If you’re looking for first day of school teacher gift ideas, you’ve found them. I’ve compiled over 60 simple and inexpensive gifts that you can make and buy to show your child’s teacher appreciation on the first day of school!
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The first day of school is always an exciting and nervous experience. I’m always so excited for my girls to start a new school year, but there’s apprehension there, as well.
Meeting their new teacher is one thing that always helps ease some of those first day of school nerves and what’s a better way to meet a new teacher than giving him or her a back to school gift! It makes a great first impression, shows the teacher your appreciation, and breaks the ice during that first day.
First day of school teacher gifts don’t need to be extravagant or expensive. In fact, some of the most meaningful gifts are simple and heartfelt. A handwritten note from a student or parent expressing their excitement for the upcoming school year can go a long way in making me feel appreciated.
Other popular gift ideas include classroom supplies like markers, stickers, and notepads, or small treats like candy or a gift card to a local coffee shop. Whatever the gift may be, the thought and effort behind it is what truly matters.
Bringing a back to school teacher gift not only helps to establish a positive relationship between the teacher and the student/parent, but it also shows that the student/parent values and respects the teacher’s hard work and dedication.
A thoughtful gift can also help break the ice and ease any first-day jitters. It can help create a warm and welcoming environment in the classroom, which is essential for a successful school year.
First-day teacher gifts can also serve as a way for students/parents to express their gratitude and appreciation for all the hard work that teachers put in throughout the year. It’s a small gesture that can go a long way in boosting a teacher’s morale and motivation, especially at the beginning of a new school year.
While they are not necessary, first-day teacher gifts are a thoughtful and appreciated gesture that can help set a positive tone for the school year. So with that, let’s get into this huge list of over 60 back to school teacher gifts that are simple, some DIY, and inexpensive!
Types of First Day of School Teacher Gifts
I’m a busy Mom so I really don’t have time to be building some extravagant teacher gift and my girls have at least 4 teachers each so I don’t have the funds for expensive gifts either. One way to help combat both of those is to DIY a teacher gift. Here are a few types of gifts to consider:
Handmade Gifts
A handmade gift can be a great way to show your child’s teacher that you put thought and effort into the gift. Some ideas for handmade gifts include:
- A personalized mug or water bottle
- A hand-painted picture frame
- A homemade candle or soap
- A knitted scarf or hat
When making a handmade gift, be sure to consider the teacher’s interests and preferences. And don’t forget to involve your child in the process, as it can be a great way to teach them about the importance of showing gratitude and appreciation.
I am absolutely in love with this adorable pencil crochet cup sleeve. If you know how to crochet, or want to learn, it would make such a fun first day of school teacher gift. You could even include a small gift card to Starbucks or a local coffee shop inside a paper coffee cup with it.
Store-Bought Gifts
If you don’t have the time or skills to make a handmade gift, a store-bought gift can be just as thoughtful. Some ideas for store-bought gifts include:
- A gift basket filled with the teacher’s favorite snacks or treats
- A personalized planner or notebook
- A set of high-quality pens or markers
Also remember when choosing a gift, it’s important to consider the teacher’s interests and needs, as well as any school policies or guidelines. I love gifting wine, but make sure it’s acceptable at your school before you do!
Choosing a store bought gift doesn’t mean there wasn’t thought put into the gift. It’s also a great way to give teachers items they will need in their classroom, or that were on your child’s school supply list. And don’t forget to include a handwritten note with your gift to let them know how much you appreciate their hard work.
Gift Cards
If you’re not sure what to get your child’s teacher, a gift card is always a great option, for the first day of school gift or any time, really. Some ideas for gift cards include:
- A gift card to a local restaurant or spa
- A gift card to a teacher supply store
- A gift card to a popular online retailer
And don’t forget to include a heartfelt note to let them know how much you appreciate their hard work. You can make gift cards extra special by attaching adorable, customized tags like these I found on Etsy.
Another factor to consider when choosing a gift is practicality. Teachers have a lot of supplies and materials to keep track of, so a gift that is practical and useful will likely be appreciated. Consider items like classroom supplies, organizational tools, or gift cards to stores where teachers can purchase supplies.
Along those lines, think about what might not be so practical too. I know teachers love special knick knack type gifts or mugs, but think about just how many they probably have. You’ll find that most of the ideas in my list of first day of school teacher gifts below do not fall into that category.
First Day of School Teacher Gift Ideas
What's better than sending in all your kids school supplies on the first day? Turning them into a gift! Send some extra classroom supplies in a cute basket and call it the perfect gift for a new school year.
These are afforadable and so cute - this Etsy seller will personalize an eraser and pair it with dry erase markers for a cute teacher gift idea.
Another great option for printable gift tags on Etsy. These are expecially great for teacher appreciation week.
Here's another great personalized item you can order from Etsy. What teacher wouldn't love a roll full of stickers to use in their classroom.
While knick knack type gifts aren't my favorite to give usually, I just love this one. This Etsy seller makes personalized paper weights that would be so cute on any teacher's desk.
A planner is one of the best teacher gifts because we know a good teacher is an organized teacher. This one is very inexpensive on Amazon and comes wiht stickers too!
No matter what your first day of school teacher gift is, show your appreciation with these adorable personalized gift tags. You can order and print right from Etsy.
This colorful paper clip set comes with over 300 different clips and definitely fall under the useful gifts category for any teacher.
Sticky notepads are often on a school supply list and these motivation ones are sure to make a teacher smile.
While I know a mug isn't a unique gift, this type of mug is just so trendy and adorable!
This gift box is all you need and contains some of the best teacher gifts - I just love those funny socks. If you're looking for a quick purchase, you can find this one on Amazon and it's already bundled in a nice gift box.
If you live in a town with a donut shop, donut pass up the opportunity for the perfect gift!
I can't get over how CUTE this soap container is and really how inexpensive and useful the gift is too. Get the full tutorial in this blog post.
This pencil tags are adorable - they can be used as a gift tag or even given as a gift themselves for an ornament or decoration.
A cookie jar is always a great gift idea and teachers love cookies too. These are such an inexpensive and DIY option to give, especially if you have a lot of teacher gifts to give.
Staying right on trend with DIY gifts, these adorable bath bombs are perfectly teacher themed - they look and smell like an apple!
Another amazing DIY gift option is this olive oil. I'm sure purchasing the jars makes it a little more expensive, but it's such an amazing gift idea.
I included one other cookies in a mason jar type gift because this one's presentation is a little different.
I've done this one before, but I used them as holiday gifts one year. You can purchase wood slices for relatively cheap on Etsy and paint just about anything you want on them.
What a fun idea if you have a Cricut machine you can personalize an inexpensive cup and fill it with little "me time" gifts for teachers.
I feel like I need to crochet just so I can gift these adorable cup cozies! If you wanted to bring the gift up a notch, you could even put it around a paper coffee cup and include a gift card inside.
Buy some sticker paper and then print these FREE back to school planner stickers for your child's favorite educator to use in their own planner.
While I may not use this as the gift itself, it's a great thing to include with your gift, especially at the beginning of the year. It will help you include some small gifts that your teacher will love throughout the year.
It's such an inexpensive, but cute gift - a seed packet with the adorable "Thanks for helping me grow" tag.
These are the cutest Oreo truffles I've ever seen and if you are up for the challenge, I'm sure any teacher would appreciate them!
If you've never made soap, you might be surprised that it's actually pretty easy. These pencil soaps would be inexpensive to make after you have all of the supplies and they're so unique!
Another practical gift basket idea full of school supplies so teachers don't have to use their own money to buy extras.
Making homemade vanilla extract has been on my list of to-do's for awhile now and it's a great first day of school teacher gift idea too!
This blogger has a list of 15 different, practical gift ideas, including hand sanitizer. While it may seem like a small gift, it's definitely something a teacher will use in the classroom.
Sometimes the gift is all about the tag and this one is perfect for pairing with coffee or a coffee gift card.
Kids aren't the only ones that like a sweet treat. This blog post has different printables depending on the candy you choose to gift.
School supplies are always a huge hit, especially when they're given at the beginning of the year and with an adorable custom tag like these.
If your teacher loves coffee, this adorable basket is a great gift idea and includes a mug, coffee, and creamer.
It's so simple, but so cute for a child's favorite teacher.
Here's another way to put together a teacher's gift without using too much time and money, but with items that teachers usually need in the classroom.
Some of the best teacher appreciation gifts are SIMPLE! A play on words and a cute gift label make this drink one of my favorite gifts for teachers on the list.
If you're crafty and can sew, you could sew a teacher tote bag. If not, you can always pick up inexpensive tote bags for them to use in the classroom or for shopping trips.
Mums are usually in season when school is starting back so they make a great gift choice. The teacher can also plant them and remember your child every year with this thoughtful gift.
Everyone can always use good Sharpies and that's especially true for teachers. This easy idea comes with printable tags to attach.
Another cookie idea, but this one includes a mason jar of already baked cookies.
Talk about a play on words - this cute free printable tag is perfect to gift to any kid's teacher.
If you have a lot of jars at home, painting them to resemble classroom supplies is a fun gift idea for teachers. It's practical and easy on the budget too.
These little buckets are a great idea for teachers to keep on hand in the classroom with supplies that they might need daily.
Another vase on the list and I love this one because teachers could put remind notes and thumbtacks on it for a great desk addition. It's beauty meets function in the classroom with this DIY.
This blogger has it right and these are easy ideas to make any teacher smile AND have fuel for that busy first week - chocolate and caffeine!
Another cute idea to include items that teachers will need and adds a humourous spin with the free printable.
Buying candy in bulk and adding into a mason jar or other container is definitely an inexpensive sweet treat for the first day of school.
Baking muffins, especially banana muffins with this cute printable, is a great homemade gift for teachers.
This adorable berry themed gift is taken over the top with these inexpensive berry baskets. You can probably find them cheap at a local grocer or on Amazon.
Everyone loves popcorn and teachers are no exception. This adorable, mostly DIY teacher gift is relatively inexpensive and great when you have a lot of teachers to buy for.
If you have a teacher that loves Apple products, or you just want to play on the give a teacher an apple cliche, print this cute gift tag to go along with your gift card!
This is so cute and would be perfect for a younger grade teacher or even Pre-K and is definitely relatively inexpensive. All you need to buy is a box of crayons and a picture frame!
I love this idea of making a tote for your teacher with all your child's school supplies inside. This is simple and a gift that they can really use daily in the classroom.
If you are like me and have lots of mason jars in your storage, spruce them up with a little paint and they make the best DIY teacher gift!
Another practical gift turned cute - decorate a hand sanitizer bottle and then the teacher can just continue to refill with larger bottles throughout the year.
Talk about a gorgeous gift - this crayon bouquet says it's easy to make, but it looks a little more on the hard side. It doesn't require many supplies, so it would be a great one to try.
I love the idea of reusing items and this box and mason jars with labels are a great way to encourage teachers to do just that.
Simple but effective, these buckets are decorated and the teacher is given lots of extra classroom pencils as a gift.
We've all heard of diaper cakes, but this one definitely takes the cake for school - full of school supplies and a fun way to present as a gift on the first day of school.
Another vase, but this one is made out of pencils! I love that these can be a decoration, but also used, especially when supplies get low at the end of the school year.
Here's another great idea for labels as a gift for teachers on the first day of school.
Selecting a thoughtful gift for your child’s teacher on the first day of school is a great way to show appreciation and start the school year off on a positive note.
Remember, the most important thing is to express your gratitude and support for your child’s teacher. Don’t compete with other gifts or think yours is less just because it’s simple or inexpensive. A simple thank you note or verbal acknowledgement can also go a long way in building a positive relationship with your child’s teacher.