The end of the school year is within sight. Teachers have likely been counting down the days until summer for months, but parents? Not so much. So if you, a parent, are trying to find a way to thank an educator for dealing with your spawn for 180+ days during the year, we’ve compiled this helpful gift guide.
Teachers spend on average over $400 of their own money to supply their classroom each year. You might opt to alleviate that financial burden with some practical school supplies, or buy a personalized gift to remind them that what they do is important. Depending on your budget, we’ve got a variety of ideas that any teacher would happily mark as an A+.
The Impact of a Teacher Bracelet
A select few very special teachers manage to have a serious impact on our lives. You can thank your child’s teacher for being one of those people with this thoughtful bracelet. It is an easy way to let them know that what they do extends far beyond the classroom.
Crayola Ultimate Crayon Collection
If your child is in Pre-K through 5th grade, they certainly are using crayons often. But while the kiddos are battling over who gets to use Macaroni and Cheese, it’s usually the teacher who’s shelling out to ensure the Crayola supply never runs out. This 152-pack should keep the peace in your child’s classroom for a week or two.
Change Wood Supply Box
If you think kids have a lot of pencils, just look at a teacher’s desk. They have pencils, pens, scissors, markers, glue, tape, and every other supply necessary to function in a classroom. Help them wrangle all that stuff with this adorable supply box.
Elmer’s All-Purpose School Glue Sticks
Just like crayons, kids hoard glue sticks like they’re going out of style. Help the teachers in your lives out by giving them a giant box (or two, or maybe even three) of glue sticks that they can use for the next school year. Hopefully, a 30 pack lasts longer than five minutes!
Starbucks Hot or Cold Tumblers
Whether the teacher you’re buying for prefers to stop for coffee before school or just brew at home, they could always use a reusable tumbler. You’ll show that you’ve been paying attention to their coffee habits, and you’ll help them save the environment (and a couple of cents per order) with a reusable Starbucks cup. A hot tumbler with a vacuum-sealed lid is $15, and a cold to-go tumbler is $13.
Target Gift Card
If you truly have no idea what to get your kid’s teacher, gift cards are always welcome. Some people might find them impersonal, but a Target gift card speaks to everyone. It can be used for anything—apparel, electronics, groceries, home supplies, and so much more. Target literally has it all, and they sell gift cards valued between $5 and $1,000.
Personalized Scrabble Nameplate
Any teacher would be excited to toss out the standard issue nameplate and replace it with this custom Scrabble one. Depending on the teacher, you can choose between a bookworm, apple, crayons, a school bus, and more to make this even more personal. They’ll surely display it proudly on their desk for school years to come.
Before and After School Glasses
Many teachers only survive the school year thanks to coffee and tea in the AM—and the occasional glass of wine after a long day. Make sure they’ve got a glass for each necessary beverage with this adorable mug and wine glass set mug and wine glass set for $20, or have their name added to it for just $5 more.
Metallic Sky Pillow, Blanket, and Eye Mask Set
Teachers get the summer off, so why not make sure their summer vacation is extra cozy? If they have any trips planned, they are going to need a neck pillow. But comfort on an airplane requires more than just a pillow, this Metallic Sky Set also includes a light-blocking eye mask and a soft throw blanket.
YETI Rambler 20 oz Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler
The school day is very busy for teachers, which means they don’t get a chance to run to the water fountain very often. This YETI tumbler keep will keep their water cold all day long, so when they do get a water break, they won’t be stuck drinking it at room temperature. You can choose from 17 different colors, including this seafoam, canyon red, harbor pink, and more.
Echo Dot – 3rd Generation
When it comes to getting ready for the day, a teacher can use all the help the can get. With the Echo Dot, they can easily schedule reminders and alarms, so they never forget anything before they head out the front door. They can also get their weather and news updates while sipping on their morning cup of coffee and enjoy some music from the Echo Dot’s powerful speakers.
3-Month Audible Subscription
After an entire school year of talking, now it the teacher’s turn to just listen. They get a little under three months off from school, which means this subscription is the perfect length to get them hooked on Audible.
Inspirational Teacher Tote Bag
Teachers have a lot of stuff to lug in and out of their classroom every day. Have you ever seen a teacher’s lesson plan binder? It’s massive. This tote bag can fit binders, notebooks, a pair of sneakers, and even has a sleeve for a small laptop. It also comes with an inspirational quote that teachers can look at when they’re thinking, “Why the hell am I doing this?”
Keurig K-Mini Plus Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
If you are looking to give them a big gift that will actually come in handy every day, look no further than a coffee machine. The Keurig has become so popular because it’s easy to use and can brew a single cup of coffee for those on-the-go. Plus, the design of the mini isn’t bulky, so it can be added to just about any kitchen counter.