The Best Gift Ideas for Elementary Teachers in 2024

_{Are you struggling to find the perfect gift? Every year, students and parents wrap up well-meaning gifts for their favorite teachers. Here are some great gift ideas for teachers.}

The Best Gift Ideas for Elementary Teachers in 2024

My sister and many of my cousins are teachers. Somehow, they were all bitten by the education bug as it runs in the family. This year I have decided to take all their suggestions and come up with The best gift ideas to buy teachers with a concentration on Elementary teachers.

The most important thing to know about gift-giving to your child’s teacher is to know a little about that specific teacher. 

Such as; How long she/he has been teaching? If your teacher is an established elementary-age teacher, she/he probably does not need any school supplies or books for their classroom. The opposite will hold true if this is a newer teacher. They will love all the extra items.

The Best Teacher Gifts – Elementary School

If you’d like to thank your child’s teacher with a gift, you might be interested in choosing something that your child’s teacher would truly appreciate.

You will also want to see our Holiday Gift Guide for this year. I cover gifts from the picky teen up to the grandparents. (*Please Note: teachers do not “expect” gifts and a handwritten note is wonderful, too!)

Gift Cards

What kinds of gift cards are best? An Amazon gift card can be used for practically anything. How about a $5 card to the local coffee shop if your budget is small? Even non-coffee drinkers can find something to eat or drink at Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks gift cards.

Teachers also love gift cards to teacher supply stores. This works well and is a very thoughtful gift idea for younger kids to older kids. 

A Gift Thought Up From Your Child

Teachers love their kids and it means a lot to them when the kids take part in showing their appreciation. Guess what? You don’t have to get your child’s teacher an elaborate gift! It’s not a requirement! 

Your child will know their teacher best. Have them create a small basket filled with the awesome things his/her teacher loves. Here are a few ideas to help.

• Cozy Slippers
• Tea or Coffee
• Water Bottles
• Unique or Personalized Pens
• Small Houseplant
• Travel Mug
• Tote Bags

Don’t forget, they love drawings from the kids, handmade Christmas cards, homemade Christmas ornaments, homemade shower steamers, and homemade bath bombs are all great ideas too. Plus, working on projects like this help with the development of fine motor skills.

Books for the Classroom

Each year, teachers go through a lot of books. Most of the books are level readers and over the years, just by sheer use, they get destroyed.  Replacements or even new book additions are a great idea that help with the upkeep of the classroom.

Your local bookstore is a great resource to discuss quality children’s literature and the latest and greatest new releases. Teachers are always in need of new read-aloud and even books for the kids to read, too. Not sure what direction to go in?

Themed books are great (seasonal, holiday, favorite character books).  Can’t think of anything? Just ask your child’s teacher for a list of must-have books.

Classroom Items

Teachers often have to pay out of pocket for many extra school supplies. How much will vary depending on your school district? You can send a note to the school asking for the needs of the classroom. The most frequently needed items are classroom snacks and craft supplies.

Ideas for a craft supply basket include;

• White glue
• Popsicle sticks in different colors
• Colored pencils
• Safety scissors
• Crayons
• Rubber bands

You can also include a gift certificate to your local teacher supply store. Now is the perfect time to show your teachers how much you appreciate them.

Gifts That Are Non-School Related

Find out the teacher’s hobbies & interests. You don’t have to spend a lot.

Ask your kids if they know their teacher best. If you know that your child’s teacher is going on vacation this year, why not pack up a basket with small items such as suntan lotion, beach towels, or some reading materials? Hey, he/she may be known as a chocoholic, and let’s face it, who isn’t? 

Think of purchasing a collection of handpicked chocolate bars. They’ll appreciate it! There are many great teacher gift ideas to choose from, but regardless of what you finally decide upon, you can rest assured that everyone is appreciated for the thought and effort that went into choosing it.

For teachers, seeing the faces of the students when they open their gifts is often reward enough.

Items NOT to Purchase – Will Vary by Teacher

Over the years, teachers have received many of the same items. Oftentimes, they just don’t work for them and are donated because the items just are in excess. Here are a few overdone items.

Candles, Lotions & Smelly Stuff

Unless you know a teacher’s favorite scents, you should stay away from candles and lotion.

Mugs, Mugs & Mugs

Mugs are the #1 gift teachers would prefer not to get. Why? They receive them so often that their cabinets are overflowing. A coffee mug is a great teacher gift, but it is the most frequently gifted item.

Teacher Knick Knacks

The longer they have been teaching, the more they have.

No Homemade Food Goodies

Unless the teacher has a close relationship with the family, they will not eat any homemade food items. I can’t blame them. Plus, just like children, many adults have allergies and diet restrictions.

Other Great Gift Ideas for Teachers

Easy Melt & Pour Homemade Pencil Soaps Teacher Gift

Easy Shower Jelly DIY Recipe – Get A Spa Experience At Home

Easiest Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Tablets With Essential Oils

Adorable Floral Dreamcatcher Craft