Use this BIG List of Creative Teacher Gift Ideas to load up on some truly inspired teacher gift tips!
When was the last time you surprised your child’s teacher with a sweet gift? These Creative Teacher Gift Ideas and fun Teacher Appreciation gifts are the perfect way to spoil that special educator in your life!
Now I was raised by two teachers, my grandma was a teacher, my aunt is a teacher, and even my brother is a teacher! So coming from a family with LOTS of teachers, I’ve come to learn what they really like to receive! 🙂 There’s no need to wonder what to give, just get some helpful inspiration with these truly Creative Teacher Gift Ideas your teachers will LOVE!
Here’s what they REALLY want…
Related: 40+ Teacher Discounts and Homeschool Discounts
Creative Teacher Gift Ideas :
Free Starbucks Gift Card
Being A Teacher is Easy Mug
I Before E Weird Grammar Mug
Lesson Planning Juice Tumbler
Romain Calm Lettuce Carrot On Coffee Mug
“Teacher’s Last Nerve” Lavender Candle
Student Tears Coffee Mug
Daily Mood Desk Flipchart
29 Emoji Faces Office Gift
NO Sound Button
Funny Novelty Memo Pads
Ridiculously Good Ideas File Folders
Knock Knock To Do Pad
Today’s Plan of Attack Notes
Look At All This Work I Haven’t Done Yet Note Pad
Paper Tantrum Note Pad
Stress Reduction Mouse Pad
Funny Cat Paper Clips
DIY Personalized Clipboard
DIY Pretty Flower Pen
Desk Organizers
Office Supply Station
Public Toilet Survival Kit
Pamper Yourself Gifts in a Jar
Free Sephora Gift Card
Easy Whipped Body Butter Recipe
Lotion Bar Recipe
Free Amazon Gift Cards
101+ Gifts in a Jar Recipes
Free TJ Maxx Gift Card
St. Patricks Day Teacher Gift
Summer in a Bucket Gift
Free Kohl’s Gift Card
Easy Homemade Soy Candles
Free Krispy Kreme Gift Card
DIY Orange Sugar Scrub – Creamsicle Swirl
Orange Vanilla Bath Salts Recipe – Creamsicle Swirl
Thanks a Latte
{with Starbucks gift card}
DIY Hot Cocoa Gift Bags
Hot Chocolate Mix in a Jar
French Vanilla Cocoa Mix in a Jar
Mexican Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe
Free Panera Gift Card
Pretty Paper Clips & Book Page Markers
Free iTunes Gift Card
Lace and Twine Mason Jar Candles
Lavender Body Butter Recipe
DIY Jasmine Body Butter Recipe
Movie Night at Home Gift Idea
Reese’s Pieces Chocolate Cookie Mix
Free Dunkin Donuts Gift Card
DIY Coconut-Salt Foot and Body Scrub
Homemade Bath Salts Recipe with Jasmine
DIY Lavender Bath Salts
Homemade Photo Coasters
DIY Photo Cube
DIY Faux Mini Pallet Board Sign
15 Gardening Gift Ideas
DIY Wildflower Seed Bombs
Painted Mason Jar Vases
Fingerprint Flower Pot Craft
Flowers in a Jar
Vanilla Bath Salts
Peppermint Bath Salts
Homemade Pancake Mix in a Jar
Best Homemade Brownie Mix Recipe
Lemon Coconut Sugar Scrub
DIY Lemon Bath Salts
Pink Grapefruit Bath Salts Recipe
DIY Marble Magnets
{fun for file cabinets!}
DIY Pretty Flower Magnets
{fun for file cabinets!}
Jasmine Coconut Sugar Scrub
Lovely Lavender Sugar Scrub Recipe
I Love You to Pieces! {gift in a jar}
Hugs and Kisses in a Jar!
Vanilla Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub
Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub Recipe
Cinnamon Sugar Pecans Recipe
Cinnamon Sugar Almonds Recipe
Apple Frosted Cupcakes
More Creative Teacher Gift Ideas From Your Frugal Friends…
Mischelle writes: “When I was a teacher my favorite gift was gift cards.”
Janette writes: “I loved gift certificates to the local coffee shop when I was teaching. Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, etc. What teacher doesn’t need their coffee in the morning? 
“
Wendy writes: “I usually email this to the teacher at the beginning of the school year and that way we are able to purchase things the teacher actually likes or if the kids decide they want to make a basket, they choose different things to make the basket!
ALL ABOUT ME
1. My favorite kind of Chocolate is:
2. My favorite kind of candy (non-chocolate) is:
3. My favorite snack is:
4. My favorite dessert is:
5. My favorite soup is:
6. I like breads, bagels, muffins, etc(list those that apply):
7. I like to bake – Yes or No:
8. I like to cook – Yes or No:
9. My favorite fast food restaurant is:
10. My favorite family restaurant is:
11. I like BBQ, Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Home Style cuisines (list all that apply):
12. My favorite drink is tea, coffee, pop (x brand), other:
13. I collect:
14. I really don’t “collect” but decorate with a lot of:
(example: pillows, area rugs, blankets, candles, mugs, etc)
15. I like to wear silver, gold, other:
16. I have pierced ears – Yes or No. I like post, dangle, hoop earrings, etc:
17. I like to wear necklaces (long, choker, other) bracelets, rings, pins (and what kind – antique, modern, vintage, etc):
18. If I were to pick a scent for a candle it would be:
It would NOT be:
19. The movie I would like to own on DVD is:
20. The CD I would like to own is:
21. I like potted plants – Yes or No:
22. I like fresh flowers – Yes or No:
23. I like to garden – Yes or No:
24. The crafts I like to do are: knit, crochet, quilt, cross stitch, embroider, scrapbook, cards, paint, etc (list all that apply):
25. Little things I aways buy but would not put on a gift list: (examples: tea lites, note pads, cute pens, small containers/boxes, votive candles, gum)”
One reader writes: “As a preschool teacher myself, I appreciate all gifts. Teachers in general are not paid very well, which is why we appreciate practical gifts such as gift cards to Target or the Local Mall.”
Mary writes: “I am a teacher, I agree gift cards, even gas cards are helpful. Also, gel pens, and postcard sized card stock in assorted colors. Also, fun stamps, and ink pads. Most teachers love thrift stores, so a gift I loved was when one family gave me a gift card to Goodwill, We have to furnish our own supplies, extra clothes for kids who have accidents, classroom books, and extra furniture (like in a reading nook). I made the goodwill money go far.”
One reader writes: “I’m a teacher and my most favorite gifts in the past have been gift cards. Restaurants….massages…..even to a local store like Walmart or Target. We spend SO much out of our pockets during the year so gift cards are always really appreciated.”
Tanya writes: “As a teacher, I can tell you that the thing we want most is to feel appreciated. A gift is not necessary but a simple note of thanks for hard work would be gratefully accepted. If you feel the need to give a gift, stick to things like gift cards (even $5 is great!), office supplies or ask the teacher if she has a wishlist for the classroom.”
Rachel writes: “As a former teacher, I always loved getting gift cards-to anywhere-food, clothing stores, teacher stores are great. One of my most memorable gifts was a plate (I think from halmark.) The parent had all of the students sign it and when I got home I baked it so the ink would stay. It was so nice to remember all of my student’s names and the plate was very cute too.”
Eileen writes: “Give a pack of whatever color pens the teacher grades in. Teachers are required to provide their own, so this is a helpful present. Also, every teacher need file folders, something most teachers are also required to buy on their own. Not crafty, but I know I would love to get this from my students!”
Christi writes: “I have been a teacher for many years and my favorite gifts have always been Christmas tree ornaments. Especially the ones that have something to do with being a special teacher and I have always put the child’s name on the back and the year I recieved them. Every Christmas I put those ornaments on the tree and remember those children. My other suggestion is a special bracelet. I recieved one from a student with a guardian angel. He said it would watch over me when he was no longer there. I still cherish it. Hope these help “
Ashli writes: “I used to be a teacher and I am currently a parent, so here are my thoughts: No knickknacks. After teaching for several years I had a lifetime supply. Same with coffee mugs. What I would suggest is something that can be used up (food, candy, etc) gift certificates for places like starbucks, or gift certificates for places like Target or bookstores since most teachers spend a good portion of their own money for the classroom. Another idea is a special grade appropriate book for the classroom. You can inscribe it with your child’s name and the date to make it more special.”
Dana writes: “Red pens, pencils, or anything office-y. As a teacher, I have to buy a lot of these supplies myself, and I often end up giving students pens and pencils. At this time of year, a replinish the stock basket with tissue, hand sanitizer, peppermints, and pens/pencils would be such a welcome gift. Add a thank you note for something you feel the teacher has done that impacted your child in a positive way. I can guarantee thank you’s!”
Tanya writes: “I am a teacher and my favorite gifts have always been those that had nothing to do with teaching (i.e. apples) One year I got flip flops and a beach towel. OH and you can not go wrong with a cute tote bag. Teachers LOVE tote bags! One year I received a movie pack.. it was a basket with popcorn, cokes, and a gift card. I loved that one!”
Lykinda writes: “Most teachers supply their own prizes and stickers for classroom management so I used to love those parents that would send up a grab bag of stuff to add to my loot. We also use our own supplies alot of time so a stack of card stock, tied up with a pretty ribbon, rubber stamps, a couple of good pens or a package of cute printed manilla folders would be fun and can usually found at pretty reasonable prices. I hope this helps.”
Erika writes: “Last year we received lunch boxes filled with goodies for teacher appreciation day. It was amazing! They filled the lunch boxes with fruits, candies, cookies, note pads and pens.”
Jennifer writes: “For a teacher gift, we put Hershey’s kisses and a bottle of red nail polish in a clear bag, and tied it with a ribbon.”
Evelyn writes: “We buy Hershey’s Hugs and Kisses. Then, buy measuring cups (the ones that are individually sized with handles). We fill them with the candy and attach cards we print on our computer that say: A scoopful of hugs and kisses to say thank you for being my teacher.”
Susie writes: “I did a popcorn gift basket a couple times…I got a big plastic popcorn bucket from the Dollar Tree, filled the bottom with shredded paper and added 2-3 bags of microwave popcorn, a couple bottles of water, 4-5 movie size boxes of candy, and a Netflix gift certificate which you can print at home. Wrap in cello with a big bow, and voila! Another smaller gift I’ve done was a small gift bag filled with hand sanitizer, lotion, pencils and post it notes.”
Diane writes: “They like gift certificates for a mani/pedi.”
Michelle writes: “The last 2 years my son noticed things his teacher liked. In first grade it was “anything lemon”, we had so much fun coming up with a “lemon” theme gift basket – candy, tea, soap, lotion, etc, etc. In second grade she drank coffee all day long – so we did a coffee theme basket. This year he noticed his teacher loves M&M’s, so we are doing that! We enjoy doing that and the teachers both LOVED them and talked about them for a long time!”
MJ writes: “I give a gift card to a local restaurant that also has wonderful catering, so they can either go out to dinner or pick up something to take along to a holiday party or just for dinner at home with their family. We put it in a home-made Christmas card, and they always seem appreciated.”
Heather writes: “One year, I made heat-up rice bags from cute animal socks. My mother-in-law {a teacher} would want me to tell you she likes a nice gift card.”
Becky writes: “We always go to Bronners Christmas Wonderland (it’s local for us). Buy an ornament and have the teachers name put on it. All of the teachers have loved them so far. We have also purchased them for the tutor and bus drivers as well.”
Barbara writes: “How about volunteering your time to help her in her classroom. I have a friend, who is a 1st grade teacher. She’s so appreciative when I swing by and help her out – giver her coupons so she can request you for an hour or so whenever she needs it.”
Rebecca writes: “During one of the 12 Days of Christmas at Starbucks I bought reusable cups and I’m adding a $5 Starbucks Gift Cards for each teacher.”
Mindy writes: “I am making my son’s teacher the clipboard from this website, along with a cup holder made from a formula can with pencils glued around it with a ribbon tied to it – it is really cute! I am going to fill the pencil cup with colored pens, highlighters, and stamps – some of the office supplies I have noticed she uses a lot!”
Dawn writes: “This year I did a them gift. I bought ceramic bowls from Walmart and filled it with a nice jar with popcorn (unpopped) and a gift card and some carbonated juice drinks to enjoy a movie night at home. I spent less that $20 but it was loved!!!”
Heather writes: “My parents were both teachers. They have So many ornaments still that were from their students. Even now that they are retired they still hang them. Especially the hand made ones.”
Heather writes: “Teachers LOVE the idea of gift cards, allowing them the option of choosing exactly what they need. Stores like Wal-Mart, Target, Staples, Office Depot, etc. all carry “teachery” supplies, but she can get other stuff she needs as well.”
Sarah writes: “I always appreciated gift cards. But the gifts that meant the most and that I still treasure are the thank you notes that students wrote!”
Lisa writes: “We gave them pointesttas this year. Nice for home or classroom.”
Betsy writes: “I always enjoyed the gift certificates to a restaurant, Starbucks… (that was a treat for me, as I typically don’t go there) Also, I like the idea of supplies like fun-colored pens (purple, green, etc) and post-it notes.”
Cynthia writes: “How about a teacher themed painted flower pot filled with extra pens/pencils, markers, note pads etc. you could even add a packet of forget-me-not seeds so that when the supplies are used up they could choose to refill it or put a plant in it.”
Carissa writes: “I am making the coasters from this website. For my sons teacher I am using pictures of musical instuments since that was her 1st major in college before she majored in elementary education. I am also making them for his bus driver. I took pictures of the bus from all abstract angles.”
Marlaina writes: “Just some thoughts. You could get a basket, and put some hand towels, candles and bubble bath in it. Another idea is a nice coffee mug with a pound of coffee. “
Amanda writes: “The past few years we have made decorative clipboards that I have seen the teachers still using. We also have made scarves using the school colors. Another idea that I loved doing was making a personalized apron and then stuffing it with gift cards to stores so the teacher could go spend it on what they would like.
Does your teacher like to garden? Maybe you could get her a garden pail packed full of planting goodies. I would say the most cherished gift I ever gave a teacher was a personalized plate with her picture surrounded by all of the kids pictures. It had her class name on it also. Hope this helps.”
Phalyn writes: “I plan on giving the glass marble magnets featured on this site”
Lora writes: “When my oldest was in 1st grade, his teacher was notorious for sending home notes on the cutest paper. Sometimes they were encouragements to the kids, sometimes they were important things for parents. I decided that would be a practical gift for her.
I took my Staples Rewards “check” and bought decorative note paper, sticky notes, an assortment of colored pens (she used those too) and she just went on and ON about how USEFUL the gift was. (And consumable too, thereby eliminating clutter.) After that Christmas, I shopped throughout the year buying note paper on clearance after each particular season so the 2nd grade teacher had fun paper for each season!
Frugal, useful, consumable…can’t get any better than that!”
Jenn writes: “Teachers are always washing their hands, so some kind of hand scrub that will keep their hands soft during the cold winter days, and an at home manicure set. You could also include a nice lotion.”
Britt writes: “We used to get our teachers a box of 3 piece Godiva truffles. I know they really liked them but if that is too much money you could make cookies and decorate them. Cut them out in different shapes and your kids could even personalize them with the teachers name. You can have them write out a special note to the teachers to go with them. Wrap them up with special plates and wraps.
When my Father gets gifts ( he works at Church) I always liked the homemade food, and began to look forward to them year after year, so much so I have asked for the recipes to make them since I am no longer living at home.”
Bridget writes: “Bath and Body Works almost always have little bottles of hand sanitizer or lotions are sale. I like to give people a mixture of things. I.E. hot cocoa, hot cider, etc. then since these are teachers, add some stickers and pens or markers. Something for the personal side and work side. Male or female, they will appreciate it.”
Brooke writes: “I always made homemade candles and soaps for my teachers. They were really cheap and easy.”
Sarah writes: “I have a “Teaching Family,” everyone is a teacher! Gift Cards! I know it sounds insincere but they are very much appreciated. Something personal for them (pedicure or sports games if you know their favorite splurge thing), or for the class. Most teachers spend some of their income on classroom supplies, copies, gifts, crafts, etc… so gift cards help leverage some of that weight off their shoulders that they could be spending on their family.”
Amanda writes: “I do gifts-in-a-jar, usually a soup mix, and because of EVERYONE’s random dietary restrictions, I try to make the soup mix vegan and give directions that it can be made with veggie or chicken broth, and chunks of meat may be added, if desired, or fresh veggies. It’s a crowd pleaser! I do a rice/lentil/pea soup mix and I get requests for it every year!”
Crystal writes: “We always used to buy the tree shaped glass jars and fill them with kisses and hugs”
Jessica writes: “I used to be an elementary teacher. I was floored any time someone gave me a gift card for the local coffee shop or Starbucks. That’s a treat that we could run out and use on our lunch break, on the way to work, or after school.
Hand lotion is great because you wash your hands a lot at school (pay attention if they have fragrance issues, though). Lip balm is great for all of those recess duties in the winter months.
I had a student give me personalized stickers, once. They were awesome! There were five different kinds and they would have a picture and a sentence that read something to the effect of “Mrs. Sheets says Way to Go!” They were awesome to use on that particular student’s papers.
Fun colored pens are highly favored in my book. I didn’t grade in red so I was always looking for easy flowing, bright colored ink pens. “
Suzanne writes: “My daughter’s teacher has asked for school supplies since budgets are tight and there are things she really needs. Instead of trying to figure out what to get we have decided to get her a gift card to Staples. I know she spends a lot of her own money on supplies so I hope that this will help her out.”
Natalie writes: “I taught 15 years and my favorite gifts were always ornaments. The child’s name and year were usually on the back. I get them out every year and smile. Now that I have kids of my own that is what I give every year….an ornament and a handwritten card. I still have every single card or note given to me. They were priceless on a ‘bad’ day. Don’t forget the teachers other than homeroom like music, art, PE…they’d love to hear from you, too.”
Amber writes: “I make the cutest little snowman hot chocolate stirrers
& place them in a mug with a packet of hot chocolate. Use 3 jet puffed marshmallows & put them on a lollipop stick dip in white chocolate add a face with icing or melted chocolate. Makes a great gift!!”
Angela writes: “Every year I make homemade simmering potpourri for the teachers. I dry my own apples and oranges. I looks so nice and smells fantastic when simmering.”
Nicole writes: “As a teacher, I really like getting gift cards for books, coffee, or a close lunch place. However, one of my favorite gifts I ever received was a beautiful basket filled with unusual desk supplies like an interesting stapler, a box of colored staples, a few stamps, colored jumbo paper clips, etc. They’re items I use everyday; they were just more fun. A nice card expressing your appreciation is always a bonus also.”
Mollie writes: “As a former preschool teacher, and current religious ed. teacher – both positions required I purchase my own supplies! – I would LOVE a pack of pencils, grading pens, et cetera. What I give my kids’ teachers is a mug/cuppa full of good tea bags (I buy tea in bulk, then distribute the tea bags amongst multiple gifts – this year everyone is getting Trader Joe’s brand Vanilla Spice tea! SCRUMPTIOUS!) and a gift card to Staples or a local art mart.”
Marne writes: “Sticky notes! As a teacher I can never have enough. I had a parent personalize them with my initials. Dollar also has tons of “teacher” items. A couple of these in a bag would make my holiday.”
Heidi writes: “As a fellow teacher (and a mom of 3 in the elementary grades, too), save your money and give the gift of time. Volunteer to come in and serve lunch duty or recess duty for that teacher (as long as your school allows that – you may want to check firt).
Or, most of us teachers don’t have a very long lunch hour, and in my case, not long enough to leave for lunch out somewhere and then get back in time. Get your teacher’s lunch order from her, go get it, and then deliver it to her. Many times it’s these simple gestures that make our days much easier!”
Jaime writes: “I’ve had a parent in the past who would randomly pick up breakfast and/or soda and deliver it to me in the morning. It was the greatest start to my day.”
Ashley writes: “I am a teacher and this is what I would really prefer for a gift: Monogrammed stationary.. all teachers want/need that! Or gift cards to Dunkin Donuts, Chickfila, or Subway. It’s great to run out for lunch on our lunchbreak.”
Melinda writes: “As a former teacher – handmade/homemade was nice. And consumable is nice. Homemade treats with a handwritten, heartfelt note is great. I also really like the nice paper suggestion and the movie certificate. Perhaps a gift card to a book store or a local restaurant/fast food place. Whatever you do, a short note showing appreciation is the best gift ever.”
Sarah writes: “Hi! I am a teacher, and my answer is anything you do is fine. Even a card is great. I have received many gifts from students over the years and I find the ones that come from the family’s heart are the best. It is just so nice to be included and feel appreciated that the gift itself, for me anyway, is less important than the gesture. Happy Holidays all!”
Amy writes: “Hi all, as a 10+ year teacher, I can say that there are a few things that really make my day. Anytime I get a handwritten note from a kid (I now teach middle school) and/or her family, that is perfect.
When it comes to practical gifts, gift cards are an amazing surprise. Even when it’s only $5, it means a few little classroom essentials, or a some much-appreciated cups of coffee.
As much as I loved all the mugs, ornaments, and apple-themed gifts I’ve received, I don’t always use them, and if I do, the kids don’t always see them– and I’d hate for one of my girls to wonder why I use another mug that was a gift and not hers; there’s nothing worse than feeling your gift was not appreciated.
Bottom line– give something that shows that you appreciate this person who nurtures and cares for your child, and it won’t matter what it is “
Last year we gave his teacher a gift card to a local ice cream shop-we ran into her there later using it!”
Now that you’ve loaded up on so many fun creative teacher gift ideas, I have even more fun gift ideas for everyone else on your gift giving list.
Get inspired to for some gift giving greatness with these creative ideas…
Movie Night at Home! {fun homemade gift idea}
This is such a fun and easy gift, and you can easily personalize it to whoever you are giving it to.
DIY Starbucks Coffee Gift Card Holder – Thanks a Latte!
If you have a coffee lover on your gift list, you’ll love this fun DIY Starbucks Coffee gift card holder idea!
75 Coffee Lover Gift Ideas
Gifts for Coffee Lovers are always fun… and you can even assemble a few of your favorites to make an epic Coffee Lover Gift Basket!
101+ Fun Foodie Gifts {Clever Gift Ideas}
Wondering what to get the Foodies on your gift list? Load up on inspiration with these Fun Foodie Gifts!
99 Coworker Gift Ideas They’ll LOVE! {fun + inexpensive gifts}
Take the awkward out of buying boss and coworker gifts for people at work with these Creative Coworker Gift Ideas!
50 Best Dog Gift Ideas
Give your dog some serious love when you score some of these Best Dog Toys to Keep Dog Busy!
Frugal Gift Ideas for Everyone on your List!
Score frugal gift ideas for the Kiddos, Teens, Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Co Workers, Your Dogs, Your Cats, and more!
So do you have any favorite creative Teacher Gift Ideas?
Leave a comment and share…
