Back to School Gifts for Teachers: 15 Ideas for the First Day

Whether it’s heading back to school after a break or starting the new academic year, here are some first day gifts for teachers they’ll actually enjoy.

Be sure to check out these thank you messages for teachers to send with the gifts.

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First day gifts for teachers

If you know the teacher, you’d be familiar with their likes and dislikes and can decide which would be the best gift for them. For instance, these ideas for math teacher gifts have math related themes.

But, for teachers who you aren’t too familiar with, it would be a great idea to ask them what they’d enjoy. Or you can suggest two or three options and ask them to pick one before you start sourcing the gift.

It’s always wonderful to gift something that the receiver would truly enjoy and appreciate. Here are a couple ideas as inspo.

1. Crochet desk decor

Bring some flair into the teacher’s space with desk decor items. It could be a small fake plant, some flowers, a cute figurine or a fun sign. The options are just about limitless here! This crochet sunflower is adorable and you can DIY one too!

2. Academic planner

An academic planner is a perfect back to school gift for your kid’s teacher. Choose a color and pattern you think they’ll like and the sections that would apply to their classroom. This one is a pretty great planner:

3. Desk calendar

Having a visual look of the month is always a great aid for teachers. They can add in holidays, special academic days, birthdays, and exam dates. There are a bunch of gorgeous desk calendars that they’ll love, but this one is my favorite, just because it comes with adorable stickers! Ha!

4. Classroom posters

Help the teacher decorate the classroom with some adorable posters. They could be educational ones about ABCs or inspirational ones that encourage the kids to try hard. These are too cute!

5. Gift cards

When in doubt, get the teacher a gift card! It could be from Amazon, Target, Office Depot or Michaels. They could pick up some classroom decor, stationary, and supplies! A Starbucks gift card (if they like coffee!) probably won’t hurt either!

6. Flair pens

Teachers are always in need of pens for correcting homework, explaining answers, and giving praise and encouragement. Flair pens with their felt tips are comfortable and enjoyable to use, so why not treat your kid’s teachers with these first day gifts.

7. Cute pencil case

An organized teacher is a happy teacher! Organizers, totes, and pencil cases are great options for back to school teacher gifts. This pencil case is incredibly useful and can keep some of those flair pens along with pencils, erasers and more. You can also pop some candy and chocolate in there too before gifting it!

8. Stickers

Kids love stickers. Looovvveeee! Teachers do too. They are great rewards for excellent school work. So, gift the class some funny, cute stickers that will make the kids smile when they get them. Your child will also benefit from them!

9. Sticky notes

Keeping track of everything in class can be so tough. Post it notes and tabs can bring a little order to the chaos. Teachers can use them to keep track of lessons, birthdays, special events, and even affirmations. These are simple, budget friendly first day gifts.

10. Notebooks and notepads

For longer notes or to plan lessons, notebooks and notepads would be ideal gifts for teachers. There are tons of options from the classic yellow notepads to unique and funny notebooks. Personalized notebooks are also thoughtful gestures. These notepads are adorable and teacher-themed.

11. Stay well kit

Educators are always exposed to the common cold, flus, stomach bugs, and more. A kit of cleaning and preventative supplies would be a great idea for the first day of school. You can include travel-sized hand sanitizer, antimicrobial spray, wet wipes, Vitamin C, saline, painkillers, and soap.

Gift them in this encouraging, teacher-themed pouch.

12. Self care basket

It’s better to know about the preferences of the teacher before curating this basket. Hand cream, foot cream, body scrubs, scented sprays, and scented candles are all perfect for a self care basket for teachers.

You can find a couple adorable gift basket ideas on Amazon too. How adorable is this one? It comes with an eye mask, fuzzy socks, stress ball, candle, bath bomb and soap.

13. For the foodies

Whip up a batch of muffins, cookies, cupcakes, or pastries as gifts. Be sure to confirm if the teacher has any allergies or dietary restrictions before getting started; or include a list of all the ingredients you used.

If you don’t want to bake, then pick up this gourmet food basket! It comes with chocolate, cookies, and other sweet and savory treats.

14. Homegrown produce

This one is another unique idea! If you have a little kitchen garden, fruits, veggies and herbs can make great first day gifts for teachers. These are budget-friendly and your kids can get in on the fun by picking and packing everything together.

Honey, cheese, jams, jellies, preserves, eggs, apples and small items from the farmers’ market are also thoughtful options.

15. Small whiteboard

Getting back to the organized teacher part, these small whiteboards can truly help them create to do lists, work with students one-on-one and so much more. The boards are mighty handy and a great teaching tool!

What else do you think would be great as back to school gifts for teachers? Drop a comment and share your thoughts!

And, if you want to write a sweet thank you note to the teacher, check out these thank you for caring and kindness messages.