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The Ultimate Guide to Affordable and Memorable Gifts for Teachers

Are you looking for new teacher gift ideas that won't break the bank, but will also wow your child's teacher? These affordable teacher gifts are perfect for any occasion. Whether it's teacher appreciation week, the holidays, or the end of the school year, I've got you covered with a list of quick and easy gifts that any teacher will love.

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Are you looking for new teacher gift ideas that won’t break the bank, but will also wow your child’s teacher?  Let’s face it, coffee mugs and lotions are nice (ahem), but you could probably open one of the teacher’s cabinets and find a dusty stockpile.  Whether it’s teacher appreciation week, the holidays, or the end of the school year, I’ve got you covered with a list of quick and easy gifts that any teacher will love.  These affordable teacher gifts are perfect for any occasion.

  • Hydration supplies

    You probably won’t be surprised to learn that teacher’s have a difficult time staying hydrated (but also have difficulty finding a moment to use the restroom).  There is nothing worse than trying to teach with a dry mouth and no liquid in sight.  One of the best gifts I received was a Nalgene water bottle.  On a separate occasion, one of my parents walked in with a case of water for me and I thought I’d died and gone to heaven.  If you really want to pamper the teacher, grab a 12-pack of his/her favorite soda!

  • Fruit

    Yep, I said it… fruit.  A small bag of clementines or cuties will stand out among the chocolates and candy piles… especially around the holidays!  Merely having the option to alternate a piece of fruit between mouthfuls of sugar is a fantastic option.  Try to avoid fruits that have to be prepared, washed, or cut.  Instead, snatch up something that can the teacher can grab and eat on the go!

  • Office Supplies

    I can’t name one teacher who doesn’t feel elated in an aisle full of colorful markers, fat notebooks, and inspirational journals.  Flair pens anyone?  YES, PLEASE!

  • Gift cards

    I mean, it goes without saying, right?  Gift cards, in any amount, are the most portable, perfect gift that a teacher could ask for!  A $5 Starbucks gift card will propel any teacher through a morning at school with ease! If you want to go with an unconventional gift card, snatch one up from the local grocery store.  Rest assured, gift cards never go to waste and it gives teachers flexibility to choose what they like best!

  • Classroom materials

    Teachers spend so much of their own money on classroom supplies and teaching materials.  No joke.  Many people would be shocked to learn that hundreds of dollars come straight from the teacher’s bank account to ensure student success.  Try to find out what the teacher needs for the classroom or grab a gift card from the local teacher supply store.  Better yet (and easier to boot), grab a gift card from Teachers Pay Teachers.  Not only is it a treasure for the teacher, but your own child stands to reap the benefits!

  • Lunch

    If you already know the teacher’s favorite lunch spot, this would be a breeze.  Simply tell him/her not to bring their own lunch on a certain day and show up a few minutes before lunch with their favorite midday meal.  If you aren’t sure what to get, just ask!  The caveat here is that once you commit to bringing lunch and you tell the teacher not to bring food, you must follow through.  Disappointed teacher + hungry teacher = disaster! If you can pull it off, this is one of the most appreciated gifts around!

  • Collaborate with other parents

    Get a group of parents to go in on a gift for the teacher.  This opens up a wide range of options that might otherwise be out of reach.  Depending on how many parents are willing to participate, your options may include things like a massage, a gift card for dinner at a favorite restaurant, or a nice piece of jewelry.  Though this does take a bit of extra planning, you’ll definitely get more bang for your buck!

  • A meaningful note

    The key to this gift is that it must be meaningful!  A simple “thank you” is a nice expression, but it doesn’t scream warm and fuzzy!  When you write a note, be specific about what you appreciate.  What does this teacher do that makes a difference in your life?  Specifically, how does this teacher impact your child?  The more specific, the better.   Pair this with a heartfelt note from your child and you’ve got a winning combination! And… mentioning that is the most affordable teacher gift would be pointing out the super obvious, right?

  • A framed poem 

    Who doesn’t love an authentic, from the heart, piece of writing?  Of course, you can write your own, or you can find a relevant teacher poem online to remind your child’s teacher how important their work is to you and your family.  If you opt for an already written poem, you can grab the one you see below in my FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY (you get it for free if you subscribe to my site).  If you’d like more design, font, and border options, there is a paid version here.  By the way, that’s not a real sticky note… it’s a clip art image printed on the paper. Crazy, right?  You can also personalize the greeting and closing fields on the sticky note too!

    Free Teacher Gift from Student or Parent

There it is…. a list of unique gifts that pack their punch for your child’s favorite teacher!  Please share other memorable teacher gifts in the comments below!

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I am Kirsten Tulsian, an elementary educator with 18 years of experience as a teacher and counselor. My passion lies in empowering students to discover their inherent brilliance through the use of engaging, rigorous, and meaningful activities. I look forward to connecting with you!

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