Who isn’t in need of ideas for easy teacher appreciation gifts to make on a moment’s notice?
School has officially started throughout the United States so things are moving full steam ahead.
And I don’t know about you, but I am a big fan of giving gifts both big and small.
I even have a box of little gifts for days when an immediate token of my appreciation is necessary, but unplanned.
When it comes to teachers, I also like to present them with an unexpected gift from time to time so they know how much we truly appreciate what they do.
When Is Teacher Appreciation Week?
Teacher Appreciation Week is the first full week of May.
Therefore, I don’t typically wait because it seems really late in the year for me. I like to start a little earlier.
There is also a National Teacher Appreciation Day, which falls on a specific day (go figure) within that week in May.
In 2023, National Teacher Appreciation Day is May 2nd.
I am always fascinated about the origins of nationally recognized events along with how long they’ve been around.
So in researching the specifics about Teacher Appreciation Week, I enjoyed this little tidbit about how it may have started:
Though the origins of Teacher Appreciation Week are somewhat murky, it’s clear that it was in 1944 that an Arkansas school teacher, Mattye White Woodridge, wrote to politicians and educational professionals about the demand for a day to appreciate teachers. However, it wasn’t for nearly a decade until the idea was introduced to Congress by none other than Eleanor Roosevelt. In 1953, she was successful in convincing lawmakers to adopt the day.
Source: National Today
Oh! And if you’re looking for more information and ideas for your school’s parent organization beyond DIY projects that I’ll talk about below, you can read through this PTO resource guide.
Have Some Fun With These Easy Teacher Appreciation Gifts
So now let’s get back to exploring a variety of creative options for easy teacher appreciation gifts that you can present throughout the year.
Creative & Crafty Teacher Gifts
This easy teacher gift idea is one of the ultimate nods to teachers and the infamous #2 pencils.
These simple homemade garden stepping stones make a treasured, long-lasting keepsake for teachers. They are easy to personalize and fun for kids to create.
The fabric lover and organizer in me has always been a fan of these slide pouches. In fact, this is on my personal list to try ASAP.
The beauty of this type of pouch is that you can use it for virtually anything, but I am personally learning toward gifting it to an art teacher to hold pens and pencils.
Lip balm has become a year-round need. It's either sunny and therefore you need lip protection. Or, it's so dry, you are trying to stay head of cracked lips.
The DIY lip balm holder makes it easy to attach your lip balm to almost anything and it's a gift that costs under $5 with the lip balm included.
This is also a perfect beginner project for someone who wants to learn how to do some scrap busting.
Pennants are a quintessential school item so making a personalized one for a special teacher is a great way to show your support.
Give something unique to your male teachers this year! Comes with a free printable and easy tutorial.
It's always nice for a teacher to have something that support privacy and also looks good, so give this fun fabric project a try!
The #2 pencil is back, but this time it's used to decorate the vase!
Just like pencil pouches, a customized tote is an teacher gift that will be used and appreciated for a long time.
This project is for elementary to middle school-aged kids with help of a parent.
These melt and pour pencil soaps are perfect for your child’s teacher.
This homemade craft is a fun idea as a Christmas, teacher appreciation, or anytime gift.
Made with your favorite essential oils
This is another fabric scrap busting project that will allow you to explore your own creativity while creating a unique teacher appreciation gift.
This is a whole list of clay gift ideas kids can make.
It's doable for all kids from young age to teenagers.
Make a candle, lip gloss holder, or a nice pot.
These washi tape pencils are a great way to get the kids involved in making teacher appreciation gifts.
Add some tea bags to this handmade marbled mug and you have an easy, thoughtful gift for a teacher in your community.
If you need a gift where the kids can get their hands dirty for a reason, this fingerprint flower pot is a unique and crafty option.
Easy Teacher Gift: Free Printables
This free thank you notes printable is perfect for teacher appreciation week, teacher’s day, or just to say thanks at the end of the school year.
This free printable is the perfect teacher appreciation gift for elementary-aged children, with prompts that help your child express their thanks!
Need a really quick teacher's gift? Just pair this free printable with a potted plant and you are good to go.
If you feel your teacher would do better with a really low maintenance plant, this teacher appreciation printable is paired with a cute succulent.
Quick and Easy Teacher Gift Basket Ideas
This homemade apple-themed teacher appreciation gift is so easy to make and so fun to receive!
First day of school teacher gifts are a quick way to start the year off fresh and let teachers know you appreciate the work they do right from the start.
This super easy DIY dry erase marker gift is a great way to say thanks (even if it’s the night before!).
It would be a great easy gift from a principal too!
Help start back to school with a teacher gift that gets the year started off on the right foot.
This gift basket is cost effective while still providing teachers with daily-use items. .
This easy teacher gift will provide supplies that help to keep the classroom clean and organized.
Extra supplies are always helpful to teachers and this gift makes sure they have the basics.
Teacher Gifts That Support Self Care
Sugar scrubs make a great teacher appreciation gift because they are a special treat that many people would love to use but may not splurge on for themselves.
This DIY lavender bath bomb is a good gift for any teacher who wants to relax after a long day of work.
It's always good to have a variety of choices in your "sugar scrub" file so here is a peppermint option.
This lavender vanilla soap recipe is made with shea butter melt and pour soap base, dried flowers and some fragrant essential oil to make a soap that is so luxurious!
Giving gift of essential oils to teachers as a gift is a fun way to support their self care.
My only note of caution is to make sure the person doesn't have any fragrance allergies.
Here is another bath bomb option to try for those of you who love some extra color in your teacher gifts.
Hand salve is something that a teacher can take anywhere and the citrus mint combination is super refreshing.
If you're planning ahead for the holidays, add this DIY holiday sugar scrub to your list of teacher gifts (and maybe a stocking stuffer for family too).
A shower with a little aromatherapy is a great way to end the day.
Scented epsom salts are another idea that can be assembled quickly while still providing a unique and special gift.
Teacher Appreciation Gifts For Foodies
Make this infused salt for teachers who love to cook. Their families (and their palettes) will thank you!
Ditch the store-bought mix and make your own homemade cocoa packs to give as part of a teacher appreciation gift when the cold makes an appearance.
This homemade vanilla extract is the perfect example of getting a on jump on your easy DIY teacher appreciation gift.
It's only two ingredients and super useful.
Make it in a pretty bottle then add a ribbon and a sweet note and you're all set!
These loaded pretzel rods check all the boxes for salty and sweet.
Personalize a chocolate chalkboard for a special teacher using white chocolate chalk.
These gifts are easy to make and taste great.
This classic chocolate chip cookie mix in a jar is easy to put together as a food gift with a personal touch.
Share The Goods: How Will You Celebrate Teachers?
Teachers are typically in short supply as it is, but this year the shortage seems even more severe.
It is therefore really important to honor all of the teachers who are educating our children, now more than ever.
So, which of these gifts will you make to honor teachers in your community?
Leave a comment below and let me know!