondents were both current and former educators who live spread out across the country and teach at different grade levels. We promised we'd keep their anonymity so they could tell us how they really feel about those end-of-year trinkets. And you know what? They did, in no uncertain terms.
After combing through our pool of responses, these are the best teacher gifts to give in 2023, according to actual teachers. Though their schools, locations, subjects and experiences may be different, they agreed on one thing: Gift cards make the best teacher gifts. They really do want them, and the more versatile the cards are (Amazon, Target and Visa were the most requested), the better.
But we know parents don't always feel comfortable giving gift cards, or like to give small tokens of appreciation with a gift card, and our teacher panel came ready with suggestions. Something else almost all of them shared: They really do believe that it's the thought that counts, and notes, handwritten letters, handmade items or home-baked goodies were really valued.
Another response that came up over and over: It helps to get to know your teacher and their preferences personally. For every educator that said they loved candy, there was another who said if they didn't see another Godiva box, it would be too soon. (Food, coffee, mugs, candles and wine were the most divisive, showing up on both the "most wanted" and "least wanted" lists. so check their preferences first.) Teachers warned to steer clear of anything that really requires you to know their personal taste, like jewelry or fragrances, and they also agreed that they'd rather get something personalized with their names on it than something with an apple that just says "teacher."
With all that in mind, these are the gifts that our panel of teachers said are most likely to make educators very happy.
etsy
FAQs
Gift Cards
Do teachers prefer gifts or gift cards? ›
What to give teachers. Most teachers tell SheKnows that gift cards are what they prefer. Especially those that can be used on classroom supplies (sadly). So skip the knickknacks, parents.
What teachers actually want as gifts? ›
18 Gift Ideas for Teachers
- The pencil sharpener that all the teachers are talking about. ...
- Everyone loves a good book. ...
- Personalized pencils. ...
- Gift cards. ...
- Their go-to grading tool, but better. ...
- A bottle of nice wine. ...
- A new lanyard. ...
- School supplies.
Before we get into the list, however, it is important to figure out how much money to put in the gift card. Most teacher gift cards fall between $10 and $30, but there is no required amount for a gift card — we're sure they would appreciate any and every amount you want to give! There's no pressure for an amount.
Can I give my child's teacher a gift card? ›
While you can't control the demands of their job, you can easily express your gratitude in a multitude of ways, including giving a thoughtful gift. There's no shortage when it comes to all the different gifts you could buy any teachers you know, but a gift card may be the best option out of them all.
Is a $50 gift card too much for a teacher? ›
Our etiquette expert would like to remind parents, “You don't have to spend a lot of money, and sometimes, a handwritten note from the heart is the best gesture of appreciation.” That said, Schweitzer says that, depending on the school policy, $50 may be appropriate (and she prefers a pooled gift) if your child has the ...
How much is too much for a teacher gift card? ›
Legally, most public school teachers are not allowed to accept gifts worth more than $50, but even if a family gives me a $5 gift, I think about the time and labor that went into it… and frankly, feel uncomfortable.
What is the greatest gift to a teacher? ›
The best gifts, truly, are the heartfelt thank-you notes written by students and parents. Coffee, chocolate, books, etc.
Is $100 too much for a teacher gift? ›
It really depends on each individual family's circ*mstances, too. For some, $100 is right on the mark, while for others it's overly generous. It certainly seems that no one finds it stingy, however.
Do teachers like cash gifts? ›
And more than any physical gift, teachers appreciate your support. Whew. OK. That being said, if you're insistent about giving gifts to the teachers you care about this holiday season, there is one gift I can guarantee every teacher is happy to receive and will definitely put to good use: cash.
A good rule of thumb is to spend around $20-$30, but if you have a larger budget, you could go up to $50.
Is a $25 gift card too cheap? ›
For co-workers, casual friends and your children's teachers, stay in the $10 to $20 range. Gift cards for close friends and family members can range from $25 to $100. When you're selecting a gift card for a spouse, parent or someone else who's very special, choose a card worth $75 or more.
Is a $30 gift card too cheap? ›
You want to give an amount in the gift card that seems appropriate. General etiquette is usually under $20 for casual acquaintances, like co-workers, $30-$75 for close friends and family members and more for someone like your spouse or for a big occasion, like a wedding.
What is the average amount spent on teacher gift? ›
Don't spend too much
A safe bet would be to keep your gift under $20, and public opinion is right around that same number. "A good rule of thumb is to spend around $20-$30," Lauren Grace, a high school math teacher by day and crafter at night wrote on her company blog, a business that sells accessories for teachers.
Is a Target gift card a good teacher gift? ›
Though their schools, locations, subjects and experiences may be different, they agreed on one thing: Gift cards make the best teacher gifts. They really do want them, and the more versatile the cards are (Amazon, Target and Visa were the most requested), the better.
Is it better to give a gift card or gift? ›
In terms of gift giving, gift cards might be preferable if you have no idea what to buy for someone, because they allow the recipient to buy what they want, when they want it.
Do teachers prefer target or Amazon gift cards? ›
Amazon is a teacher favorite (57%)
A majority of teachers say they'd prefer an Amazon gift card during gifting time. With so many different things you can get (plus Prime shipping and other perks), it's easy to understand why.
How much can a teacher accept as a gift? ›
The State Ethics Commission for the government of Massachusetts, for example, states that teachers "may not accept any gift worth $50." Most other states have the same ethics code, but with a limit set even lower. A safe bet would be to keep your gift under $20, and public opinion is right around that same number.
