10 Fabulous Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Are you looking for the perfect gift for your child’s teacher? Well, Teacher Appreciation Week is typically celebrated during the first full week of May. With summer fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to show our teachers some much-earned appreciation! This year, skip the “#1 Teacher” mug and go for teacher appreciation gifts that are homemade and heartfelt to stand out in the crowd. Here is a round up of wonderful gift ideas to help you make your own DIY teacher appreciation gifts. If you like the idea, you can click on the link to visit the blog and get full instructions for each of these teacher appreciation gift ideas.

10 Unique DIY Teacher Appreciation Gifts:

Giving teacher appreciation gifts is a way to show gratitude and recognition for the hard work and dedication that teachers put into their job. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the lives of their students, and a thoughtful gift can be a meaningful way to thank them for their efforts. It can also help to strengthen the teacher-student-parent relationship and create a positive classroom environment. Additionally, giving a gift can boost the teacher’s morale and motivation, encouraging them to continue their important work with enthusiasm. Here are 10 of the best teacher appreciation gifts that you can make yourself.

1. DIY Felt Apple Coasters-Tutorial at Purl Soho

These adorable little felt apple coasters are sweet and useful.  Inexpensive, easy to make (you can easily hand stitch them), and cheerful, these playful apples are just what the teacher ordered!

2. DIY Pencil Flower Bouquet

School supplies are traditionally given at the beginning of the year, but these elegant flower pencils are perfect all year round.  This DIY teacher gift is wonderfully versatile, as the color, shape, and style of the bouquet can match any design you imagine!  (To eliminate the need for wire cutters, you could switch out the pearl pins for decorative thumbtacks.) See the whole tutorial for the Pencil Flower Bouquet.

3. DIY Pom Pom Bookmarks

These brightly colored pom pom bookmarks are marvelously simple but really pop!  Give them on their own or inside a book, journal, or notebook- you could even use them to decorate the wrappings on other gifts (instead of bows).

4. DIY Dipped Planter Pots

Teachers help our children grow, so why not give them something you’ve grown in return?  Plants are perfect for bringing the outdoors in, and these neon dipped planter pots are a contemporary, bold, and colorful way to contain them.

5. DIY Glass Magnets

Magnets are practical for the classroom and at home, and these cheerful little ones are a cut above the rest.  You can personalize these diy glass magnets with scrapbook paper, words and phrases, or little photos.

6. DIY Chalkboard Globe

Every classroom needs a good globe, and a chalkboard globe is interactive with a modern flair. Both a beautiful decorative piece and an essential tool for the classroom, this DIY teacher gift chalkboard globe will turn heads! The original tutorial was provided by Design Sponge which is no longer available but you can get a chalkboard globe through my affiliate Amazon link and then personalize it with chalk pens.

7. DIY Clay Alphabet Containers

My personal favorite, these air-dry clay containers are stylish and cool teacher appreciation gifts.  You could use any cookie cutter shape, but the letters give your containers a personal touch.  Leave them clean and white or add paint to give them a brilliant hue (I’m thinking metallic)!

8. DIY Backpack Gift Boxes

While not a complete gift on their own, these backpack gift boxes are an adorable way to wrap a teacher’s gift.  Fill them with candy, treats, school supplies, and more! I particularly love that these upcycle cardboard boxes and containers that would normally be wasted. Get the full tutorial at Crafting In The Rain.

9. DIY Spa Day

Teaching is a stressful job, so anything that can give them some much-needed relaxation is right on target. A homemade sugar scrub is luxury at its best; this Homemade Sugar Body Scrub is a natural way to indulge your hard-working teachers.

10. Teacup Candles

Burning a scented candle can transform a room with its fragrance and create a relaxing atmosphere.  These DIY Teacup Candles smell good and look pretty while burning!  Use whichever essential oils you desire for these beautiful candle diy gifts.

How To Present Your Teacher Appreciation Gift:

Presenting teacher appreciation gifts can be a thoughtful gesture. Here are some ideas on how to do it:

1. Personal Delivery: If possible, hand-deliver the gift to the teacher or allow your child to do so. This allows you (or your child) to express your gratitude in person and see their reaction.
2. Include a Note: Write a heartfelt, handwritten note expressing your appreciation for the teacher’s hard work and dedication. This adds a personal touch to the gift.
3. Decorate the Gift: You can add a special touch by decorating the gift wrap or bag. Consider using the teacher’s favorite colors or adding stickers or other embellishments.
4. Timing: Present the gift at a time when the teacher is not busy or during a break. This allows them to fully appreciate the gesture.

Teacher Appreciation Day is celebrated on different dates depending on the country. In the United States, Teacher Appreciation Day is part of Teacher Appreciation Week, which is observed during the first full week of May. Teacher Appreciation Day is typically celebrated on the Tuesday of that week. In 2024, Teacher Appreciation Day will fall on May 7th. However, dates may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check the specific dates for the current year.

Conclusion

Teachers give so much to help our children learn and grow. A handmade gift shows how much we care and how much we appreciate what they do.  I hope you enjoyed these teacher appreciation gift ideas! Other popular teacher appreciation gifts include gift cards, classroom supplies, and plants. If making things isn’t your thing, you may want to consider a gift card to a local coffee shop, bookstore, or office supply store. I hope you enjoy these great gift ideas for your favorite educators.

Teachers, what are your favorite gifts to receive?  Parents, what are your favorite DIY teacher appreciation gifts to give?

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