Insider Tips: The Holiday Gifts Teachers Really Want!

Give the best teacher gifts according to teachers.

Shop our teacher gift guide! 🎁

Shop the best teacher gifts to kick off their holiday break! We know what teachers really want and need so shop our top gift ideas now! These gift ideas were submitted by actual teachers, so trust us when we say these ideas are all they really want! And with all the hard work they put in, teachers are certainly worthy of receiving a little something special.

---

Here are the best teacher gifts gift guide according to actual teachers:

---

1. Gift cards are the best Christmas gifts for teachers according to teachers.

Teachers deserve to treat themselves to something special whether it’s something they’ll treat themselves to over break or something to brighten a Monday. After hearing from hundreds of teachers, it was clear gift cards were the top most requested gift idea they’ll never tire of receiving.

Want to go all out for your kiddo’s teacher?

Consider asking the entire class to participate in organizing one large gift card for their teacher. Just a $1-$3 per parent can accumulate into such a substantial gift so teachers can really treat themselves to something special. We recommend getting discounted gift cards from reputable retailers like Sam’s Club.

“We’ve been doing one large gift card to Amazon. It’s so much easier for the teachers to load one card rather than 25 little ones onto their account and it feels like a bigger gift too.” – Chelsea, Hip reader

---

2. A hand-written card they can look back on is one of the best gift ideas for teachers. 

We heard from hundreds of teachers across the country and of all the things they’ve kept over the years, the handwritten cards of appreciation (from students or parents) are the ones they have always held onto above everything else.

As some teachers mentioned… “There are only so many trinkets you can hold onto”.

On rough days, it’ll be the perfect sentiment for them to look back on when they need some words of encouragement. We know now more than ever teachers could use them. ❤️ If you’re looking for the best teacher gifts that will have the most meaning, a card is all you need!

Here’s how to snag a FREE Hallmark Card or mail one for FREE with Hallmarks Sign and Send!

Here’s what some of our Hip Teachers said:

---

3. A hot meal since they never get to eat lunch out. 

Teachers take their lunch to school nearly every single day of the year with zero days to treat themselves to lunch at their favorite spot. One of the most requested teacher gifts (by teachers themselves) was simply a fresh hot meal!

Whether it’s a gift card to a meal delivery service or you’re having it delivered right to their classroom, this is one teacher appreciation gift idea that will surely be appreciated by anyone. Just be sure to find out what their favorite food is and whether they have any dietary restrictions so your generous gift won’t go to waste!

---

4. A gift basket filled with goodies.

Help your favorite teacher unwind during their time off during the holidays. While popcorn wasn’t a specific item that teachers requested, many of them commented about how much they loved thoughtful gift baskets with treats and foods they’ll really enjoy.

Even better, to create our popcorn gift basket idea, all you need is our favorite collapsible silicone popcorn maker, some kernels, a drink, and a little note to tie your vision together! 🤩 These baskets make the best teacher gifts and it’s a gift that will keep giving for years to come! 🙌🏻

Other gift basket ideas include this s’mores gift basket idea from our Hip reader:

“Include stuff for s’mores, telescoping roasting forks, fire flame colors, s’mores themed towel, etc. with a card that reads ‘We wish you s’more fun during the holidays! See you next year!” – Sarah, Hip2Save reader

---

5. Tissues…and more tissues. 

There are NEVER enough tissues if you ask any teacher what’s needed most in their classrooms. In many cases, the school-provided tissues are harsh on noses and some schools may even require your child’s teacher to supply their own which means they’re completely dependent on donations. Regardless, finding a cute way to gift a bunch will always be appreciated…especially during the cold season. We especially love the value pack we shared above because you could even potentially gift a few boxes to a few different teachers!

---

6. Fun gift ideas for teachers include beautiful plants they can keep in their classroom or take home.

Our amazing teachers help our children grow every day and showing your appreciation of their growth in the literal form will be a constant reminder of you and your kiddo’s gratitude. With potted plants on Amazon starting under $13.78 shipped and our free printable below, these make some of the best teacher gifts. Even better, they currently have some Black Friday deals on a Hoya Heart and Aloe plant too.

Plus, this is a gift idea that’s affordable and easy to take care of! 😍 As a recommendation, opt for a low-maintenance plant such as aloe or a snake plant so it won’t mind a little neglect over the long holiday break.

Download our FREE “Thanks for helping me grow” printable

Want to make your own planter?

As another idea, Lina created this cute and easy ruler planter. It’s one of our favorite gift ideas for teachers! It’s minimal enough to go with any teacher’s classroom theme and will look perfect on their desk to start the new year. 🤩

---

7. A jar of mixed-matched pens was the most memorable gift a Special Education teacher ever received…because there’s no such thing as perfect.

Well, if this idea doesn’t bring you to tears, I’m not sure what will. 😭 Some special education teachers mentioned they tend to be overlooked so let us not forget to remind them just how special they are too! If you want to stock up your jar with the highest-rated crayons and pencils, I tested them all so you know just what to buy!

Even better, this thoughtful teacher gift could potentially be free if you already have a bunch of new pens and pencils lying around. That makes it one of the most meaningful and best teacher gifts in our book!

Bookmark this deal on Ticonderoga pencils – the #1 brand on the market!

---

8. You can never go wrong with a new candle during the holidays. 

Candles always make excellent gifts and it’s something that will make teachers feel warm and cozy on days they’re not in the classroom. We love the idea of gifting a special teacher one of these festive candles to bring to her home during the long break. They have many fun and festive scents like Holiday Hustle, Santa’s Sleigh, and Baking Spirits Bright just to name a few. 🤩

Bookmark this post to find out when the expensive Anthropologie Capri Blue candles go on sale again!

---

9. Air freshener to keep their classroom smelling fresh.

There’s no denying when kiddos get to a certain age maintaining a fresh classroom can be a job in itself. 😬 While some may find air freshener to be an unusual gift idea, it’s a pretty practical one. Plus, it’s something teachers are sure to appreciate! 😉 Just be sure to check with the school policies to be sure this product is allowed in the classrooms.

While there’s an endless amount of options to choose from and so many possibilities for gifting, sticking to a safe and chemical-free product is what I’d recommend gifting to appeal to all teachers. An air freshener is perfect as a beginning-of-the-school-year gift and we even made you an adorable printable card to attach, too!

Consider creating a gift box using all Mrs. Meyer’s products and score over $50 in freebies from Grove Collaborative when you place your first order!

---

10. Classroom donations such as hand sanitizer, soaps, books, or essential school supplies are always good gifts for teachers too.

One of the best gift ideas for teachers is a classroom donation. A lot of teachers reported shelling out big bucks to stock their own classrooms with supplies. Help your favorite teacher save money by buying hand sanitizer, hand soaps, books, or other essential classroom items. As a rule of thumb, it’s always best to check with your teacher directly if you’re unsure what they’re in need of most. These gifts are the best gifts for teachers and they will hopefully get them through the remainder of the year too!

Stock up on holiday hand soaps at Bath and Body Works for just $2.95 per bottle – that’s the lowest price of the season! 😍

Bookmark this post to know when the next children’s book sale is happening on Amazon. Last time, they were offering Buy Two, Get One FREE! Plus, be sure to bookmark all our book deals to shop the latest ones now!

---

11. Flair pens, and Flair pens only.

If you’re unsure what a teacher’s love language is, it’s Flair pens (and Flair pens only). 😂 According to numerous teachers across the country, gift a pack of Papermate Flair pens and they’ll be thrilled with this top-requested school supply. If you know, you know. 😉 Simply throw them in a pretty gift bag from Dollar Tree and have your child write a sentimental card to spruce them up for the holidays.

Shop all packs of Flair pens on Amazon.

---

12. A sentimental “Thank You” are small gifts for teachers with the biggest impact. 

While I know I said I listed these teacher gifts in order of most requested, this one actually trumps them all. After reading through hundreds of sweet teacher sentiments, it was very clear what teachers really want is to feel valued and appreciated. 🥺

So this is a reminder to think of the teachers and teacher aids that your kiddo may only see once a week. If you can’t afford a gift at all…just say a special thanks before the holiday break. A sincere expression of gratitude is one of the best teacher gifts and one that will leave them with words that will resonate forever. ❤️

---

Browse all of our FREE Teacher printables that can be used year-round!