Teacher Gift Ideas
Teacher gift ideas for Christmas or Teacher Appreciation Day that are fun, practical, and thoughtful + ideas that don’t cost a thing.
For five years, I was a high school English teacher, and while I never expected gifts at all from my students, many gave me some incredibly thoughtful ones at Christmas and at the end of the school year.
In my experience, the best gifts of all are handwritten letters and drawings by my students. Knowing they took the time to show me they appreciated me was enough. However, if you want to give your teachers something store-bought, these 16 gift ideas for teachers will be so appreciated.
If you plan to give restaurant gift cards, food/drinks, or fragranced items, maybe just check their food preferences beforehand or that they don’t have any allergies. Or ask if they need any items for the classroom so the teacher doesn’t have to buy it.
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Practical and Thoughtful Teacher Gift Ideas
“Funny Things My Students Say” Journal
I love this one especially for elementary school teachers. It’s so funny to look back on the hilarious things kids say, so this journey will allow the teacher to document all of it.
Touchland Mist Hand Sanitizer Set
When applying hand sanitizer a million times a day to ward off the school germs, it feels like a luxury to have a great smelling one that’s also hydrating.
Personalized Stamp
A custom name stamp to use on graded papers is right up there on the awesomeness scale with a brand new pack of colorful gel pens.
Cozy Tea Bookmark
A sweet, cheeky bookmark that (hopefully) the teacher can enjoy reading some favorite books while on winter break.
La Chatelaine Hand Cream Set
When handling papers all day and washing hands constantly, teacher hands can get very dry with winter skin. Having hand cream available in a desk drawer really comes in handy. This is the good stuff.
Mulling Syrup
A cozy gift idea if you don’t know a teacher’s drinking preference. This syrup can be used in wine or cocktails or can be used in non-alcoholic apple cider. The apple theme is quite cheeky for a teacher gift but also delicious. 😉
Mug Warmer
Because we all know teachers do a million tasks before they’re ever able to enjoy a hot cup of coffee at their desk.
Picture Frame Ornament
Gift a student-written appreciate note or artwork inside of this picture frame ornament. This embroidered design feels extra cheerful.
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F In Exams Book
A hilarious book that any teacher would be tickled reading with funny wrong answers on tests. Something they can relate to for sure because those teachers have seen it all!
Gift Card Snow Globe
If there is anything on teachers’ Amazon wish lists that they need, Amazon gift cards will help. This snow globe is a cute way to gift it that they can reuse after spending the card as a photo display on their desk.
Rifle Paper Co. Desk Pad
When you find a great pen and organizer, you do a little involuntary happy dance. I don’t know what it is about pretty desk supplies, but they make teaching a little more fun.
“Teaching is a Work of Heart” Dish Towel
It’s thoughtful, useful, and can be a pretty addition to a teacher’s kitchen in the workroom or at home.
Sur La Table Peppermint Bark
This peppermint bark is SO decadent and amazing! Sometimes chocolate just makes a tough day in the classroom a little better.
Boston Tea Party Set
The teacher can get a taste of history with this collection of loose leaf tea of the same varieties that were thrown overboard during the Boston Tea Party. How cool is that?!
Library Card Socks
They’re practical, they’re funny, they’re cute. What’s not to love?
Acrylic Cord Manager
It’s such a little thing, but it can make such a big difference on a teacher’s cord covered desk.
Inexpensive or Free Gift Ideas for Teachers Made By Students
- Make a bookmark with ribbon
- Paint a thrifted vase and fill it with flowers.
- Paint a dollar store picture frame
- Paint and personalize a clipboard
- Paint a flower pot and gift it with a potted flower
See more DIY gift ideas here and cheap gift ideas here.
Do you have any other teacher gift ideas you would add to the list? If you are a teacher, what are some of your favorite gifts you’ve ever received?
