9 Thoughtful Teacher Appreciation Gifts

The end of the school year is almost here! Teachers give so much of their time, energy and dedication to our kids, now it’s our turn to show them some love. These gift ideas make a wonderful end-of-the year show of appreciate, and a few can involve the whole class. 

Click the arrow above the image or the link below to discover some great ways to say thanks. 

Take a dip

This idea for neon-dipped potted succulents from Hello Bee requires minimal effort, yet yields maximum results. Simply dip the terra cotta pots into your favorite bright paints, add the petite plants with little note pennants and you’re done — so much more personal than bedraggled begonias. 

Cozy coffee

Shake some life into the tired coffee mug gift idea with this fun DIY project for a felt coffee cozy, created by the brilliant minds behind Instructables. The cozies get a personal touch with your kiddo’s favorite shapes or letters. Pair it with a bag of coffee or a gift card for a bold thank-you.

Stamped spoons

We’ve been seeing versions of stamped silverware everywhere lately — we want on the bandwagon! If you’re feeling extra handy, Elizabeth Anne Designs features a DIY tutorial on how to hammer spoons yourself.

Spread the love

You’ve got all of the kids’ teachers covered with this Hide the Cheese recipe for homemade strawberry preserves. Mama Margy offers some great canning advice in the post (including links to canning safety guidelines) along with the full recipe. Her kids even got creative with the recipe by adding a splash of lemon to the mix! Make sure to make a huge batch so you have plenty of extra jars for last-minute gifts (and breakfast toast).

Relaxi-jar

Momma Tonia of The Gunny Sack gets appreciation gifts right with her idea for cute kits in a jar. We think the pampering jar — filled with cozy socks and assorted lotions and potions — is sure to be a hit with the kids’ teachers. Head over to the full post to download the printable labels and for other jarred gift ideas. S’mores in a jar? First aid kit in a jar? Clever much?

Thanks-a-latte!

Teachers need fuel to get through their long days. Say thanks with Eighteen25’s DIY idea for a coffee gift card holder. The full post includes links to printables and the instructions you’ll need to make a gift that’s sure to please to the last drop. We love the corrugated cardboard sleeve!

Memory jars

For all of those times when teachers feel overwhelmed and overworked, this class memory jar featured on Steamy Kitchen is the perfect way for the kids to show their appreciation. Each student writes down his or her favorite memory of the school year or a missive to thank the teacher, and the class fills up the jar with positivity!

Class act

Get the whole class involved with this idea for a watercolor masterpiece featured on The Long Thread. This idea works well because each student is able to personalize his or her shape with different media and colors, but it still comes together as a nice collection. Watercolor, paints or pencils — all are welcome!

Tea for two

This idea for a tea wreath by Kojo Designs is steeped in so much crafty goodness we can barely stand it! Wreaths — love ‘em! Adding clothespins — genius. Colorful teas — awesome gift idea. The best part is that after the teas are enjoyed, your child’s teacher will enjoy using the wreath to display kids’ art projects, family photos and more. This is just a good gift idea for anyone, for any occasion!

Editor’s note: This story was originally published several years ago and was most recently updated in 2023.