Need some fantastic DIY teacher gift ideas for your favorite teacher? These are easy to make, and based on a list of things that teachers REALLY want! Try one of these cute teacher appreciation gifts today.
Do you have a special school teacher in your life? One that made a big impression? I do – it was my own mom! My mother was a fifth grade teacher for many years, and I thought I was never in her class, she’s still the most important teacher in my life.
She showed me how to tie my shoes and taught me to sew and knit. My mom also showed me how to do a variety of things that have ended up being useful life skills, like how to organize and do a budget.
There’s nothing I can really give my mom to show her how much I appreciate and love her. Did you have a teacher like that in your life?
Teachers are truly amazing in my opinion! Appreciation gifts have always been on my list for the end of the school year, but there’s another option besides purchasing – you can always DIY as well (a combination is nice too!).
What Gifts Do They Really Want?
So I actually surveyed my mom and some other teachers online (elementary through high school) to find out what gifts are best. There was a resounding “no more coffee mugs” and a big “yes” vote for DIY cards, handmade presents, and gift cards.
Which totally makes sense to me. I did Junior Achievement with a second grade class and then a third grade class, and the third graders made me handmade cards.
I still have those cute cards, and I’m not even a teacher! They were just so precious and some of the students drew pictures of me. They made me smile!
And really, who doesn’t love gift cards? The teachers said they enjoyed being able to shop for what they wanted. Gift cards are especially great for end of year teacher gifts, so I’ve got some ideas that will help there too.
Decoupage Soap Craft
My group of teachers said that the best teacher gifts are those that are utilitarian. So I thought soap would qualify! It's also perfect if you don't have a lot of time to make something.Did you know that you can Mod Podge any paper design onto soap and it will stick around for the life of the bar? Yes. This is a genius idea that has been around since the 50s and is perfect for teacher appreciation.
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DIY Personalized Pencils in Four Easy Steps
Teacher gift ideas often include clipboards (which I showed you), pencil holders, notebooks, planners . . . give them a little something to write with by making these personalized pencils. Students can make them for teacher but also for other students in the class as an end of year favor.
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Handmade Fridge Magnets
Magnets make great hostess gifts, but they make great gifts for teachers as well. Turn them into end of the year presents by taking a picture of the student and placing it in the lid instead of the scrapbook paper.
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Simple DIY School Supply Cake
Teachers always stock their rooms, a lot of times spending their own money. This is a great way to help them out – they always need supplies!
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Teacher’s Heart Watercolor Tote Bag
Gifts with quotes are always a huge hit! If you click the link to the tutorial, there's actually a free pattern that you can access to iron onto the tote. Then you will fill the letters in with watercolor paints for fabric. So pretty and sweet.
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Teacher’s Wine Label & Wine Glasses
These wine bottle and painted wine glasses are perfect as end of year teacher gifts! The school year is over, their job is done, and now it's time to drink (just kidding – sort of!).There's a free label you can Mod Podge onto a wine bottle in the post link. And painting the glasses is pretty easy with Enamel paint and a spouncer to make the grapes.
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Thumbprint Flashcard Gift Cards
This is such a great gift, a unique idea, and the kids get to participate too! Buy three $5 gift cards (or more!) and then make three flashcards, with one flashcard representing the theme of each gift card.Use fingerprints and ink with inspiration shown. This is perfect for end of year teacher gifts. What a fun, personalized way to deliver gift cards!
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Personalized Wooden Keychains
Learn how to make little personalized wooden keychains that can be put on keys, a backpack or lunch box. These are great DIY gift ideas! You can use a teacher's first initial, full name . . . the possibilities are endless, and keychains and tags are always in need.
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Carnival Ticket Bowl with Glitter
Learn how to make a sparkly DIY bowl out of a ticket roll! This is great for keeping small items on a teacher's desk or even candy. And it's SO easy to make.
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Paperweights from Glass Candle Holders
Create gorgeous, customizable DIY paperweights from dollar store glass candle holders with no mold. This easy project makes a great gift idea, and you can personalize!
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DIY Journal Cover
Learn how to decorate your notebook with a laser cut overlay and Mod Podge. Teachers can use notebooks like these to keep notes, calendar, or journal inside. So cute!
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No-Sew Tote Decorating
Try this no-sew tote decorating – just use a teacher's favorite fabrics and Mod Podge to make applique patches! You can use all sorts of themes including favorite movies, TV shows, and more.
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DIY Apple Jar Tutorial
These DIY apple mason jars are perfect for teacher appreciation gifts. You can make them under 15 minutes and they are super cute for treats. These jars are really easy to put together and the kiddos can help to make them and get them ready in time for back to school.
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Classroom Door Sign
This door letter is great because it's one of those teacher gift ideas that not a lot of people would think of! It's super cute, and you could even replace the name area with chalkboard paint so that messages can be written on the plaque.
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Glitter Mug
Learn how to make DIY glitter mugs with Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge! I show you how to decorate the handle, but you can do any part of the mug. For the teacher that loves glitter, this is a fun gift idea.
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Gift Card Tree
My sources told me that gift cards make fabulous teacher appreciation gift ideas, so if you need a unique way to deliver them, this painted gift card tree is it! I think it's so cute – and once the teacher removes the gift cards, it can be used for a classroom decoration.
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Easy DIY Candy Jar Gift for a Coach
Personalized gifts for teacher appreciation are always a hit, and this candy jar is great for just that. This particular candy jar is decorated for a coach, so you'll just need to personalize it for your teacher.
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Decoupage Earring Gift
Teacher appreciation gifts come in a variety of shapes and sizes! Learn how to make these earrings for the teacher that loves jewelry. You can make several pairs with a small budget.
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Teacher Candle Gift
These printable labels allow you to use any candle and easily adhere the new label with your message of choice so you can say thank you without breaking the bank!
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Chocolate Truffle Candy Bouquet
Learn how to turn chocolate truffles into a pretty candy bouquet! Perfect DIY gift idea for teachers, coaches, and more. Because who doesn't love candy?
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If you enjoyed these appreciation gifts for teachers, check out these pick a student sticks as well as these 20+ unique teacher appreciation printables – perfect for giving with gift cards. You might also like these other posts:
