It’s back-to-school season, and as students gear up for a new year of learning, it’s also the perfect time to think about showing appreciation for the educators who will guide them. While teacher gifts are by no means obligatory, a small token of gratitude can go a long way in acknowledging their hard work and dedication. As a former teacher myself, I can attest that any gesture of support from parents, whether big or small, is always deeply valued – be it a kind word, an email, or a thoughtful gift. It’s a challenging profession, and knowing that their efforts are recognized truly makes a difference.
To help you find the perfect way to say “thank you,” I’ve compiled a range of back-to-school teacher gift ideas to suit every budget. Many teachers also create Amazon wish lists, which can be a fantastic resource for finding items they genuinely need and want for their classrooms. Consider these ideas, many of which can be paired with free printable tags for that extra personal touch!
A brightly decorated classroom door welcomes students back to school.
Printable Tag Directions: Adding a Personal Touch
For many of the following gift ideas, printable tags can elevate a simple present into something truly special. Here’s how to use them:
- Download and Save: Beneath each gift idea, you’ll find links to download printable tags in both PDF and JPEG formats. Save your preferred file to your computer.
- Print on Cardstock: For the best results, print the tags on heavy white cardstock from your home printer or a print shop like Costco, Sam’s Club, or Office Max. Cardstock provides durability and a professional look.
- Attach the Tag: Secure the tag to your gift using ribbon, glue dots, or tape. For a whimsical touch, attach it to a dowel rod or skewer and insert it into a plant or gift basket.
- Personalize it: Encourage your child to sign their name on the front of the tag and write a heartfelt note to their teacher on the back. Teachers treasure these personal messages and often keep them for years to come.
The Teacher Survival Kit: A Gift of Practicality and Care
One of the most thoughtful and practical back-to-school teacher gifts is a “survival kit.” This is essentially a collection of useful items that can help teachers navigate the busy school day and take care of themselves amidst their demanding schedules.
A teacher survival kit tub filled with various supplies.
You can assemble a survival kit in a tub, basket, or even a decorative container. I found a great tub here, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand or find appealing. These stackable containers here are also excellent options and come with lids for easy storage and organization in the classroom.
Close-up of stackable containers, ideal for a teacher survival kit.
What to Include in a Teacher Survival Kit:
Consider items from the teacher’s Amazon wish list if they have one. Otherwise, think about everyday essentials and little luxuries that can make their day easier:
- Personal Care: Hand sanitizer, lip balm, mints, dry shampoo, tissues, pain relievers, hand lotion, disinfecting wipes.
- Energy Boosters: Healthy snacks, granola bars, trail mix, tea bags, coffee pods, energy drinks (check school policy on caffeinated beverages for teachers).
- Classroom Essentials (Small Sizes): Sticky notes, paper clips, binder clips, mini stapler, colorful pens.
- A Touch of Fun: A small gift card to a coffee shop or bookstore, a funny pen, or a relaxing aromatherapy item.
Another version of a teacher survival kit with a printable tag.
Remember to personalize the kit to the teacher’s preferences and grade level. A high school teacher might appreciate different items than an elementary school teacher.
Printable Tags for Teacher Survival Kits:
These printable tags add a charming touch to your survival kit.
Printable tag design for a Teacher Survival Kit.
Teacher Survival Kit jpeg
Teacher Survival Kit pdf
Alternative printable tag design for a Teacher Survival Kit.
Survival Kit jpeg
Survival Kit pdf
Queen (or King) of the Screen: Tech-Savvy Gifts for Educators
In today’s increasingly digital classroom, teachers spend a significant amount of time in front of screens. Blue light blocking glasses are a thoughtful gift, especially for teachers who teach virtually or use technology extensively in their lessons.
Blue light blocking glasses with a printable tag.
You can find stylish and effective blue light blocking glasses here. Pair them with the “Queen of the Screen” printable tag for a fun and functional gift.
Printable tag design for blue light blocking glasses – "Queen of the Screen".
Queen of the Screen jpeg
Queen of the Screen pdf
Wishing You a FAN-tastic Year: Gifts to Keep Teachers Cool
For teachers who spend time outdoors for bus duty, recess supervision, or extracurricular activities, a portable fan can be a lifesaver, especially in warmer climates or classrooms without adequate air conditioning.
A teacher wearing a neck fan outside.
Neck fans, like this popular one available in various colors here, are a fantastic option. They are hands-free, rechargeable, and offer different speed settings. Even if they get a few curious looks initially, the comfort they provide will quickly win teachers over!
Close-up of a portable neck fan.
Alternatively, consider other portable fan styles. No matter the style, the “Wishing you a FAN-tastic year!” tag adds a playful touch.
Printable tag design with a fan pun – "FANtastic year".
Fantastic year jpeg
Fantastic year pdf
Let’s Start This Year Out WRITE: Gifts for the Love of Writing
Encourage creativity and classroom preparedness with gifts centered around writing supplies. This could range from high-quality pens and stationery to colorful chalk or specialized markers, depending on the teacher’s grade level and subject.
A collection of colorful pens and writing supplies.
The “Let’s Start This Year Out WRITE” tag is versatile and works perfectly with any writing-related gift.
Printable tag with a rainbow design for writing-related gifts – "Let's Start This Year Out Write".
Rainbow Write jpeg
Rainbow Write pdf
Hands Down, the Best Teacher: Gifts of Cleanliness and Health
In today’s world, hand sanitizer is always a welcome and practical gift. Show your teacher you care about their well-being with a high-quality hand sanitizer or a set of sanitizing wipes.
Various hand sanitizers available online.
Pair your hand sanitizer with a “Hands Down” printable tag for a touch of fun.
Printable tag design with a blue hand and "HANDS DOWN" text.
Hands down jpeg
Hands down pdf
Alternative printable tag design with pink accents for "Hands Down".
Hands Down jpeg
Hands Down pdf
One Smart Cookie: Sweet Treats to Start the Year
A classic and always appreciated gift is a sweet treat! Whether homemade cookies, store-bought gourmet cookies, or other baked goods, a little indulgence can brighten any teacher’s day.
A "Smart Cookie" teacher appreciation gift with cookies in a bag.
What You’ll Need for Cookie Gifts:
- Cookies (homemade or store-bought – consider allergies and dietary restrictions)
- Plastic goodie bags
- Ribbon or string
- Hole punch (optional)
- Printable tags
Printable tag for cookie gifts with "One Smart Cookie" text.
Smart Cookie jpeg
Smart Cookie pdf
With You as My Teacher, I’m Sure to GROW: Lasting Gifts of Appreciation
A plant or flowers is a wonderful and budget-friendly way to show appreciation that lasts beyond the first day of school. Choose a hardy plant like a succulent, a cheerful bouquet of flowers, or even a small herb garden.
A potted plant as a teacher appreciation gift.
What You Need for Plant Gifts:
- A plant, flowers, cactus, succulent, etc.
- Printable tag
- Dowel rod or skewer (optional, for sticking tag into soil) or ribbon
A close-up of a plant in a pot, ready to be gifted.
Printable tag for plant gifts with "Sure to Grow" text.
Grow jpeg
Grow pdf
Gift Card Holders: The Always Appreciated Gift of Choice
Gift cards are consistently a favorite among teachers, and for good reason. The start of the school year often involves teachers spending their own money on classroom supplies and decorations. A gift card can help offset these costs, treat them to a meal out, or simply allow them to indulge in something for themselves.
Printable gift card holders for teachers with "FIRST DAY GIFT CARDS" text.
Consider gift cards to:
- Office supply stores: For classroom necessities.
- Restaurants or coffee shops: For a well-deserved treat.
- Bookstores or online retailers: For personal or classroom resources.
- Spas or experiences: For relaxation and self-care.
Find a variety of printable gift card holders here.
Custom Teacher Sign: A Personalized Classroom Decoration
For preschool or elementary school teachers, a custom-made teacher sign can be a charming and personalized gift that adds a welcoming touch to their classroom.
A custom teacher sign with a child's name and handprints.
You can find adorable design options for custom teacher signs here and here. Involving your child in creating or selecting the sign makes it even more meaningful.
A child gifting a custom teacher tray to their teacher.
Remember, the most important aspect of any back-to-school teacher gift is the thought behind it. A genuine expression of gratitude and support will be appreciated, no matter the size or cost of the gift. Here’s to a fantastic school year for teachers, students, and parents alike!
