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6 Teacher Gift Ideas They’ll 100-Percent Love

teacher receiving thoughtful teacher gift from student

The time, effort, passion, and even out-of-pocket spending that teachers put into their jobs often go unnoticed and unappreciated. But not on our watch! Thoughtful teacher gifts can go a long way in showing your support for these unsung heroes.

With school back in full swing, we're sharing our favorite teacher gift ideas and the best times to show the educators in our lives some love.

When Do You Give Teachers Gifts?

While there's never a bad time to give a gift, certain times can be more meaningful for teachers. From the start of the school year to gearing up for summer break, here's when to put teachers on your gift-giving radar.

School Occasions

For parents, school can feel like a whirlwind. However, for teachers, the school year is marked by specific milestones and seeing their students thrive. A small gift can remind teachers that they're appreciated and on the right track during these times:

  • Back-to-school welcome week
  • End of academic quarters or semesters
  • Completion of reading challenges
  • Student science fairs or art shows
  • End of the school year

Gift-Giving Tip: Remember librarians, music, art, physical education, and other specialized teachers who enrich the school experience!

Holidays

Holidays are a prime time to let teachers know how important they are to you and your kiddo. Luckily, there are plenty of holidays to choose from during the school year! Some of the best holidays for teacher gifts include:

Gift-Giving Tip: Do some sleuthing to find out which holiday the teacher's favorite is to make it extra special.

male teacher talking to four students after receiving teach gift

Life Events

Gifts are ideal for all of life's big celebrations. The perfect gift can help teachers mark the most significant and joyful events in their lives, such as:

  • Birthdays
  • Engagements
  • Weddings
  • Birth of a baby
  • Retirement

Gift-Giving Tip: Ask the teacher's colleagues or the teacher directly if they have a gift registry for their big event.

Challenging Times

Don't forget that teachers have personal lives and often go through challenging times. When appropriate, giving a gift can offer support and let them know you're thinking about them after:

  • The death of a family member
  • The loss of a beloved pet
  • An accident, injury, or illness
  • Other personal challenges

Gift-Giving Tip: When the teacher is dealing with personal issues, be sensitive and give your gift discreetly.

Teacher Appreciation Week

The first week of May is Teacher Appreciation Week, when families are encouraged to shower teachers with all the goodies. While Teacher Appreciation Week gifts can be given any day, you can also plan for Teacher Appreciation Day, which falls on that Tuesday.

The upcoming Teacher Appreciation Week runs from May 4-8, 2026, with Teacher Appreciation Day falling on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

Gift-Giving Tip: Consider coordinating with other parents to pool resources and give your teacher a bigger group gift.

flower teacher gift for teacher appreciation week

6 Teacher Gift Ideas They'll Love

Now that you know when to give your gift, let's discuss the different types of gifts for teachers. Depending on the occasion, the teacher's preferences, and your budget, you can choose practical, thoughtful, personalized, or handmade teacher gifts that really make an impact.

1. Personalized Gifts

Personalizing gifts adds a layer of intention and effort that makes anyone feel recognized and valued. Good examples of personalized teacher gifts that are awesome for any occasion include:

  • Stationery
  • Embroidered towels
  • Luggage tags
  • Name or initials necklace
  • Stamps or stickers

Don't be afraid to think outside the box when customizing a gift! Although you can use the teacher's name, you can also play around with nicknames, quotes, or pictures.

RELATED: Back-to-School Supplies: What Your Child Really Needs

2. Relaxation Gifts

Teaching is a high-stakes job in many ways, and teachers deserve to relax and unwind! Gifts that help teachers shake off the stress and refill their calmness cup may be just what they need. Give the gift of zen with these relaxation gift ideas:

Gifts designed to pamper are typically good winter break or end-of-year teacher gifts, when teachers have time to transition from the fast pace of the school setting to a more relaxed mindset.

3. Handmade Gifts From Students

Some of the most cherished gifts that teachers receive are those made by their students. They particularly appreciate it when the kids put in the work to make them feel special. Think about these creative teacher gifts your kids can make themselves:

  • Beaded jewelry
  • Student artwork
  • Pottery or ceramics
  • Handwritten letters or cards
  • Decorated frame with a school picture

three children painting homemade gift for teacher

RELATED: First Day of School Photo Tips

4. Useful Gifts

If you ask teachers what they really want, many will say they need more school supplies and materials to help students reach their full potential. Here are useful classroom essentials:

  • Dry-erase markers
  • Lined paper and notebooks
  • Pens and pencils
  • Headphones or earbuds
  • Charging pads
  • Hand sanitizer

5. Teacher Interest Gifts

Knowing a teacher's hobbies, likes, and special interests can give you great gift ideas that add meaningful touches. To start, learn what your teacher enjoys and find a way to incorporate that into your gift. Examples include:

  • A classic book for teachers who love to read
  • A shirt featuring their favorite sports team
  • A gift card for their favorite restaurant
  • A bouquet of their favorite flowers
  • A gift card to their favorite store
  • An assortment of their favorite treats

Remember, your kid knows their teacher best and probably has a lot of insight that can help you narrow down your gift ideas.

6. Gifts That Give Back

Take your gift-giving to the next level by donating in the teacher's name to a cause they support. Not only is this a gift to the teacher, but it's also a much-appreciated gift to a non-profit organization that will use your donation to help others in need. These donations are great holiday gifts for teachers that can make a difference in many people's lives.

kids doing crafts for teacher

Gifts Kids Can Make 

With everything teachers do for our kids, don't forget to show them how much they are appreciated! A thoughtful teacher gift can give them the boost they need to feel supported and valued.

If you're still on the fence about what to get your teacher, you can't go wrong with handmade crafts from your littles. Check out our article, "Usable, Crafty Gifts Kids Can Make at Home," for teacher gifts that are sure to be a hit.