With all of the focus on school supplies, new backpacks, class lists, and all of the other back to school to dos, we don’t want to forget to show our children’s teachers all the love at the start of the new school year! We know that with all of the other tasks on our list it can slip through the cracks, but back to school teacher gifts go beyond gift giving. It helps set the tone for your relationship with your child’s teacher over the course of the school year and gives you the opportunity to get to know her a little bit. And it gives your child the chance to be a part of giving the gift — talking to their new teacher, looking her in the eye while giving the gift, and introducing themselves.
Here are 10 great back to school teacher gifts you can give on the first day of school, at meet the teacher, or at orientation. Many of these are practical items they’ll actually use throughout the year and would work for teachers from preschool all the way through high school! Shop your favorites below — and don’t forget to download our free teacher gift tag printable, too!
1. Well Kept Screen Wipes
The Well Kept Screen Wipes are one of our favorite gifts to give year round! They keep screens (phone, tablet, and computer) clean, clear, and fingerprint free — a huge help when teaching little ones. You can pick a pack up in-store at The Container Store or order online. They’re only $7 and you could package them in a colorful bin with other school supplies for a super cute gift!
2. Food Gift
Who wouldn’t love to receive a loaf of homemade bread (see this fall post for inspiration!), cookies, pie, or even a bag of apples? Think beyond the gift box, so to speak, and get creative with consumable gifts! You can get so many cute baking supplies on Amazon to make even the simplest baked good look darling — and store-bought items work great, too! Many bakeries even have pre-packaged items you can gift, so be sure to check with your favorite local spot.
3. Joy Creative Shop Teacher Notepads
These Joy Creative Shop notepads are a hit with teachers every year! If you don’t know your teacher’s name in time to get something customized, these non-personalized notepads work perfectly. And they look so cute on a desk! Just tie up with a cute ribbon and you’re all set.
4. DoorDash Gift Card
If you’re looking for a last-minute gift that any teacher would love to receive, look no further than a DoorDash gift card! Teachers love being able to order in a coffee or non-cafeteria-food lunch for themselves — or even dinner after a long day. Tuck one inside a handwritten note and have your child hand it to them on the first day!
5. Package of Colored Sharpies or Felt Pens
Almost every teacher will tell you that pens are the school supply they appreciate most! They have a habit of disappearing throughout the year, so why not stock them up at the beginning of school with colorful pens? You can create a cute pen bouquet (just search Pinterest for lots of inspiration!) or tie up a package with a pretty bow. Add our free printable gift tag to top the whole thing off!
6. Stanley Tumbler
You can’t go wrong with a Stanley! Every teacher needs one to stay hydrated throughout the school day — and there are lots of pretty colors available in both the 40 oz. size and 30 oz. We love the new Orchid color, and you can’t go wrong with the Cream if you don’t know your teacher’s favorite color. You could also grab a tumbler in a school color!
7. Scout Bag
A Scout Bag (and this size in particular) is perfect for teachers — they can tote their things to and from the classroom in the morning, and you can fill with all kinds of goodies or school supplies to make a gift they’ll love opening. There are lots of color options, too!
8. NEST Candle Trio
Such a great gift to break apart and gift to multiple teachers! Wrap in cellophane, tie with a ribbon, and add a cute gift tag. Instant cute gift a teacher will love!
9. Personalized Eraser & Expo Markers
How darling is this personalized wood eraser and Expo marker set? It’s under $15 and comes wrapped and ready to gift! If you’re unable to order prior to the first day of school, you can always bring to meet the teacher night — or send with your child when it arrives!
10. Pouch Filled with School Supplies & Snacks
We love a curated gift! It shows that you put thought into your gift and took the time to think through the items you think they’d love. These cute pouches are $13 for a package of 5 — which is perfect for teachers and teaching assistants. Fill with pens, Post-It Notes, mints, and other items your teacher would love. This Amazon pouch is so cute, and this option from The Container Store is under $2 each!
We have an entire board our Amazon Storefront with more teacher gift ideas, too!
Want more inspiration and encouragement as your children head back to school? Look no further! We are your source for all things back to school — read all the blog posts here!
And if you still have a few items to purchase ahead of the new school year, be sure to browse our Back to School Favorites. Filled with everything you need to help make the year a success!
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