33 Best Teacher Appreciation Gifts in 2025

Looking for teacher appreciation gifts that won’t end up collecting dust? Start with what actually matters to teachers: make it useful, personal, and easy to enjoy. Surveys published by Education Week show that practical choices like gift cards, restful experiences, supplies they’d otherwise buy themselves and sincere notes beat clunky novelty items every time.

That’s the energy we've aimed for: thoughtful without trying too hard, generous without being grandiose. Ahead, you’ll find ideas that feel like a thank-you after a long day. But what do they truly love getting as gifts? What do teachers actually want for Teacher Appreciation Week in the U.S.? Here are some amazing teacher appreciation gifts that they will be overjoyed to unwrap.

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• Creative Teacher Appreciation Gifts
• Foodie Teacher Appreciation Gifts
• Unique Teacher Appreciation Gifts
• Useful Teacher Appreciation Gifts
• Bulk Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Creative Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Teachers love to spend time unwinding outside of the classroom. These teacher appreciation gifts allow them to tap into their creative sides. Plus, they are fun experiences that everyone from the art teacher to the study hall monitor can enjoy.

1. Paint and Sip

What’s a better relaxation gift than painting your very own masterpiece? Doing it with a drink in hand, of course! A paint and sip class is sure to be a teacher's appreciation gift that anyone would love. Luckily, they are available nationwide.

There’s paint and sip in Los Angeles and San Diego to entertain West Coast teachers, as well as paint and sip in NYC for Big Apple dwellers. Look into paint and sip near you to find the perfect one to gift to your favorite school staff member.

2. Pottery Classes

Pottery is a satisfying outlet and creative hobby that’s incredibly fun to learn. Give your teacher the ultimate pottery gift of hands-on classes so they can try their hand at three-dimensional art.

There are pottery classes in NYC where budding artists learn to make their own vases. Some pottery classes in the Bay Area even focus on team-building, perfect for gifting multiple teachers. In pottery classes in Houston and around the country, they'll have the opportunity to take on wheel throwing and enjoy their very own Ghost moment. Check out pottery classes near you for a gift that’s meaningful and memorable.

3. Dance Classes

What better way to destress outside of the classroom than to get moving? A package of dance classes is a teacher appreciation gift that lets them do just that. Teachers become students, learning new steps and routines from professional local instructors. 

With dance classes in Las Vegas and dance classes in the Bay Area, teachers can take a break from their classrooms and embrace new movements. There’s also a variety of dance classes in NYC and online dance classes to learn how to belly dance, practice fun hip hop dancing routines and more.

4. Adult Coloring Book

Adult coloring books started trending for their zen-inducing properties. Diving into filling the intricate graphics with colors is a great way to relieve stress and bring about calmness, as reported by the Cleveland Clinic. 

There are options with themes from animals and holidays to food and mosaics. The heavy stock in Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book feels luxurious, which is why it's one of the best teacher appreciation gifts for creating little moments of zen. Include a pack of high-quality colored pencils for a teacher appreciation gift they can start working on right away.

5. Wooden Sign Painting Workshop

With wooden sign painting workshops, participants craft wooden signs that suit their aesthetic. They are guided through painting a custom design with steps designed for all skill levels. This is a fun teacher appreciation gift where they can either make something to display as a classroom decoration idea or add a fun touch to their homes.

6. DIY Craft Kits

Custom craft kits allow your favorite teacher to make something beautiful, right from their home. Plus, there are craft ideas for every skill level. You can buy a kit to pour custom coasters or to make stunning string art.

You can also buy a custom macrame name art kit, perfect for making a display for their classroom door. With so many options out there, this teacher appreciation gift can be made to feel personal, regardless of their interests.

7. Crafty Gift Card  

Most teachers love all things colorful and crafty. Whether it's cute décor for the classroom or nice pens to grade papers, they are always stocking up on their must-have supplies. For a useful thank you gift, a Michaels Gift Card lets your teacher refill the tools they burn through or upgrade a single indulgence.

The quiet mark of a good teacher appreciation gift is when the gift becomes exactly what’s needed. To help bring the focus back onto them, gift a creative gift card so they can book their own creative craft experience and take some time to themselves.

8. A Piece of Local Art

Art by a local artist is a thoughtful gift that they can be proud to display. It will also inspire their creativity and bring back memories of your child for years to come.

Think about the teacher’s interests when selecting the best gifts for teachers. If they love dogs, get them a black-and-white photo of their favorite breed. Maybe they’re a huge sports fan. An art print of the stadium will allow them to show off their team pride. 

Foodie Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Edible teacher appreciation gifts are a go-to for many parents. However, these ideas go beyond the homemade cookies and give your teacher a food experience they won’t soon forget.

9. Cooking Classes

Let the teacher be the student as they learn new cooking skills from an expert instructor. This is a fun way to explore the culinary world and discover new favorite dishes. Gift Texas teachers cooking classes in Austin where they can experience truffle-making firsthand. There are also cooking classes in St. Louis where participants learn the art of sushi-making and cooking classes in Atlanta to perfect pasta-making techniques.

Get the scoop on your teacher’s favorite cuisine and look for cooking classes near you that they are sure to love.

10. Online Kitchen Courses

Maybe you need a teacher appreciation gift for a homebody. That doesn’t mean their gift has to be boring. Online cooking classes will have them whipping up a gourmet meal in their own kitchen.

With online mixology classes, your favorite teacher can create a signature drink and learn to bartend like a pro — the ultimate gift for cocktail lovers! Whatever their poison, they'll cover all of the best cocktails and end up with a few new party tricks to boot.

11. Wine Experiences

If you’re looking for a teacher appreciation gift for wine lovers, look no further than a fun vino tasting experience. Give them a winery tour where they can learn about the grounds and find their new favorite. It doesn't have to be at the best wineries in Napa to be the best teacher appreciation gift.

If there’s a wine bar in your area, give them a gift card that they can use for a relaxing evening out. If they prefer to stay in, buy them virtual wine tastings so they can expand their palette right from the comfort of home.

12. A Meal Kit Subscription

It’s no secret that teachers are busy. So, why not take making dinner off their plate a few times? With meal delivery kits, a full meal is delivered right to their door. It's a practical teacher appreciation week gifts that respect energy levels

Blue Apron balances knife work with smart shortcuts — quick sauces, pre-measured spices — so dinner lands without a fuss on tired nights. Plus, there are options for nearly every dietary preference, making this a perfect teacher appreciation gift for foodies. 

13. Gourmet Candy

Does your favorite teacher have a sweet tooth? Buy them luxury candy that they wouldn’t normally indulge in themselves. A designer chocolate gift set is the perfect teacher appreciation gift to pamper them and allow them to enjoy a special treat. This also makes for a simple and sweet Valentine's Day gift idea for teachers and classmates.

14. Cooking Gadgets

If your favorite teacher is a foodie who also loves to cook, make their time in the kitchen more enjoyable. Cooking gift gadgets make cooking easier and more fun.

A Swiss Army Fruit Tool has everything a home cook needs to perfectly prep their fresh produce.  Or, get them a useful 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer to make whipping up guac a breeze. These teacher appreciation gifts are both helpful and will bring a smile to their face each time they grab them from their drawer.

Unique Teacher Appreciation Gifts

If you want a present to really wow your favorite educator, you may need to think outside the box. These unique teacher gift ideas show them that you took the time and effort to find a present you knew they’d love.

15. Online Game Experiences

You’re never too old to play games, and this rings true for your kiddos’ teachers. Engaging in online games is a fun escape that allows them to enjoy their time out of the classroom.

You can purchase virtual game nights or virtual scavenger hunts that they can join from home. If you’re shopping for a team of teachers, why not buy them passes for a virtual escape room or online trivia games so they can do a little online bonding? These make for a fun and interactive teacher appreciation gift that anyone can enjoy.

16. Virtual Crafting Sessions

Getting crafty from home is a fun way to express your creativity in your own space. Online crafting sessions are a great teacher appreciation gift that provides a fun time and the opportunity to learn a new skill.

Virtual flower arranging classes allow your recipient to learn to make bouquets or terrariums like a pro florist. Or, set them up with an online knitting class so they can learn to make soft and cozy blankets. Teacher appreciation week gift ideas like this help them show up to school feeling rejuvenated and ready for a new day.

17. A Desktop Garden

With a mini garden, your teacher can bring a little life and greenery to their desk. Something as simple as a desktop terrarium makes a good teacher appreciation gift because it's easy to care for and can be a big mood booster. Or, buy a tabletop grow light so green foliage can thrive even in the darkest corner of the classroom. 

18. Candle-Making Session

What better way to unwind after a long day of teaching than with a custom-scented candle? A visit to a candle-making workshop allows your favorite teacher to make a candle with their own signature blend. This is a dual-purpose teacher appreciation gift as it both gives them a fun experience and a deliciously scented candle to enjoy. 

19. Scratch-Off Poster

A scratch-off poster idea is a fun way to mark off goals and milestones. You can get a book-themed scratch-off poster for a great English teacher to track their reading progress through the classics. Or, buy your geography teacher a scratch-off map of the U.S. to mark off their travels to each state. This is a perfect teacher appreciation gift idea that they will enjoy for years to come.

20. Retro Candy Gift Basket

Give your favorite teacher a blast from the past with a basket of their favorite retro candy brands. Find a cute container and fill it with everything from Gobstoppers to Big League Chew. Lemon Drops, Fireballs and gumballs are also fun additions to this fun teacher appreciation week gift that are sure to bring up sugar-filled childhood memories as a sweet gift under $50. 

Useful Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Sometimes the best present is the most practical. These gifts are appreciated for their convenience and functionality. 

21. Sewing Classes

If you're specifically looking for teacher retirement gifts, then getting them a skill-based item is a great idea, as it will keep them busy in their new free time. Learning to sew is a hugely useful skill and a teacher appreciation gift that they'll appreciate for decades to come. Your recipient can learn helpful mending techniques and may even make a project to show off their new sewing skills.

22. Woodworking Classes

Learning to cut, sand and saw can come in handy even beyond DIY home projects. Give your teacher woodworking classes so they can gain a new skill. With the help of a skilled instructor, they’ll learn the proper use of common tools like power saws and drills. It's amazing how many creative possibilities being able to work with your hands can open up. This is one of the best teacher appreciation gifts for those who love working with their hands.

23. Glass Blowing Classes

Glass blowing is a fascinating art form. Learning to manipulate heat and glass to produce beautifully colorful sculptures is an experience that's not easily forgotten. Plus, it gives participants the skills to handmake their own gifts for friends and family. This is a useful teacher appreciation gift that will also create a one-of-a-kind gift of its own.

24. A Tote Bag

Teachers have a ton of supplies and paperwork they need to transport. Spoil your favorite educator with a quality tote that looks great but is also highly functional. The L.L.Bean Boat and Tote in heavy canvas stands upright on the floor and swallows binders easily, along with even the most elaborate of packed lunches. It's a classy teacher appreciation week gift idea that will get immediate use.

25. A Fun Umbrella

Just because a gift is practical doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. Gift your teacher a fun umbrella to keep in their classroom for surprise rainy days. Look for a fun pattern or color that fits their personality. Or, for the ultimate in function, look for an inverted umbrella that keeps them dry as they close it. The Totes Titan is an option that will stand the test of time; there'll be no more 30-minute umbrellas after they receive this teacher appreciation gift.

26. Chiropractor Sessions

Teachers are constantly on their feet a lot and those who teach younger grades work with students on the floor a lot. All of this can wreak havoc on a teacher’s spine. Chiropractic sessions are a great teacher appreciation gift that allows them to get the care they need to do their jobs pain-free. Pair this self-care gift with a sincere note to show the thought you've put into keeping them going strong.

27. Apple Airtags

Teachers' days are busy ones. In all of this chaos, they’re bound to misplace items like their car keys. Give them Apple AirTags so they can keep track of items and easily find them if they get lost. This is a great teacher appreciation gift idea that not only saves time but can also make the school day more stress-free.

Bulk Teacher Appreciation Gifts

If you are buying gifts for an entire team, buying teacher appreciation gifts in bulk can help you save some cash. These items come in larger quantities, so you can spread the joy to more staff members.

28. Bookmarks

Teachers are always marking pages in workbooks, lesson plans and reading material. Buy a big set of bulk bookmarks as teacher appreciation gifts for the team. These come in a variety of themes and quantities. Pair them with a small gift card to a local bookstore as a fun token of your gratitude. 

29. Car Coasters

What better way to improve the commute to and from work than with teaching-themed car coasters? You can buy customizable ones in bulk and have them printed with the name of the school or a favorite quote about teaching. Divide this teacher appreciation gift into sets of two and give each teacher a pair. 

30. Popsockets

PopSockets are the perfect way to grip a phone or a tablet. Plus, they can be ordered in bulk in fun styles or custom designs. Select a set in the school’s colors or have them printed with the mascot for easy gift-giving. This is also a fantastic teacher appreciation gift as a principal's gift for employees.

31. Writing Utensil Kits

Buy bulk pencil pouches and various writing instruments in bulk and break them up into useful kits. Purchase cases of gel pens, dry-erase markers and highlighters, then put a few of each in a pouch for each teacher. These make perfect employee appreciation gifts from principals during Teacher Appreciation Week or any occasion.

32. Wine

Look for stores offering a case discount on wine in your area. Select a bottle for each teacher on your list that you think they'll love. They’ll get some great vino and you’ll save some cash. Be sure to check with the school’s policy for giving alcohol as teacher appreciation gifts first.

33. Baked Goods

Place an order for a bulk assortment of baked goods from a local bakery. Then, divide them up and place them in pretty packages for each recipient to enjoy. Not only does this support a small business, but it's a teacher appreciation gift that's both delicious and shareable.

Teachers have a passion for growing minds and making an impact on the future. This often makes them go above and beyond their responsibilities and put in extra time and work. An awesome teacher deserves a thoughtful token to show your gratitude. So, think about their personalities and present them with a teacher appreciation gift that they’ll truly love.

For even more fun gift ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!