Teachers Appreciation Week has been announced and it’s right around the corner! Well, maybe months away, but it already has us scratching our heads about great gifts for teachers. Sure, we may have just celebrated Independence Day, but school starts for most of our children in about a month. Between now and Teachers Appreciation Week there are plenty of holidays, birthdays and special events to commemorate and thank our fabulous teachers, classroom aides, and daycare providers.
50 Great Gift Ideas for Teachers this Back-To-School Season
Most teachers would say that teaching our children is rewarding enough for them. But we know just how awesome our teachers are and what a monumental role they play in the lives of our precious children. We can all concede the fact that a teacher’s task is difficult yet essential to the growth of our children. A small teacher appreciation gift can offer a hug on those tough days when he/she may question their life’s good work. But finding the right large or small gift idea for that awesome teacher doesn’t need to leave you frustrated and scratching your head to find the cool present that’s special and unique.
Considering all this, we have compiled our top list of gifts for teachers: some are sweet, utilitarian, or whimsical, while others are just plain fun. Good gifts for teachers don’t have to be expensive, either. One thing you can be sure, whatever you are searching for can be found here: small gift ideas; unisex gift ideas; cool gift ideas; cheap gift ideas; and unique gift ideas. A good gift for teachers will surely be on this list. So stop scratching your head and let’s get to it.
Lovely Shakespeare Embossed Rosewood Stainless Steel Stapler
This most unique gift idea is the present for teachers who have everything. Made of redwood and stainless-steel components, it is both sturdy and functional. And how beautiful will it look sitting on the teacher’s desk, tastefully embossed with a hand cast pewter likeness of William Shakespeare. This is the perfect unisex gift idea or for any teacher or lover of literature.
Check PriceEducationally Creative Periodic Table of Presidents
In the “awesome gifts for teachers” category, history meets science. This unique gift idea was created by Griffen Gonzales to make learning about US presidents just plain fun. So, this gift can keep on giving for many years to come. The clever design uses the Periodic Table of Elements to combine historical facts to easy memory association capturing presidential history. The clever design incorporates relevant historical dates, such as terms in office, political affiliation, leadership qualities, eras, and much more. Crafted from Bonanza Wood® and archival paper, the quality material offers an interesting display for the classroom. Made in the USA and Measures 18” x 24”.
Check Price“No. 1” Silver Teacher Charm
Some of the cutest gift ideas are actually one of the cheap gift ideas on this list. This good gift is wrapped in tiny packages yet say so much. Take this little apple charm that says “No.1 Teacher”. Add to that handmade crafting of high-quality material in brass and silver. Each apple charm comes with a sentiment card in a “charming” organza bag. This will become a cherished keepsake charm forevermore. Dimensions are 2 cm long and 1 cm wide. You can be assured that each piece is made to order.
Check PriceApple & Rainbow Teacher Appreciation Gift Bookmark
Crafted from Tibetan silver (lead-free) and a traditional metal apple charm, the detail of this artsy bookmark comes from a colorful collection of lovely gemstones, including amethyst, apatite, aventurine, citrine, garnet, goldstone, and lapis lazuli. This is a good appreciation gift for a teacher that simply says “thank you” and “you’re appreciated”. This would be a good gift for the end of term sentiments. This lovely gift is handmade in the Netherlands by Hopkins & the Witch and will delight any teacher. Measures approximately 4 inches long (9 cm).
Check PriceReliancer Colorful Self-Inking Motivation Grading Stamp Set
Which teacher would not appreciate this colorful gift idea of stamps for grading papers with motivational sayings? The set includes 8 inspiring messages with plastic storage tray and 7 bonus designs just for fun. Such a useful present for teachers that promote academic achievement in a cool way. Ink is colorful, child-safe, acid-free & lignin free. Automatic re-inking stamps make over 30,000 impressions.
Check PriceClassic Tan Leather Pen & Pencil Set
For a classic gift idea, consider the Sadle Tan Leather Pen & Pencil Set by Lepus Leather. The case fits 4 to 8 pens or pencils easily. Handmade in Poland it has a 5-star rating for extreme quality, elegance, and design. This leather holder is made from hand cut, soaked, and stitched vegetable tanned leather. Great unisex gift idea.
Check PriceTransparent Acrylic Definition of Teacher Wall Plaque
This best gifts for teachers idea is a poster printed directly on acrylic glass. The result of each creation is a stunning piece of wall art. What better teacher appreciation gift is there than one that says you’re the best. Choose black or white text.
Check PriceHandmade Wood Engraved Drink Coaster
Check out this personalized drink coaster that is a cool teacher gift idea. Handmade of natural beech wood, it can be personally engraved with the teacher’s name and special message. Make it a truly special and unique gift that will look perfect sitting on the desk or holding a mug of coffee, tea or hot cocoa. The edges of the coaster are hand painted in your choice of colors (there’s 8 to choose from) to add additional detail and brighten his/her day. You can also add a message underside and/or a Kraft gift box to the order for an additional fee. Great unisex gift idea.
Check PriceHumorous Maxims Science & Chemistry T-Shirt
A truly fun gift for any cool teacher, but especially for your child’s science, physics and chemistry teachers. With fun sayings like, “Lab Queen”, “Science, It’s Like Magic But Real”, “Science Because Figuring Things Out is Better Than Making Things Up” and “Y’all Need Science” this will be a crowd pleaser for the classroom. Handmade t-shirts are a soft, cool and comfortable design with side seams for extra detailing. Fabric is ring-spun 100% cotton. Fitted Unisex Sizes S to 4X.
Check PriceUtilitarian Personalized Teacher Tote Bag
Under the heading of “useful gifts”, you can dot the “I” and cross the “T” with this handmade personalized tote bag for your child’s teacher. Each gift is handmade to order with your teacher’s name and a personal message that you choose. Made from heavyweight cotton, it’s the perfect choice for the teacher who has everything.
Check PriceUniversal Teacher’s Sentiment Bracelet in Stainless Steel
What kind of teacher wouldn’t appreciate a piece of jewelry that praises, “You have made a difference in my life? Thank you for helping me grow.” That is exactly the sentiment inside this lovely sterling silver bracelet. Outside are the simple words, “Love. Inspire. Teach”. Your teacher will appreciate wearing this heart-warming sentiment for years to come knowing that he/she has made a difference in the life of your child. Custom polished stainless steel does not rust or tarnish. unisex gift idea design. Adjustable size.
Check PriceHand Drawn Pencil & Notebook Earrings
If you are looking for a whimsical teacher gift, then look no further. This small gift idea is for a handmade set of surgical steel earrings designed in a pencil and notebook motif. Truly darling for a handmade and hand-colored gift idea. Custom orders are available from the artist.
Check PriceSuper Whimsical Library Card Socks
This is the cute and funny gift idea, that is appropriate for a teacher, librarian or just avid reader. Designed with the old-fashioned library card in mind. These socks are made of easy to care for materials in nylon, polyester, cotton, and spandex
Check PriceBest Teacher Ever Makeup and Pencil Bag
There’s not a teacher around who doesn’t appreciate a little extra organization. Think about this teacher gift that slips easily into the desk. Large enough to hold pencils/pens, makeup, notes, personal items. This satchel bag is made of high-quality ink with the statement, “Best Teacher Ever” in a fun font. Material is 100% cotton canvas for sturdy wear with detailed zipper.
Check PriceOne of a Kind Folded Book Art
For a uniquely personalized gift idea, look at this handmade folded book art. The design is completely customized for your favorite teacher. Add an initial or two to make a thoughtful piece of art. It is a completely unisex teacher gift idea that will be admired for years to come to remind him/her of the impression made in your child’s life. Hand folded specially for you by the artist – the book cover color choice is yours.
Check PriceEuropean Open Book Page Anchor
Here is a simple and elegant gift for your child’s teacher that has a high-quality finish. This is not just a bookmark, but a page anchor, to let pages stay put for hands-off lectures and beach-side vacations. The anchor design is heavy enough to keep the book propped open but light enough to preclude damage to the pages. Designed in Sweden this page anchor works for both hard and softbound books. Made from stainless steel
Check PriceAn Apple for Teacher Book Art
What symbol traditionally shows a teacher thanks better than an apple. This is a beautiful gift for the teacher who appreciates the beauty of art. The apple design has hand folded pages. Topping the art is leaf with a personal message of thanks or gratitude from your child, The gift comes in an attractive presentation box for easy gift giving.
Check PriceTechy Apple Byte Desktop Sculpture
This apple design will appeal to the art-loving, environment-loving and tech-loving teachers of knowledge, alike. This artsy and unusual gift beautifully marries the tradition wooden apple with recycled computer motherboards. A clever and whimsical play on knowledge Crafted from natural acacia wood and Acacia Wood and salvaged computer motherboards. Each art piece is handmade and unique by artist, Carmi Y. Plaut. Sourced from sustainable and recycled materials. This is a great unisex gift idea.
Check PriceGorgeous Ash Wood Mallet Chimes
What a beautiful gift idea for your child’s teacher. The mallet chime is traditionally used for Zen meditation and to bring calm, focus and direction to your thoughts. What better way for a teacher to call her students to focus and redirect attention without raising a voice. This thoughtful gift will be appreciated for its quality ash wood frame in a cherry finish. The mallet and rod are finished in silver polished aluminum. Gift can be displayed flat or hung on a wall. This product was designed by Garry Kvistad, a Grammy award-winning musician and designer.
Check PriceQuirky & Colorful Galileo Globe Thermometer
Galileo had no idea that his globe thermometer would turn into a funny and absolutely cool gift idea for teachers. This one’s so cool, featuring colorful glass bulbs in weights that will rise or sink when the temperature changes. And this idea thought of everything: separate tags for both Fahrenheit and Celsius readings. Made from natural beech wood and glass.
Check PriceCool Slang T-Shirt – “You Gon’ Learn Today”
If your teacher would appreciate a cool t-shirt, then make it count with a whimsical saying. This t-shirt touts, “You Gon’ Learn Today” for a fun twist on the theme of knowledge. Handmade from a combination of cotton, polyester and Airlume materials. The print detail is environmental water-based inks.
Check PriceAlternative Best English Usage Wall Chart
Here is a whimsical gift idea for the fun-loving teacher. 100# stock paper. Your literature teacher and tutor will love this wall art that helps to outline fun examples of common English language mistakes. It’s also a fun way for a teacher to train a student in the proper use of spelling and word preference. Created by Ben Gibson and Patrick Mulligan in the USA. Frameable size is 24” x 18”.
Check PricePersonalized Craft Paper Notebook Journal
This will make a sweet present for teachers. All teachers love useful gift ideas that are functional for everyday use. We like this craft paper notebook journal for its handcrafted simplicity. This completely handmade notebook with 80 double-sided recycled craft paper comes with a front cover design you create and a binding strap. The front cover design can be as short or long as you choose to completely personalize this teacher’s gift.
Check PriceSecret Message Mug – “I Think You’re Wonderful”
Who calls the Brits “Charming”? We do! With this sweet mug that reminds a teacher “I Think You’re Wonderful” after each final sip of coffee, tea or hot cocoa. This is a handmade and hand-printed ceramic mug that is microwave, dishwasher, and food safe.
Check PriceZany Motif Nutritional Facts Mug
What a fun mug to give to a teacher? This high quality mug is flanked on the front and back with a twist on the nutritional facts of food packaging. Sublimated design assures years of use and the product is completely microwave and dishwasher safe.
Check PriceTraditional Gold Apple Dangle Earrings
This idea might be in the small gift idea category, but this pretty pair of gold-plated earrings will delight any teacher. The simple dangle earrings are topped with a sweet apple charm. Each set is handmade and comes with a card and organza gift bag. Decide you want these for yourself? The price is perfect, so buying 2 won’t break the monthly budget.
Check PriceMotivational T-Shirt – “Teacher . . . I’ll Be There for You”
There’s always room for a fun gift and a cool gift idea. Why not a motivational tee that proclaims teacher pride! This gift idea is made from 100% semi-combed cotton and features reinforced crew neckline a short-sleeved shoulder seam. Unisex fit.
Check PriceDouble-Beaded Personalized Charm Key Ring
Teachers appreciate most the personalized gifts they receive from their students. Here is just that kind of gift that your child’s teacher will cherish forever. Not one, but two charms and beading. The heart charm offers the engraving of your child’s personal message with a second heart charm to include your child’s name. The charms are made from silver plate finish. Beading design is bright and fashionable.
Check PriceFill-In-the-Blank Personal Gift Journal
This is a completely personalized fill-in-the-blank journal that will completely blow the lid off the delight scale. When a teacher doubts why he/she ever chose the challenging profession, a quick trip down the memories in your child’s personalized journal bring the answer to the question. A beloved gift for sure that allows your child’s thoughtfulness to shine. Combines your love of scrapbooking and the creativity of your child. 112 pages.
Check PriceWhimsical Library Card Tote Bag
What teacher doesn’t love books and what teacher wouldn’t appreciate a tote that mimics that love? It’s made from 100% natural cotton and is large enough to carry any books or schedulers your teacher needs to carry. The tote comes with an inside pocket that will keep smaller items, like keys and phone, separate from bulkier items. Made In the USA.
Check PriceHarper Lee® American Novelist Keychain & Keyring
If your teacher is quirky and would appreciate an unusual gift idea, or loves a great novel, consider the Harper Lee® American Novelist figurine and keychain. Handmade from globally sourced plastic materials, this is a cute option when whimsy is the choice. The keychain option comes with special features not available in the single figurine.
Check Price“Love, Teach, Inspire” 24 oz Travel Water Bottle
Inspire the teacher who inspires your child every day. This is a quality made shatterproof water bottle for the teacher on the go. Outside the bottle is embossed with the “Love, Teach, Inspire” words and personalized name. Additionally, find a soft loop carrier, easy snap lid, and ice guard chug cap. Inside is BPA free Eastman Tritan food grade plastic for premium taste. Designed to fit in most car cup holders. Enviro-friendly and made in the USA.
Check PriceTime-Honored Style Real Leather Keychain / Keyring
This gift offers a modern twist on a “key” design. Everyone carries keys and teachers will appreciate this classic design. Made from genuine tanned leather, it can be a personalized quote or name to let your teacher know how much you appreciate all they do. Offered in 21 color choices, it is perfect for all teachers, male and female.
Check PriceSo Sweet Floral Bookmark Set
What’s not to like about this sweet bookmark set by Love Maude Shop? The unique idea for a bookmark is just one of the simple pleasures in life that will make a wonderful gift for any teacher or avid reader. The elastic banding holds your place without damaging the binding or pages. Hand made with wool felt and embroidery floss.
Check PriceThe Totally Innovative Magnetic Notebook
If you are looking for the cleverest gift idea for teachers hands down, choose this one that is useful and has a technological flair. This is the ultimate organizer for the perfectly organized teacher. What a fun way for a teacher to stay organized with notes, writings, journal or ideas. Each page of this notebook is flanked with a metal edge that neatly and completely clings to the magnetic spine strip captured in the vegan leather binding. 110 pages on 55 magnetized sheets.
Check PriceMathematical Quiz Clock for the Totally Nerdy
How unique and clever a gift this is, especially for a favorite math teacher. This analog wall clock has a black powder coat face with white chalk lettering. The numbered hours challenge the student to solve the math problem. Great for the classroom. Clever unisex gift idea. It runs on one AA battery.
Check PriceMorse Code Design Personalized Bracelet
How do artists think of these clever gift ideas? This lovely bracelet is personalized in Morse code. The message can be simple or detailed but will be known only to the receiver – a favored teacher with a special message of thanks. Available in sterling silver, rose gold fill or gold filigree.
Check PriceHand Engraved Beveled Glass Plaque
Such a beautiful gift for a teacher that says so much. Beveled jade glass is etched with, “Best Teacher Ever” and “Thank You”. Add your own message to personalize it. 5-star rating for quality and finish. Chrome stand is included. Best unisex gift ideas.
Check PriceBeautifully Stylish Crocheted Pencil Case
This is a lovely hand crocheted pencil case. But, with beautiful handwork and finish detail, it could be used as a clutch purse or wallet. Let a favorite teacher know how special she is by gifting this at Christmas or end of year celebration.
Check PriceSweet Owl Embossed Travel Bottle
Teachers are the inspiration of young minds and what is the symbol of minds and wisdom more than owls. That was the motivation behind this sweetly embossed travel bottle designed specifically for teachers. “It Takes a Big Heart to Shape Little Minds” sits under the most adorable vision of owl teacher and pupil. Made of BPA free stainless steel. Vacuum insulated. Large opening.
Check PriceColorful Wooden Pencil Artisan Broach
Whimsical fashion is the way to describe this handmade broach imported from Greece. Artisans use real wood colored pencils into each uniquely crafted colorful brooch. There isn’t a preschool teacher or art teacher that would not appreciate having this piece of art.
Check PricePersonalized Wooden Pen & Pencil Holder
Select a solid wood or solid oak pen and pencil holder for a lasting gift for your favorite teacher. Choose your own personalized quotes, names, and dates to be laser engraved on all sides. Handmade. 5-star reviews for detail and quality finish. Classic unisex gift idea.
Check PriceCustomized Handy Supply Storage Tin
For lasting durability, a good gift for teachers could be this delightful storage tin. Personalize your gift that features the teacher’s name and your child’s name. Great for storing supplies on the teacher’s desk.
Check PriceWitty Custom Message “Writer’s Block” Paperweight
Michigan Maple is locally sourced to create this simple, yet stunning natural block sealed with natural beeswax. This block can be used as a paperweight or a piece of art. Your choice of laser engraved messaging can personalize this lovely gift on 5 sides for an additional fee. Commemorate your appreciation to a teacher, coach or classroom helper. Choose your own style, size, and color. Works well as a unisex gift idea.
Check PriceDarling Hand-in-Hand Teacher Broach
What better way to show your child’s teacher how much you appreciate her than with a sweet and simple piece of handmade jewelry. Created with a combination of silver, copper and brass metals, this small gift says so much to the much-beloved teacher. Perfect to wear on a scarf, jacket or lapel. Material is lightweight and promises to never tarnish so your child will be fondly remembered for many years to come. Feedback on this item is a lovely gift idea ranks 5 stars.
Check Price50 of the Best Gift Ideas for Teachers
Keep in mind that the best gifts for teachers don’t have to be expensive or large. Personal gifts are always the best and the most appreciated. Also, when finalizing the gift decision, why not let your child be part of the process of finding his teacher’s “cool present”. Finally, we recommend adding a hand-written note of appreciation to each teacher that will truly express your gratefulness for all our teachers do each day.
