Thoughtful Teacher Gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week

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In this blog post, I’m going to share with you the list of genuine and thoughtful teacher gifts ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week, which is happening May 3 – May 7, 2021. Gifts your teacher actually wants. 🙂

If you’re a teacher, then you hopefully look forward to Teacher Appreciation Week. I know at my school, we have an amazing lead teacher and leadership (ASB-esque) teacher who work together to get each teacher a little goody-bag and organize thank yous from the students. It’s awesome. Plus, there are always amazing parents and students who show their gratitude with cards, emails, and even with gifts. 

Now, I don’t need gifts as a teacher. “Gifts” are kind of a tricky thing as teachers… we’re supposed to not take things from students… but I think this is one week where the gifts seem less bribe-y and more “thank you”-ish. I would honestly be satisfied with cards and literal “thank yous.” But, I know that some parents or students show their gratitude in different ways, for some, gifts show that appreciation. 

So… the gifts. 

If you’re in the position of gift-giver, how do you find the right gift? 

If you’re a student or a parent who appreciates your teachers and wants to get them a little somethin’–a gift they’ll really love and be grateful for, then look no further than this list. 

This is a list of gifts that I would love to get as a teacher myself, and gifts that I think my fellow teachers with different tastes would love as well. Not cheesy, not over the top, simple, useful, and as Marie Kondo says, things that “spark joy.”

And, if you need digital gifts this year, this list has you covered. If you can do in-person gifts, and you want to do something a little more personal than a gift card, I am here for you! 

The key to gift giving, as a general practice, is to know your intendee. Hopefully, if you’re buying a gift for a teacher, you know a little about them. What do they like or dislike? Hobbies? Pets? Life necessities? Style? 

You don’t have to get them something extravagant or expensive. Gift-giving is about seeing the person and giving them something that speaks to them. And, the other key is to not overthink it. Simple, yet strategic. Not as impossible as it seems!

Below you will find a list of lovely, strategic gift items. Scroll through. Peruse gifts that speak to “who” you’re shopping for, and happy gifting! 

Teachers, you can thank me later 😉

Digital & Virtual “Gifts” and Appreciations

eBooks

Did you know, you can email your teacher a book? Oh yeah, baby. I WOULD LOVE THIS!

Also, consider audiobooks. A lot of teachers, or people in general, say they can’t find the time to sit down and crack open a book or wake up their eReader. Well, they do have time to commute to work, drop their kids off at practice (er… most years they do!), or pick up groceries… that means they can listen to a book. You can gift them an audiobook!

Not sure what kind of eBook to get them? It is possible for them to return the book!

• NPR’s Best Books of 2020
• Barnes & Noble Best Books of 2020

Want books that are hot right now? Check out this list of books that people are raving about right now.

Gift cards

Gift cards are one of the easiest and probably most used gifts. And, they can be thought teacher gifts. It is possible.

Maybe you’re different, but for me, there is often guilt associated with giving myself a gift or buying something that I don’t “need.” Couldn’t that money be better spent or saved? 

But a gift card lets us bypass that guilt trip and give ourselves that special treat. Electronic gifts are great, too! Saves the plastic. 🙂 

Here are my suggestions (if you want to go outside the tried-and-true Starbucks gift card): 

• DoorDash, GrubHub, or Uber Eats – because… not making dinner is a gift.
• Etsy – this was the best gift card I ever received. I love Etsy (as you’ll be able to tell from many other items on this list!). If your teacher does too, this is the gift for them!
• Barnes & Noble – more than just books, B&N has games, stationary, and loads of other fun stuff.
• Bookshop – an online bookshop that is awesome. When buying books, you can shop through this website in different “stores,” and support local and small bookshops and companies!
• Allbirds – a gift card toward the socks and shoes your teacher didn’t know they needed. These are… like clouds for your feet. They will thank you.
• Netflix, Hulu, Disney+… any streaming service that your teacher probably already pays for, but it would be nice to get a free month!

Coursera

Does your teacher love learning? Well you can get them a giftcard to an online learning platform like Coursera! Seriously! I would love to take a few courses on here, but it’s easy to say, “ah, I would love to, but I could spend my money on something more important.” 

What, I ask you, is more important than learning, especially as a teacher? 

Thank you cards – real and digital 

Are you a card person? I know some people aren’t. I am. Notes = ❤️… I mean, I am an English teacher. The power of the written word–that’s my jam. I even have a binder where I keep all the cards and notes I’ve received over the years from students! When I’m having a hard day, I flip through my inspiration binder to remind myself of the good, of the reason I love teaching.

I think any teacher, or person, would appreciate a well-meaning card with a personalized message. And, a card with a funny message? Even better to bring a smile to their face. Inspect these magnificent cards below:

• “Holding it all together” from KatFrenchDesign

• “Can’t mask the gratitude” from themorningdoppio

• “Appreciate definition” from Garrett Hand Lettering

DIY Digital Gifts

Sometimes, you want to gift something from you. I get it, my mom also instilled the crafty-habit into me!

If you want a digital DIY, here are a few ideas for DIY thoughtful teacher gifts:

• Make your own card! You can use free programs, Google Drawing or Paint, Google Slides or PowerPoint, or my personal favorite: Canva.

• Video thank you from you and/or the student(s)!
  • This would be amazing this year. I know this would be hard to organize, but this could be classroom based, period based, or even whole school based! 🙂 The trick is… organizing it with out the teachers knowing… I’m sure you’re sneaky enough!
• DIY Digital Posters or Motivational Quotes Printable
  • Again, see the previous recommendations for free online digital design platforms. Alternatively, you could create something on paper or by hand, and then take a quality picture of it, so the size could be enlarged when printing or using for a desktop background!

Physical Gifts & Appreciations

Books & Book-related Gifts

If your teacher is a reader, then strategic and thoughtful teacher gifts would be to get them books. If this is your plan, ideally you should find out what genre they like to read, and then get them a book in that genre! Or, check out the lists provided above.

If your teacher loves reading about teaching, then I have a list for you! Check out different lists here on my Bookshop.org page.

Bookmarks

I may be stacking the cards (or books, if we’re getting really cheesy) in the reading-lover favor with these gifts, but I want to share the book love! And hopefully you do too, with an easy and affordable gift: Bookmarks.

If you’d like a free download of some cute bookmarks, sign up for my newsletter to get these!

Or find even more options on Etsy. I love these ones:

• Pun Bookmark Set from Obvious State

• Strong Female Characters in Books from BookishlyUK

• Reading Quote Bookmark Set of 6 by BookLoverPrintables

Book page holder

If your teacher is like me, then reading often happens when lounging on the couch. And, if I’m really digging into my couch ways, then I want to lay down flat, but holding a book like that is difficult. 

You can make this easier with a book page holder. Yes, that’s a thing and it is one heck of a thoughtful teacher gift.

Candles

Obviously, these would be for use at home. If I only received candles as gifts, I would be seriously happy. As long as they smelled good and weren’t toxic. Here is a list of some amazing smelling candles from small business shops that mindfully and carefully craft their products. 

Into the Wick of Time

This store… If your teacher has a favorite book, or even TV show or movie, then check out this store. Their candles are 100% soy and vegan, US grown ingredients, and cruelty-free, and they are based on smells from books (and books turned TV or movie!) Let your teacher live in their favorite place! They also sell gift cards.

Anchored Northwest

In looking for a gift for my sister- and brother-in-law this holiday season, I found this candle shop on Etsy. Of course, I also bought a few for myself.

Even unlit, the smell was unreal. SO GOOD! They were so good, they were soon gone, and another round was ordered.

Check out their Etsy store!

Funny T Shirts

I mean, really, who doesn’t love a funny shirt? Especially a soft and teacher-y shirt you can wear on casual Fridays? (Or any day, if you wear it with a blazer!) 

Need a specific type of teacher shirt? These are all thoughtful teacher gifts, organized by subject! 🙂

Shirts for Any Teacher

1. Amazed Soft Threads – How to Wear a Mask Llamas
2. Pegasus Apparel US – Be Kind
3. Eclectic Design Shop US – TEACH Sweatshirt
4. Pinehart – Teaching is a Walk in the Park

History Teacher Shirts

1. The Trini Gee – Black History Figures
2. Blue Fox Clothing – Don’t Make Me Repeat Myself
3. Life On Earth Apparel – Trust Me, I’m a Historian

Elementary Teacher Shirts

1. SunflowerTeesCo – Kindergarten Teacher Shirt
2. SchoolDayGifts – Preschool Thing
3. KeenBeeStudio – First Grade Teacher
4. KeenBeeStudio – TeacherSaurus

Art Teacher Shirts

1. RobertFunnyShop – Art Heart
2. The Harper House – Let’s Get Creative
3. Nicole Lauren Boutique – Creating Painting Sketching Pottery Crafting

Science Teacher Shirts

1. The Woof Soul – Teaching Biology Cell Science
2. N and M Clothing US – Science It’s Like Magic But Real
3. CutesyMerch – Fueled by Mitochondria and Coffee
4. CognitiveSurplus – Women of Science

English Teacher Shirts

1. Party Brew – Synonym Rolls
2. The Harper House – One More Chapter
3. CaffeinatedCreativz – I’m an English Teacher, Watch Your Language

Math Teacher Shirts

1. Aley6ti – Social Distance Formula
2. SprintOptimus – Sorry I’m Late, I took the Rhombus
3. BAEandRose – Mathematics Doodle
4. SheSquatsClothing – I’ve Got Skills, They’re Multiplyn’

Music Teacher Shirts

1. Snow Drop Gifts – Without Music, Life would B flat
2. The Harper House – It’s a Good Day to Make Music
3. Spratlin Design Co – Just Play It
4. PopularTeez – Teaching Music is My Jam

PE Teacher Shirts

1. The Harper House – Run & Play Shirt
2. StoykoTs – Calm Down, It’s PE Not the Olympics Shirt

Take Care of Yourself, and Your Stuff, Gifts

If you want to help your teacher in a more personal way, I get it. Maybe this is the teacher who always makes you feel better, or who always helps you out. Help them take care of themselves! 

Reusable Drinking Tumbler

Teaching is a surprisingly vigorous job. Must hydrate. Help your teacher remember this basic necessity that keeps them going all day long with thoughtful teacher gifts like a reusable tumbler!

• I Teach Tiny Humans, You Can’t Scare Me – Custom tumbler from Pink Posh Co
• This no-frills Stainless Steel Tumbler from Target will please anyone, no matter their personal style!
• Or, this beautiful, artful Stainless Steel Tumbler that provides a little quote of confidence “You can do brave things” from Target

Teacher Gift Box

Want to get your teacher a little goody box filled with different essentials? Try a teacher gift box that is already prepped and beautified!

• Like this amazing one here from Brittny Nguyen on Etsy! It’s SO cute. 🙂 This is a box full of love.

Hand Lotion

All that hand sanitizing has taken its toll. Give a gift that helps bring your teacher’s hands back to life! Or at least back to the living side of moisturization. Life-giving lotion! How about that for thoughtful teacher gifts?

• This Rescue Hand Cream from Medowlark Botancial looks amazing. Plus, this shop and this product have rave reviews!

Soap

• Honey and shea? Oh yes, this bar will calm and soothe them, providing the perfect excuse for a “me day”!
• Soap bars like this Vegan calendula soap from Fleegal Farms, with its 5 star reviews, will surely make your teacher smile.

Mugs

All teachers are beyond morning-only caffeination at this point, right? Check out these mugs to add a little extra to their coffee or tea drinking habit:

• Please mute your mics from AllFunCreations
• Ellipsis… from GrammaticalArt
• Math Teacher Signs from Liki Loo Printworks
• Google Search & History Degree from GoodGiftCreations
• Bearded Teacher from EclipseMugs

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Gifts Specifically for the Classroom

Essential Oils & Diffusers

You probably know this, and if you don’t, you can imagine it… Classrooms smell. And, at least in California, we’re pretty limited on what we can use to freshen it up. We can’t use the wall plug-in scent things–fire hazards. We definitely can’t use candles. But, you know what we can use?

Essential Oil diffusers (at least as far as I know…! Especially the ones that automatically shut off. Heck yes! 

If you’ve never looked into the world of essential oils before..l it’s overwhelming. And filled with very strong opinions.

I’ll try to simplify.

1. You need to buy an essential oil diffuser that has a timer, so it will shut off automatically. Check out these options: 1, 2, 3
2. You should buy pure and quality essential oils. Looking for brands? Check out The Spruce’s list here.

Classroom Necessities, Elevated 

You might be surprised at how often I wish I had a heavy duty stapler, the kind they used to make before plastic took over the world. I remember the tan one we had growing up. No matter the abuse or use, it always worked. And, it still works to this day!

The same goes with scissors. Sure, for students, we probably want to give them the dull ones… but sometimes a teacher needs to cut things precisely without damaging their hands, man! Get them a necessity that will last for years.  Are there more thoughtful teacher gifts than these?

Quality Stapler

I’m serious… Staplers are essential and the plastic ones do not last long with all the work they put in. After over 20 years, this stapler still works like a dream for my mom. Granted, this is a home stapler, not a busy, overtime working classroom stapler. But, 20 years? That’s worth it.

Swedish Dish Towels

Yes! Messes in the classroom happen. And ethical cleaning shouldn’t just happen at home. Swedish dishtowels are amazing, and they can be used anywhere! Whiteboards, desktops, door handles. Oh yeah, baby! Wash and compost when worn. Cleaning your teacher can feel good about. 

• 10 pack from Super Scandi
• Swedish Dishcloths – Set of 4 from Detox Earth
• Origami from Plantish Future

Plants – Fake or Real

Classrooms can be… sad. And tan. And bland. Help your teacher liven up the place with real, or maybe fake, plants! If you love plants, then you can get them a real one and help them take care of it. If you don’t, and you’re not sure if your teacher does, get them a fake one 🙂 

I love to get my fake plants from TJ Maxx and Home Goods, as they’re usually pretty and reasonably priced!

Stamp

Does your teacher have a classroom library? Do they use stickers and stamps on assignments (or, would you like them to)? Then get them something to help make that job easier! Any items that make a teacher’s job easier earns the thoughtful teacher gifts badge.

• Embosser by Stamp Boss Art – The classy version of a library stamp!
• Signature Stamp by Typii – Teachers need to sign so many things. It’s exhausting… they will thank you, repeatedly, for this gift.
• Book Stamp from Stamp By Me – A beautiful book stamp for the teacher who lends out books and share their love of reading.
• Bitmoji Stamp from iTeacherStuff- It is the time of Bitmoji is the education world. If your teacher is a fan, then they will love this gift. 🙂

Wall art for classroom

Again, see previous message about the dire state of most classrooms, tan, greige, bland… uninspiring. Help your teacher change that with some awesome wall art!

Handmade Wall Hanging

• Art Clock from Looking Glass Memory
  • This custom art clock is the perfect gift for the art teacher, or art-lover teacher in your life!
• Embroidered Wall Hanging from New Vintage Embroidery
  • I would definitely put this in my classroom… but I would also want another one for my home. It is so beautiful!

Classroom Posters

• Shakespeare The Tempest Wall Art from Obvious State
  • Literary fiend in your life? This is a modern fine art print just for them.
• Famous Black History People from Tri-Seven Entertainment
  • This is the fifth in the Famous Black Hiostry series from this designer. This poster “features eleven historical figures: Coretta Scott King, Kenneth Bancroft Clark and Mamie Phipps Clark, Hiram Rhodes Revels, Blanche Kelso Bruce, Richard Allen, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Toni Morrison, Elijah Muhammad and John Henrik Clarke” and is 24″x18″.
• Emotions poster from Print Berry Kids
  • Even as a high school teacher, I think this poster should have a place on my walls. Emotions are sometime difficult to identify, even as a “mature” adult. This poster can help students identify what they’re feeling, which is necessary to dealing with them in a positive way!
• Harry Potter Grammar Poster from PIY Shop
  • These posters, and anything from this shop, Print It Yourself, are digital downloads! So these are also “distance” possible thoughtful teacher gifts.

• Life Cycle of Plants from Jean Poster Creations
  • I love this poster! It’s so pretty, plus it’s another digital download, making the gifting-from-afar process that much easier!
• NASA Set of Posters from EZ Poster Prints
  • This is a set of 15 posters, 11″x17″ each, and takes you to “alien worlds” and “futuristic space.”

Bulletin Board Trim

• Farmhouse Bulletin Board Trim from Rosch’s Room – this is another amazing digital download! You can gift this to a teacher through their email, and it will spice up their classroom, or perhaps their home “classroom”!

I hope this list has helped you find thoughtful teacher gifts for that special Teacher, or teachers, in your life! Again, teachers don’t need gifts. A card, a thank you, will do. Just like anyone else, teachers want to know they’re doing good things, and the way we show that is by saying “thanks! I see you.
Sometimes, it’s nice to say that with a gift 🙂

Happy gifting!