Many parents struggle when it comes to ideas for teacher gifts. Most instantly think apples or a candle. We’ve rounded up a list of teacher gift ideas they will absolutely adore – and won’t cost you a small fortune!
We’ve asked this question in the past, and many of you struggle with what in the world to get for your child’s teacher, coach, dance instructor, etc. If you asked a teacher, he or she would say that she really doesn’t want anything at all.
In fact, a personal note from your child would thrill them to no end. However, if you are going to get them something, please try to avoid these items (they have more than their fair share):
- Apple-themed items
- Coffee mugs
- Jewelry or accessories
- Lotions (or other beauty products)
- Candles
If they’ve been teaching for a while, they have plenty of these. Try to go with something different for them instead! We’ve come up with a great list of teacher gift ideas, which are things they really want.
TEACHER GIFTS
1. Movie Night
Buy a gift certificate to the local theater. Make sure you include a little extra for snacks. Or, you could buy a box of microwave popcorn, bowl, and a Redbox gift card for a movie night in.
2. Adult coloring books and pencils
Teachers like to color too! I love this funny #TeacherLife coloring book filled with a bit of snark for the teacher with a great sense of humor.
3. Desk cup holder
This clip-on cup holder is a fun gadget to keep the drinks off of his or her desk, but keep them handy. This is inexpensive enough that you could add in a Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts gift card too!
Image Courtesy of TheSuburbanMom.com [caption]
4. Personal thank you note
Honestly, teachers don’t want anything at all. Instead of spending a dime, have your child write a personalized thank you note. You can find lots of inspiration and printable ideas on Pinterest.
5. Crayon vase or candy dish
If you want to get creative, this is a fun gift idea! Use crayons to turn an ordinary vase or candy dish into something special. Then, fill it with holiday flowers or his/her favorite candies! (Find the instructions to make your own here).
6. Personalize Notepads
What a fun way to send a note! This design is from Shutterfly (where they often offer discounts, making this a great deal).
7. Personalized Awesome Teacher Hand Sanitizer
Who can’t find bottles of hand sanitizer and clear labels? Teachers spend a lot of their own money on these products. Hand sanitizer is used many times a day, so fix it up to make it unique! (Photo credit – Design Mom).
8. Personalized Tote Bag
Everyone loves to see their name on something. Teacher/Coaches are always hauling something to and fro! The bags from Lands End are always a hit. You can also search Etsy to find some adorable ideas.
9. Alma Mater Items
So many choices for this one! What about a coaster set or coozie to for their drinks at school?
10. Fun socks
Who doesn’t love socks? I love all of the styles at Sockgrams. My husband has a pair of turkey socks we bought from there years ago – and they still look great!
11. Gift Cards
Pick one up at a local restaurant or favorite retailer. Let someone else cook dinner for them one night instead.
Many teachers also often purchase many of their supplies, so a gift card would help defray those costs. You can visit Giftcard Granny to find ways to buy discounted cards.
12. Personalized Stamp
I love this simple gift idea for grading papers. Create a custom stamp for your favorite teacher.
13. Donation on their behalf
If your child’s teacher has a cause that is near and dear to them, consider donating on their behalf. Give a heartfelt note and let them know where you sent the money in their name.
14. Reusable Ziploc bags
Teachers take their lunch to school too. Find reusable Ziploc bags that he or she can use. I love these mason jar bags – they are a hoot!
15. Desk calendar
Give him or her a new calendar for the upcoming year. Sometimes the best gift ideas are the simplest.
16. Books for the classroom
Teachers love to teach kids. That’s why they do it. They love it when they get new books to use in their classroom. Ask him or her what types of books they need and pick up a few.
17. Give your time
Why not offer to help out your child’s teacher after the new year. It may be something as simple as cutting out images or coming to the school to help. Just ask him or her what they need help with and then volunteer to do so. They will certainly appreciate it!
18. Treats
If you want to give them treats in a fun, holiday-themed way, this snowman jar is easy to make, and they will be able to use it for years to come. (Find out how to make the jar HERE).
19. Insulated mug
This isn’t just another coffee mug, but one that can be filled with coffee in the morning and water in the afternoon. It will keep the hot liquids hot and the cold ones cold. Best of all Contigo mugs are spillproof!!!
20. Bottle of wine
If you know your teacher well enough, a bottle of wine could be the perfect gift. Grab one of the adorable wine bags you find on Shutterfly to personalize it.
21. Teacher’s Survival Kit
I’ve made these for Mother’s Day before, but you can use the same concept to make one for your child’s teacher. Fill it with goodies such as pretzels, chocolate, coffee, tea, etc. It is a unique and fun idea! (Find out how I made this one HERE).
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Image Courtesy of The Gunny Sack
22. Foods in a jar
These are so fun to make and are the perfect gift! You can find them for bread, soup, brownies, cookies — so many ideas! Best of all, they are easy to create, and you can usually make a few of them out of a few packages of ingredients.
23. Personalized Clipboards
When they have your name on them, no one can steal them! These cute clipboards are customized with your teacher’s name in all sorts of adorable patterns and colors.
24. Bookmarks
A bookmark is a fun gift for your teacher. One way to make it unique is to get one of these adorable personalized bookmarks. They are customized with a personal note from your child to your teacher.
25. Photo frame
Who doesn’t love to show off their students? Teachers are proud of the kids in their classroom, so a photo of them would be great — in an adorable frame! This one is printed with your teachers’ name and the year.
