20+ Creative Teacher Appreciation Ideas and Gifts
As a former teacher, I can tell you—I’ve received my fair share of gifts. Some were heartwarming (a handwritten letter from a student that I still have tucked away), some were practical (coffee gift cards are basically teacher currency), and some… well, let’s just say I’ve never found a use for the dozen “Best Teacher Ever” mugs collecting dust in my cabinet.
If you’re here, chances are you want to give your child’s teacher something meaningful—something that truly shows appreciation for all the patience, energy, and countless hours they pour into their students. But finding the perfect gift can feel tricky. Should you go practical or sentimental? Homemade or store-bought?
And is it really okay to give yet another candle? (Short answer: yes, but only if it smells amazing.)
The good news? Teachers don’t expect extravagant gifts. What we do love are thoughtful, useful, and heartfelt tokens of appreciation that make our days a little brighter.
So whether you’re shopping for Teacher Appreciation Week, the holidays, or the end of the school year, I’ve put together a list of creative gift ideas that will make any teacher feel truly valued—without breaking the bank or resorting to yet another apple-themed knickknack.
Why trust Gift Brilliant’s gift recommendations? We won’t overwhelm you with a huge list of gift ideas that people don’t really want. We share gift options that we have personally gifted or received, gifts that others have told us they loved, and a few gift ideas that we would love to have ourselves!
Down below we’ve sorted these gift ideas into a few different sections:
- Creative ideas for gifts you can buy (lots are personalized!)
- Thoughtful gift ideas you can DIY / handmade gifts
- Comments from teachers on some of the best gifts they’ve received
Creative Teacher Appreciation Gifts That They’ll Actually Love
Show your appreciation for the teacher in your life with this rustic classroom welcome sign! This charming and personalized sign is the perfect way to add a touch of warmth and welcome to any classroom. Made from solid wood, it features a customizable design that can be personalized with the teacher's name and classroom number. There are other style options available, but we love this rustic and timeless design.
This personalized gift is the perfect way to say thank you to the teacher who has made a difference in your life, and it is sure to be a cherished and practical gift that will be enjoyed for years to come.
Teachers carry a lot! From papers to grade to lesson books to supplies... so a sturdy tote bag is a practical gift. Choose a bag with a fun message - like this one that says “Teach, Love, Inspire” - and personalize it with their name.
If you want to go the extra mile, fill it with small treats like snacks, colorful pens, or a coffee gift card. A canvas tote with reinforced straps is a great option for durability.
Many of these gift ideas are available with Amazon Prime’s fast free shipping (often arriving in just one or two days!). If you’re not already a Prime member, you can get a 30-day FREE trial of Amazon Prime here!
This scented candle is a small token of appreciation for your kid's teachers that will absolutely put a smile on their faces. It has a calming blended scent of lavender and eucalyptus, which will help them relax after a long day (ahem, year) with your child.
Add a couple chocolate bars or some bath bombs if you really want to level up this unique gift. But honestly, it's kind of perfect all on its own.
Teachers are always jotting down notes, reminders, and to-do lists, so a custom notepad makes a great gift. You can personalize it with their name or initials, and choose a fun design related to their subject (e.g., apples for elementary teachers or a music theme for high school band directors).
This set includes 4 notepads with 100 pages in each pad. There are other options and colors, so check those out if this one isn't their "style"!
Pair it with a set of colorful pens or highlighters for an extra thoughtful touch. Sticky notes with their name or a positive message can also be a fun variation.
If you want to show them they are the best teacher of all "thyme", then the best gift is this wooden planter. Includes thyme seeds so they can exercise their green thumb in all their extra time.
A personalized stamp can make grading more fun and efficient. You can customize one with their name (e.g., “From the Classroom of Mrs. Smith!”) or a positive message like “Mrs. Smith likes this a latte!” There are lots of text options to choose from, and three different sizes.
These stamps are self-inking, and you can choose from multiple color options. This is one small gift that's sure to be a BIG hit!
A high-quality insulated tumbler or water bottle is a gift school teachers will use daily. Look for one that keeps drinks hot or cold for a long time, and personalize it with their name, initials, or a fun teaching quote. If they love coffee, pair it with a bag of their favorite blend.
Here's the perfect teacher appreciation gift that they definitely do NOT have too many of! Fun socks like these with teaching-related patterns—like pencils, apples, or math equations—are practical yet so much fun. I love this pair (and this brand), and they are great quality. You can also find socks with messages like “Best Teacher Ever” or “If You Can Read This, This Teacher Is Off Duty.” Pair them with a favorite book for a relaxing gift bundle.
The Teacher Care Crate is a monthly subscription box designed specifically to help teachers relax, recharge, and feel appreciated. Each box is thoughtfully curated with two bath and body products, stylish accessory, inspirational art print, fun desk item, a treat, digital downloads, and more -- to remind teachers to take time for themselves.
Since educators often spend so much energy caring for their students, this subscription is a perfect way to encourage them to practice a little self-care. Whether gifted as a one-time surprise or a multi-month subscription, the Teacher Care Crate is a thoughtful, unique way to show appreciation and give a teacher something they truly deserve—a moment to unwind.
Custom gifts like this are a great way to express gratitude, and show that you want to put a special touch on your gift! You can design a custom jigsaw puzzle featuring a heartfelt message or class photo. Just upload the image and you get a simple gift that will be treasured forever!
The teacher can put it together and see the message revealed — a fun keepsake they can cherish. Choose from 24, 500, or 1000 pieces.
It may feel impersonal, but so many teachers will tell you that they love to receive gift cards! Slip a gift card for Starbucks or Target into one of these gift card holders to jazz up the gift a little bit.
Teachers deserve nothing more to relax. Help them snuggle up and unwind after a long day (or year?) of teaching with this cozy throw blanket. Super soft and lightweight, this blanket is the perfect way to add a touch of comfort and warmth to any classroom or home.
Featuring a combination of funny and touching quotes, this blanket is sure to become a cherished and practical gift that will be enjoyed for years to come.
DIY & Handmade Teacher Appreciation Gifts
Sometimes, the most meaningful gifts are the ones made with love. Really. While the list above has many great ideas that teachers would LOVE to receive, no teacher expects a store-bought gift. Just taking the time to say “thank you” goes a long way.
A heartfelt, handmade gift shows that you took the time to create something special, and trust me—teachers notice and appreciate that effort. Here are some DIY gift ideas to thank your favorite teacher for all the hard work they do!
Handwritten Letters from Students
One of the most meaningful gifts a teacher can receive is heartfelt notes from their students. Gather letters from the class and compile them into a scrapbook or decorative envelope. Encourage kids to share a favorite lesson, funny memory, or how the teacher made a difference in their lives. Parents can also include a thank-you note to express their gratitude. It’s the little things that really mean a lot, and these keepsakes are something teachers will treasure for years.
Handmade Art from Students
This is a fun way to get the kids involved with an easy teacher gift. Have the class create a collective piece of artwork to give their teacher. A fingerprint tree, a signed poster with a handwritten note from each student, or a framed group photo with signatures are all special keepsakes. This gift is especially touching for teachers who have been with the same class for a long time.
Teacher Survival Kit
Put together a survival kit filled with small but useful items to get them through the school year. Include things like coffee or tea, hand sanitizer, lip balm, granola bars, and headache relief medicine. A reusable water bottle, a mini first-aid kit, or a stress-relief essential oil roller are also great additions. Package everything in a cute basket or a small cosmetic bag labeled “Teacher Survival Kit.”
Gift Cards with a Personal Touch
While gift cards may seem simple, they’re one of the most appreciated gifts because teachers can choose exactly what they need. Pair a coffee shop gift card with a cute mug, or tuck a bookstore gift card inside a handwritten thank-you note. If the teacher loves a particular restaurant, boutique, or craft store, consider getting a card from there. Even a small amount, like $10 to $20, can make a teacher’s day.
DIY Flower Pot with a Small Plant
A potted plant is a beautiful and symbolic way to thank a teacher for helping students grow. Decorate a terra-cotta pot with paint, markers, or stickers, or attach a tag that says, “Thank you for helping me grow!” Choose a low-maintenance plant like succulents, herbs, or a small fern. If you want to make it extra special, let students sign their names on the pot.
Classroom Supplies Basket
Many teachers buy their own school supplies, so a basket filled with essentials can be a lifesaver. Include items like dry-erase markers, sticky notes, highlighters, pens (I LOVE Flair pens), and hand sanitizer. If they teach a specific subject, you can tailor the supplies (e.g., colored pencils for an art teacher or lab notebooks for a science teacher). Package everything in a cute bin or basket that they can reuse in their classroom.
Book Donation in Their Name
If the teacher loves books, consider donating a book to the classroom library in their honor. Choose a title related to the subject they teach or a popular children’s or young adult book. Write a heartfelt message on the inside cover so they’ll always remember the special gift. If multiple parents contribute, you could purchase a full set of books for the class.
Relaxation Kit
Teaching can be stressful, so a relaxation kit can encourage them to unwind. Include herbal tea, a scented candle, bath salts, and a cozy eye mask. If they enjoy journaling, add a gratitude journal to promote mindfulness.
Great Teacher Appreciation Gifts (Real Comments from Real Teachers)
Sometimes the best way to get the answer you’re looking for is by going straight to the source! Here are some of the best teacher appreciation gifts that real teachers have received:
- Nice pens are always good.
- I once received a monogrammed 31 Bag – it was totally unexpected and something I didn’t know I wanted until I got it!
- I got a tin with handmade buckeye candy. Sometimes homemade goods can be sketchy, but I devoured these.
- It’s cheesy, but the best gifts were usually just heartfelt cards.
- A gift card tucked inside of a kind note is what I’d prefer. Or just the note.
- Silence.
- Papermate Inkjoy pens or Flair Pens in all the colors.
- Colored cardstock!!!!
- One family gifted a bunch of baking pans because they know I love to bake.
- My favorite gifts are when students buy me a copy of their favorite book for my classroom library and put a note inside it for me/ future students.
- I just like a handwritten note. I keep them in a box and when I feel like quitting, I read them.
- I love positive notes and flowers.
- I love it when parents ask me what I want for lunch and drop it off for me on a school day.
- A pair of hand knitted socks the student’s grandmother made.
- Real food. Not chocolate.
- I love plants with a pot that the kid designs/draws on.
- One year I got a Coach purse and another year I got a personalized Yeti cup.
- Gift cards are nice but my two favorite were a handwritten card from a kid and a memo pad with my name already written for me.
- My favorite gift was a gift card to my favorite ski resort because they remembered I like to snowboard but didn’t have a season pass anywhere. It was exactly what I wanted!
Have a Great Teacher Appreciation Week!
Teacher Appreciation Week in the US is usually the first full week in May. That’s when the school year is winding down, everyone is exhausted and wiggly with spring fever, and it’s a great time to show your kids’ teachers how grateful you are!
Hopefully the ideas above help you find the perfect way to show some love to those amazing teachers. Don’t forget to recognize the hard working support staff and specials teachers too!
Don’t miss these other great gift ideas!
Gift Ideas for Speech Therapists
Gifts for School Counselors
Gifts for Male Teachers
Amanda
Amanda is a mom of four kids, two dogs, some chickens, and a few hundred composting worms. As a former teacher and fitness instructor, and the oldest of a houseful of kids, she has quite a bit of experience educating others – which she now does via writing! Gift giving isn’t her main love language, but she loves shopping for the perfect gifts for others.
You can find her on her main blog at amandaseghetti.com and on all social media @amandaseghetti <3
