30 Best Teacher Gifts, According to Actual Teachers

Give this sweet book to a teacher, and cue the waterworks as they read about how they've made a difference in the world. It's a children's book, but the sentiment inside is universal, and teachers at any level will appreciate hearing it.

Several teachers online say they love getting Flair pens as a gift, because they say they love being able to write in different colors. These ones from Paper Mate are scented, too. "It’s such a simple touch, but it made using them feel even more enjoyable," said one Amazon reviewer.

If you have a crafty, DIY type of teacher, go in on a group gift with this one. It helps them take their bulletin boards, class giveaways and projects to the next level, cutting out precise patterns on cardstock, vinyl decals, iron-ons and more.

Once they're in the building, carrying their school IDs, cash and other cards is much more convenient with a wristlet. We bet the teacher in your life will enjoy this trendy set from Lululemon, available in nine colors.

Teachers haul a lot of stuff around, so a carryall tote is a big help. This one is insulated on the inside, large enough to hold a 15.6-inch laptop and has extra pockets for all of their essentials, plus extra school supplies.

For the quick coffee they have prior to the first bell — or the one they enjoy on a break — this 10-ounce YETI mug ensures that their drink stays hot. On-the-go teachers will like the lid that helps prevent spills. It comes in 31 colors, so pick their favorite (if you know it!) or go with the school's colors.

After gift cards, personalized items came up the most often as a much-wanted gift. Teachers will delight in their very own stamps, created to look just like them, with their hairstyle, facial hair, glasses and other accessories. You can get them for male teachers and female teachers, and you can also personalize the text.

Lots of teachers say that what they want most, above gifts, are hand-written notes. But if your student finds it hard to get the words out, this journal helps them make it easy by offering fill-in-the-blanks that'll get the inspiration flowing. The class can even work on it together and make it a group gift.

They say an elephant never forgets, and with this desk organizer a teacher will never forget where they put their basic supplies, and there's even a phone holder on the front. It comes in three patterns.

While our teachers asked for desk plants, they said nothing about the pots they come in. This two-pack features pots with cute messages designed to make teachers' hearts melt. All you have to do is get a succulent or air plant to pop in it, and you're good to go.

If you had to non-stop talk all day, you'd need quality lip balm, too. Pamper your hardworking teacher with this set of four hydrating lip treatments. For men, try this set of Jack Black moisturizing lip balms.

The same travel tumbler that's used en masse by students is also a hit with their teachers. With the ability to hold a whipping 40 oz of liquid, we get it. The insulation keeps beverages cold for hours, which is helpful for a teacher that has to stand up and talk in front of a class all day. Just don't forget the straw cover to go with it!

These will be wonderful for anyone who has crossing-guard, bus lane, or recess duty throughout the winter. They can last up to four hours on a single charge, and they come in several colors and patterns.

One teacher mentioned Vera Bradley totes specifically as a welcomed gift, and we can see why: They're big enough to carry a helpful amount of stuff, they come in such fun prints and the quilted cotton keeps it from digging into their shoulder. Vera Bradley's ID holders with lanyards also hold just the right amount of cards and keys.

This is such a creative way to give a teacher a bouquet. The pop-up display stands 12 inches tall and makes for wonderful classroom decor. It comes with a blank card, ideal for letting your teacher know how wonderful they are.

If you know your teacher is into LEGO, the only thing better than getting them a real bouquet of flowers is getting them one that won't wilt, that they can build themselves, or your kid can build for them. If this set is too extensive, there are also LEGO roses, daffodils or lotus flowers for less than $15.

Another ingenious place to stash a gift card? Inside one of these pouches. They're made to go around a water bottle like the Stanley Quencher, so they can carry their IDs and keys and stay one-hand-free.

More than most, teachers need to keep sanitizing their hands throughout the day. With this set of 10, they can stash sanitizer in every corner of the classroom — plus their bag and car. You can even get them a fun holder that'll clip to their bag.

An Amazon gift card was far-and-away the most requested gift on our teachers' lists. And it makes sense: You're giving them the option to get what they want most. This one even comes in its own gift box, and all you have to do is add a thoughtful note.

After another memorable school year filled with ups and downs, they'll need a place to reflect on every moment. This 130-page journal has room for their students' favorite stories, space for a class photo and much more.