The best gifts to buy a teacher
Proof that not all heroes wear capes? Teachers. Those patient peeps who have taught your child not to eat glue all year. You’ve decided it’s time to show your appreciation – but, let’s be real, you're just guessing what will actually make their day that little bit better. Enter our guide on the best gift ideas for teachers that will leave you (and your little one) top of the class.
Most of us have a small army of teachers that deserve gifts (there’s maths, english, science, art and the rest…), so it’s even better when they're up to 60% less than the RRP. A well chosen present doesn't have to cost a fortune – it’s the thought that counts. The perfect gift for a teacher is one that a) recognises their hard work and b) gives them a little joy inside or outside of the classroom. Whether it’s a mug that becomes a firm favourite, a planner for organising every day with minute precision, or a gift card with endless possibilities, getting it right makes them feel like they’ve won Teacher of the Year every day of the year.
Before you've even started to shop, write a list of all of the teachers you'd like to spoil, along with the subject they teach and any interests you know they have. It'll help you think of personalised pressies that go the extra mile. For sports teachers, a reusable water bottle could do the trick whereas for an art teacher something more creative may be the right call. Planning ahead will make it easier to select the right gifts for the teachers that mean the world to your little one.
The right teacher's gift can also totally depend on the time of year, which is exactly why we've broken down our guide depending on the biggest events from the end of term time to Christmas. If you're looking to spoil them without splashing the cash, we've also rooted out the most affordable options that still show you care.
Affordable presents for teachers
Who said gifts for teachers had to cost a fortune? When you’ve got to shop for a load of people (the caretaker, school nurse and dinner lady included) staying on budget is crucial.
Cheap teacher presents may feel like a bit of a unicorn to find, but the truth is, preparation is all you need. Our top tip? Start planning months before you need to gift, so you can make the most of sales. Often, last-minute shopping leads to purchasing a few pressies that don't *quite* fit the bill, so writing a list and checking it twice will help you steer clear of hasty buys in the days before the big gifting exchange.
Be a teacher's pet for less
Assignment is 'gifts that don't cost the earth' and you get top marks.
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SHOP STATIONERY
Stationery glorious stationery
Stationery miiiiight not seem like the most exciting gift but listen up: teachers are constantly running out of pens and pencils. Skip the basic bits for something bright that’ll make marking exams just that little bit more special.
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SHOP PHOTO FRAMES
A picture tells a thousand words
Grab a cute frame and fill it with what will definitely be the teacher’s favourite time of year: school picture day. It can take pride on their desk to remind them of how smiley (and silent) their class is at times. Oh, the mems.
The gift basket of dreams
Teacher gift baskets are a home run. Always appreciated, they offer the lucky recipient a moment’s joy during the busy working week. So, what are the big-hitting items you *should* include in any glorious gift basket? Start with snacks. Tea, coffee, biscuits, nuts… All of them make a mountain of homework that needs to be marked much more manageable. Got a beauty lover in your midst? Don’t forget to grab bath salts, a face mask, some luxurious body lotion… After a long week of keeping kids entertained, a little rest and recouperation is totally deserved.
If they've made it on the nice list
Spoiler: they have because they've taken care of your kids all year.
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SHOP CONFECTIONERY
Something sweet
Chocolates never (repeat: never) go amiss as a teacher's gift at Christmas that can be shared on boxing day with a binge-worthy box set. And if they don't happen to have a sweet tooth, go for nuts that'll keep hunger pangs at bay during class time.
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SHOP GIFT CARDS
The gift of endless choice
Instead of risking it, how about picking the gift of, well, endless choice. And the best part is, our gift cards never expire, meaning they can be used throughout the year for impromptu pick-me-ups.
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SHOP THROWS
Cue all things cosy
It’s the cosy things in life that count after a long day of work. Go small with some comfy socks that keep their toes toasty, or big with the wrap-me-up throw of dreams.
What to buy a teacher as the year ends
As the school year comes to an end, you’ll be thinking two things: how do I entertain my little ones and what do I buy a teacher who has wiped their snotty nose all year. We have a suspicion they *may* be looking forward to a few months off over the summer months, so pick teacher gifts that will be used during the downtime.
Remember, a teacher's life doesn't revolve around their work especially as the school bells chime on the last day of term. Pens, pencils, journals and mugs might be incredibly handy during class time, but when school's out for summer? Not so much.
Summer holidays: incoming
From studying to sunbathing in 3, 2, 1…
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SHOP CANDLES
Turn their pad into a palace
What smells incredible, doesn't cost the earth, and gives a sense of calm to any space? A scented candle. Take some time to get a whiff of all the different options and select something that will fill the room with a welcoming aroma the moment its lit.
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SHOP GARDENING GIFTS
Help bring their hobby to life
Enlist your little one to find out if their teacher has any hobbies from baking to knitting and gardening. These will help you nail gifting with something that feels truly personalised, whether that’s a cake tin or a pair of gardening gloves.
Still stuck for ideas? Enter the best teacher's mug
Finding the best teacher’s mug is like searching for the Holy Grail, except instead of ancient relics, you're hunting for something that will survive the daily coffee refills and the occasional reheat in the microwave.
There are two types of mug lovers
Spoiler: both of them enjoy drinking copious amounts of coffee.
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SHOP HOME ACCESSORIES
Team 'big is best'
Finding the best teacher’s mug is like searching for the Holy Grail, except instead of ancient relics, you're hunting for something that will survive the daily coffee refills and the occasional reheat in the microwave.
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SHOP HOME ACCESSORIES
Team 'bright and bold'
A teacher's mug should be bright and bold so it's instantly recognisable on the shelf in the staff room. You could go for a print, or something with a slogan that’ll give them a smile as they pop the kettle on.
If you're still stuck on gift ideas for teachers, don’t stress – remember, it's the thought that truly counts. Teachers pour their hearts into shaping young minds, and even a small gesture of appreciation can mean the world to them. Whether it’s a heartfelt note, a thoughtful handmade gift, or a small token of thanks, what matters most is showing you care.