Teachers are some of the most important influences in your children’s lives and your own. But it can be hard to come up with gift ideas for teachers that will truly demonstrate your appreciation for the difference they make.
Teacher Appreciation Week has become an annual tradition during the first full week of May each year. But many people also want to gift their children’s teacher something at the holidays. Or, maybe you’re reading this another time of year when you’re looking for a random appreciation gift.
So, whether it’s a personalized gift that’s quirky or funny, something completely unexpected and unique, or even a useful item for the classroom, these gift ideas for teachers are sure to help you reward the educator in your life.
Thoughtful Gift Ideas That Teachers Love
Let’s begin with heartwarming gift ideas for teachers that are reasonably priced yet rich with sentimental value:
1. Unique Handmade Metal Bookmarks
These Unique Handmade Metal Bookmarks at Gem Mart USA hit the mark for a gift that’s thoughtful and unique. And these aren’t your typical paper bookmark. Each bookmark is handmade from brass in a gold or black and silver finish.
Choose from a variety of designs including:
- Feather
- Dreamcatchers
- Cross
- Peacock
- Key
- Web
Every bookmark contains a beautiful decorative satin tassel at the top for easy place finding.
2. Personalized Tote Bag
Simple yet incredibly useful, this Personalized tote bag you can find on Etsy features a fun slogan, ‘’It’s a Good Day to Teach Tiny Humans.’’ This roomy canvas bag comes in black or white and is just the right size for a tablet or laptop.
Additionally, your favorite teacher has more room in this bag for a handful of personal items or classroom supplies.
3. Personalized Mini Notepads
You can’t go wrong with a personalized gift. And your child will surely leave a lasting impression with this Set of 3 Inspiring Teacher Personalized Mini Notepads.
Each notepad contains 27 sheets of personalized stationery featuring the teacher’s name. Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive for this product, with a large majority giving it a five-star rating.
4. Personalized Teacher Stamp
Luckily, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to come up with thoughtful gift ideas for teachers. These Personalized Teacher Stamps are a perfect example of a thoughtful gift any teacher would be grateful to receive, without breaking the bank.
You can choose from many different designs as well as your choice of:
- Stamp type (self-inking, pre-inked, wood-handled without ink)
- Stamp size
- Water-based, eco-friendly ink colors
- Optional ink pads (sold separately)
Self-inking and pre-inked stamps last for thousands of impressions before needing additional ink. So this is not only a fun personalized gift, but one that will last, too.
5. Bundled Gift Cards Dinner & a Movie
Whether your favorite teacher wants to spend the night in or venture out with a date or a close personal friend, the Darden Restaurants Dinner and a Movie Gift Card Bundle makes an excellent, thoughtful gift any teacher would love.
The recipient can redeem dinner at one of nine different locations, including:
- Olive Garden
- Longhorn Steakhouse
- Yard House
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House
- Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
- The Capital Grille
- Seasons 52 Wine Bar & Grill
- Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
- Bahama Breeze Island Grille
Part two of this bundle includes a movies gift card. Choose the version with Fandango to go to the movies. Or, choose the Vudu version to let your teacher buy a movie at home they can stream online or watch in the Vudu app.
Funny Gift Ideas for Teachers To Brighten Their Day
Most people love to get humorous gifts. A funny gift idea for teachers can instantly brighten a gloomy day and elevate the mood of any teacher feeling frazzled by classroom chaos.
Just remember to keep it lighthearted and avoid anything vulgar, political, insensitive, or offensive.
1. Science Nerd Socks
Any teacher is sure to get a laugh from these funny Science Nerd Socks from Lavely. Featuring bold bright colors and scientific icons any lab geek is sure to love, they’re fun and also affordable.
This humor is not only a great gift idea for science teachers but all teachers from elementary school to high school. Featuring a funny message that reads, “Never Trust An Atom, They Make Up Everything,” any teacher will get the joke and experience some ‘’LOLs’’ to uplift their mood for the day.
2. Spotted Wellies Garden Ducks
The Spotted Wellies Garden Ducks are sure to bring a smile to your teacher’s face sporting their adorable polka dot rain boots. The trio are lovingly carved by hand in Indonesia.
Three adorable ducks, hand-carved from sustainable bamboo and reclaimed teak wood, are ready to waddle into your favorite teacher’s life. Each duck has a unique look and undeniable charm that will help warm up any indoor or outdoor living space.
3. Teachers Are Magical T-Shirts
Teachers Are Magical T-Shirts come in seven different colors and feature a magical unicorn cartoon head with a pencil in place of the iconic horn of this mythical creature.
Also available as
- Tank tops
- Racerback tanks
- Baseball tees
- Sweatshirts
- Hoodies
- Long sleeved tees
- Baby one-pieces
This apparel is made from 50% Polyester, 25% Ring Spun Cotton, and 25% Rayon. It’s printed in the USA and preshrunk for a great look and feel.
Give this gift to an influential teacher, coach, or course creator, letting them know how special and valuable their program has been for your child.
Useful Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas
In the spirit of gratitude and appreciation, you really can’t go wrong with a useful gift that benefits the learning environment of the classroom.
It’s no secret that many teachers reach deep into their own pockets to provide school supplies that keep their students engaged with the learning process. So, great gift ideas for teachers include ones that will help upgrade the classroom. Go one step beyond just saying ‘’thank you’’ by pitching in and paying it forward.
1. Gift Card for the Classroom Presented With a Personal Note
You may be clueless as to what would be the most beneficial gift for your child’s teacher. This is where gift cards come in. Because with a gift card, the instructor can get exactly what they need most for the classroom.
Expand on this teacher gift idea even more by combining resources with other parents and making it a group gift idea that benefits the whole classroom.
One idea is to have each contributing parent write a heartfelt note, which you can then make into a personalized gratitude scrapbook of school year memories. Use colored paper for backgrounds, scrapbooking embellishments for interest, and photos taken at school events. Then, build your gratitude scrapbook using a binder filled with clear plastic sleeves found online or at office supply stores.
Not only is the scrapbook a fun project for the crafty parent, but it’s a truly meaningful gift your child’s teacher is sure to love.
2. Bloomscape Pothos Collection
Bring your child’s classroom environment to life with the natural greenery of the Bloomscape Pothos Collection. Indoor plants help oxygenate interior rooms by converting carbon dioxide into oxygen through photosynthesis. So, not only are indoor plants great for decoration, they also help with air quality.
These plants thrive with lower or indirect light, are easy to care for, and grow impressive long vines. Adding these natural elements inside the classroom creates a soothing, more comfortable learning environment, which teachers and students alike will appreciate.
In the collection are three different varieties of 6-to-12-in. Pothos plants:
- Marble Queen Pothos
- Golden Pothos
- Pearls & Jade Pothos
Each plant comes pre-potted inside a pot with a saucer, using premium potting soil. In addition, all the tips and tricks are provided for expert care. The plants are also guaranteed to survive the first 30 days or be replaced at no additional cost.
3. Custom Classroom Wall Banner
Every classroom should feel like a welcoming, safe, and accepting learning environment for all students. An uplifting, positive message printed on a Custom Wall Banner gives students a sense of well-being and acceptance conducive to personal growth, self-confidence, and learning.
Choose from various different inspirational messages or create one of your own.
Ideas for inspiration include:
- ‘’You can relax and be your true self in a safe place like this.”
- ‘’You are a valuable asset to this classroom.’’
- ‘’Knowledge is Power. You matter and have a voice in this classroom and at this school. We love you, respect your opinions, and value your ideas. Your future is bright. You will achieve great things in life.’’
Choose a banner made from a variety of materials including vinyl, canvas, mesh, or fabric. This is another good idea for a group-funded gift coming from multiple classroom families.
Show Your Appreciation With These Gift Ideas for Teachers
Teachers are a precious resource in every community. They play a key role in shaping the minds and life skills of children, preparing them with an arsenal of mental tools and information to become well-educated members of society.
No matter which type of gift you decide to get—funny, useful, or thoughtful—don’t overlook the opportunity to show gratitude to the teachers who shape your children’s lives or even your own life.
