The Best Teacher Appreciation Gifts of 2024, According to Teachers Across the Country

Teacher Appreciation Week, which falls on May 6-10 this year, is right around the corner. This is the perfect time to celebrate the hard-working educators in your life with thoughtful gifts they can use in their classrooms or at home.

We spoke to a dozen teachers across the country in various roles, from infant-aged care to high school levels, and asked them what they really want to receive from their students. With options like viral tumblers, gift cards, snacks, and vibrant school supplies, we’ve made shopping for your favorite teacher a breeze with gifts they're guaranteed to love. 

Plus, these educator-approved picks are perfect for year-round gift-giving, including holidays, life events, and the beginning and end of the school year, too.

Best Teacher Appreciation Gifts Under $50

• Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler, $45; amazon.com
• Amazon Gift Card in Gift Box, from $25; amazon.com
• Vobaga Coffee Mug Warmer, $24.99 (orig. $39.99); amazon.com
• Mngarista Wristlet Key Strap, $9.97; amazon.com
• Paper Mate Felt-Tip Flair Markers, $19.97; amazon.com
• Post-it Super Sticky Notes, $19.99; amazon.com
• Homesick Premium Scented Candle, $38; amazon.com

Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler

With the Stanley tumbler craze, it’s no surprise that teachers want to get in on the trend, too — if they haven’t already. Plus, this drinkware is a great way to ensure busy educators stay hydrated throughout the school day. Barbara Taylor, the director of an Atlanta childcare center, says: “I know a lot of teachers say, ‘I have too many cups,’ but I love a good cup. I believe it also carries a sentimental value.”

Amazon Gift Card in Gift Box

The teachers we spoke to overwhelmingly recommended gift cards as the ultimate treat-yourself gift. “An Amazon gift card can be used in so many different ways. From personal use to classroom supplies, gifting an Amazon gift card to use in whatever way [they] would like is great," says Katie Hoff, a special education teacher.

Other winning gift card ideas include ones to their favorite restaurants, fast food spots, and, of course, Target and Starbucks. School nutritionist Carol Matthews says receiving a gift card gives her “the opportunity to go shopping and out to eat on the weekends.”

Vobaga Coffee Mug Warmer

For teachers who start working in the wee hours of the morning, a mug warmer will help keep their drinks piping hot long after students arrive for the day. “I frequently walk around with my mug and lose track of time, so it gets cool quickly,” says high school librarian Lindsay Thompson. Plus, this one comes with an auto shut-off feature to make life easier on hectic days.

Mngarista Wristlet Key Strap

Katie Furr Taylor, a middle school assistant principal, recommends this cute lanyard for keeping various keys organized and accessible. And thanks to the easy-carry strap, it’s a breeze to find in a crowded work bag.

Erin Condren Metallic Wildflowers LifePlanner

“I am a teacher who needs a planner. As an educator, there are so many things to keep track of, so I think having a good planner is crucial to keeping it all together. Most of the planners I've ever owned have been from Erin Condren. These planners can be customized specifically on the outside and inside. I really like having my name on things, so having that option paired with a cute cover just makes me happy. Additionally, you can pick how you want the inside to look, which I really love since I typically like a lot of space to write down daily agendas or important dates.” — Rylee Whitney, First Grade Teacher, Joliet, Ill. 

Homesick Premium Scented Candle

Candles and coffee mugs are often over-gifted to educators. That’s why we love these thoughtful candles from Homesick as a fresh spin on the traditional go-to gift. Choose from various occasions, memories, locations, seasons, and holidays to find something that feels personalized to their interests.

Baggu Mini Cloud Bag

“Teachers have to carry so many items to and from school on a daily basis. I quickly learned that the bigger the better when it comes to a good work bag. I really love the cloud bag from Baggu because I love the pattern and color selection, and because it offers a ton of room for my laptop, lunch, water bottle, coffee, papers, etc.” — Rylee Whitney

Paper Mate Felt-Tip Flair Markers

From grading papers to keeping their planner updated, teachers can always use a high-quality felt-tip marker. Step away from the standard black, blue, and red tips with a set of brightly-colored markers that will add flair to everything. "These pens will last you forever," says Hoff. Whitney also loves this set because she finds them particularly useful for keeping tasks organized and color-coded in her planner.

Sharpie S-Gel Gel Pens

Teachers will also appreciate a fresh set of ink pens for everyday tasks. Often lost or borrowed by students, backup pens are always handy to keep in a desk drawer. Tim Dial-Scruggs, a high school English language arts teacher, says these are a staff favorite because they come in fun colors like green and purple.

Post-it Super Sticky Notes

“I think I can speak on behalf of all teachers when I say that Post-it notes are one of the number-one items that are used daily for us. Whether it's writing down a reminder or making a quick list, I always find myself grabbing a Post-it, every single day, multiple times a day.” — Rylee Whitney

Coolife Monogrammed Iced Coffee Cup

Many of the teachers we spoke to adore gifts that go the extra mile with personalization, like this monogrammed glass cup. Atlanta childcare teacher Jessica Matthews says “anything with the letter J or my name on it” is a guaranteed winner for her. Taylor agrees: "One of my favorite gifts was a personalized coffee sleeve with my name. I used it a lot!"

The Sill Succulent Assortment

“I absolutely love getting succulents or other houseplants for my classroom and/or home! They are easy to maintain and tend to last a long time. They also bring back fond memories of the students whenever I see them!” — Leah Glotzbach, Director of Curriculum and Communications Instructor, Jacksonville, Fla.

Personalized Stationery with Envelopes

“My students know I love writing letters,” says Thompson. Personalized stationery is a gift that not only brings her joy but allows her “to write the student a thank-you note with the gift.” We also think this would make a great gift for grandma.

Simple Modern 40-Ounce Tumbler with Handle and Straw Lid

This budget-friendly reusable water bottle is a fan favorite for good reason. It fits most cupholders, holds up to leaks, and has double-wall insulation to keep drinks cold or hot for hours. “I love this water bottle from Simple Modern because it keeps my water cold all day and it has the handle that we, of course, all love. This brand specifically has a ton of cute and fun colors as well!” says Whitney.

Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

“Who doesn't love listening to some music in class? Not only can certain types of music help students focus better, but you can also take this home [for personal use].” — Katie Hoff

Express Pencils Personalized Pencils

In addition to pens, teachers need to keep a plethora of sharpened pencils on hand, mostly for students. “For the amount of time that students ask for pencils and never give them back, this is a must!” says Hoff. “Personalized pencils that say ‘Belong to Ms. Hoff’ ensure that the pencil will be given back…at some point.” While Hoff specifically recommends these custom hex pencils, we found a similar style at Amazon that can be shipped in just a few days.

Scotch TL901X Thermal Laminator

Educational materials like worksheets and flashcards see wear and tear from daily use, so a laminating machine can make these materials last longer. 

“This laminator has been my lifesaver! It is so easy to use, and it works great for laminating anything and everything,” says Whitney. “Being a first-grade teacher, keeping things extra protected for my little friends is very helpful for their learning. This machine was also a big help for me when preparing my classroom for the school year.”

Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers Pack

Busy teachers need a quick snack they can grab to stay fueled throughout the day. “I’m always needing a pick-me-up or special treat,” says Paul Dial-Scruggs, a middle school English language arts teacher. Other teacher favorites include Reese’s, Cheetos, and dark chocolate. Aleisha Weems, a childcare floater teacher, says chocolates and “food bought for the staff” are easy, thoughtful gifts that are sure to please.

Zum Bar Goat’s Milk Soap

You can’t go wrong with unique, local, or artisan gifts. As a Missouri-based educator, Paul Dial-Scruggs loves “any Zum soap because it supports a local Kansas City brand and it all smells good.” Other thoughtful ideas include coffee beans from a local roaster and a gift card or cookbook from a must-visit, locally-owned restaurant.

Take Our Word For It

Kayla Kitts is a shopping editor for PEOPLE with more than a decade of experience in the digital media industry. During this time, she has researched and sourced gift picks for a variety of recipients and occasions, from housewarming gifts to those guaranteed to win over pet lovers. She, along with PEOPLE writers and editors, reached out to educators across the country to uncover what teachers actually want to receive from students and parents for Teacher Appreciation Week and beyond. Plus, as the mom to a 4-year-old, she curates gifts for her son’s teachers several times throughout the school year and can attest that these approved gifts are winners.