33 Best Gifts for Teachers for 2025
Every teacher I talked to loves a gift card. But it’s a shame to waste your money on a card that will never get used (I still have some Jamba Juice cards in my desk drawer that are at least 10 years old). Here’s where a little sleuthing will pay off: Ask your kids what their teachers like to do. Chances are they’ll be able to tell you whether a teacher loves to go to the movies, lives for the outdoors, eats out a lot (or doesn’t), or has another favorite hobby. For a teacher who can’t wait to hit the trails on the weekend, a gift card from REI may feel extra-thoughtful, while a card from Home Depot or a beloved local hardware store could be perfect for the home woodworker.
The most generic option (but maybe the most appreciated) is an Amazon gift card, or a card from Visa, MasterCard, or American Express, all of which are accepted nearly everywhere that takes debit cards. One downside is that purchasing fees for many of these cards start at $3.95 for a $25 card and increase with the amount of the card. And know that not all gift cards are created equal. Make sure the card states “No Fees After Purchase.” Most cards sold at grocery stores and places like Walmart, Target, and Amazon fit this bill, but those sold through banks sometimes have unexpected fees. Finally, be aware that some schools and districts limit the value of gifts that teachers can accept. To avoid the awkwardness of the recipient needing to return a gift, check your school’s rules in advance.
