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Heartfelt and Humorous Book Gifts for Teachers

by Dena McMurdie

It takes a special person to be a teacher. They voluntarily lock themselves in a small room with twenty or more kids five days a week. They expect to be smeared with glue, glitter, and whatever leftover “lunch” has been rotting in the back of any given desk. And yet, they keep coming back, day after day, year after year, because they love their students.

My dad was one of those teachers. He’s retired now, but for years I watched him stay up late grading tests, preparing lessons, and worrying about his students. The kids he taught are adults now, but they still come up to him in the grocery store or post office to say hello and catch him up on the latest news.

Special teachers deserve an extra special thank you at the end of the year. Instead of (or in addition to) giving them a bottle of hand sanitizer, spring for one of these bookish gifts.

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World’s Best Teacher Tote Bag

You can never have too many cute tote bags, and this cotton canvas tote will be a source of pride for any teacher who receives it. Pair it with the matching pouch for a gift they can use inside or outside the classroom!

A Letter to My Teacher

A Letter to My Teacher

by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

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Be prepared to have your heartstrings pulled when you read this story about a reluctant student and her persistent teacher. It's a beautiful tribute to special teachers and illustrates how much of a difference they can make.

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Richard Scarry’s Best Teacher Ever!

Richard Scarry’s Best Teacher Ever!

by Richard Scarry

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Richard Scarry’s beloved characters deliver a heartfelt “thank you” to teachers everywhere with this charming gift book. Join the Busytown cast as they thank teachers for their hard work, guidance, and inspiration. This sweet book is the perfect end-of-year gift!

RELATED: Picture Books That Celebrate Great Teachers

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Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks and Things That Go Tote Bag

Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks and Things That Go Tote Bag

Are you giving your child’s teacher Richard Scarry’s Best Teacher Ever! picture book mentioned above? Slip the book inside this Busytown-themed tote bag for an adorable gift they will love!

The Big Activity Book for Teacher People

The Big Activity Book for Teacher People

by Jordan Reid, illustrated by Jacqueline Ann May

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Teachers with an excellent sense of humor will appreciate this irreverent and quirky activity book. From coloring pages to word scrambles, this book is filled with hilarious activities and games that celebrate the weird, wonderful, and stressful job of teaching. A word of warning: this book contains adult humor, so make sure the teacher you’re giving it to will appreciate it before handing it over.

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Punderdome: A Card Game for Pun Lovers

Punderdome: A Card Game for Pun Lovers

by Jo Firestone and Fred Firestone

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Who loves puns more than a teacher? Give this game to the teacher that enjoys bad jokes and loves to laugh.

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What Teachers Make

What Teachers Make

by Taylor Mali

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This heartfelt tribute to teaching includes the original viral poem by Taylor Mali, followed by short essays based on his personal experiences as a teacher.

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Open a Book, Open Your Mind Enamel Pin

One of the most significant things teachers do is open children’s minds and expand their horizons. Books are an essential part of that mission, and this gorgeous enamel pin celebrates teachers and reading at the same time.

365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne's Precepts

365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne's Precepts

by R. J. Palacio

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This is a wonderful gift for any teacher that enjoyed Wonder by R. J. Palacio. They'll love having this collection of Mr. Browne's motivational precepts in their classroom.

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Teachers Rule! Mad Libs

Teachers Rule! Mad Libs

by Laura Marchesani

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This may be a small book, but it delivers big laughs. With twenty-one short Mad Libs stories told from a teacher's point of view, this funny book will keep your child's teacher smiling all summer.

RELATED: Fun and Easy Printables for Teacher Appreciation Week

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Bookshelf Pouch

Most teachers love pencil pouches and will find this one irresistible. It’s made from cotton canvas, can hold anything from pens to knick-knacks, and has a zipper closure to keep items inside. Pair it with a new pen or a good book for a sure-fire win.

I Did My Homework In My Head (And Other Wacky Things Kids Say)

I Did My Homework In My Head (And Other Wacky Things Kids Say)

by Alyssa Cowit and Greg Dunbar

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For gut-busting laughs that every teacher will appreciate, this book is a surefire win. Based on the popular Instagram feed @LivefromSnackTime, it features hilarious real quotes from the author's elementary school classroom.

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Thank You, Teacher from The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Thank You, Teacher from The Very Hungry Caterpillar

by Eric Carle

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This colorful picture book featuring The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other creatures from Eric Carle’s books makes an excellent gift for any teacher. It is written as a thank you letter, listing everything teachers do for their students, from reminding them to “hang in there” to encouraging them to “explore the unknown.”

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Library Card: White socks

As a certified sock enthusiast, this is my favorite non-book item on this list. These unisex socks sport a nostalgic library book checkout card, are super comfortable, and look great on everyone. They also come in two sizes and several colors, so you can find the socks that fit your child’s teacher’s taste.

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2023 and updated in 2025.