If you find yourself asking “what are the best gift cards for teachers?”—we’ve got you covered. After hearing from teachers in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook, we’ve rounded up all the gift cards teachers like to receive most.
From obvious favorites to a few niche hits, you can’t go wrong with any choice on this list! Here are the top picks for the holidays, end of the year, or teacher appreciation.
(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)
1. Amazon is a teacher favorite
The Amazon gift card totally wins as the top teacher choice. A majority of teachers say they’d prefer an Amazon gift card during gifting time. With so many different things you can get (and that Prime shipping), it’s easy to understand why.
Buy it: Amazon Gift Card in Gift Box | Online Amazon eGift Card
2. Teachers love Target
Everyone knows that teachers love the dollar section at the front of the store, but there are lots of other options throughout the store and online at Target. Teachers can pick up a classroom item or something they’ve been eyeing for themselves.
Buy it: Target Gift Card
3. Starbucks is the perfect treat
It’s no secret that many teachers run on caffeine. If you have a Starbucks near you, it’s a good go-to gift for teachers. Or if there’s a local coffee shop shop, that’s a great option too. Either way, teachers will appreciate their morning coffee cost being covered on days they want to give their favorite coffee makers a break!
Buy it: Starbucks Gift Card
4. Visa gift cards are versatile and always appreciated
The most universal of them all, Visa Gift Cards give teachers the freedom to purchase what they want, whenever they want it. If you don’t have a specific retailer in mind, this is always a super-safe bet.
Buy it: Visa Gift Card
5. Barnes & Noble books never go out of style
If you know the teacher you are buying for is a bookworm, this is the perfect option. Plus, Barnes & Noble has more than just books, with options like notepads, pens, games, magazines, and more. Teachers can also stock up on a few classroom books that have been sitting on their wish list. This is another one where a local store is a good idea too. If you have an area bookstore, support local!
Buy it: Barnes & Noble Gift Card
6. Teachers Pay Teachers is great for classroom resources
Many teachers are already purchasing classroom resources on Teachers Pay Teachers. Help offset this cost by giving them a gift card! Even though this gift card is for the purchase of classroom items (instead of for the teacher’s own use), many educators said they’d love to have one.
Buy it: Teachers Pay Teachers Gift Card
7. Dunkin’ makes for a great pick-me-up
If you know who you are buying for is a Dunkin’ coffee fan, this is a great choice. Heading through the drive-through for an extra java boost before school is a must some days.
Buy it: Dunkin’ Gift Card
8. T.J. Maxx & Marshalls are a hit
T.J. Maxx or Marshalls gift cards are available for use at any of the retailer’s brands (including HomeGoods and Homesense). If the teacher you’re buying for is a bargain hunter, this choice is a no-brainer. There’s so much to choose from, including clothing, classroom decor, home items, self-care, and so much more, on the shelves of these stores at reasonable prices.
Buy it: T.J. Maxx Gift Card | Marshalls Gift Card
9. Self-care is especially needed
Teachers give so much of themselves, so a gift card that includes self-care can be a nice gesture. Gift cards from Bath and Body Works, Ulta, Sephora, a local nail salon, or a spa can help them take time to relax.
10. Support small businesses like a local shop or restaurant
It’s so important to support small businesses! You might introduce your teacher to a new favorite spot or give them a gift card to a known local favorite. Either way, the support you give to local businesses is so appreciated. From restaurants to boutiques and coffee shops, there are likely a ton of retailers you can choose to purchase gift cards from.
Plus, get gift ideas for students that won’t break the bank.
