PHOTO COURTESY SHUTTERSTOCK

Let’s all take a minute to recognize educators. 

They teach our kids how to read and write, answer their many questions (and those of their parents), are constantly exposed to their germs and sticky fingers — and generally just love on them when us parents aren’t there.  

With the end of the school year quickly approaching, it’s time to show our teachers how much we appreciate them before their (very) well-earned summer break. 

When it comes to tokens of appreciation, gift cards are definitely the gold standard; after all, there’s only so many mugs and candles teachers can use. I consulted with my own kids’ instructors and found educators also really appreciate a thoughtful handwritten note of thanks or a homemade gift from their students. 

Other popular items were candy, self-care items, flowers, door decorations and other items for the classroom (remember, teachers often buy their own supplies). My daughter’s fourth-grade teacher even mentioned he has been given alcohol before, although he was quick to point out he passed that gift on to other friends or family members. 

Through a lot of research, plus taking teacher opinions into account, these are some of the best practical and personal items that are sure to be a hit with the hard-working educators in your life. 

(We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.)

For the Classroom

Sign of the Times: Teachers are always striving to brighten up their classrooms and make it feel more like home; this cheerful wooden door sign (available in a variety of education-themed designs and colors) adds a personalized punch of charm.
$19.99. Buy Here

Stamp It: Based on the amount of paper my daughters bring home each day, educators spend a lot of time adding stars and checks to worksheets. Make it easier (and more fun) for them with these brightly colored, refillable stamps with affirming messages such as “You Are Out of This World” and “Keep Going.”
$19.99. Buy Here 

Love for Laminate: A teacher friend of mine mentioned instructors are forever laminating things in the classroom. This well-reviewed mini laminator, which is great for personal use, heats up almost as quickly as it laminates papers.
$35.99. Buy Here

Grow On: Did you know studies have shown having plants around can help reduce stress as well as increase feelings of productivity and well being? With that in mind, do everyone a favor by adding these adorable mini-succulent pots, which come in on-trend, geometric designs, to your teacher’s classroom. Add some low-maintenance, easy-to-care-for succulents to the containers before you present them.
$18.99 for a set of six pots. Buy Here 

Snack Attack: Sometimes teachers only have enough time to grab a quick snack on their breaks, which makes these CRAVEBOX Healthy Snack Boxes the perfect gift for hungry instructors on the go. The 35-count care package is filled with a brand-name mix of sweet and savory snacks such as granola bars, veggie straws and popcorn.
$30.95. Buy Here 

For the Teachers

Warm Wishes: Unless the weather is below freezing, teachers are taking their students outside for recess to burn off some energy. This nifty rechargeable hand warmer, which easily fits inside a pocket, will help keep them toasty in Pittsburgh’s often cool, cloudy conditions.
$24.99. Buy Here 

Hand in Hand: All the hand scrubbing teachers do after projects (and, let’s be honest, to avoid germs) can lead to red, raw hands. Beloved by Oprah, luxurious La Chatelaine Hand Creams use organic Shea Butter, Vitamin E and Argan Oil to deeply moisturize and protect skin — and they smell really, really good.
$29 for a set of three. Buy Here 

Keep it Clean: Teachers also go through a lot of hand sanitizer, but it doesn’t have to be the drying, alcohol-scented solution of yore. Not only does Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Sprays (which is a big hit on the tween scene) come in refreshing scents such as Frosted Mint, Citrus Grove and Lemon Lime Spritz, it contains moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera that leave the hands smooth, smelling good and — most importantly — clean.
$30 for a pack of three. Buy Here 

Lip Service: This is another one for teachers suffering from chapped lips (and dry skin) from being in outdoor conditions. A viral sensation, the luxury Laneige lip mask is lauded for its moisturizing abilities. This gift set includes the popular lip treatment, as well as two other sleeping masks sure to give your student’s teacher a restful appearance — even if they were up all night grading papers.
$24. Buy Here 

Gift Card: Here it is — the gift of choice. Let the teachers treat themselves to pretty much anything with an Amazon gift card; I particularly love this one, which comes in an aesthetically pleasing gift box. Pair it with a heartfelt note from your student that lets their teachers know just how much of an impact they’ve had on their lives.
From $25. Buy Here