The Ultimate List of End of Year Teacher Gift Ideas

Whether it’s the end of the school year, you’re getting ready for Teacher Appreciation Week, or you’re planning for the holidays, you’re probably wondering what gifts teachers actually want. 

There really is no expectation around giving teachers gifts and you shouldn’t feel any pressure whatsoever to do so. But, if you are looking for ideas, I want to make it a little easier for you. 

If you’re looking for end of the year teacher gifts, the perfect gift is one that:

• fits your family’s capacity
• fits your budget
• is something the teacher can actually use

Why give a teacher a gift in the first place?

Maybe you want to show a teacher in your life how their hard work is appreciated. Whether it’s a gift for your kids’ teachers or your teacher friends, there are some tried and true gifts that will never disappoint.

It’s also true that many teachers spend their own money on their classroom materials for their students, so parents may think a gift is a great idea to give back in this way. Parents (or guardians) may also want to give meaningful end of the year gifts if their child was greatly impacted by a specific teacher that year. While every teacher does an incredible job, sometimes there are certain years where a teacher went above and beyond for a student that was struggling or it was a really good fit, and that parent wants to do something special.

Public school teachers and private school teachers work very hard to provide safe, fun, learning environments for their students, and whether you want to write a note, give a gift, or do something special for them, it is always appreciated.

So, here’s a list of an ultimate list of teacher gift ideas for that special teacher in your life. 

Handmade Ideas/Goodies

These gifts show thoughtfulness and effort because they’re crafted by hand. Personalizing items or making items allows students and families to add a personal touch, making the gift feel unique and heartfelt. This is also great if you’re crafty!

• Goodie bag: gather up some school supplies that teachers will always need (post-its, white-board markers, pens, notebooks) and put them in a fun basket or cute tote bag to add something fun and functional.
• Classroom sign: check and make sure they don’t already have one, but if you’re a crafty mom, your child’s teacher may like a personalized sign with their name.  Not crafty? Check out etsy or even this one on Amazon!
• Handwritten Recipe Cards: Write out some favorite family recipes on decorative cards and package them in a small recipe box or binder to share a piece of your family with your favorite teacher
• Customized Tumbler or Mug: Decorate a tumbler or coffee mug with the teacher’s name, a quote, or designs with permanent markers or vinyl stickers. You can get these at the dollar store too

Gift Cards

Gift cards offer teachers the flexibility to choose something they’ll enjoy. Whether for practical needs, personal indulgence, or classroom supplies, gift cards are easy, appreciated options that still show consideration. No one has ever been unhappy receiving a git card!

• Amazon: every teacher can find something on Amazon for their personal use or for the classroom if they choose to. Click here to get one!
• Target: always a solid option for fun dollar spot finds and the teacher in your life could definitely find a use for a target gift card.
• Walmart: there are a ton of school supplies at very inexpensive prices which stretch a dollar well
• Dollar Store: dollar stores have a ton of fun craft materials that teachers can use in the classroom all year
• Etsy: if your teacher is particular crafty or loves fun, artsy goods, this is the perfect place to get them a gift card.
• Bookstore Gift Card: For personal reading or for building up the classroom library, you can never go wrong with a bookstore gift card.
• Coffee Shop Gift Card: Perfect for a caffeine boost to start their day or enjoy on weekends.
• Craft Store Gift Card: Great for teachers who enjoy DIY or use a lot of creative materials in their lessons.
• Door Dash: For those days when they’re running late & forget their lunch, door dash can deliver right to their school!

Experiences

This is a category you may not have thought of! Gifts that focus on experiences are memorable and give us time to unwind, explore, or try something new. These experiences with help your favorite teacher relax and recharge during their time off. For some of these ideas, you may need to do a little digging, or have a more personal relationship with the teacher, but easy to do even if you don’t.

• Favorite restaurant: You can ask around if you want to keep it a secret, or just ask the teacher what their favorite food is. Bring them lunch one day, or give them a gift certificate.
• Tickets to a Local Event: If you know the teacher pretty well, look for upcoming concerts, shows, or community events they might enjoy going to over the summer.
• Spa or Massage Certificate: A relaxing day at the spa to help them recharge after a busy school year.
• Cooking Class: If you think the teacher enjoys cooking, maybe gift them a fun cooking class.
• Museum Membership or Passes: Perfect for a teacher who enjoys cultural experiences or exploring new exhibits, or teachers that have a family.
• Nature Park Pass: A pass to a nearby park or nature reserve for a day of outdoor adventure.
• Local Fitness Class Pass: A few passes to a yoga, pilates, or dance class they could enjoy over the break.

Sentimental

Teaching is a very personal professional and teachers get to know students on a deep level each year. They watch them grow, learn, try new things, and become better versions of themselves. Sentimental gifts capture memories, appreciation, and the impact a teacher has made. They’re often keepsakes that a teacher can look back on over the years, reminding them of the difference they’ve made in students’ lives. While every teacher doesn’t have room on their desk for 26 personalized pictures frames, these sentimental gifts below are a nice way to save the memory of a year without a lot of extra “stuff.”

• A favorite book: whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, if your child and family have a favorite book that you love, share it! Make sure to write a special message in the front cover so the teacher knows exactly who the special gift came from.
• Message Jar: Ask each student to write a small note of thanks or favorite memories, and put all the notes in a decorated jar for the teacher to read.
• Class Memory Book: Compile photos, drawings, and notes from students into a keepsake book.

Free Ideas

Regardless of your budget, the ideas below are all wonderful ways to give back to a special teacher. Free gifts show gratitude through thoughtful actions or gestures that don’t require spending money. They’re meaningful ways to support or honor the teacher’s hard work and can be organized by students or families to show appreciation.

• “Thank You” Video: Have each student record a short “thank you” message, then compile it into a video for the teacher to keep.
• Organized Class Clean-Up: Coordinate with other parents to clean and help the teacher organize the classroom at the end of the year as a surprise.
• Student Pledge Board: Make a pledge board with each student’s promise to use what they learned from the teacher, highlighting the impact the teacher has made.
• Volunteer Day: Offer your time to help with any classroom cleanup or packing at the end of the school year.
• Public Social Media Thank You: Use social media for something positive! Post a public thank-you note to the teacher on social media, tagging the school or district (if appropriate).
• Personal Recommendation: Write a heartfelt recommendation or review and share it with the school administration. Nice words go a long way!

These gift ideas are all great ideas to give to the teacher in your life for the end of the year and to start summer vacation with a bang! Remember, it doesn’t matter if you’re writing a simple thank you note, or adding a gift card, recognizing a teacher’s hard work and dedication will always be appreciated.

Each of these gifts can be given as a standalone or in a nice gift basket with other gifts, but don’t stress! Anything you decide to do is going to be perfect. 

Make sure to include the student in your gift by having them sign their name, draw a picture, or physically hand the gift to the teacher and say, “thank you.” Teachers will never teach with gifts in mind, but we will always enjoy connecting with students and hearing that we’ve made an impact in their lives.

By celebrating their dedication, we’re reminding teachers just how much their work is valued and remembered. Make sure to share this list with other parents in your child’s class so you can make the end of the year special for your child’s teacher!