8 Best Back-to-School Teacher Gift Ideas

No need to wait for Teacher Appreciation Day to give the teachers in your kids’ life a special gift. These back-to-school teacher gift ideas are the perfect way to help get the school year started with smiles while blessing teachers at the same time. Not to mention, these ideas are practical and inexpensive to make!

What do you give a teacher for back to school?

Most schools send out letters of what kids need to bring to school at the beginning of the year, but the items are rarely specifically for the teacher. When it comes to getting the teacher things they can actually benefit from, these can be wrapped into a special gift and given directly to the teacher. 

As you’ll see from the ideas below, teachers love anything from hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to desk and door decor. Keep reading to see what we suggest getting teachers this new school year.

8 Best Back-to-School Teacher Gift Ideas

Teacher Survival Kit (Fun Loving Families)

Ask any teacher and they’ll tell you that the beginning of the school year can be exciting but they also anticipate getting a little under the weather. This is primarily due to being around lots of students and an influx of germs. To help teachers be prepared, you can give them a teacher survival kit filled with things like Vitamin C chewables, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, herbal tea, and healthy snacks.

Teaching is a Messy Job Gift Basket (Gluesticks)

This is a great back to school teacher gift idea, especially for elementary school teachers. And the best part is all of the items can be purchased at the Dollar Tree. All you need is a wire basket, different colored paints, paint brushes, scissors, and Wet Ones wipes for cleaning up messes. The special touch to this specific gift is a personalzed gift message that lets the teacher know you are available to help if he or she needs a hand.

Start the Year of “Write” Teacher Gift (Whipperberry)

There’s no doubt that teachers do A LOT of writing throughout the school year, so this gift idea would fit right in. You can choose a regular spiral notebook or purchase an actual teacher journal, planner, or notebook. Put it together with a package of cute pens or pencils and top it off with a nice note and you’re all set!

One Smart Cookie Gift Box (A Pumpkin and a Princess)

If you have more than one child who also has multiple teachers, this is the perfect gift that will go a long way and won’t break the bank. A Pumpkin and a Princess created a cookie teacher gift printable that can be used on small gift boxes (or bags) of cookies. Simply bake a few batches of cookies and divy them up between all the teachers, attach the printable, and that’s it. Teachers will get a sweet treat and a sweet note at the same time.

Colorful Pens Teacher Gift (The Resourceful Mama)

Teachers LOVE pens (and pencils)! Gift the teachers in your life with a pack of colorful pens and a printable message by The Resourceful Mama that says, “Looking forward to a colorful year with you as my teacher!” This is a gift that’s sure to make her smile.

DIY Crayon & Chalkboard Wreath (A Pumpkin and a Princess)

Grab the kiddos and let them help you make a crayon wreath with a chalkboard center. All you need is a circle wreath form (unfinished wood works best), a box of crayons, a small chalkboard, and other school-related embellishments of your choice. Follow the tutorial over at A Pumpkin and a Princess to see just how easy this wreath is to make. The teacher on the receiving end will be thrilled to hang this on their classroom door.

DIY Apple-Stamped Tote Bag (Crayons and Croissants)

Easily make this do-it-yourself tote with the help of your little one. The next time you’re at the Dollar Store, pick up a small to medium sized plain tote and some red and green paint. Cut an apple in half and let your little one make apple stamps on the bag. Now his/her teacher will have a personalized tote to carry their belongings in.

Crayon Vase Gift Idea (Sugar Bee Crafts)

All you need to make this unique back to school teacher gift idea is a tin can (or small jar), and package of crayons, hot glue, and a ribbon for embellishment. Hot glue the crayons all around the can and finish it off with a ribbon tied bow. You can put pens, pencils, or even flowers inside the jar for super cute desk decor. 

Final Thoughts

With a new school year approaching, don’t forget to give teachers a special little something to help them start with smiles. Little gifts like these can go a long way and would mean a lot to those on the receiving end. Which gift(s) are you most excited about trying? Let us know in the comments below!