Check out 25 of the best teacher gifts under $25 below, or launch the gallery for 50 more of the best teacher gifts all educators will love! Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
What are good gifts for teachers?
The most important thing to remember when getting gifts for teachers is that teachers are people. If you know anything about your child’s teacher, whether it’s their favorite color, favorite band, her favorite lotion she keeps at her desk, her hobbies when she’s off the clock and not grading papers, or even just her favorite subject to teach, it can help you plan her gift. If you don’t know any of those factoids, we’ve rounded up some affordable options with input from working teachers.
What teacher gifts should I avoid?
Some teachers were brutally honest: They’re sick of apple trinkets. Unless it’s something personalized (or they just really like apples), your best bet is just to get stuff they like or need for the classroom instead of something that may collect dust and get recycled by the end of the year.
Best Gifts for Teachers Under $25
Teachers are some of the most important people in your kids’ lives, and they always appreciate knowing that you appreciate them. They have a hard job—and a stressful one, especially in recent years. Getting holiday gifts for teachers is a sweet way to let them know that you recognize all the effort they put into shaping your child’s future.
2. Pencil Sharpener, $24.99 at Classroom Friendly Supplies
There are few things more disruptive to an otherwise cooperative class than the roar of an electric pencil sharpener—but manual sharpeners pose their own issues, with broken points and calloused hands. This one, recommended by teachers, is quiet and quick and comes in a multitude of colors. Pencil Sharpener, $24.99 at Classroom Friendly Supplies Classroom Friendly Supplies
3. Personalized Teacher Facts Treat Jar, $23.39 at Personal Creations
Teachers are much less desk-trinket averse when it has their name on it! Bonus points if you fill it with her favorite candy or the desk supply she’s always running out of, be it erasers, pens, paperclips, or even lozenges. Personalized Teacher Facts Treat Jar, $23.39 at Personal Creations Personal Creations
5. Minimergency Kit for Teachers, $18 at Pinch Provisions
Filled with the things a teacher may need from time to time: Double-sided tape, stain remover, a nail file, bandages, Advil, a mini sewing kit, stickers, lip balm, and even a red pen. Minimergency Kit for Teachers, $18 at Pinch Provisions Pinch Provisions
6. 3-Pack Relatable Teacher Journals, $9.95 at Little Dog Paper Co.
Let your kids’ favorite teachers vent after a long day. Each journal has a funny and relatable statement on the front that’ll make anyone in education giggle out loud. 3-Pack Relatable Teacher Journals, $9.95 at Little Dog Paper Co. Little Dog Paper Co.
7. Complimentary Ballpoint Pen Set, $12 on Etsy
The encouraging messages on these pens can make mundane tasks like lesson plans or attendance reports feel a little less daunting. Complimentary Ballpoint Pen Set, $12 on Etsy Etsy
8. Compliment Pencil Set, $10 at Barnes & Noble
These pencils will keep a smile on any teacher’s face through grading papers, planning lessons, or taking part in self-care routines. Same idea as the pens, but with less commitment since these come with erasers! Ban.do Compliment Pencil Set, $10.00 at Barnes & Noble Barnes & Noble
9. Winter Candy Apple PocketBac Hand Sanitizers, 5-Pack, $8 at Bath and Body Works
Kids are full of germs. Protect your kid’s favorite teacher from having to employ a mean substitute with these festive hand sanitizers that smell as good as she’ll feel using them. Winter Candy Apple PocketBac Hand Sanitizers, 5-Pack, $8 at Bath and Body Works Bath and Body Works
12. Christmas Cheer Petits Fours, $26.99 at The Swiss Colony
Let’s be honest: Teachers look forward to holiday breaks as much as your kids do. Make them even sweeter with petits fours. Christmas Cheer Petits Fours, $26.99 at The Swiss Colony The Swiss Colony
18. L’Occitane Hand Cream Trio, $29 at Sephora
All that chalk dust can seriously dry out the skin. These non-greasy hand creams can combat all of that plus the chilly temps that are on the horizon. These tubes are tiny enough to fit in a desk caddy or purse and smell fantastic, too. L’Occitane Hand Cream Trio, $29 at Sephora Sephora
22. Personalized Tote Bags for Teachers - Crayon Letter, $13.99 at Personalization Mall
This tote can fit all of the many supplies a teacher has to lug around each day—and it’s adorable! Personalized Tote Bags for Teachers - Crayon Letter, $13.99 at Personalization Mall Personalization Mall
24. Classic Giant Holiday Apple, $35.95 at Williams Sonoma
Yes, most teachers are sick of most apples, but this giant chocolate caramel apple is a major exception. Classic Giant Holiday Apple, $35.95 at Williams Sonoma Williams Sonoma
25. Oven Mitt Teacher Gift, $7.99 on Etsy
Fill these adorable potholders with brownie, cookie, and cake mix, and get ready for your kid to be teacher’s pet. Oven Mitt Teacher Gift, $7.99 on Etsy Etsy Find inspiration for the card to go with your teacher appreciation gift: 100 Best Teacher Quotes
