25 Awesome, Affordable Teacher Gifts They’ll Go CRAZY For

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Just remember, if you aren’t sure if your teacher is a fan of something (like coffee), I wouldn’t suggest buying that gift.

So now,

YETI Rambler 12 oz Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Bottle with Hot Shot Cap

If you’ve never used a Yeti Tumbler, they’re absolutely magical. They keep hot liquids warm for 5-6 hours and cold liquids for 24 hours! This makes it the perfect gift for a teacher who is on the go from the moment they arrive until the final bell rings. We are constantly putting down our cups only to find them later and the temperature is never the way we left it. A reliable travel mug is a lifesaver during a long day. There are a variety of colors, so you can pick a favorite or go with a school theme.

P is for Pterodactyl * The WORST Alphabet Book Ever

This book is a great laugh for a lighthearted teacher, especially an English teacher. It is a mockery of all of the words that are pronounced nothing like they are spelled. It reminds me of that old Gallagher bit years ago. Does anyone remember that? This is a thoughtful gift that shows you see their sense of humor, making it a wonderful graduation gift for a teacher moving on or a fun read at the end of the school year.

Colorful Self-Inking Motivation School Grading Teacher Stamp Set and Tray

When grading papers…be it a worksheet or an extended thesis…teachers often write the same things over and over again. This stamp set makes that process go by just a little quicker, saving them much time. By having these stamps handy, instead of having to write things out (which we know often gets looked over anyway), these make it quicker, easier, and stand out more. It’s a simple tool that offers a creative way to provide feedback.

Butler in the Home Apple Shaped Paper Clips in Round Tin with Lid and Gift Box

These are cute and come in a little tin so they’re easy to keep organized in a desk drawer. A teacher never has enough paper clips (bonus if you get the variety pack of binder clips as well!). It’s one of those school supplies they’re always replenishing with their own money, so a fun, thematic set is always welcome.

Hall Pass Lanyards in Chalkboard Design

Hall passes get notoriously chewed up as the year progresses. What I really like about these is that they come with a lanyard, so there is less of a chance they will get misplaced along the student’s voyage (plus that means they don’t have to be touched in the bathroom….Lysol is also a good gift to give, just FYI!). This is a practical gift that solves a common classroom problem.

HotSox Novelty Teacher Socks

So these are men’s socks, but I have to say…most male teachers I know play a STRONG sock game. I knew one administrator who had all quirky socks and never wore the same pair twice in a school year. These are some basic school supply ones, but you can get all kinds of fun men’s socks out there. Don’t discount the ladies, either. The same pair can be found in ladies’ as well (along with a plethora of other fun socks, too). A fun pair of socks is a little gift that can bring a smile during a stressful day.

“My Quotable Little Students” Teacher Journal

If you’ve ever had a teacher go off in telling some “battle stories”, chances are at some point in the middle, they’ve said, “I could write a book!”. Well, now is their chance. This fun journal gives teachers the chance to write down the cute and funny things their students have said. This is a fantastic memento for them, especially when they have a class that has some great one-liners. Pair it with a nice pen for a thoughtful gift that encourages them to record the joys of their job..

Teacher Appreciation Necklace

There are a lot of options for teacher jewelry out there, but I love the ones that have these little sayings on them. They’re usually either some words of wisdom or expressions of gratitude, but they’re heartfelt and I love that. It is possible to say all of the things with one of these gifts. A piece of jewelry engraved with “Teach” or a apple is a classic teacher appreciation day gift that carries a personal touch.

Expo Low Odor Dry Erase Marker 8-pack

Not all gifts are flashy….some are just plain practical. A teacher will be over the moon to get some fresh, colorful Expo markers. They also make holders for them, if that might interest you. I know many teachers request Expo Markers on their supply lists at the beginning of the year, but you would be surprised how fast they dry out or get lost. A fresh supply is always a good thing! This is the best gift for any educator, from a high school teacher to a music teacher.

Fidget Bands for Desk Chairs

Stay with me on this one. These things are absolutely genius. I know they look like giant rubber bands that wrap around the desk chair legs, right? Well, that’s pretty much exactly what they are! They are PERFECT for students who fidget…the leg shaker, the pen tapper, the can’t-sit-still’er. This gives them something to do at their seat…and believe it or not, a student who has a focusing problem that has an avenue like this to expel that energy will be able to pay better attention. This gift for the classroom shows you support the teacher’s hard work in creating an inclusive environment.

Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone

You’ll have to really know your teacher to know if this will work for him or her, but they’re all the rage right now. These microphones are perfect for SO many things in the classroom, and the students get so much out of it from each unique experience (and they’re EXCITED to use it). Your teacher may really be wishing for one…I’d definitely find a way to ask first before indulging. For a dynamic music teacher, this could be at the top of their wish list.

Wireless Classroom Doorbell

This is another gadget that is all the rage right now in classroom management. No, this isn’t to use as a traditional doorbell before someone comes into the classroom. The teacher puts the receiver in a central location in the room and then carries the button with her (many stick it on their lanyard). Then, any time he or she needs attention in the classroom, a press of the button will set off a chime that everyone can hear (without the teacher having to yell across the room). There is so much research out there that is showing how beautifully this is working. Something really to consider as a creative way to manage a classroom.

Large Pack of Super Sticky Post-It Notes

This one is almost self-explanatory. A teacher will ALWAYS appreciate a good run of sticky notes. There never seems to be enough, and there is something almost soothing about knowing you have a stash waiting for you if (and when) you need it. Just slap a bow on top of this and call it a day! You could even create a gift basket filled with different sizes and colors of Post-its…it’s a practical gift they will use immediately.

Papermate Flair Pens

Flair pens are the holy grail of writing utensils for teachers. They are so versatile, leave a good, thick ink, and don’t generally bleed through paper. You literally can never go wrong with flair pens. Ever. They are perfect for grading, writing quick notes, or creating colorful anchor charts. A set of these is always a great idea.

Personalized Teacher Sign

This is a great gift that will certainly be displayed for years to come. It is personalized and will be uThis is a great gift that will certainly be displayed for years to come. It is personalized with the teacher’s name and will show the time and thought that went into having an item like this created. Bonus points if your teacher is “Pinterest-y” and has the farmhouse classroom decor to boot (but obviously, not required!). This kind of personal touch makes a significant impact.

Tazo 40-count Tea Sampler with Honey Sticks

If your teacher is more of a tea drinker, this is also an amazing way to go. Tazo makes great tea and not only are there so many different ones to choose from depending on what mood strikes, but this pack also comes with little honey sticks (and as someone who had an unfortunate experience with a container of honey and some ants in my work desk once, I can attest that this is a fabulous idea). This is a wonderful gift to help them unwind after a long day.

Amazon Gift Card

Teachers. Buy. So. Much. Stuff. On. Amazon.

Let me say it again.

Teachers as a whole spend so much of their own money on Amazon to bring things into the classroom, from books to party supplies to organizational bins. An Amazon gift card is a great idea to help them out (and kind of pay them back!). Even little gift cards can be combined to make a larger purchase, and they are always appreciated.

S’well Water Bottle

S’well water bottles are great. They keep your water cold and are easily portable by hand, thrown in a bag, purse, lunch box, or a teacher tote bag. They come in a variety of sizes and colors and I can almost guarantee that any teacher would be thrilled to receive one of these! Staying hydrated is key to maintaining energy throughout a demanding day.

“Why You’re The Best Teacher Ever” Fill-in Book

This is another great one if you’re trying to get your teacher in the feels. Working best for younger students, this is a fill-in-the-blank book that helps a student (or students if they wish to do it as a group) to answer questions to explain why their teacher is the best teacher ever. This would be a memory that would be saved for years and years to come. Combined with a heartfelt note from a parent, this becomes a truly precious teachers gift.

Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Card

If you’re not familiar, Teachers Pay Teachers is a website where teachers can purchase resources for their classroom based on standards, topics, lessons, etc. There are some AMAZING materials on that website and many teachers utilize them to help supplement what they are doing in the classroom. Resources range generally between $2-30, and a few bucks toward that would go a long way. This is arguably one of the best gift options as it directly fuels their teaching and saves them much time on lesson planning.

Desktop Visual Timer

Students do really well with knowing how much time they have to complete a task. Even when we are testing in the classroom, it is always required to put the amount of time remaining somewhere so all students can see it. This great little contraption can be set to any time within an hour and does not have to be limited to the board, projection screen, etc. It’s a practical gift that supports classroom management.

Dry Erase Marker and Eraser Storage

This is the mecca of whiteboard organization for teachers. Though I have seen a million different ways to attempt to keep dry-erase markers organized (and accounted for), this holder allows for 10 markers and an eraser to call it home (and bonus: they can be stored upside down, which leads to them drying out slower!). Keeping a classroom organized is a constant task, and gifts that help are always a win.

Binding Machine

As teachers, we are constantly making packets, booklets, etc. for our classrooms. Sometimes they are for the students, others it is to organize data, etc. A binding machine makes nice, neat little books that can stay highly organized and less likely to get lost. This is a total game-changer and a more significant gift that a group of parents could go in on together. It’s a creative way to show appreciation for their hard work.

Teacher “Friends” Shirt

Any teacher who loves Friends will LOVE this t-shirt. Another one you may need to investigate before purchasing, but it will be well worth it if you find out it’s a go!

Please note: teacher t-shirts are very hot right now!! Any cute or funny t-shirt is sure to be a home run. For a high school teacher, you might find shirts with literary puns or scientific humor. It’s a fun, personal teacher appreciation week gift.

Astrobrights Colored Cardstock Paper

This paper is incredible. Teachers often try to use color whenever possible to help information “pop” for their students, but our copiers and printers are often black and white, so we make adjustments with colored paper. This paper is bold, thick, and fantastic for what we use it for in the classroom. A pack of this is like a dream come true for creating engaging resources.