It’s been said that a teacher takes a hand, opens a mind and touches a heart. They create, they inspire and they shape the next generation of leaders — starting from the classroom.
May 8 kicks off Teacher Appreciation Week, so New York Post Shopping curated a custom of edit of the 18 best teacher gift ideas that’ll ship right to their door — or their colorful, well-decorated classroom if you so choose.
From top Amazon finds under $25 to online flower delivery services to surprise your favorite teacher, rest assured our top picks will ship quickly, are oh-so-thoughtful and will make them feel extra appreciated this year.
What’s more, you can take a peek at our guide to the best e-gift cards to order online for a sweet surprise this year. Or, pick an item (or two, or three) from our guide to the best classroom essentials, as recommended by practicing teachers and what they love most.
Also, keep in mind these teacher gifts aren’t just for Teacher Appreciation Week — these are also great for the aspiring teacher who may be graduating soon.
For months, the TOPDesign Personalized Initial Canvas Tote has been one of our favorite items on Amazon. With nearly 6,000 rave reviews for its versatile and custom-made charm, it’s a unique find for the teacher you know. Hey, it can even serve as their work tote.
One thing’s for sure: teachers can never have too many supplies! Luckily, Amazon has this 38-pack of everything you’ll need — from highlighters and pens to glue and markers — up for grabs. It’s just shy of $25 and makes the most practical gift.
Adorn your favorite teacher’s desk with the Paper Junkie Lemon Perpetual Flip Desk Calendar. For less than $15, it’ll add a cheery, cute element that they can stare at while lesson-planning.
1-800-Flowers has, by far, some of the freshest blooms we’ve tried. This Teacher Appreciation Week, send a blossoming bouquet to their classroom for the sweetest surprise ever. Even better, the brand has different size options to choose from to satisfy your budget.
Who doesn’t love a sweet treat delivered? Offer your teacher something the entire class can enjoy with the Mrs. Field’s Best Teacher Ever Cookie Tin. For less than $35, this festive option just screams ‘teacher gift.’
For more options, check out our guide to the best places to order cookies online.
Speaking of something sweet, shop the Edible Arrangements Thank A Teacher Platter. Here, you’ll find fresh strawberries, succulent pineapple daisies, chocolate-dipped apple wedges and fresh grapes — making the ultimate fruit basket bundle.
Meet one of the items we have on our desks at home: the Rifle Paper Co. Garden Party Desktop Weekly Planner. The best part? It’s less than $25 and undated, making it a staple for whenever your teacher bestie has to get to planning.
Simply adorable and 100% worth the buy, the Build-A-Bear Cuddly No. 1 Teacher Teddy Bear is a thoughtful addition — and especially perfect to gift your wife or girlfriend. If the No. 1 Teacher pencil isn’t enough to sell you, we don’t know what will.
What’s great about the Super Teacher Stainless Steel Insulated Tumbler is that it’s (1) great at keeping your drinks cold and (2) oh-so-fit for the teacher in your life. Say yes to this $25 Amazon grab in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week.
For something practical they’ll sure to appreciate, you can’t go wrong with an Amazon gift card. More than 103,000 shoppers feel the same (just read the reviews) and you can select the amount you wish to include. It hasn’t been a better time to grab more classroom essentials.
We didn’t think there would be a dish towel more fitting for a teacher — but there is, thanks to Anthropologie. Shop the Teacher Appreciation Dish Towel for less than $30. With a primmed-to-perfection pencil print, you’ll have a golden gift to give.
We nearly gasped when we came across this adorable personalized gift on Etsy. Simply put, there’s nothing cuter (and useful, may we add) than this Personalized Sticky Note Holder from shop thesconniesquirrel. Pick up some Post-Its to go along with it and voilà — you have the perfect gift.
If you’re seeking a gift for less than $20, the Lily Pulitzer Leatherette Initial Keychain is one of your best bets. Not only is it useful for holding classroom keys (and maybe home and car keys as well), but its personalized, vibrant-printed touch makes all the difference.
We love Mark & Graham for personalized gifts, and its Iris Catchall Tray is no exception. For just $20 right now, include their initials and treat the teacher in your life to this desk tray that they can easily store random odds and ends on. Above all else, it’s a pretty nifty gift.
For the quintessential desk addition, the Personalization Mall Apple Brass Teacher Bell is beyond compare. It’s useful, makes a lovely gift and upholds that traditional teacher vibe we all know and love. Plus, it doubles as a paperweight.
For the teacher who’s also a jewelry lover, the Alex & Ani Teacher Charm Bangle Bracelet is one of our top recommendations, thanks to its lovely design and stackable nature. Just shy of $25, it’s worth the order ahead of Teacher Appreciation Week.
Let’s face it — teachers run on coffee. If iced coffee is their pride and joy, grab this Teacher Iced Coffee Tumbler with Straw Lid for less than $25 on Amazon. Wittingly, its Nutrition Facts are creative and will make any teacher giggle.
For the plant lover, add the Lula’s Garden Bliss Garden Succulent Gift to your online cart for a thoughtful accent they can add to their desk. It’s budget-friendly, chic and one of the brand’s most popular.
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.