30+ gifts teachers *actually* want (because who needs another mug?)

Nothing is better than a heartfelt card—except perhaps a card that doubles as decor!

They’ll never forget a great idea with this fun notepad perched on their desk! Cleverly disguised as a school-lunch milk carton, this 500 sheet notepad and pencil “straw” set from Brass Monkey doubles as desk decor.

Many teachers spend their hard-earned money on classroom resources year after year. An awesome way to help offset those costs and show appreciation is with a Scholastic eGift card. Through the Scholastic Teacher Store they can purchase everything from books to classroom charts that will be enjoyed by students for years to come. Choose any amount or pull in other parents to contribute!

Every teacher needs a place to jot things down–and the stylish Field Notes notebooks are a personal favorite. There are always a ton of fun collections to choose from, but the limited edition “Flora” collection feels like the cheery optimism every teacher has at the end of the school year. Each of the three pocket-sized notebooks features a vibrant, colorful cover designed by Chicago muralist Emmy Star Brown and a distinct page style including one ruled, one dot graph and one plain.

With its colorful Liberty London landscape artwork and beautiful gilded embroidery, this handmade journal from Galison is almost too pretty to use.

Only healthcare professionals scrub up more than teachers. Give their parched hands a little pampering with our favorite splurgey hand cream–Aesop’s Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm. It really helps nourish skin but it’s the bright citrusy and earthy scent that has us totally hooked.

Whether they’ve got a regular meditation practice or simply need a between class pick-me-up, this portable trio of stress relievers can make the most of those moments. There’s the Stress Release Oil Blend Roll On which can be applied to the neck, forehead and shoulders or added to a bath or bowl of steaming water to help bring a sense of calm and relaxation, a Stress Relief Inhaler, and a Relax-O-Ring to massage the fingers for a soothing, effective reset. (Seriously, it feels amazing.)  And to make it even more giftable, it comes conveniently packaged in a stylish case to keep them safe and organized.

Know your kiddos’ teacher is a fitness nut? Then they’ll totally love getting access to Classpass’ online lineup of yoga, pilates, spinning, kickboxing, meditation and more. Prices range from $19 to $99 for a one-month subscription.

If they’d rather rest and reset, the extra cozy neck wraps from Warmies are just the thing. Just pop them in the microwave or the freezer, place on your neck and bask in the lavender-scented calm.

Add their name or thoughtful words of encouragement to these personalized pencils. They come in tons of colors and can be customized with up to 23 characters.

Part game, part calendar, teachers and students alike will get a kick out of starting the day with a challenge. Try to match each stainless steel ball with the correct month, day and date and revel in some good old fashioned analog fun.

Help keep their essentials organized with a classy a monogrammed leather pouch from Mark & Graham. It always comes in handy and never goes out of style. Prices start at $22.99

Not sure what to get? Let Knack do the work for you! The woman-owned gifting platform makes it super easy to send some appreciation their way with customizable gift sets that fit any personality. What’s more, you can shop by ethos, choosing sustainable, BIPOC-owned, or even handmade products. But the icing on the cake? Each gift includes a beautiful, custom-printed card and/or video message you can personalize. Prices start at $33.

Give the gift of self-reflection. The guided monthly Human Being Journal is designed to help even the busiest people connect with their deeper sense of being—without being just one more chore on the to-do list.

Everyone on the planet appreciates custom stationery and this line from Etsy vendor CurioPress is simple and sweet all at once.

While we acknowledge that a candle isn’t the most original teacher gift, we can guarantee this will be their favorite one to date. Not only does the message make them feel extra special, but Here for the Burn’s luxe scents are totally dreamy.

Teachers have to carry SO many binders, books, papers and more to and from their car daily, so give them a fun (and thoughtful!) tote to transport it all. We love the durable Snap Totes from Minted which come in a ton of gorgeous prints designed by independent artists. Personalize it with a foil pressed Italian leather tag to make it even more special!

Encourage them to fit in a much-needed relaxation session after a long day of trying to tame your kiddos. The handmade, all natural bath bombs from Lush are the best of the best and an extra-special treat for mind and muscles. They’ve got tons of great varieties to choose from but right now we’re swooning over the tranquil vibe of the Big Blue which can easily mentally transport you from your tub to the tropics.

Back to bath time! If they’re more of a bath salts and less of a fizzy bath bomb type, these calming salts from Herbivore are ideal. The scent is gorg and so is the packaging!

The only people on the planet who might need a daily dose of coffee more than moms is teachers! Sign them up for a one-time or subscription delivery of the finest, most delicious brews from Bean Box. The super curated Coffee Sampler box includes four artfully crafted artisan blends from award-winning roasters. Prices start at $24

Everyone can use a pair of cozy socks! Not only will these keep their feet warm—they’ll also warm their heart knowing that each sale helps fund literacy programs and book donations to communities in need.

Speaking of books, bibliophiles will appreciate this gorgeous reading journal from the ever-sophisticated Papier. It’s designed to collect everything from wish lists and reviews to tracking loans and favorite reading spots and bookstores.

A little greenery is always a welcome gift. And even better when it’s incredibly easy to care for! This climbing mini monstera grows like a weed, even for questionable plant parents. And the fact it’s all potted and ready for gifting? No brainer.

There’s no reason necessities have to look boring! We love this gilded tape dispenser that makes their desktop a little more stylish.

With its grippy bottom, handy pocket, and loops for pens and cords, this fun leatherette desk pad defines their space while keeping it fun.

Contribute to their next manicure, pedicure, facial or massage by giving your teacher a Spafinder gift card which can be redeemed at thousands of local spas all over the country. (Starting at $25)

School desks aren’t known for their beauty, so they’re sure to love something pretty to perch on top. Rifle Paper Co. always knocks it out of the park with beautiful designs that brighten up the day.

Here’s a fact: You can never go wrong with a Starbucks gift card. Given that they’re pretty much on every street corner in America, we’re confident your teacher will find a time to use it. This four-pack means you can also dole out thank-yous to crossing guards and the school librarian, too. Buy a bundle to save!

A little bit of bougie pampering goes a long way. The washable silk eye masks from Lunya are the perfect intersection of practical and thoughtful. (Or check out some of our other favorite sleeping masks!)

Okay, yeah, your kids’ teachers probably have plenty of mugs, but do they have enough water bottles? Can you ever have enough? Teachers need to drink water all day long, and a cute tumbler like this one with a time marker and silicone sleeve will help them stay hydrated so they can power through their very long days.

We all know that teachers in every state use their own funds to buy classroom supplies. It’s a reality no one likes, but a reality nonetheless. So one of the best thing we can do to support teachers is to help them financially by gifting them a subscription to a service like Cratejoy. This bundle for kindergarteners comes with classroom supplies like books and activities along with a teacher gift. And check out Cratejoy for boxes for other grade levels as well!