Whenever back to school comes around, I think of something my friend did years ago when her kids started a new school year.
She did all the normal back to school shopping that most moms do. Notes, backpacks, uniforms, lunch boxes. The whole thing was prepared weeks in advance.
Except for one thing.
She showed up on the first day with a gift bag for each teacher.
I didn’t understand at first. Teachers are professionals. They aren’t your friends. They don’t expect gifts from every parent that walks through their door.
Until she explained why she was handing these out.
She told me, “Teachers spend most of the year investing in our kids. Let’s start the year by showing them we appreciate them.”
Ever since she said that, I began seeing teacher gifts differently. They aren’t about bribing someone into giving your kid extra attention or spending your life savings.
They’re about showing appreciation to the people who will spend the next nine months teaching your child, guiding them, encouraging them, and supporting them.
The best part is, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to find awesome teacher gifts. Teachers tend to love helpful gifts more than expensive ones anyway.
If you want to give your kids’ teachers something useful, thoughtful, and that your child’s teacher will truly appreciate this school year, you can find tons of ideas below.
12 Creative Back to School Ideas for Teacher Gifts That Stand Out
1. Personalized Thank You Notes
Teachers never get tired of hearing how excited you are about the school year that is about to start. They love notes from students (and parents) more than any store bought gift you can buy.
Because while they may receive supplies, coffee mugs, and gift cards throughout the year, words of encouragement mean the most.
Have your child write their teacher a short thank you note. These kinds of gifts are the ones teachers tend to keep for years. They’re little reminders of why they fell in love with teaching in the first place.
Read also: 10 Back to School Ideas Preschool Parents Need to Try This Year
2. Classroom Supply Basket
Did you know most teachers spend money out of their own pockets buying supplies for their classroom?
Create a basket full of things they can use. Stock it with markers, post it notes, tissues, hand sanitizer, dry erase markers, pencils. The possibilities are endless.
You’re not only giving a gift to their teacher but to your child’s entire classroom.
3. Gift Cards
When you don’t know what to get a teacher, go for a gift card. You can never go wrong!
Teachers have different hobbies and interests like everyone else. From coffee shops and bookstores to office supply stores and general stores, you’re sure to find something they will love.
I know gift cards can feel impersonal. But many teachers prefer having the option to buy what they need or want versus getting a gift they may never use.
Read also: 12 Back to School Routines for Teens to Start the Year Strong
4. Customized Teacher Tote Bag
Teachers have a lot of stuff they need to bring to and from school each day.
Imagine starting the school year with a customized teacher tote bag they can use to throw lesson plans, papers, books, pencils, and more.
Just make sure you buy them a durable one that will last them all year long (and probably longer). Every time they use it, they’ll be reminded of your thoughtful gift.
5. Self Care Gift Package
Teaching is a rewarding career, but it can also be stressful and draining.
Give them the tools they need to take a few minutes to relax and unwind with a small self care gift package. Fill a jar with herbal tea, lip balm, scented lotion, bath stuff, or easy snacks they can enjoy during their downtime.
Trust me, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to show your child’s teacher you appreciate them.
6. Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Teachers talk all day. They instruct students, teach lessons, and spend a lot of time on their feet. They need to stay hydrated.
Buy your child’s teacher a nice stainless steel water bottle that will keep their drinks cold all day long and is easy to transport.
Any gift that your child’s teacher will use daily is a win win. Plus, who doesn’t need an awesome water bottle?
7. Desk Accessories
Teachers spend a lot of time at their desks. From grading papers to writing lessons to creating worksheets.
Desk accessories like pen holders, cute plaques, desk organizers, and quote cards can help spruce up their workspace and make their day just a little brighter.
These gifts are practical and encouraging all in one. They’ll help your child’s teacher stay organized while uplifting them when they need it most.
8. Healthyish Snack Box
Teachers are always rushing around and rarely have time to sit down and enjoy lunch. Imagine how helpful it would be if they already had snacks waiting for them.
Fill a small box with granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, crackers, or anything else you think your child’s teacher would enjoy. They can grab a snack when they’re hungry without ever having to leave their classroom.
This is a great gift to give during the first few weeks of school. Teachers are rushing around trying to get everything under control. They’re also packing lunches and eating far quicker than they should.
9. Books for Their Classroom Library
Teachers work extremely hard to provide their students with a classroom library.
Donate some age appropriate books to your child’s classroom. Books are always a great idea because your child will benefit from them throughout the entire school year.
Just make sure to ask what reading level or genres their classroom library focuses on before you buy books.
10. Personalized Stationery
Teachers write so many notes throughout the school year.
Go the extra mile and buy them personalized stationery, note cards, or notepads they can use to write reminders, classroom communications, and other notes they’ll need to write.
Any gift that your child’s teacher can actually use in their classroom is a great gift.
11. Mini Plant
Who doesn’t love a plant in their classroom or workspace?
Teachers love having plants at their desks because they help create a calming and inviting environment. Just make sure to get your child’s teacher a low maintenance plant like succulents.
Plants also represent growth and learning. What better way to celebrate the new school year than gifting something that symbolizes new beginnings?
12. Teacher Survival Kit
Grab a cute container and fill it up with school supplies your child’s teacher will use every day. Tissues, hand sanitizer, gum, pens, post it notes, chocolate, tea bags, aspirin… you get the idea.
You can even make a cute label or jot down a fun message to go along with it. Teachers will love this gift because it’s useful and shows you understand how their day to day life operates.
Conclusion
Parents don’t buy teachers gifts to try to bribe them into giving their child extra attention.
If they’re anything like me, teachers spend money on their kids. They spend extra time helping them. They spend their energy trying to give every child the attention they deserve.
If you can help make their job a little easier this year or show them you appreciate them with a simple gesture, don’t hesitate to do it.
A simple gift can make all the difference to someone who works hard all year long to help your children learn and grow.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to break the bank to find the perfect back to school teacher gift. Some of the best gifts are thoughtful, let teachers know you appreciate them, and show that you understand how difficult their job can really be.
Personalized notes, classroom supplies, gift cards, and teacher survival kits are all great ideas that your kid’s teacher will love.
Teachers play such an important role in your child’s life. Kids spend more time at school than they do at home with their families.
A simple gift may not seem like much to you, but to a teacher it lets them know that what they do matters. What they do matters enough for someone to take the time to show their appreciation.
FAQ
What should I get my teacher for school that’s not expensive?
Gifts like thank you notes, classroom supplies, healthy snacks, or indoor plants are all inexpensive but appreciated by teachers.
Do teachers really like getting gift cards?
Yes! Teachers love receiving gift cards as they allow them to buy what they need or want.
Should I give my child’s teacher a gift?
Gifts aren’t required, but many parents give teachers something as a kind gesture to show appreciation and start the year off right.
How much should I spend on my child’s teacher?
Unlike gift giving holidays, there is no set amount you should spend on teacher gifts. Keep it simple and just get something you know your child’s teacher will use and love.
What teacher gifts should I stay away from?
Steer clear of extremely personal gifts. You should also avoid strong smells (many people are sensitive to smells) and gifts that may not align with their personal preferences. Gift something that will be useful to any teacher.
Can I give my child’s teacher a homemade gift?
Yes! Teachers love homemade gifts, especially when they’re paired with a thoughtful note.
What do teachers want more than anything?
Teachers say the thing they appreciate most is when someone takes the time to show them you care, whether that be through a simple note, classroom supply, or teacher gift basket.
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