21+ Best Back To School Teacher Gifts

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Here are 21+ of the best back to school teacher gifts that you can easily DIY with just a few supplies and a little bit of time.

21+ back to school teacher gifts

Do you have fond memories of your teachers from elementary school? I can’t remember all the details but I remember Mrs. Rudisill.

She was a kind, tall woman who was my first grade teacher. (I think. Who can remember all those years ago?!)

I was the gawky shy kid (still am sometimes!) She always encouraged me and made me feel so welcomed and valued in that new school year.

Books were my friends back then, and Mrs. Rudisill made sure we learned to read and love them as well. 

Fast forward to 1994 and our decision to homeschool. Our oldest daughter was five and it was time to decide her future education. Little did I know we would end up adopting a sibling group off three children and homeschooling all five over 23 years. 

I know my love of learning was planted early through a caring teacher. Even if you’re not a homeschool mom, you want to encourage the precious men and women who teach your children diligently every day with small gifts. This Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix is a favorite back to school teacher gift for your child’s teacher!

Today I’ve rounded up 21+ back to school teacher gift ideas from my favorite bloggers. Spend a few minutes with your kids and find a project to surprise and delight those new teachers this year!

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**If you’re not into the DIY aspect here are my favorite gifts you can buy!

Back to School Teacher Gifts you can buy!

(I’ve included some affiliate links for your convenience.  Click here to read my full disclosure policy.)

You are Amazing Stainless Steel Tumbler
Proverbs 31 Leather Bookmark
Cuff Bangle Bracelet
Big Heart Canvas Bag
Pocket Prayers for Teachers
101 Blessings for a #1 Teacher
Snarky Chalkboard Coloring Book
Gratitude Journal for Women
Thanks from the Very Hungry Caterpillar book

DIY Back To School Food Gifts for Teachers

Gifts in a Jar Chocolate Chip Cookies from Marty’s Musings
Simple back to school teacher gift using a pint sized mason jar and a chocolate chip cookie mix recipe. Perfect for Christmas presents, too!
Check out this DIY!
Pint Mason Jar Gift and Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix- Marty's Musings
Popcorn Gift with Printable from Farm Girl Gabs
Show your child’s teacher just how much you appreciate all that they do with this super fun printable and popcorn teacher gift.
Check out this DIY!
Teacher Appreciation Gift from Organized 31
You can make these DIY teacher apprecition gifts with supplies you have at home and a quick trip to the store for candy bars. 
Check out this DIY!

DIY School Supplies for the Classroom

Notebook Gift from Hunny I’m Home
Teachers can always use a few extra supplies at the beginning of the year, so if you need a fun back to school gift idea this year, this notebook and gift tag are perfect!
Check out this DIY!
Colorful Bean Bags from Laura Kelly Designs
Bean bags are a pretty quick project to complete.  They would be a fantastic gift to make for a primary teacher in your life and there are LOTS of great ways to use them!
Check out this DIY!
Organizer for Pencils and Markers from Juggling Act Mama
This upcycled desk organizer for the classroom is inexpensive and easy! By using some simple and inexpensive items, you can create a heartfelt back to school teacher gift.
Check out this DIY!
School Supplies Cake from Or So She Says
Making a school supplies cake is a creative way to give teachers a practical, useful, much-needed gift.
Check out this DIY!
Ruler Pencil Holder from Anika’s DIY Life
This easy wooden DIY ruler pencil holder is a quick and simple project made from scrap wood to organize a student desk or a DIY teacher appreciation gift.
Check out this DIY!
Crayon Holder Carousel from MJ Designs
A DIY crayon holder carousel project to keep crayons and pencils organized by available for kids to work on activities whenever they want.
Check out this DIY!

Personal Teacher Gifts

Bath Bomb Teacher Gift from DIY Beauty Base
5 creative ways to pack your homemade bath bombs (including an apple one) and present them as gifts for teachers. Each method comes with a free printable.
Check out this DIY!
DIY Teacher Gift from Squirrels of a Feather
If you are looking for an easy DIY teacher gift for that special teacher in your child’s life, look no further! This is a super simple DIY gift for teachers that can be put together in just a few minutes.
Check out this DIY!
DIY Teacher Journal from Our Crafty Mom
This DIY Journal is perfect for back to school teacher gifts and can be made with Dollar Store supplies in less than fifteen minutes!
Check out this DIY!
DIY Teacher Mug from Burton Avenue
These gifts are great for teacher appreciation week or for gifts throughout the year.   You could also add a special note or a gift card to make them even better.  Most of the items are from the dollar store, so these gift ideas really are inexpensive to make.
Check out this DIY!
Star Appreciation Gift from A Crafty Mix
 This easy to make bead star is a lovely appreciation gift idea that shows just how much you value their dedication and specialness.
Check out this DIY!
Tote Bag and Cup from Tastefully Frugal
Check out these fun tote gift bags and cup and other fun ideas you can score at the Dollar Store. PLUS print your FREE Teacher’s Favorites List and give it to your teacher.
Check out this DIY!

Fun Teacher Gifts To Make Yourself

Chalkboard Clipboard from Simplicity in the South
This handmade chalkboard clipboard can be used all year. The writing is done with a white marker, so it resembles the look of chalk but stays put when the chalkboard is wiped off.
Check out this DIY!
Washi Tape Clipboard from Cookies Coffee and Crafts
Made with wash tape this clipboard is colorful, pretty and personalized. Would make a great first day of school for child's new teacher, teacher appreciation or as a gift for the holidays.
Check out this DIY!
Flower Pot Pen Holder from FrugElegance
This project not only decorates the teachers desk- it will keep their pens from getting lost!
Check out this DIY!
Apple Name Tag from Three Little Ferns
In less than 10 minutes, two teacher gifts done! Cricut Explore teacher gift idea. Easy peasy apple squeezey!
Check out this DIY!
First Day of School Gift from On My Kids Plate
This super easy DIY dry erase marker gift is a great way to say thanks 
Check out this DIY!

FAQs about the best teacher gifts

It can be nerve wracking on the first day of the school year to meet your child’s new teacher. A small token of gratitude and hope for the new school year could help ease your child’s anxiety.

Many teachers use their own money to purchase school necessities for their classrooms. Sending more than the required supplies like extra sharpies, hand sanitizer, glue sticks, etc. would be appreciated!

An Amazon gift card or even one from Starbucks would make a great teacher gift and allow flexibility for the teacher as he/she begins the school year.

21+ back to school teacher gifts

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One Comment

  1. If AI were a student in a classroom, it would definitely be the kid everyone’s side-eyeing, suspecting it of being the teacher’s pet while secretly cheating on every test. With tools like ChatGPT, students now have a supercharged sidekick, helping them cut corners faster than ever. It’s not just helping with homework; AI is essentially a digital tutor, except this one might also do your test while you’re chilling. The rise of AI in academic cheating is a new twist to the old story of students bending the rules. According to https://proctoredu.com/blog/tpost/5dk67zrns1-academic-dishonesty-statistics the stats are staggering, with nearly 43% of students using AI for assignments. What’s even crazier is that many know it’s cheating but still think, “Eh, I’ll probably get away with it.” 🤨 Maybe we need to shift gears and make integrity cool again. Some suggest implementing digital proctoring or, you know, reminding students they’re actually in school to learn. But one thing’s clear—AI isn’t leaving the classroom anytime soon. So, unless we start adapting, education might turn into a big, high-tech cat-and-mouse game!