Looking for back to school teacher gifts to give a good impression and say thank you in advance for helping my kid grow? I have a bunch of ideas here that go beyond apples!
The gifts here aren’t pricey so you don’t have to worry about affecting your budget.
Also, if you’re into getting gifts for teachers, stop by my ideas for curating a teacher survival kit, summer gift basket for teachers, and even end of year presents.
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What teachers want on the first day of school
Getting ready for back to school, teachers usually spend their own money on classroom decorations, fresh school supplies, and teaching aids. And, they aren’t reimbursed for these out-of-pocket expenses. So, the gifts that are sure to be appreciated are the ones she doesn’t have to buy herself, something fun for the classroom and a little comforting treat she can enjoy after work.
The apple decor and mugs can probably wait for another time.
Classroom supplies
Stationery set
Stationery is a great gift to start the year off. You can opt for stationery sets like this aesthetic one from Four Candies for around $20! It comes with pens, pencils, refills, erasers, highlighters and a cute case for everything.
Flair pens
Flair pens are a teacher’s favorite! They are bright, bold, and great for creating posters and correcting homework. Get an assorted pack and attach a sweet note to it with ribbon.
Notepads and stickies
Teachers are always taking mini notes and reminders in class. Add to her stock with these classic Post-it notes or the regular ole notepads.
Notebooks
Can a teacher have too many notebooks? I doubt it! I always loved new ones when I was a teacher. And, there are tons of options out there but nothing beats the tried and true ones from Paperage.
Sanitizing spray
Teachers have a front row seat to every flu and bug that enter their classroom. Help them stay protected with the cutest sanitizing sprays from Touchland. They come in a bunch of flavors too!
Rewards for the students
Kids respond so well to reward systems in the classroom. And, teachers enjoy rewarding their students and watching their little faces light up with excitement. Add to the teacher’s stockpile of rewards with these budget-friendly gifts.
Stickers
Okay, so these are not back to school teacher gifts per say, but the teacher will surely enjoy handing these out throughout the day. The stickers can certainly get the kids excited and interested in learning.
I really like these adorable ones.
Stamps
Much like stickers, stamps are a great reward system for the students. And, they’re quicker and easier to use when correcting homework. There’s enough variety with this stamp collection for the teacher to have fun with in class.
Decor she’ll enjoy
Cute crochet flowers
While fresh flowers may not be practical as a back to school gift for teachers, these adorable crochet ones are a great substitute. They’re sure to make the teacher smile and come in a bunch of different colors.
Appreciation plaque
A sweet, appreciation plaque is perfect for the teacher’s desk on the first day. It’s a beautiful little gesture.
Date decor
For a practical and aesthetic gift, this block calendar helps the teacher get the date right while being pretty to look at. It’s not too big and the kids can help change the dates.
Succulents
Mini succulents are so simple and such great gifts. They’re perfect for the classroom windowsill or the teacher’s desk. Oh, and they can survive without being watered for weeks.
Self care gifts for teachers
Burt’s Bees skin care set
I’m always recommending this classic Burt’s Bees skin care set – it’s perfect for just about everyone. It’s a gender neutral gift that comes with balm, lotion and more for keeping hands, feet and lips moisturized. And, after a day of sanitizing, their skin will surely be happy for the extra moisture!
Spa set
If you want to go for a more relaxing gift that the teacher can enjoy at home, a cute spa set is a perfect option! This particular one is aesthetic and comes with bath salts, pillow spray, soap and scrubs. She can have a self care moment after work with anything in the set.
Candle
Send the teacher best wishes with this lavender scented candle. It’s simple, sweet and comes with the perfect message on the front. The teacher can keep the candle on her desk as decor or take it home to enjoy its soothing smell.
Foodie gifts
Chocolate
Chocolates are sweet treats that are sure to melt the teacher’s heart, especially if she is a chocolate lover. You can opt for everyone’s favorite Ferrero Rocher hazelnut chocolate. Or buy a bulk pack of Hershey’s kisses or M&Ms and save some for your kid’s first day of school gift!
Spice blends
This one is certainly a unique first day of school teacher gift. It comes with multiple spice blends, based on countries and tastes like Jamaica, Thailand and more. That’s already awesome, but the blends also come in mini containers that are magnetic! The teacher can surely find some fun uses for the spices and the containers when she’s done with them.
More gift ideas
Gift cards
Help the teacher with her out-of-pocket classroom bills by getting her a gift card. It could be for Amazon, Walmart, Target, or a local bookstore. She can pick up what she needs for her lessons and have extras to get something fun for herself.
Those are my ideas for back to school gifts for teachers. If you enjoy gifting teachers, be sure to check out these ideas for curating a teacher survival kit, male teacher gifts, and even retirement gift suggestions for teachers.
