Santa’s Study List: The Most-Gifted Learning Tech Tools This Holiday

Holiday shopping is in full swing, and classrooms are part of the excitement. Teachers across the country are sharing wish lists filled with the tools they need most, while families are deciding how to show appreciation during a busy season. This year’s data reveals how gift-giving trends reflect growing support for educators and renewed interest in learning-focused items for kids. By examining teachers’ top-requested supplies and surveying parents and educators, this report highlights what’s truly topping “Santa’s study list” in 2025.

Key Takeaways

• Amazon gift cards, Kleenex anti-viral classroom tissue packs, and pre-sharpened pencils are the top three most-requested items on teachers’ Amazon wish lists this year.¹
• Two-thirds of teachers (67%) said gifts make them feel valued and recognized during the holiday season.²
• Nearly three in four American parents (72%) plan to buy a holiday gift for their child’s teacher, spending an average of $50 in total this year.²
• More than three in five American parents (69%) believe teachers today are underappreciated by parents.²

The Gifts Teachers Want This Holiday Season

Top 5 Most-Requested Classroom Items Overall¹

1. Amazon.com gift card 
2. Kleenex anti-viral facial tissues 
3. Amazon Basics #2 pre-sharpened pencils 
4. Clorox disinfecting wipes 
5. Scotch thermal laminating pouches

Price Story: What These Gifts Actually Cost¹

• The median item price for teachers’ Amazon wish lists is about $14.
• 75% of the items cost $22 or less.

Top Classroom Categories on Teachers’ Amazon Wish Lists¹

1. Core Classroom Supplies
2. STEM & Learning Kits
3. Books & Literacy
4. Whiteboard & Instruction
5. Snacks & Rewards
6. Cleaning & Hygiene
7. EdTech & Audio
8. Gift Cards

Average Cost of Teacher Wish List Items by Category¹

• EdTech & Audio: $27.55
• Whiteboard & Instruction: $21.70
• STEM & Learning Kits: $19.56
• Core Classroom Supplies: $19.44
• Cleaning & Hygiene: $19.42
• Books & Literacy: $18.74
• Gift Cards: $18.16
• Snacks & Rewards: $16.04

What to Get Virtual Teachers This Holiday Season

Families with students in online schools can still show meaningful appreciation through simple, thoughtful gestures. When choosing a gift, it helps to consider the unique needs of virtual teachers and the best way to send something digitally. A quick message through the school’s communication platform is often the easiest way to ask how a teacher prefers to receive gifts.

Once you’ve confirmed the best way to send a gift, these ideas are a great place to start:

• Digital gift cards for classroom resources, books, or personal use
• Self-care items to brighten a busy season
• A heartfelt note or message of appreciation
• Desk organizers or trays to keep supplies tidy
• Comfortable or ergonomic desk accessories
• Small decor pieces to personalize a workspace
• Tech accessories that make virtual teaching easier

The Reality of Teacher Gifts and Personal Spending

Nearly three in four teachers (72%) have received a gift from a student or their family in the past year.²

Teacher Gifts Received by Grade Level²

• High school (9–12): 77% of teachers received a gift from a student or their family in the past year.
• Elementary (K–5): 72% received a gift.
• Middle school (6–8): 67% received a gift.

Most Common Teacher Gifts Received²

• Gift cards: 66%
• Food, drinks, or baked goods: 57%
• Homemade or personalized gifts: 43%
• Self-care gifts (e.g., candles, bath products): 40%
• Classroom supplies: 28%
• Flowers or seasonal items: 21%
• Cash: 12%
• Books or educational materials: 10%
• Group gifts from multiple families: 7%
• Donations in their honor: 7%

The Call for Classroom Supplies²

• 72% of teachers believe parents don’t understand how much educators spend out of pocket on classroom supplies.
• On average, teachers spend about $320 of their own money on classroom supplies each year.
• Nearly half of teachers (47%) spend more than $500 of their own money on classroom supplies each year, and 23% spend more than $1,000.

Methodology

We analyzed 638 publicly shared K–12 teacher Amazon Wish Lists. In total, the dataset contained more than 18,000 individual product entries representing more than 13,000 unique classroom items. Each item was categorized into broader classroom-related groups, such as core supplies, STEM and learning kits, books and literacy materials, cleaning and hygiene products, and EdTech, to identify the most-requested resources teachers are seeking for their classrooms.

Additionally, a survey of 800 parents and 200 teachers not affiliated with K12 was conducted in November 2025 to explore how holiday spending reflects shifting values in learning, teaching support, and at-home enrichment. The generational breakdown of parents was as follows: 4% Gen Z, 65% millennials, and 31% Gen X and older generations. The generational breakdown of teachers was as follows: 23% Gen Z, 45% millennials, and 32% Gen X and older generations.

Fair Use Statement

Content from this report may be shared for noncommercial purposes with proper attribution. Please include a link back to K12 when referencing or quoting any information.

¹Data derived from an internal agency’s unpublished analysis of teacher Amazon wish lists, 2025.
²Data based on an unpublished 2025 survey of holiday spending trends among parents and teachers, conducted by an internal agency.