Simple Back-to-School Teacher Gift Ideas

As the 2023-2024 school year approaches, many parents and students are starting to think about what they can do to show their appreciation for their new teachers. Read on to see some ideas for teacher gifts and a resource for free teacher gift tags which you can use at the beginning of the school year and all through the rest of the year.

Traditional teacher gifts are often items that are helpful for running the classroom, such as school supplies or gift cards for school supplies. Other families take a different direction and give something that might appeal to the teacher on a personal level. Some of the most popular options include plants and edible treats.

Gift Plants to Teachers

Plants are a great choice for teachers, as they not only brighten up the classroom but also provide a natural source of air purification for all occupants of the room.

Some popular plant gifts for teachers options include succulents, air plants and small potted flowers, like orchids.

Provide Classroom Supplies

Many people would be shocked if they knew how much out-of-pocket expense many teachers take on when outfitting their classrooms for a new school year. While some school districts offer a spending allowance to certified teachers, other districts do not.

You might want to give a package of Sharpie markers, felt-tip pens, packages of glue sticks, Expo markers or similar types of materials. A few contributions here and there really help a teacher with being prepared and ready for the new school year!

Consider Personal Treats

While plants, cleaning supplies, school supplies and gift cards are all great options for back-to-school teacher gifts, some teachers appreciate gifts that are a little more personal. Items like chapstick, lotion or coffee mugs can be great choices, as they show that you’ve put some thought into what the teacher might like or need.

Consider putting together a small gift basket with a few different personal items, such as a cozy pair of socks or a scented candle. However, this can be a bit tricky at the beginning of the school year because it is very possible your family and your child may not know anything about your teacher’s personal preferences. Sometimes, it’s better to wait until Christmas or other times during the year to choose personal items for your child’s teacher. This way, you and your child will have gotten to know a bit more about the teacher by then.

Other personal treats to consider are edible treats. A cupcake or batch of cookies from your favorite bakery is the perfect gift to bid a teacher a sweet new school year!

Give Cleaning Supplies to Teachers

Alternatively, cleaning supplies can be a practical and thoughtful gift for teachers. Teachers often spend countless hours keeping their classrooms tidy and organized, and many times they buy those supplies with their own money. Consider putting together a basket of cleaning essentials, such as disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer and paper towels. You can even download a teacher basket gift tag with the cleaning supply theme.

Provide Gift Cards

No doubt, gift cards are often a safe bet, allowing teachers to choose exactly what they need or want. Consider options such as office supply stores, bookstores or local restaurants. If you know much about teachers, you might know that many of them are frequent visitors of Sonic and Chick-Fil-A!

Attach a Cute Gift Tag

Another way to add a personal touch to teacher gifts is by attaching cute gift tags. These can be easily printed out and attached to any type of small gift, such as candy bars, cookies or colorful pens. Free teacher gift tags can be found online or created at home, and can be personalized with a special message or the teacher’s name. Sometimes, you can also come across teacher gift tags in the Target dollar aisle, dollar stores and other places during the summer months.

This small gesture can go a long way in showing appreciation for all the hard work and dedication that teachers put into their jobs.

When choosing gift tags, consider the teacher’s interests or hobbies. For example, if the teacher loves coffee, a gift tag with a coffee theme would be a great choice. If your gift includes a plant, choose a plant gift tag. With so many different options available, there is sure to be a gift tag that perfectly matches the teacher’s personality and style.

Most importantly, have fun picking out the perfect back-to-school gift for your child’s teacher. Your child might enjoy being part of the process, as well.