33 Best Teacher Appreciation Gifts in 2024

Are you looking for ideas for teacher appreciation gifts that your kids’ teachers will actually love? Do you need a special way to show them extra gratitude for being a stellar educator? A well-chosen gift can be just the right way to thank a teacher for going above and beyond. 

But what do they truly love getting as gifts? What do teachers actually want for Teacher Appreciation Week? The answer likely isn’t apples, mugs or a scented candle. 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 top 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 better 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 paint and sip in 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 really fascinating outlet 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 feature team building themes, perfect to gift multiple teachers. There are even pottery classes in Houston based on the movie Ghost for a fun and nostalgic twist.

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.

With dance classes in Las Vegas and dance classes in the Bay Area, teachers can take a break from their classrooms and learn new moves. 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. Wooden Sign Painting Workshop

With wooden sign painting workshops, participants craft wooden signs they select from a menu of projects. Then, 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 in their classrooms or add a fun touch to their homes.

5. Adult Coloring Book

Adult coloring books started trending for their zen-inducing properties. Diving into filling the intricate graphics with colors is known to relieve stress and bring about calmness, according to Cleveland Clinic. What better activity to do after a long day in a hectic classroom?

There are options with themes from animals and holidays to food and mosaics. Include a pack of high-quality colored pencils for a teacher appreciation gift they can start working on right away.

6. DIY Craft Kits

Custom craft kits allow your favorite teacher to make something beautiful, right from their very own home. Plus, there’s an option 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 all of the choices out there, this is a welcome teacher appreciation gift, 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, get them a gift card to your local craft store so they can buy their go-to items and discover new ones. Or gift a Classpop! gift card so they can book their own creative craft experience!

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 classic go-to for many parents. However, these ideas bypass 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 work 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 more of a homebody. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t love fun. 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! 

11. Wine Experiences

If you’re looking for a teacher appreciation gift for wine lovers, look no further than a fun vino tasting experience. Gift them a winery tour where they can learn about the grounds and find their new favorite.

Or, 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.

You can choose from kits that come fully prepared to ones with everything they need to easily assemble a meal. 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 that also loves to cook, make their time in the kitchen more enjoyable. Cooking 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 online, 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 right 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.

17. 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. 

18. 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 can be easy to care for and be a big mood booster. Or, buy a tabletop grow light so green foliage can thrive even in the darkest corner of the classroom. 

19. Scratch-Off Poster

A scratch-off poster 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 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 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 uit'll keep them busy in their new free time.

Learning to sew is a pretty useful skill. Purchase sewing classes is a perfect teacher appreciation gift that can come in handy. 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. Gift your teacher with 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. This is one of the best teacher appreciation gifts for those that love working with their hands.

23. Glass Blowing Classes

Glass blowing is a fascinating art form. Learning to make colorful translucent sculptures is a unique activity. Plus, it gives participants the skills to handmake their own gifts for friends and family. This is a useful teacher appreciation gift where your recipient can transform their art skills into one of a kind gift.

24. Apple Airtags

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

25. 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 that is also highly functional.

Look for options that make organization a breeze. Multiple compartments, pen holders and plenty of small pockets create dedicated spots to keep teaching essentials handy.

26. A Fun Umbrella

Just because a gift is practical, doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. Gift your teacher with 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.

27. Chiropractor Sessions

Teachers are often on their feet a lot and those that 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 self-care they need to do their jobs pain-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. 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. Then, divide them into sets of two and give each teacher a pair. 

29. Bookmarks

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

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. Wine

If you get a case discount on wine in your area, select a bottle for each teacher on your list. 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 delicious and sharable.

32. 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. 

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!