12 Best Gift Cards for Teachers, According to Teachers

If you find yourself asking “what are the best gift cards for teachers?,” we’ve got you covered. We surveyed 370 teachers in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook and rounded up the gift cards teachers like to receive most for the 2023-2024 school year.

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.

1. Amazon is a teacher favorite (57%)

It’s probably no surprise that Amazon gift cards win by a mile 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 (plus Prime shipping and other perks), it’s easy to understand why.

Buy it: Amazon Gift Card in Gift Box  | Online Amazon eGift Card

2. Teachers love Target (15%)

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 (9%)

It’s no secret that many teachers run on caffeine. If you have a Starbucks near you, a Starbucks gift card is a good go-to gift for teachers. Or if there’s another local coffee shop nearby, 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 (4%)

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. Teachers Pay Teachers is great for classroom resources (3%)

Many teachers are already purchasing classroom resources on Teachers Pay Teachers. Help offset this cost by giving them a TPT 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

6. Dunkin’ makes for a great pick-me-up (3%)

If you know the teacher 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

7. Self-care is especially needed (2%)

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.

8. Support small businesses like a local shop or restaurant (2%)

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 from which you can choose to purchase gift cards.

9. Help put a dent in their weekly grocery shopping bill (2%)

Practical teachers love receiving a gift card to their local grocery store. It especially comes in handy during the holidays when they may be shopping for a crowd. Consider Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, or your local chain.

10. Gas cards are always appreciated (1%)

Another good choice for practical teachers is gas cards. With gas prices what they are, gas cards can help reduce commuting costs. Plus gas cards can help with the costs of holiday or summer road trips. National chains like Shell offer the most flexibility for travel.

11. Barnes & Noble books never go out of style (1%)

If you know the teacher you are buying for is a bookworm who likes to shop in person instead of online, 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 lists. 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

12. T.J. Maxx & Marshalls are a hit with the fashionable crowd (1%)

T.J.Maxx or Marshalls gift cards are available for use at any of the retailers’ 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

What’s your favorite gift card to receive? Come and share in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, get gift ideas for students that won’t break the bank.