RD.COM Gift Ideas
ByCharlotte Hilton Andersen
Updated: Feb. 01, 2024
It can be tricky to find thoughtful and affordable end-of-year teacher gifts. Lucky for you, we’ve got the perfect cheat sheet!
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Say thank you with these end-of-year teacher gifts
Teachers have always been heroes among us. They shape young minds, inspire a love of learning, solve problems big and small, and comfort kids when they need it most. But in the last few years, teachers have become veritable superheroes as they’ve dealt with pandemic protocols, remote learning, and all sorts of new stress no one could have imagined. We can’t ever thank them enough, but giving them thoughtful end-of-year teacher gifts is certainly a good start.
“Gratitude from parents and students isn’t just a nicety—it is what sustains teachers through all the highs and lows of our jobs,” says Sunshine K., a school principal in Boulder, Colorado. That’s just one of the thingsteachers wish you knew.
What are the best gift ideas for teachers?
A coffee mug is the classic teacher gift, but that can feel impersonal, and teachers often have shelves of them already. Of course, you can’t go wrong with a gift card, since that can be used in any way a teacher needs, but you should also consider unique gifts and personalized gifts that they’ll actually use. And remember: It really is the thought that counts.
“What really makes a gift is when it feels personal and comes with a sincere message from you or your child,” says Sunshine. “Share how you saw your child grow this year and how their teacher helped. Those notes mean more than any trinket.” Here is how to write a heartfelt thank-you note for you teacher.
One caveat: Make sure that any gift you give follows your school district’s gift-giving policy, which generally means keeping the price tag under $50. Plus, keep in mind that giving anything too extravagant can make a teacher feel uncomfortable. You can strike just the right note with thesegift ideasguaranteed to make them smile.
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XYSocks “This Teacher Is Off Duty” Socks
These socks look like, well, regular socks from up top, but when you see the writing on the bottom, the hilarity ensues. They’re emblazoned with the not-so-subtle message: “If you can read this, this teacher is off duty!” What better way to start summer break than by encouraging them to put their feet up and relax? This is the type of end-of-year teacher gift thatsummer memes are made of!
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Toirxarn Metal Leaf Bookmark
Summer break is the perfect time to indulge in some fun reading—for students and teachers alike! Your teacher will love marking their spot with this handmade metal leaf bookmark featuring an ornate 3D butterfly and a colorful jewel-filled pendant. Add it to one of the best new beach reads for the perfect themed present.
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Cute Notebooks “Awesome Teacher” Notebook
The cover of this notebook sums up your appreciation perfectly: “An awesome teacher is hard to find, difficult to part with, and impossible to forget.” After all, a good teacher can truly change a student’s life. Have your child write or draw a favorite memory of their teacher on the inside cover or first page for a sweet and sentimental gift that will make them smile whenever they look at it.
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Amazon Gift Card
Sometimes the best gift is the one you let them choose themselves. Teachers often spend a lot of their own money buying supplies for their classroom,so giving them some money to spend on themselves will be incredibly appreciated. Amazon gift cards are a particularly great choice because they never expire or charge fees. Plus, you can get pretty much everything on everyone’s favorite online retailer! Just make sure to be smart about where you’re purchasing your gift to avoid these gift card scams.
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Teacher Swear Word Coloring Book
Everyone needs to blow off some steam at the end of the year, and teachers with a sense of humor will get a huge kick out of this unique swear-word adult coloring book. If swearing isn’t their thing, choose one of these other adult coloring books for a little old-school R&R.
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CaraKnots Reusable Tote Bag
Whether they’re headed to the grocery store or the library this summer, this cute canvas tote is the perfect size—and expresses the perfect sentiment. For an extra special touch, have your child write a note on the inside or back with a fabric marker to remind them why teachers love their job.
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Willow Tree Angel Figurine
This simple yet poignant angel figurine holding an apple perfectly captures the important role a teacher plays. And she’ll proudly display this hand-carved, hand-painted item on her desk for years to come. This end-of-year teacher gift would also make a thoughtful birthday gift for the right person.
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Tiny Expressions Teacher’s Notes
Between grading, going to meetings, stocking up on supplies, giving tests, and teaching the kids, of course, a teacher’s day is full. This handy notepad lets your favorite educator keep track of all the details in one place, as well as providing a spot to jot down the hilarious things students tell their teachers.
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Burt’s Bees Essential Kit
Your favorite teacher will appreciate that you’ve done your research with this best-selling Burt’s Bees set that has more than 22,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. It comes with travel-size versions of the brand’s popular deep-cleansing cream, hand salve, body lotion, foot cream, and lip balm. They’ll use these practical little products every day, at home and in the classroom.
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Dr. Seuss “Teacher of All Things” T-shirt
Give your favorite teacher a great way to show off what they do with this cute and funny T-shirt. It’s printed in the style of the Dr. Seuss “Thing 1” shirts but proclaims them a “Teacher of all things.”
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CoolBros Elephant Desk Organizer
Teachers can stay organized and productive with this whimsical elephant desk organizer that pulls double duty as a pencil holder and phone stand, not to mention a cool decor piece. The trunk allows for convenient phone positioning, while the back keeps everything else handy. It multitasks almost as much as your favorite teacher does!
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FlamingArts “Being a Teacher Is Easy” Notebook
If you’re a teacher, you get it. (And if you’re a parent, you get it too.) This humorous notebook gives educators the perfect place to get out their thoughts and feelings after a long, hard day so that they’re ready to get back to the craziness tomorrow in the sanest way possible. Even better? Journaling has been scientifically proven to reduce stress!
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Marvel Avengers “I Teach Future Superheroes” T-shirt
Know a teacher who loves The Avengers? They’ll really appreciate this Marvel T-shirt that shows their favorite superheroes as they were when they were children. Hey, maybe their students will save the day—and the world—someday, and they’ll have had a hand in making that happen!
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Aviento Blanco “Of Course I Talk to Myself” Mug
If you decide to go this route, choose a mug to match your favorite teacher’s personality. This microwave- and dishwasher-safe one proclaims: “Of course I talk to myself. Sometimes I need expert advice.” We’re guessing you know just the teacher to give this to. If you want to spend a little more, you could create a themed present by wrapping it up with a few small gifts for coffee lovers.
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Gift a Girl “Best Teacher Ever” Planters
Succulents are the perfect plant to keep on a teacher’s desk: They’re cute, they add a pop of color to any space, and they won’t die if someone forgets to water them. These adorable planters leave no question about who they’re for…or how you feel.
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Reliancer Teacher Stamp Set
These self-inking stamps are a cute and easy way for teachers to motivate and encourage students. Bonus: Each stamp automatically re-inks and lasts for a whopping 30,000 uses. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving!
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Hicarer Lanyard Necklace
Many teachers need to keep their ID badges, classroom keys, or other small items handy, and a lanyard is the perfect way to keep everything right where they need it and prevent it from getting lost. The only problem? They generally aren’t all that stylish. That’s where these adjustable, retractable lanyards come in. They’re incredibly functional, but they look a lot like a beaded charm necklace. Talk about a smart idea!
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MoCuishle Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager
Even the most patient teachers can get stressed out. Give the gift of relaxation with this portable shiatsu massager, which offers several heat and speed settings to relieve tension in the classroom, at home, or in the car. It’s a self-care gift they’ll use for years to come.
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Bloom Daily Planner Teacher Planner and Calendar
This detailed planner allows teachers to make comprehensive daily, monthly, and yearly plans for their classes. Tabbed dividers keep class periods separate, while pockets hold extra information, and the attractive and inspiring cover seals the deal.
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Breann Designs Teacher Stickers
From motivational sayings to cute pictures to funny memes, these vinyl stickers cover every aspect of being a teacher. Waterproof and removable, they’re a great way to decorate a water bottle, laptop, car window, classroom door, or any other smooth surface.
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Because I Had a Teacher
This sweet book is a testament to the power of great teachers, the love that children have for them, and the lasting legacy they leave. Pair this end-of-year teacher gift with a handwritten thank-you note from your child, or inscribe it with one of these uplifting quotes, and you’ll have a present that will be treasured for years.
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LoveVook Laptop Backpack
This stylish and professional laptop tote/backpack gets high marks from teachers for its durability and versatility—and not just because it looks great with a business casual wardrobe. With two separate compartments, it has a space for everything while keeping electronics protected. It even has a built-in phone-charging bank. Plus, at under $40, it’s a total steal, so you may want to pick up an extra for yourself!
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Urban Accents Movie Night Popcorn Set
Treat your teacher to a fun movie night with this deluxe flavored popcorn kit. With flavors like Buttery Caramel and Spicy Chili Lime, it’s the snack upgrade they didn’t know they needed (but totally do). Add in a pair of tickets to a nearby theater or a gift card to a local restaurant to make it a truly relaxing night off. They’ve earned it!
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Garden Republic Cactus and Succulent Starter Kit
Gardening is one of the most relaxing things you can do, and after spending a school year dealing with prickly little people, teachers may enjoy this cactus- and succulent-growing kit. It comes with everything they need to create a mini garden, including seeds, jute bags, soil disks, plant markers, shears, and a planting guide. Think of it as a very laid-back science project.
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Instant Portable HEPA Air Purifier
Teachers spend their days in stuffy, germy classrooms. Show your favorite teacher that you care about their health and happiness with this highly rated air purifier, which they can keep in their classroom or take home. While this air purifier is too expensive for a solo gift for a teacher, it could work as a gift from a few parents or the whole class.
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Originally Published: May 24, 2022
Author
Charlotte Hilton Andersen
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