With all that your child’s teacher does for them, it’s only right to show them some love (in 2024, Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6-10 — but, of course, you can appreciate teachers anytime!). So what’s the best way to convey how much you value all of their dedication, patience and hard work? For starters, it doesn’t have to be a “just a gift card” this year. Conversely, you can also skip the big ticket teacher appreciation gifts.
“Over the years, I’ve gotten gift cards to every store and restaurant under the sun, and while they’re always appreciated and useful, it’s the little trinkets that come with a handwritten note that I never forget,” says Shannon Jensen, a teacher in Canandaigua, New York.
Alyson Schultz, a first-grade teacher in Cranford, New Jersey, agrees, saying that the small, thoughtful gifts always leave the longest-lasting impressions.
Want to show your teacher appreciation without breaking the bank? Check out these 13 affordable and unique teacher appreciation gift ideas any educator would love.
1. Macrame lanyards
These colorful braided macrame lanyards are perfect for teachers who have stuff to carry, whether it’s to and from class or during yard duty. They’re also perfect for aides, librarians, art teacher, and front office staff.
Where to buy: Macrame Braided Lanyards ($14, OhSoDarlingMacrame/Etsy)
2. ‘How Teachers Swear Coloring Book’
Teachers with a sense of humor — and a love of all the best and brightest non-swear, swear words — will love the shiitake mushroom out of this super-funny gift. Each page has a relaxing, ready-to-color mandala design containing a clean swear word.
Where to buy: “How Teachers Swear Coloring Book” ($9, Cultured Books)
3. Teacher Morse code bracelet
This sweet, understated bracelet is also a secret message for a favorite educator. The tiny Japanese Seed Beads are arranged to spell out “teacher” in Morse code. It’s dainty enough to go with a watch or other bracelets, or stack them and say even more. You can have it personalized, too!
Where to buy: Teacher Morse Code Bracelet ($14+, EmMaLoveCo/Etsy)
4. ‘Why You’re the Best Teacher Ever’ book
Your kiddo’s teacher preps and plans and grades and fills in report cards and then teaches all day, too. In return, let them know how much you appreciate all that they do with words from one of the kids they do it all for!
Where to buy: “Why You’re the Best Teacher Ever” Fill in the Love Book ($10, Knock Knock)
5. Personalized board erasers
Every good teacher deserves to have their very own personalized board eraser. What a wonderful and extremely utilitarian teacher appreciation gift idea!
Where to buy: Personalized Board Eraser ($13+, FEHomeEssentials/Etsy)
6. Custom classroom door sign
Give your child’s favorite teacher a lovely wood door sign to personalize their classroom. This extra-special, thank-you gift can be used year after year and moved to whichever classroom your teacher ends up teaching in next.
Where to buy: Wood Engraved Classroom Door Sign ($13, LuxCoShop/Etsy)
7. ‘Thank You for Helping Me Grow’ plant sticks
This simple thank-you gift says it all — just add one of these wooden plant sticks to a potted plant or simple floral bouquet. You can even customize your message if you like.
Where to buy: “Thank You for Helping me Grow” Plant Sticks ($2, HelixandBirch/Etsy)
8. Rainbow mug
You make the world a better place — an inspiring sentiment — plus a mug’s a vessel for caffeine. A win-win for teachers.
Where to buy: “You Make The World A Better Place” Rainbow Mug ($14, Mercari)
9. ‘After School Snack’ stemless wine glass
Yes, teaching is rewarding, fulfilling and inspiring. But let’s be honest — it’s also emotionally, physically and mentally exhausting. Give a nod to teacher’s much-deserved downtime with this cheeky wine glass.
Where to buy: After School Snack Stemless Wine Glass ($9, WhiteSandsEtching/Etsy)
10. ‘People Call Me Teacher’ t-shirt
Whether they’re working out, running errands or hanging out at the beach, this cute teacher T-shirt — which will remind them of their students — will definitely be put to good use. And for under $15, you really can’t go wrong.
Where to buy: “My Favorite People Call Me Teacher” T-Shirt ($15, PrintAndArrow/Etsy)
11. ‘You Rule’ tote bag
This tote says it all in two simple words: You rule. Personalize one for your favorite teacher as a thank-you gift.
Where to buy: Personalized “You Rule” Teacher Tote Bag ($9, LizzielaneBoutique/Etsy)
12. Teacher definition candle
Give your teacher’s olfactory system a break from smelling chalk and markers with this fabulous candle that can be purchased in 20 different scents from “Fresh Coffee” and “Ocean Breeze” to “Citron and Mandarin” and “Sea Salt and Orchid.” Wow! What a great way to wind down after a long day.
Where to buy: Teacher Definition Candle ($10, SweetBasilCo/Etsy)
13. ‘Off-duty’ teacher socks
Teachers will get a kick out of these silly “If you can read this…” socks, which are a good reminder that the next school break is around the corner. It’s only a matter of time until they’re kicking up their feet!
Where to buy: XYSOCKS If You Can Read This Teacher is Off Duty Funky Socks ($8, Amazon)
