23 Top Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas for 2025

Recommendations from the team and guests of the Learning Can’t Wait Podcast

Gift-giving season is here, and if you’re shopping for the big thinkers, doers, and problem-solvers in education, you know the challenge: finding something that’s thoughtful, inspiring, and genuinely useful. That’s why I turned to some of the incredible guests from my podcast—educators, nonprofit leaders, edtech pioneers, and policymakers—to create this curated guide.

These aren’t your run-of-the-mill holiday picks. Each item is designed to spark creativity, improve systems, or make life just a little easier for those who work tirelessly to make a difference in education. Think of it as a strategist’s gift guide: smart, intentional, and rooted in impact.

The top 23 teacher appreciation gift ideas for 2025 are:

1. Tips for Teachers Apparel by Shaquira Langely, Season 4 Episode 2

Shaquira Langely’s apparel line celebrates the dedication, resilience, and joy of teaching. Each piece features uplifting messages and inspiring designs that honor the profession’s impact. Perfect for educators who want to wear their passion proudly, this apparel also reminds teachers that they’re valued, seen, and supported—both in and out of the classroom.

2. The Big Activity Book for Teacher People by Jordan Reid, Season 2 Episode 19

Jordan Reid delivers a delightful blend of humor, reflection, and creativity tailored for educators who need a well-deserved break. Packed with lighthearted exercises, witty prompts, and doodle-friendly pages, this activity book offers teachers a joyful escape from the daily grind. It’s the perfect gift for classroom heroes who can appreciate a laugh, reconnect with their purpose, and discover fresh inspiration—even on their busiest days.

3. How Schools Work by Arne Duncan, Season 5 Episode 12

Arne Duncan offers a candid exploration of America’s education system, exposing its systemic failures and sharing powerful stories from Duncan’s tenure as U.S. Secretary of Education. With sharp insights and a call to action, this book is a must-read for anyone passionate about transforming schools for equity and excellence.

4. The Unfinished Teacher by PJ Caposey, Season 4 Episode 11

Is a heartfelt guide for educators committed to lifelong growth, balancing self-reflection with actionable strategies for improvement. With an inspiring message about embracing imperfection, this book is a perfect gift for teachers passionate about making a lasting impact.

5. Engineering in America by Siya Raj Purohit, Season 6 Episode 1 

Siya Raj Purohit provides a compelling look at the evolving role of engineers in shaping the nation’s future, blending historical context with modern innovation. This insightful book is ideal for anyone curious about how engineering drives progress and transforms society.

6. Math Mind by Shalinee Sharma, Season 6 Episode 19

Shalinee Sharma explores how to unlock every child’s potential in mathematics through innovative teaching and a growth mindset. Filled with practical strategies and inspiring stories, this book is a transformative resource for educators and parents alike.

7. Collaboration, Coteaching, and Coaching in Gifted Education: Sharing Strategies to Support Gifted Learners by Dr. Vicki Phelps, Season 6 Episode 7

Dr. Vicki Phelps’ work offers a blueprint for educators looking to refine their approach to gifted instruction. Through effective collaboration, thoughtful coteaching models, and strategic coaching, Phelps shows how schools can unlock the full potential of their most advanced learners, ensuring they receive the intellectual and emotional challenges they need to thrive. 

8. Digital-Age Teaching for English Learners: A Guide to Equitable Learning for All Students by Heather Rubin, Season 6 Episode 12

Heather Rubin equips educators with research-based strategies for teaching English learners in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. By centering cultural responsiveness and accessibility, Rubin lays out practical tips—ranging from leveraging education technology tools to implementing inclusive teaching methods—to ensure that all students can thrive. This forward-thinking guide empowers teachers to close opportunity gaps, transform their practice, and create dynamic, equitable classrooms that serve every learner.

9. How ‘Bout That for Crack Baby by Shawn Blanchard, Season 6 Episode 13 

Shawn Blanchard’s inspiring memoir that chronicles the author’s journey from adversity to success, offering powerful lessons on resilience, mentorship, and self-determination. Blanchard’s story is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and purpose.

10. Seth Can Do All Things by Dr. Musinah Morris, Season 3 Episode 13 & Season 6 Episode 6

Dr. Musinah Morris introduces young readers to Seth—a character who embodies determination, resilience, and the power of a growth mindset. This empowering children’s book invites kids to embrace challenges and believe in their ability to excel in any endeavor. Perfect for home, classroom libraries, and social-emotional learning activities, Seth Can Do All Things inspires students to dream big, persevere, and celebrate their unique strengths.

11. Job Moves by Michael B. Horn, Season 7 Episode 1

Michael B. Horn offers a visionary look at the future of work and what it means for education. In Job Moves, Horn delves into the rapidly shifting employment landscape, exploring how schools can adapt curricula, teaching methods, and systems to prepare students for tomorrow’s world. This book is more than a forecast; it’s a call to action for educators, policymakers, and community leaders to cultivate a new generation of learners who are versatile, innovative, and ready to thrive in ever-changing career pathways.

12. The Six Priorities: How to Find the Resources Your School Community Needs by Luis Torres, Season 1 Episode 2 & Season 3 Episode 4

This empowering guide for educators and leaders seeking to secure essential resources for their schools gives  practical strategies and inspiring examples. Torres provides a roadmap for creating thriving educational communities.

13. Raising Equity Through SEL: A Framework for Implementing Trauma-Informed, Culturally Responsive Teaching and Restorative Practices by Jorge Valenzuela, Season 2 Episode 5 

Jorge Valenzuela presents a powerful framework for integrating social-emotional learning with trauma-informed, culturally responsive teaching and restorative practices. This book is an essential guide for educators committed to fostering equity and resilience in their classrooms.

14. Leading Equity: Becoming an Advocate for All Students, by Sheldon Eakins Season 3 Episode 7 

Sheldon Eakins equips educators with the tools and strategies needed to champion equity and inclusion in schools. Through practical guidance and personal insights, Eakins inspires educators to create learning environments where every student can thrive.

15. Teaching in Rural Places by Dr. Amy Azano, Season 5 Episode 16 

Dr. Amy Azano explores the unique challenges and opportunities of rural education, offering strategies for culturally responsive teaching that honors the identities of rural students. This insightful book is a valuable resource for educators dedicated to fostering meaningful learning in rural communities.

16. Personalizing 21st Century Learning by Dan Domenech, Season 1 Episode 12 

Dan Domenech provides a forward-thinking blueprint for tailoring education to meet the needs of individual learners in a rapidly changing world. With practical examples and visionary insights, this book is a must-read for educators and leaders shaping the future of personalized learning.

17. Affirming children's roots by Hedy Chang, Season 2 Episode 8 & Season 4 Episode 13

Hedy Chang highlights the critical importance of honoring students’ cultural, linguistic, and familial backgrounds as a foundation for academic and personal success. In Affirming Children’s Roots, readers discover strategies for engaging families, promoting regular attendance, and creating inclusive learning environments that validate every child’s identity. By centering on each student’s unique heritage, Chang provides a blueprint for educators, schools, and communities to cultivate a sense of belonging, resilience, and empowerment in classrooms nationwide.

18. Vocabulary Card Game by Mrs. Wordsmith, President Brandon Cardet-Hernandez Season 5 Episode 8

This lively vocabulary card game transforms rote memorization into an exciting, interactive learning experience. Curated by language experts, the game engages students with playful illustrations and clever word prompts, making it perfect for classroom stations, after-school clubs, or family game nights. By blending fun with foundational language practice, it empowers learners to build a stronger, more expressive vocabulary—one lively round at a time.

Learning Can't Wait listeners will be gifted a free year of Word Tag, our award-winning vocabulary video game, for their classroom when they purchase Vocabularious. They can use the code LCWVOCAB.

19. School Justice Project founder Claire Blumenson, Season 1 Episode 14

Donating to the School Justice Project supports a pioneering organization committed to defending the educational rights of incarcerated and court-involved young people. Under Claire Blumenson’s leadership, the nonprofit offers legal advocacy and ensures that these students receive the special education services and high-quality instruction they deserve. Contributing to the School Justice Project is more than just a charitable act—it’s an investment in equity, justice, and the transformative power of learning for every student, no matter their circumstances.

Bonus gifts and companies that donate to teacher causes:

20. Just Love Coffee Brand 

With every bag of Just Love Coffee you brew, you’re doing more than enjoying a rich, ethically sourced cup—you’re supporting a company committed to giving back. Purchases help fund initiatives that uplift education and community programs, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Your morning routine can fuel classrooms, mentors, and students around the globe, making every sip a statement of solidarity and hope.

21. Chalkboard Candle Company 

Elevate your space with a warm, inviting aroma while making a difference. Chalkboard Candle Company’s handcrafted candles not only brighten the atmosphere but also support educational endeavors. A portion of each sale goes toward classrooms and teachers in need. Light one of these candles, and you’re illuminating more than a room—you’re helping to shine a light on better opportunities for learners everywhere.

22. State Bags

State Bags are as stylish and functional as they are impactful. More than just durable backpacks and totes, each purchase helps fund programs that provide essential school supplies and resources to underserved students. By choosing State Bags, you’re giving the gift of empowerment, ensuring that learners have what they need to thrive. It’s a blend of fashion, function, and forward-thinking philanthropy.

23. One Hope Wine

Pour a glass of One Hope Wine and raise a toast to a better future in education. This socially conscious winery donates a portion of its proceeds to learning initiatives, making each sip more meaningful. Whether gifting a bottle to a fellow educator, a friend, or yourself, you’re contributing to classrooms, scholarships, and youth programs that uplift communities—and that’s a reason to truly celebrate.

Bottom Line

In a season often marked by quick purchases and material gifts, this collection offers another way—presents that inspire, uplift, and reinforce a shared commitment to education. Whether it’s a transformative book, a classroom-friendly game, apparel that celebrates teachers, or thoughtfully chosen brands that give back, each recommendation is rooted in impact. By choosing gifts that recognize the value of educators and invest in brighter futures for all learners, we embrace a holiday spirit that extends far beyond the season, nourishing the heart of education itself.