Back to School Gifts for Teachers (Thoughtful and Easy Ideas)
Coming from two past teachers, we love that back to school energy. There is nothing like the weeks leading up to a new school year full of excitement, nervousness and a whole bucket of emotions. While everyone is busy checking off their kids’ supply lists, we love using this season as a chance to welcome the teachers too. If you are looking for back to school gifts for teachers, we rounded up our favorite simple ideas that make a big impression without breaking the bank.
This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission when you shop through them, at no extra cost to you.
1. A Note About Your Child
Our favorite first week gift does not cost a thing. Write the teacher a short note introducing your child. Share what they love, what they are working on, and the little things that help them feel safe and seen. Teachers treasure these notes, and it gives them a head start on connecting with your kiddo from day one.
2. Gift Cards
Teachers spend so much of their own money getting classrooms ready in August. A gift card to Target, Amazon, or a local treat store is always a win. It does not need to be big. Even five or ten dollars says “we see you, and we are so glad you are our teacher this year.”
3. A Teacher Supply Station
Classroom supplies disappear fast, and most teachers restock them out of their pocket all year long. Fill a cute basket or bin with the basics and you will be their favorite family by Labor Day. Here is what we would grab:
- Ticonderoga Pre-Sharpened #2 Pencils
- Crayola Crayons, 24 Count
- Crayola Washable Markers
- Elmer’s Washable Glue Sticks
- Wide Ruled Filler Paper
- Expo Dry Erase Markers
- White Cardstock Paper
- Crayola Watercolor Paint Sets
- Scotch Magic Tape, 6 Rolls
- Swingline Stapler + Staples Value Pack
Then tie the whole basket together with this adorable back to school alphabet ribbon. It turns a pile of school basics into a gift that looks as good as it is useful.
4. Flowers on the First Day
A small bouquet on the first morning of school is such a sweet surprise. It brightens the classroom for weeks one desk vase at a time, and it tells the teacher someone was thinking about them before the chaos even started.
5. A Breakfast Treat or fun drink of choice
The first week of school is exhausting for everyone, teachers most of all. A smoothie, soda run, or a little bag of muffins dropped off at the front office can completely turn a Tuesday around.
6. Tissues, Wipes, and the Unglamorous Stuff
It is not cute, but it is SO appreciated. These are the things classrooms run out of first, and they are almost always on the teacher’s wish list:
- Kleenex Ultra Soft Facial Tissues
- Lysol Disinfecting Wipes
- Purell Hand Sanitizer Pump
- Ziploc Sandwich Bags
7. A Book for the Classroom Library
Pick a favorite picture book or chapter book and write a little note inside the cover from your family. It becomes part of the classroom for years, and your child will love spotting “their” book on the shelf.
8. A Favorite Things List
Send a short questionnaire the first week and ask about the teacher’s favorite treats, drinks, colors, and stores. Tuck the answers away and you will have easy, personal gift ideas ready for birthdays, holidays, and teacher appreciation week. We even made you a free printable version. Download our Teacher’s Favorite Things questionnaire here.
9. The Gift of Your Time
Time is honestly the gift most teachers want the most. At the start of the year, simply ask the teacher how you can help and what would lighten their load. Every classroom is different, so the best first step is just asking.
Some easy ways to pitch in: take cutting and prep projects home to work on while you watch a show, volunteer at class parties and field trips, help run the reading center, or come in and listen to kids read. Even one hour a month makes a real difference, and teachers notice every bit of it.
10. A Kind Email to the Principal
This one is completely free and wildly underrated. A short email to the principal about something wonderful the teacher did goes in their file and truly makes their year. Copy the teacher so they get to read it too.
Showing up for your child’s teacher at the start of the year sets such a happy tone for the months ahead, and it does not have to cost much at all. What is your go-to back to school teacher gift? We would love to hear in the comments!
Looking for end of year ideas too? Check out our post on thoughtful gifts for teachers.
