Teacher Gift Guide

A question that I see brought up a lot is “What do I get my kid’s teacher for ______?” As a former teacher, let me start by saying that most teachers are very easy to please and appreciate even the smallest tokens of appreciation. However, if you would like to get your child’s teacher a gift for Christmas, teacher appreciation week, the end of the year, or just because, here is a teacher gift guide filled with ideas that are sure to be appreciated:

These gifts are in a range of prices. Never feel obligated to spend a ton on a gift–it really is the thought that counts! If you would like to get a more expensive gift you could always go in on it with several other families. 

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1. Handwritten thank you note

I am starting with something easy (and free) that was always my very favorite gift: a thank you note! Take some time to thank your child’s teacher for all that they do. Better yet, have your child write a thank you note as well! Teachers rarely hear “thank you”, so a thoughtful note will mean more than you know!

2. Office supply gift basket

Most teachers have a strange obsession with office supplies (probably because we use them ALL the time!). Some teacher favorites are post it notes, flair pens and expo markers. Other ideas include expo marker cleaner, grading stickers or stamps and notepads. (bloom daily planners, pictured below, has tons of fun options!) 

Teachers go through a TON of notebooks, notepads, etc so they are always a safe bet. Here are a few cute ones that are available on Amazon!

I love this one, it is for to-do lists and has checkboxes as well as a spot for the top 3 priorities each day! I would have used this a ton!

3. Meaningful jewelry

I love this simple and sweet bracelet. The inside reads, “You make a difference” which can be such a needed reminder for teachers.

I also love this bracelet that says “Teach. Love. Inspire.” on the outside and “Thank you for helping me grow” on the inside.

A cute necklace option as well!

4. Self care gift basket

Teachers are notorious for taking care of everyone else and forgetting to take care of themselves! You could make a basket filled with things they can use to pamper themselves. Ideas include bath bombs, an essential oil candle, nail polish, or nice lotion. 

5. Gift cards

I know this isn’t the most exciting, but it is always so appreciated! Gift cards to Target, Starbucks or a local restaurant are probably safe bets!

6. School supplies

In every school I have worked at, by Christmas time I have started running out of school supplies for my students. Usually this means that I would then have to buy these supplies for my students the rest of the year! Ask your child’s teacher what they are in need of in their classroom and buy a class set for them. Amazon sells class sets of glue sticks, dry erase markers and pencils (if you buy these presharpened Ticonderoga pencils it will seriously make their day!) 

7. A special book

“Because I had a teacher” is the sweetest book. Write a thank you note inside and you have a great, memorable gift!

This book can be personalized by your child, which would make it such a special and unforgettable gift!

“What If There Were No Teachers?” is a sweet story that has a page for your child to fill out for their teacher.

8. A funny coloring book

These coloring books are so funny and would be a great way for a teacher to destress! 

9. An indoor plant

Teachers are often given flowers (which are still SO appreciated!) but indoor plants are great because they can stay in the classroom all year long (or take home for the summer!) Students also LOVE to help water plants–so it will teach responsibility too 😉 Did you know that you can order plants from Amazon? They seriously have everything!

10. Drinkware other than a coffee mug!

I only taught for 4 years before being a SAHM, but the number of coffee mugs that I received was already enough to last me the rest of my career 😉 Here are some other options that might be more useful!

An insulted wine glass would be fun along side a bottle of wine and some chocolate maybe?

This water bottle is too funny and something that every teacher says! Tervis is always a great brand too. 

If you want to get a coffee mug, choose a travel mug! This is much more practical for being around little ones. How pretty is this one?

11. Unique journal

This One Line a Day journal is a great gift for any busy woman in your life and is a great way to look back and reflect on what happened on that day in years past. Kind of like a written “Time Hop”!

I also love this simple gratitude journal!

And we all know that kids say the funniest things! This would be a great place for a teacher to record them!

12. Teacher bag 

Any type of tote bag (especially one with pockets!) will be useful for a teacher. It was always a running joke that it looks like teachers are moving in some mornings with all of the stuff they bring to work! This one has great reviews and can be personalized! I also love receiving Thirty One Bags if you know someone selling those. 

13. Lunch bag

Teachers don’t always have access to a refrigerator to keep their food cold, so having an insulated lunch bag is a must! Having more than one is always a good idea in case one gets left at school.

14. Personalized Tee Shirt

A shirt with the teacher’s grade or school on it is always fun to wear on casual dress code days! If the teacher teaches elementary school students would love it if their teacher wore a shirt with a favorite book character like this Pete the Cat tee!

This shirt would be perfect with a pack of Papermate Flair pens! I don’t know a teacher who doesn’t love these pens 🙂

15. Homemade gift

Again, don’t feel like you have to spend lots of money for a gift to be appreciated! Homemade gifts can be cute, personal and useful! Pinterest has lots of fun ideas. I’ve saved some of my favorites on my “Teacher Gift Ideas” board if you want some inspiration!

16. A seasonal gift

For Christmas you could give a special ornament or a cozy blanket. If it is an end of the year gift you could make a “Summer Break” basket with a beach towel, magazine and snacks. 

17. A Teacher Blanket

This blanket might be a special gift to go in on with several families. The little poem is so sweet and I think a teacher would love to have this! I actually kept a blanket at school to have when I graded after school or early in the morning–this would be perfect for that!

I hope these ideas gave you some inspiration for the special teachers in your life! I’m truly sure that they will love whatever you choose for them! 🙂

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