7 Best Gifts for Teachers

Teachers work hard all year long to help students learn, grow and prepare for the next grade. They do it because they love their jobs and their students. Small gifts for teachers to show how much you appreciate them go a long way in brightening a teacher’s day. Gifts don’t have to be big, extravagant or expensive. The small, thoughtful gifts are often the ones that teachers cherish for years to come. At Pottery Barn, we’ve put together a list of the best gifts for teachers to help you say thanks to the educators in your child’s life.

 

Customized Tote Bags

A teacher’s work isn’t done when the final bell rings at the end of the day. Teachers often take home papers to grade in the evenings and on the weekends. A tote bag is a thoughtful and useful gift for teachers. It helps them stay organized and makes it easier for them to cart all of those papers and notebooks home at the end of the day. A monogrammed tote bag with the teacher’s name or initials gives it a personal touch to make it extra special. Customized gifts are often teacher’s favorites!

 

Wine and Wine Glasses

Many people like to relax after a long day with a glass of wine – teachers included! You can gift teachers a bottle of wine as a way to say, “thank you.” If your student is delivering the gift, opt for a pair of wine glasses. Stemless or monogrammed wine glasses are two fun options to consider. If you aren’t comfortable gifting wine, sparkling cider is another option. It maintains a celebratory spirit, and anyone can enjoy it.

 

Flowers for the Teacher’s Desk

Not all gifts have to be something that the teacher holds on to forever. After all, teachers have hundreds of students coming through their classroom over the years. That’s a lot of stuff to keep track of! A decorative vase of cut flowers goes right on the teacher’s desk to brighten their day. A live plant for a classroom window is another great idea for something a little longer-lasting. Consider gifting an arrangement of faux succulents or other greenery that the teacher can use at home, too.

 

Personalized Pencils

Many teachers have extra school supplies stowed in their desks – for themselves and for students! Yellow pencils might all look the same and be hard to keep track of. A teacher’s supply of extra pencils can dwindle down quickly. Personalized pencils in bright colors featuring the teacher’s name or an inspirational message are easier to keep track of.  The teacher can also use them at home. You can never have too many pencils!

 

Insulated Cups

Insulated cups keep coffee and tea hot or iced beverages cold. Your child can personalize and decorate the cup with the teacher’s name or with a special picture. Alternatively, a monogrammed or personalized cup looks great and won’t get lost in the break room. These are especially thoughtful gifts for teachers who appreciate eco-friendly options or want to reduce waste. Teachers are able to fill them up at their favorite coffee shops in lieu of getting paper cups.

 

Gift Cards

Are you unsure what your child’s teacher might love? You can never go wrong with gift cards. They’re simple gifts that are thoughtful at the same time. Gift cards let teachers choose what they want to purchase instead of getting something that they might not be able to use. Depending on the card you choose, teachers can outfit their homes or their classrooms with stylish decorations or organizational systems.

 

Handmade Gifts from Students

Handmade gifts from students are some of the most cherished gifts that teachers get. While they enjoy getting other items they use regularly, a handmade gift comes from the heart. Teachers feel truly appreciated knowing that one of their students took time to make something to brighten their day. It’s something that they hold on to for many years to come. Have your child use fabric paint to decorate a plain canvas tote bag. Or, decorate ceramic coffee mugs at home together for the teachers. If you know your child’s teacher loves coffee or tea, include beans or loose-leaf tea and a strainer with the mug.

 

Simple teacher appreciation gifts often mean the most. A small gift, card or note telling the teacher that their hard work is noticed brightens up their day and puts a smile on their face.