20 Gifts That Teachers Actually Want This Year

Teachers are angelic humans who deserve every good thing that comes to them. Most are patient, kind, and truly care about the well-being of their students. Many spend their own money, and certainly spend their own time on resources to make learning experiences better for their students. All the best teachers should be shown love through a gift every once in a while. And during the holidays is the perfect time! Of course, there are things teachers certainly don't want. On the list are items such as bath products and mugs. It just reveals the secrets teachers have that we don't know about. But we did our best to find items teachers really would want. At least in our opinion.

And because not many people have the budget for a 10-day cruise around the Caribbean or a year-long wine subscription, we found less spendy items that might still come close. Yes, there is a mug, but it's a cool one! Plus, everyone (including teachers) likes different things and what one teacher might hate may be another one's treasure. And truth be told, teachers aren't expecting anything, but it would likely make their days just to know that they're thought of and appreciated.

So what made our list? Well, we have jewelry, snack baskets, and personalized office pieces. Not to mention T-shirts to inform the public about the use of commas (we honestly really like that one). Whichever kind of teacher a kid has, there's a gift on this list for that teacher. Yes, some involve apples, but not in a cheesy way — in a more updated, sophisticated way. So have a scroll and take a pick. There are just a few weeks left until the winter break, which let's be honest, is what teachers really want.

Teacher Treat Jar

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Personal Creations

Teachers love treats, for themselves and their kids. They can fill this jar with whatever they want — snacks, erasers, chalk. Plus it comes with a personalized apple with their name on the front. This one is a super cute idea that is also practical. having a designated area for these items will help keep their desk nice and tidy, too!

Teacher Apple Treat Jar ($25, Personal Creations)

Monogrammed Coach's Whistle

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netexchange/Etsy

This is an ideal gift for a physical education teacher or a teacher who coaches a sports team. The personal touch of their name engraved makes it something special they will use for years to come. This product adds a nice touch to an item that these kinds of teachers need anyway. This one is sure to add some fun!

Monogram Coach's Whistle Engraved ($27, netexchange/Etsy)

Teacher Ornament

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Personalization Mall

Ornaments make festive presents this time of year. This is an inexpensive gift that embodies the holidays and lets teachers show off their craft. This one would be best for teachers who teach younger grades. You could hang it on a Christmas tree or an ornament stand for the teacher to enjoy all year.

Teacher Ornament ($11, Personalization Mall)

Infinity Collection Teacher Bracelet

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Amazon.com

Charm bracelets are super popular as gifts. As a bonus, this one is really pretty. For the teacher who likes jewelry, this charm bracelet is the way to go. The bracelet features charms relating to the job and is reasonably priced. The teacher will be really impressed and feel valued when you surprise her with this thoughtful gift.

Infinity Collection Teacher Bracelet ($15, Amazon)

Commas Save Lives T Shirt

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SpunkyPineappleCo/Etsy

Not only does this T-shirt feature dinosaurs, but it is also really funny. This is a gift that belongs on someone with a great sense of humor and an appreciation for grammar. Language arts and English teachers will love this T-shirt, but it may be fun for others as well. Seeing this T-shirt actually made us laugh out loud, so it's sure to bring joy whenever worn.

Commas Save Lives — Funny Grammar T-Shirt ($26, SpunkyPineappleCo/Etsy)

Personalized Decorative Glass Block

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Personal Creations

If your teacher needs more personality on her desk, this product is a great chioce. This glass block display is simple, sophisticated, and has a nice personal touch at the end with the teacher's name etched onto the glass. Teachers would happily want to show this plaque off on their desks. It is a great way to show your teacher how appreciated she is.

Teacher Glass Block ($25, Personal Creations)

Crayon Personalized Post-It Notes

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Zazzle

One can never have too many sticky notes. This is something teachers can actually use all the time. Whether writing notes for colleagues or to themselves or on students' folders, they can whip it out and everyone will know who it is from. This gift is fun, thoughtful, and personalized. It really can't get much better than that.

Teacher Crayon Personalized Post-it Note ($9, Zazzle)

An Extraordinary Teacher Gourmet Gift Basket

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Gift Tree

Nothing says Christmas quite like a treat basket, and this one is great for those truly special teachers. This is a gift for a teachers who really have gone above and beyond in their dedication to students and also really love snacks. Nuts, chocolate and more, oh my! These treats will sure help the teacher get through the afternoon slump!

An Extraordinary Teacher Gourmet Gift Basket ($100, Gift Tree)

Custom Periodic Table Element Name Key

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NestledPineWoodworks/Etsy

Now this is a gift for anyone who loves science! A great chemistry teacher will no doubt appreciate this creative gift. It combines the subject and personalization into a perfect present. It is no wonder this is one of Etsy's "Best Sellers." You will make your science teacher smile every time she sees it!

Custom Periodic Table Element Name Key ($13, NestledPineWoodworks/Etsy)

Our Teacher Personalized Frame

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Personalization Mall

There is no doubt that teachers connect with the kids they teach. They get just as involved with their success as their parents do. This is a wonderful personalized gift that teacher will love to display photos with the class. It fits nicely on a desk and shows a lot of thought. It will also help him remember those kids years down the line.

Our Teacher Personalized Frame ($25, Personalization Mall)

Funny Custom Best Teacher Gift Mug

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Zazzle

Mugs may be overdone, but it's no secret that many teachers really need their coffee. Plus, how cute is this one? This gift puts a modern and hilarious twist on an old favorite: mugs. This is perfect for teachers with a sense of humor, who would enjoy a cute and colorful mug.

Funny Custom Best Teacher Gift Mug ($19, Zazzle)

Personalized Wine Glass

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2CraftyChicks2/Etsy

Teachers are people, too (obviously!), and we all need to unwind sometimes! This is a great gift that tells people the deal. This gift may be better suited to personal friends who happen to be teachers instead of your kid's teacher. It's super cute though, and with the right person, he will be sure to appreciate the sentiment.

Personalized Wine Glass for Teacher ($10, 2CraftyChicks2/Etsy)

Personalized Apple Brass Teacher Bell

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Personalization Mall

With this gift, your teacher will never lack for an apple on his desk. This is a classic symbol (apples!) with a nice personal touch. It looks beautiful and elegant on a desk, especially with the engraved name. It is a fun addition that a teacher will definitely enjoy placing on his desk.

Personalized Apple Brass Teacher Bell ($30, Personalization Mall)

Women's Snowflake Calf Sock Gift Box

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Bombas

Comfy and colorful socks are one of our favorite things. This is another "big gift" that helps say "teachers make a big difference in our lives." These socks are stylish, comfortable, and the perfect present for when they can kick their shoes off after a long week or day of standing. It is an ideal time of year to give these to a favorite teacher.

Women's Snowflake Calf Sock Gift Box ($65, Bombas)

Teacher's Personalized Water Bottle

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Personalization Mall

Getting dehydrated can make anyone feel yucky and cause headaches. It's important to drink enough water! Plus, talking all day would make anyone thirsty. This style of water bottle is super popular right now and one a teacher can use every day. It will keep her water cold, and help her feel good all day long so she can impart wisdom to her students.

Teachers Apple Scroll Personalized ($30, Personalization Mall)

Elephant Pencil & Phone Holder

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Amazon

Keeping things organized on his desk is a high priority. You don't want pencils sliding all over or no place to put your phone. This desk organizer is a great gift for a teacher to keep all his desktop stuff in one place. Plus, it's a classy elephant! It comes in a variety of colors, so you are sure to find just the right one.

COOLBROS Elephant Pencil Holder With Phone Holder Desk Organizer ($9, Amazon)

Portable Cereal Cup

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Amazon

Many of us rush out in the morning without breakfast, which can make for a horrible day. This cereal cup is a great gift for a teacher who is always on the go. This way, he can pack up something to eat and be out the door quickly. Just add cereal and your milk and you can eat your cereal with one hand!

CRUNCHCUP A Portable Cereal Cup ($30, Amazon)

Keurig-K Mini Coffee Maker

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Amazon

Sometimes when we're at work, we just want our special coffee. Maybe the coffee at work is bad, or there's just a particular flavor that you like. Teachers may feel the same way! This single-serve Keurig is a great gift for your favorite teacher. It is compact, and will get her the next hit of delicious caffeine right when she needs it.

Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker ($60, Amazon)

Yeti Rambler

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Amazon

Mugs are great, but if your coffee ends up sitting out for a while, it will go cold. Instead of having to reheat coffee every so often or drink it cold, give your favorite teacher this Yeti insulated mug. It will keep his coffee hot, and is also good for keeping beverages cold. The closeable top will also make sure that it doesn't spill when bumped.

YETI Rambler 14 oz. Mug ($30, Amazon)

*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.