Thoughtful Back to School Gifts Every Teacher Will Love

Make it a great first day all around!

September 15, 2023

By: Hadiya Presswood

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Photo By: Erik Isakson

Welcome Back to School!

With the school year approaching, there is a rush to gather book bags, textbooks, and school supplies. Of course, you want to make sure your student is prepared, but what about their teachers, who have been preparing for the new year too? Before the shopping rush is over, find a few thoughtful gifts for any teacher. Here are a few of our favorite picks.

Paper Apple

Give the traditional teacher’s gift a twist! This apple, made from a recycled book, is perfect for their desk, and you can add a special note on the leaf or include a thank you card. You can even choose between a red or green apple and pick the book you want it made from!

BUY IT: Etsy, $27.36+

Colorful Coaster

This school supplies-themed coaster is a nod to the teaching profession, and a great way to give the year a bright start — plus, it can double as a paperweight when assignments start to pile up on their desk. You can customize it by color and add the teacher’s name.

BUY IT: Etsy, $18.00+

Coffee Gift Set

Fuel your kids’ teachers with this set that has a funny coaster, a bag of coffee, dark chocolate covered espresso beans, and a mug. The coaster is customizable with different objects and you can add their name to it.

BUY IT: Etsy, $20.00+

Cheeky Candle

Start the school year off with this simple acknowledgement: teaching is not for the faint of heart. This candle sends a sassy message, and it lets your kids’ teacher know that you understand how hard they’ll be working with their students. Customize it with their name and choose from nine scents.

BUY IT: Etsy, $15.30

Custom White Board Eraser

If you want to send a functional gift, then this white board eraser is perfect because it’s something a teacher will use everyday. It’s made from durable wood and you can have the their name engraved into it with a beautiful font, making it a useful and personal gift.

BUY IT: Etsy, $9.00

Colorful Initial

Be a cheerleader for your kids’ teachers by giving them this personal item for their deskspace. It’s a fully customizable piece, so you choose the initial, colorscheme, subject, and what elements to include.

BUY IT: Etsy, $30.00

Personalized Tumbler

This tumbler will look great on a teacher’s desk. It’s made from metal and you can add the teacher’s name on the adorable pencil graphic.

BUY IT: Etsy, $22.99

Encouraging Mug + Glass Set

Keep their teacher in good spirits with this drinkware set so they can start and end the day on a good note. Extra points if you include their favorite beverage in the gift when you give it to them!

BUY IT: Etsy, $20.00

Tote Bag

Teachers have to keep up with a lot, and you can make it easier for them to stay organized with a special tote that can be used just for classroom-related items. In addition to adding their name, you can edit the design before purchasing.

BUY IT: Zazzle, $14.50

Wood Desk Organizer

Add a personal element to the teacher’s desk with this organizer. It has two compartments to hold all their pens, scissors, markers, and other odds and ends. You can choose from three design options and add their name.

BUY IT: Amazon, $17.99

Fruit + Chocolate Tray

Who says teachers don’t get first-day jitters too? Make the first day of school a little sweeter with this Thank a Teacher Platter that includes chocolate-dipped apples, pineapples, and strawberries. It’s beautifully arranged and a special treat at the end of the day.

BUY IT: Edible Arrangements, $54.99

School Supplies

Teachers have reported spending money out-of-pocket for school supplies and other materials to supplement their classroom environment and learning. A store gift card or donating school supplies is one way to thank your teachers and helps them prepare for the school year.

BUY IT: Etsy, $5.00+

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