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It’s back-to-school time again, and that means you’re getting reading for all the things — first day of school outfit, finding the best backpack and gathering the school supplies. Not to mention, getting a cute gift for your child’s new teacher.
Having been a teacher, I know how special it is to have received anything from my students. There is no one gift that I didn’t use or cherish greatly, however there are some items that I received that I had to share just in case you wanted to get them for the teachers or teacher friends in in your life.
Whether you’re shopping for a back-to-school teacher gift, a teacher birthday, teacher application or a “just because” teacher gift, I can guarantee that she will absolutely love these gift ideas.
Hip hip hooray for a new school year!
Want more back-to-school ideas? Check out these articles:
- 8 Back to School Outfits That Will Make You Feel Confident and Stylish
- 15 Adult Lunchable Ideas You Can Meal Prep for the Work Week
- The Best Lunchroom Chocolate Sheet Cake
24 Best Teacher Gift Ideas
Gift Cards
1. Target Gift Card
Every teacher LOVES Target. It doesn’t matter the occasion teachers will take this gift card as gold.
2. Amazon Gift Card
Who doesn’t love an excuse to shop on Amazon? Everything from teacher supplies to personal items, the teacher in your life will use this well.
3. Starbucks Gift Card
I literally lived on Starbucks when I taught. It was essential, so anytime I was gifted a Starbucks card, I was so grateful.
4. Chick-Fil-A Gift Card
There aren’t many fast food restaurants that compare to Chick-fil-a, and when it comes to teaching, you have many days that you need a quick meal coming home from work. Chick-fil-a was always my go to.
5. Barnes & Noble Gift Card
Whether they re shopping for books for their classroom, or looking for a good book for themselves, teachers can always depend on Barnes and Noble to be there for them.
6. Nordstrom Gift Card
I always loved unexpected gift cards from students and parents. One of the ones I was unexpectedly surprised by was a Nordstrom gift card. It was such a fun gift, because I was able to treat myself to a new pair of shoes and a top that was cute and perfect for work.
Teacher Supplies
7. Papermate Felt Pens
Every teacher knows the obsession with Papermate felt pens. There’s nothing quite like them and all the cute colors make the day a bit more fun.
8. Caravan Canvas Tote
As a teacher I was carrying in multiple tote bags everyday, so comfort and functionality of the bags were a must! When I saw these adorable fabric totes, I knew they would instantly be perfect for a teacher.
They fit a lot of items, they have soft handles and are easy to carry.
9. Personalized Notepad
The amount of notepads and to-list pads I ran through throughout the year of teaching was insane. They are such a useful gift, and making them cute and personalized is always a fun touch.
10. Super Sticky Post-It Notes Gift Set
Having an ample amount of Post-It notes is a must! No matter what grade you teach, you’re sticking these everywhere. On your desk, in books, to leave a note on a student’s desk and so much more.
11. Altitude Mini Highlighters
Highlighters are an underrated teacher supply that needs more attention. We use them in the classroom, training and to plan daily tasks, so having a good set of the markers on hand is a must.
12. Classroom Stamps
I always loved when my teachers would put cute stamps on my papers. It was such a fun way to know that my teacher truly saw me and recognized my hard work. Teachers will absolutely love this gift.
13. Personalized Teacher Library Stamp
I love the ideas of having a personalized teacher library stamp. I feel like these are becoming amore popular thing, but they are actually so useful and help you track down books that seem to float around to different classrooms during the school year.
14. Expo Markers
Teachers run through Expo makers like crazy, so anytime they are given as a gift your teacher will so appreciate them.
15. Old School Pencil Sharpener
While electric pencil sharpeners are quick and easy for kids to use, they can be a pain to have in the classroom (because of the distracting noise). An old school sharpener doesn’t make near as much noise and your teacher will greatly appreciate it!
Other Great Gifts
16. 14 oz. Stanley Quencher
While you’re teacher may already have the large Stanley Quencher, this small Stanley Quencher is such a great gift to give her. It’s perfect for holding a small iced coffee, a cold coke or iced tea to have throughout the work day.
17. Pura Air Diffuser
One of the best ways to create a welcoming environment in your classroom is to have something that makes your room smell good, but also something that isn’t going to distract your students too much.
Pura diffusers are great because the scents are made of such good ingredients and the teacher can control the device at the tap of her phone.
18. Iced Coffee Coozies
Does the teacher in your life love an iced coffee? If so, this adorable coffee cookie would be such a thoughtful gift to give her. It helps eliminate the drops of condensation on the cup and gives her the ease of having a water ring-free desk.
19. “Full of Gratitude” Homesick Candle
I can’t get enough of Homesick candles. Each scent is so spot on and nostalgic smelling. If you’re on the hunt for a cute and unique thank you gift, this candle would be a great one to give.
20. Pinch Provisions Super Spa Set
Teachers work incredibly hard, so any sort of pamper gift is so greatly appreciated. This one includes so much good stuff — a guy sha, sleep mask, ice roller, hair clip and more.
21. More is More Cookbook
If the teacher in your life loves to cook, then she’s going to absolutely love this cookbook. Its filled with so many delicious recipes and is super fun to read and use.
22. Embroidered Teacher Sweatshirt
We can’t think of a cuter and more useful gift than this sweatshirt. The personalized embroidered stitching of the teacher’s name is so sweet. Plus, you can choose the color of sweatshirt you love best.
23. Bistro tile mug
A cute mug is always a great gift for a teacher. We absolutely love how unique this Bistro Tile mug is. Select the letter mug of your teacher’s name and pair it with a Starbucks gift card of bag of coffee.
24. Williams Sonoma Coffee Cake Bread Mix
Some of my favorite gifts from my students were fun food mixes— whether it be for a delicious bread, hot cocoa, stovetop potpourri or a cracker snack mix. I loved having a little treat to take home and make for my sister and I.
This Williams Sonoma coffee cake is so yummy, but they come in so many other delicious flavors, so you can choose the one your teacher would like best.
