Teachers do so much for our kids, and as the school year begins, thoughtful back-to-school teacher gifts are a wonderful way to show how much we appreciate their hard work. We recently shared gift ideas for nurses, but now that school’s about to start, we asked teachers to share the gifts and acts of kindness that have truly made a difference—and their answers were as heartwarming as they were practical.
Thoughtful Back-to-School Teacher Gifts They’ll Truly Appreciate
Sometimes it’s the simple, useful gifts that make teachers feel seen.
Rachel Sweigard noted that practical supplies are always welcome: “We can’t buy cleaning supplies (Clorox wipes, Germ-X, etc.) or any paper products like Kleenex or paper towels with our state fee cards, so we end up buying them ourselves for the kids. Those are a huge help—especially during cold/flu season!”
Mary Campbell shared: “Gift cards, notepads, pens, or anything off an Amazon wishlist means so much! In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, shop local at Confetti Gift & Party for the cutest back-to-school happies wrapped adorably.”
Personalized Touches That Mean the Most
Some gifts become lifelong keepsakes.
Rachel also treasures gifts with sentimental value, like Christmas ornaments signed and dated by her students:
“I think of them every year when I hang them on my tree.”
(Pretty may earn a small commission if you purchase through this Amazon ornament link, at no additional cost to you.)
Practical Back-to-School Teacher Gifts for the Classroom
- Rebekah Noelle loves when parents offer help with “organizing, copying, sorting” or even give a Hobby Lobby gift card “so we can buy craft items for the kids.”
- Betsy Kohn recommends thinking beyond just the teacher: “We bought little prizes for my daughter’s classroom ‘store’ that her students earn with points. Dollar store gift cards help so much with this!”
And don’t forget handmade gifts. Kellie of Klay Collections creates adorable clay bowls filled with flair pens, post-it notes, stickers, and other classroom goodies.
“If anyone wants to order, just message me on Facebook or Instagram at Klay Collections,” Kellie says.
Heartfelt Gestures That Go Beyond the Gift
Some of the most meaningful gestures don’t come in a gift bag.
Abbie Burroughs Reed shared another unique idea: “I was gifted a home-cooked meal for my family during the first week of school. I was getting my own four kids settled while helping all of my students adjust. It was one of the most thoughtful things anyone has ever done for me.”
Jody Evans will never forget the day a small group of parents cleaned her classroom: “They swept, cleaned desks, left supplies neatly on my desk, and even included a gift card. It wasn’t at the beginning of the year—it was several weeks in, and it meant so much because they remembered us!”
Group Efforts That Make a Big Impact
If you’re looking for a high-impact way to support teachers, consider teaming up with other parents:
- Rachel Sweigard said, “One year a group of parents stocked our lounge with snacks and drinks. It was so appreciated during those long first weeks!”
Don’t Forget High School Teachers
It’s easy to think of younger grades first, but as Erin Heck, a high school teacher, reminds us:
“In most cases, high school teachers are forgotten about, so I really love whatever I receive.”
Even a small note or a single cup of coffee can go a long way toward letting older-grade teachers know their hard work is seen.
Start the Year Beautifully
Whether it’s a heartfelt note, a gift card, or simply a batch of Clorox wipes, these back-to-school teacher gifts and gestures can brighten a teacher’s day and set the tone for a wonderful school year.
Sometimes the smallest kindnesses leave the biggest mark—and your favorite teacher just might remember it for years to come.
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