The search for end of year teacher gifts always starts the same way, with the realization that the last day of school is closer than you expected. To help you with finding the right present, here are my end of year teacher gift ideas.
It’s a long list but I really enjoy mixing in small business gift ideas, practical things teachers will actually use and sweet, personalized items.
Of course, the thought counts the most and a simple thank you card is special enough for teachers. But, in case you want to add a little extra appreciation, these ideas are here.
And, if you enjoy gifting teachers and students, be sure to check out these ideas for end of year gifts for students.
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What teachers actually want before summer?
Short answer: anything! Long answer: not more generic mugs! The best gifts for teachers are sentimental ones that they will treasure forever. My mom taught for 30 years and still has tons of sweet cards that students wrote to her. She loves them all!
Besides sentimental gifts, they love ones they could use right away for summer. Supplies for the upcoming school year are great too!
End of year teacher gifts for summer
1. Oversized beach towel
These Turkish beach towels are made purely of cotton (not the cotton blend options), comes in a bunch of colors, dries quickly, stays flat when folded and gets softer with each wash. They’re oversized and perfect for beach days for the teacher (and maybe get a few for you too!).
2. Beach tote
This canvas beach tote is perfect for anyone to take to the beach or pool this summer. It’s big enough for all their supplies and works as a end of year gift for both male and female teachers.
3. New book
If the teacher loves reading, find out what series they’re into and get them a book they don’t have as yet. Or put them on to a new series you’re sure they’ll love. New summer releases can be a great idea too. And, when you can’t think of any book to get, a gift card to your local bookstore is an option.
4. Sunscreen
Practical and useful, sunscreen is an excellent gift for summer for teachers. This sunscreen is a little pricey but is certainly worth it for the protection it provides, much like the teacher in class! Attach a sweet appreciation note with the gift too.
5. Powder sunscreen
If the teacher isn’t a big fan of cream based sunscreens, powder versions are always a great alternative. I really like this one from Hawaiian Tropic.
6. Picnic blanket
This is the kind of gift teachers won’t get a new one for themselves, but certainly something they will use at the beach, in the park or even in their backyard. It’s functional and perfect for the season.
7. Wide sun hat
Hats are a must every summer so why not make it a fun and light end of year teachers gift? You can opt for wide brim ones, hats with spf protection or easy to travel with ones.
8. Phone protection
If your teacher loves getting in the water or on a boat, pick up some waterproof cases for their phone. They can do underwater photography or just take unique photos at the pool from a floatie. I have these and they work really well.
Soothing end of year gifts for teachers
9. Candle in jar
I prefer beeswax candles. They burn better, last longer than soy and paraffin and are way healthier. Oh, and even the unscented ones smell like mild honey. They’re great. I love these particular beeswax candles that come with 3 wicks in a recycled glass jar. And, it’s perfect for the eco-conscious teachers.
10. Beeswax pillar candle
For something a little bigger, beeswax pillar candles are a great choice and last so much longer. They still have that delightful honey scent and are much better than the other types of wax.
11. Whipped tallow moisturizer
This whipped tallow with raw honey and shea butter is luxurious, deeply moisturizing and great to prevent dry, chapped hands and feet. After constantly sanitizing all year, teachers can do with the extra, unscented moisturizing power. This end of year gift is great for male teachers too and those with sensitive skin.
12. Scented tallow
For a scented tallow moisturizer option, I’m such a fan of this one with lavender. It smells like a spa and it’s the perfect entry product for a teacher that hasn’t tried tallow before.
13. Spa set
Spa sets are such fun end of year gifts for teachers. Choose ones that fit their favorite color and have items they will actually use. This gorgeous green one comes with a throw blanket, tumbler, crochet gift, candle, soap, socks and more.
14. Nice mug
Okay, I said teachers don’t want generic mugs, but this one is really nice. It’s handcrafted, super-sized, microwave- and dishwasher-safe. They could enjoy warm teas, coffee and even make a mug cake in it.
15. Lavender sachets
Tucked into a closet, drawer or even pillowcase, lavender sachets are delightfully scented, last for years and make the space smell floral and certainly soothing.
16. Linen apron
A beautiful, hand-stitched, linen apron is certainly a lovely end of year teacher’s gift. The teacher can use it for all his or her favorite hobbies from baking to grilling and gardening. It’s sure to be used and enjoyed.
Personalized last day of school gifts for teachers
17. Embroidered canvas bag
A new bag with their name on it will surely make any teacher melt. It’s a great gift for showing appreciation that they’ll definitely use. And, this could be one of their bags for the upcoming school year, who knows!
18. Customized tumbler
Ah yes, tumblers have been trendy for a while. And, you don’t have to get a Stanley to make a teacher feel appreciated. A customized, teacher-themed, double-walled stainless steel tumbler with the teacher’s name on it would be an amazing gift.
19. Custom fridge magnet
This may certainly be a unique end of year gift idea for teachers while being super sweet and thoughtful. A customized fridge magnet will make the teacher smile every time he or she sees it for many years to come. Oh, and it’s a pretty economical gift too.
20. Customized plaques
Take the appreciation sentiments from the magnet and turn it into a beautiful customized plaque. This one is made of acrylic and comes in a bunch of designs.
21. Personalized bookmark
For the teachers that love reading, bookmarks with their name on them are sure to get them excited. And, they could never have too many anyway so it’s definitely a practical present.
Fun and functional teacher gifts
22. Notebooks
Teachers can always use another notebook and planner. And, there are so many options to choose from. Ask which one is their favorite or get something super cute like this one.
23. Keychain
Small, simple, budget-friendly and has a kind message? Say yes to this sweet keychain that the teacher can attach to their keys, cards, and bag zippers.
24. Flair pens
The pens that are made for grading and journaling are perfect. These are smear-resistant, vivid, and a favorite for just about every teacher I know.
25. Puffy tote
So, there are beach tote and personalized totes already on this list, but I have to add another that’s functional and practical for every day use. Teachers can use it for work or when they’re out and about doing errands. It’s simple and has tons of pockets.
26. Lunch bag
Don’t stop at the tote, get a lunch bag that matches with it. In that way, the teacher has another lunch bag option to bring their snacks, drinks, and food to school in for the upcoming year.
27. A Stanley
Yep, by far the most popular stainless steel tumbler on the market, it’s the perfect appreciation gift for teachers who love staying hydrated throughout the day. Choose the colors they’ll prefer.
28. Great pens
Flair pens are one thing, but regular gel pens that can be used for everything also make great teacher gifts. These come in beautiful pastel colors.
29. Collapsible water bottle
If the teacher is an avid hiker or loves to go camping, a collapsible water bottle would be a great gift. It’s also pretty useful in the classroom when they forget their water bottle at home.
More end of year gifts
30. Plants
Plants are wonderful gifts for teachers. They could be flowers like orchids, herbs like parsley and mint, or even ornamental plants like snake plants. I always favor snake plants as gifts since they are so easy and low-maintenance.
31. Succulents
Succulents are also easy plants and make wonderful gifts. You can opt for a single succulent in a beautiful tiny pot. Or get a bunch.
32. Coffee
For the coffee loving teachers, their favorite coffee pods and packs would be a wonderful gift they can enjoy every morning. And, if they’re a bit more adventurous, you can pick them up a sampler pack of something new. Or get these cans of Starbucks espresso and cream.
33. Tea samplers
If they are not coffee drinkers, they may prefer teas. A beautiful tea sampler pack would be a delightful option.
34. Gift cards
When in doubt, a gift card and a sweet, appreciative note are great end of year teacher gifts. It could be for a bookstore, Amazon, Walmart, Target, their favorite coffee shop or even a restaurant they love.
Those are my ideas for teacher gifts for the last day of school. Hope you found some unique ideas here.
