21 DIY Teacher Gifts for the Upcoming Season (2024)

FAQs

What do you make for a new teacher? ›

These amazing pebble magnets are a super-simple craft to make for your teacher. All you need to do is grab some nice smooth little pebbles, magnets, glue, paint and paintbrushes. Once you've got them, create a personalised message or design on a piece of paper then decorate each of the pebbles. Simple!

Gift cards are always a safe choice. Sometimes the best gift is one they can choose for themselves. If you're in a pinch or don't know the teacher well enough to choose a more personalized gift, a gift card is the way to go — and will always be appreciated.

It is illegal to accept a gift that could be construed as a reward for a past official action or because of the position an individual holds in the decision-making process. It may be permissible in some states to accept an item such as a gift basket valued at less than $25 or $50.

So, what do teachers really want? It's simple, really—and fits every budget: notes of appreciation, school supplies and gift cards.

Gluesticks, pencils, paperclips, markers, sticky tape, office supplies, you name it - a teacher toolbox is a great way to ensure that you never run out of supplies and always have a clutter-free desk. Team them up with my teacher toolbox labels and you're one step closer to a perfectly organized classroom.

Provide them with swag like a school or district hat, shirt, and lanyard. Include an activity in your orientation that allows them to explore how their personal mission fits with your school or district mission. Process with them how their strengths can make your team better and stronger.

Handmade gifts often carry a greater personal touch, as they require time, effort, and thought to create. They can also be one-of-a-kind and unique, making them more memorable and cherished than a store-bought gift.

Teacher Stamp

After gift cards, personalized items came up the most often as a much-wanted gift. So teachers will delight in their very own stamps, created to look just like them, with their hairstyle, facial hair, glasses and other accessories.

There is no set amount you should spend on a teacher gift—it really depends on your budget. A good rule of thumb is to spend around $20-$30, but if you have a larger budget, you could go up to $50.

What's in a teacher survival kit? ›

Dry eraser board, pencils, scissors, bandages, Glade air freshener (class rooms get stinky after recess/pe) hand sanitizer, wet ones, pencil box, sticky notes, more pad, pens, ruler, glass with lid (fill with drink packets), Kleenex, readers, motivational stickers for kids, and paper clips.

It really depends on each individual family's circ*mstances, too. For some, $100 is right on the mark, while for others it's overly generous. It certainly seems that no one finds it stingy, however.

A letter or card. By far, this is the best gift a student can give a teacher. Teachers live to see their students' progress and growth, and the thing they treasure the most is a handwritten letter from a student thanking them and letting them know that they made a difference.