Yahoo Finance 20 of the best gift cards to give teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week 2023
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We're willing to bet that growing up, there was at least one teacher that inspired you to be the best you could be and lit a spark that fueled a lifelong love of learning. Educators are some of the most hard-working folks out there, hence the need for Teacher Appreciation Week which runs this year from Monday, May 8 through Friday, May 12. During their special week, they are more than deserving of one of the best teacher gifts one can bestow: a gift card.
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Sadly, teachers aren't exactly making bank in educating the minds of the future. The best way to show your appreciation to them is by giving them one of 20 gift cards that they can use to revitalize their classrooms or simply treat themselves to some long-overdue self-care. Many gift cards are conveniently available at Amazon and in different dollar denominations, depending on how generous you're feeling. Here are 14 of the best gift cards to give teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week 2023.
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1. For teachers who could use a boost of energy: Starbucks Gift Card
Coffee is the lifeblood of countless educators. Growing up, some of my teachers even had coffee pots in the back of the classroom. A Starbucks gift card will let teachers treat themselves to some quality Joe, whether they spring for a drive-thru latte or some freshly-roasted beans to brew at home.
2. For extra exhausting days: Grubhub
Despite popular belief, a teacher's job doesn't end with the school's out bell rings. Many teachers put in overtime after school ends, helping students, building lesson plans or just grading papers. For the days that simply don't end, they can treat themselves to a tasty dinner delivered to their door with Grubhub.
3. For teachers who are difficult to buy for: Harry & David
A charming gift basket is a great gift to show an educator you appreciate them. If you're not close enough to know whether they prefer chocolates or fresh fruit, a Harry & David gift card lets them treat themselves to a charming gift basket of their choosing.
4. For tech upgrades: Apple Gift Card
Meager school budgets usually make teachers settle for outdated tech. An Apple Gift Card could put a serious dent in a new piece of educational tech, whether it's a smart device, laptop or any of the other fantastic products Apple makes. It's also redeemable on the App Store to purchase educational programs, audiobooks or the latest hit tunes.
5. For teachers looking to invest in new tomes: Barnes and Noble
Classrooms, especially in elementary and middle school occasionally serve as secondary libraries. For teachers looking to refresh their classroom collection with a more modern selection of books, this Barnes and Noble gift card is a great surprise. This card is redeemable both in-store and online.
6. For foodie teachers: Blue Apron
Teachers aren't exactly known for having a lot of spare time. A Blue Apron gift card lets teachers treat themselves to a meal kit that won't just make a satisfying and tasty meal but may also impart some culinary know-how. These gift cards never expire and your favorite educator won't have to deal with surprise fees at checkout.
7. For a universally loved gift: Visa Gift Card
It doesn't matter who you are, the best gift to receive is a pile of cold hard cash. That may look a little dubious, so get your favorite educator the next best thing: a Visa Gift Card. This card spends like any debit card, online or off. It's available in denominations of $25, $50, $100 and even $200.
8. For teachers who deserve some self-care: Sephora
Sephora is a store synonymous with "splurging on yourself." It's a prime destination for skincare, makeup, and all manner of beauty products. Selfless as they are, many teachers may be reticent to spoil themselves, unless a generous parent were to present them with a Sephora gift card.
9. For teachers who are sneakerheads: Zappos
Teachers are one of those professionals who are on their feet most of the day. Because of this, a good pair of shoes isn't just recommended, it's essential. A Zappos gift card lets them pick between sneakers, loafers, boots and countless other styles of footwear. Zappos lets you try on shoes and won't make you commit to buying a pair unless it fits perfectly.
10. For teachers who stream: Netflix
A good documentary or dramatic adaptation of a popular book is a great companion piece to any lesson plan. Despite the competition in the space, Netflix remains a fantastic destination for educational content in subjects including history, science and all manner of creative arts. This Netflix gift card pays for multiple months of access for your favorite educator.
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11. For teachers who could use a vacation: Airbnb
Teachers work hard all year so they definitely deserve a vacation. With an Airbnb gift card, you can help them put a serious dent in an upcoming getaway. It's redeemable on the Airbnb website where teachers can pick from countless homey or luxurious houses, lofts and apartments in small and major cities all over the world. AirBnb isn't just for booking places to stay: you can also book an experience such as a crawl through Harlem's historic Jazz clubs or a tour through Paris' most haunted sites.
12. For stocking up on supplies: Michael’s
Far too many teachers have to dip into their own wallets to buy school supplies for their classrooms. A Michael's gift card is perfect for helping teachers buy extra pencils, crayons, markers and other supplies that they can utilize in the classroom. It's also a great place for teachers to buy kitschy decor to breathe new life into their rooms.
13. For the oddball teacher: Uncommon Goods
There's nothing quite as awesome as a teacher who is a little strange, especially if it makes them better at their job of educating youths. Uncommon Goods is full of great gifts that would fit into any oddball teacher's classroom or home including Custom Song wall art or Wellie Garden penguins. An Uncommon Goods gift card lets them pick from countless charming practical gifts and oddities for themselves.
14. For teachers who love music: Spotify
Music can be incredibly conducive to the learning experience, but not when it's interrupted by countless commercials. This gift card unlocks three months of Spotify Premium for educators who work music into lesson plans or to play in the background during quiet reading time. Teachers can also take advantage of commercial-free listening during the commute to class.
15. For sprucing up the wardrobe: Nordstrom
Nordstrom is a great destination for all manner of apparel, from cute blouses to head-turning suits. A Nordstrom gift card is redeemable at both Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores and online so your favorite educator can truly express themselves through their sense of style. They could also use it to treat themselves to a new accessory or maybe some charming home goods.
16. For a versatile gift card: Google Play
Google has its tendrils all over the internet, making this Google Play card one of the most versatile gift cards to give teachers. Via the Google Play store, teachers can buy or rent movies, games, apps and even books.
17. For film buffs: Fandango
Fridays aren't just for anxious students, they're also a great time for teachers to recharge. A movie night out is a great way for a teacher to cap out the week is a trip to the movies. This Fandango gift card lets teachers book a seat in advance so they don't have to deal with lines or sold-out shows.
18. For a card curated for educators: Thanks Teacher Gift Card
If you're still wondering on the perfect gift card for teachers, why not get them one that caters directly to them? The Thanks Teacher Gift Card is redeemable at multiple stores including Lowe's, Cheesecake Factory, Ulta Beauty, Chipotle and even SpaFinder.com, giving the special teacher in your life a bevy or options to splurge.
19. For teachers who could use a glasses glow-up: Warby Parker
Warby Parker is one of our favorite places to shop for glasses online. The way they let you try on as many glasses as you like before buying is an industry game changer. A Warby Parker gift card is great for any teacher who wears glasses to upgrade their glasses, or simply treat themselves to another pair.
20. For teachers who deserve to relax more: The Body Shop
No matter how many times you try, there are some people out there that simply have a hard time pampering themselves. A gift card to The Body Shop may inspire your favorite teacher to do some long-overdue self-care. There are tons of great beauty and skin care products made to revitalize, beautify and melt away stress that they can tap into including the Lather and Slather British Rose gift bag.
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