30 Ideas for Custom Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Teachers play an important role in the lives of their students. They do more than impart necessary knowledge—they also offer substantial support and serve as exemplary role models. Whether it’s your teacher’s birthday, Teacher Appreciation Day, or another celebration, a thoughtful gift is an excellent way to express gratitude for their dedication and commitment to their job.

Teacher appreciation gifts transcend materialistic value. They are heartfelt gestures to show respect and gratitude for their efforts. A perfect way to do it is to gift custom print-on-demand items. That way, you can personalize a product to your liking. From personalized mugs to custom school supplies and home decor, the selection of items is diverse enough to find the ideal gift for that special teacher.

In this article, we’ve gathered some of the best teacher appreciation gifts to celebrate your favorite teachers. Let them know how important they are!

30 custom teacher appreciation gift ideas 

1. Personalized mug

Source: Etsy

Is there such a thing as too many mugs? A personalized mug is always a great gift for teachers to enjoy their daily cup of coffee or tea. It’s a practical yet meaningful teacher appreciation gift with a personal touch from their students. Customize it with a heartfelt quote or print your class’ picture. We’re sure your teacher will love it!

Product suggestions:

• White Glossy Mug
• White Ceramic Mug with Color Inside
• Black Glossy Mug
• Enamel Mug

2. Custom notebook

Best teacher appreciation gifts are items teachers might buy themselves anyway. One example is a spiral notebook. It’s a valuable school supply for a student and a teacher alike. To demonstrate appreciation to your favorite teacher, personalize it with their name, a one-of-a-kind message, or a fun all-over print.

Product suggestions:

• Spiral Notebook

3. Custom journal book

Source: Etsy

Just like a notebook, a journal is also among practical teacher appreciation gifts that they’ll use daily. Almost all teachers use them to manage their busy schedules, create lesson plans, and plan exam dates. That’s why a custom journal book will make a thoughtful and practical gift for any teacher.

Product suggestions: 

• Hardcover Bound Notebook | JournalBook®

4. Personalized water bottle

Source: Etsy

Let’s also consider the well-being of our teachers amid their hectic schedules. A personalized stainless steel water bottle makes an exceptional teacher gift, encouraging them to stay hydrated while keeping their water at the perfect temperature. 

Personalize it with your teacher’s name, a meaningful quote, or choose a vibrant pattern for a more striking design. This thoughtful gesture serves as a practical yet thoughtful reminder for them to take a moment for themselves during their busy day.

Product suggestions:

• Stainless Steel Water Bottle
• Sports Water Bottle | CamelBak Eddy®+

5. Custom tumbler

If your teacher already owns a water bottle, a custom tumbler with a straw is another practical teacher appreciation gift. Like the water bottle, it maintains the desired temperature for a long time, which is ideal for long hours at school. 

But besides school life, there are also teacher appreciation gifts for your teacher’s days off. Your teacher will appreciate a custom wine tumbler personalized with a fun quote.

Product suggestions:

• Wine Tumbler
• Stainless Steel Tumbler

Read also: Tumbler Design Ideas to Get You Inspired

6. Custom travel mug with a handle

Another drinkware gift option is this travel mug with a handle that has lately gained recognition for its practicality and stylish design. It’s a convenient teacher appreciation gift idea for teachers on the go, as it fits in the car’s drink compartments and is easy to carry around.

Choose a color your teacher likes and personalize it with a quote or your teacher’s last name.

Product suggestions:

• Travel Mug with a Handle

7. Custom glassware

Source: Etsy

A clever gift idea for a teacher appreciation gift is custom glassware. They come in different forms, suitable for various drinks and occasions. Whether it’s for enjoying water, lemonade, or even a celebratory toast on Teacher Appreciation Week, your teacher will appreciate a personalized glass.

It’s a gift that will serve as a lasting reminder of the students the teachers educate. 

Product suggestions:

• Stemless Wine Glass (15 oz)
• Can-Shaped Glass (16 oz)

8. Custom coaster

We all know daily coffee (or tea) keeps our teachers sane. Besides a custom mug, consider gifting your teacher a personalized coaster. 

It’s a sentimental piece that will make your teacher feel appreciated each time they reach for their mug. Decorating it with a heartfelt quote makes it a wonderful gift for Teacher Appreciation Week, winter holidays, or the start of the school year.

Product suggestions:

• Cork-Back Coaster

9. Custom t-shirt

Source: Pinterest

Custom t-shirts are one of the best gifts for teachers. Personalizing it with your teacher’s name, an inspirational quote, or a design related to their teaching subject makes it a meaningful and memorable present. It can be worn in school or anywhere else, allowing the teachers to showcase their passion for their job and the kids they teach.

Product suggestions:

• Women's Relaxed T-Shirt | Bella + Canvas 6400
• Unisex Organic Cotton T-Shirt | Stanley/Stella STTU755
• Unisex Staple T-Shirt | Bella + Canvas 3001

10. Custom hoodie

Source: Etsy

Custom hoodies are another versatile clothing item that all teachers will appreciate. They’re practical and comfortable—perfect for long hours in the classroom. Choose your teacher’s favorite color and customize the hoodie with a colorful design, fun quote, or your school’s logo or mascot.

Product suggestions:

• Unisex Eco Raglan Hoodie | SOL'S 03568
• Unisex Premium Hoodie | Cotton Heritage M2580

11. Custom baseball cap

A custom baseball cap can make an excellent teacher gift: it’s a versatile accessory that protects from sun rays during outdoor activities while adding a touch of style.

To make it more meaningful, you can personalize the cap with your teacher’s name, initials, or favorite quote. Teachers can wear them during class trips or any other day outside the classroom.

Product suggestions:

• Classic Dad Hat | Yupoong 6245CM
• Distressed Dad Hat | Otto Cap 104-1018
• Vintage Cap | Otto Cap 18-1248

12. Custom beanie

Source: Etsy

A custom beanie shares the same qualities as a cap but is more suitable for cooler days. It’s a practical and stylish gift that will help your teacher stay warm. Personalize it to add an extra layer of warmth.

Product suggestions:

• Knit Beanie
• Ribbed Knit Beanie
• Pom-Pom Knit Cap

13. Custom pin buttons

Source: Etsy

Whether it’s a personal gift from a student or the whole class, small things like these can hold the most significance and bring the greatest joy to your teacher. And why limit gifting to Teacher Appreciation Week? These custom pins are a small gesture to make your favorite teacher feel appreciated on any day.

Product suggestions:

• Set of Pin Buttons

14. Custom stickers

Source: Pinterest

Teachers and kids show a mutual love for stickers. Teachers often use them to decorate classrooms, notebooks, or work laptops. Gifting your teacher a set of custom stickers featuring their favorite sayings and quotes is a small yet thoughtful gesture that will undoubtedly make your teacher’s day.

Product suggestions:

• Kiss-Cut Stickers
• Kiss-Cut Sticker Sheet
• Kiss-Cut Holographic Stickers

15. Custom magnets

Source: Etsy

Custom magnets are symbolic tokens of recognition and gratitude, making them an excellent option for teacher appreciation gifts. Your teacher could either put them on a whiteboard in class or on their fridge at home to remind them of their remarkable work. Wouldn’t it be an adorable idea to gift them each year so your teacher could start a collection?

16. Custom laptop sleeve

Source: Etsy

Useful gift ideas are those that teachers can use on a daily basis. A custom laptop sleeve is one of them. It’s a practical gift either for Teacher Appreciation Day or another celebration. Customize it to your liking and make sure your teacher’s laptop is protected on the go.

Product suggestions:

• Laptop Sleeve

17. Custom mouse pad

  Source: Etsy

A custom mouse pad is another practical teacher appreciation gift. It becomes a sentimental item when personalized by the kids from the teacher’s class. There is no way your teacher will hold back a smile with such an adorable mouse pad in sight.

Product suggestions:

• Mouse Pad
• Gaming Mouse Pad

18. Custom phone case

Source: Etsy

Everyone carries around their phone daily, so chances are the students know the model of their teacher’s phone. A custom protective case is yet another good teacher appreciation gift that’s practical and meaningful. 

Product suggestions:

• Clear Case for iPhone®
• Clear Case for Samsung®
• Tough Case for iPhone®
• Tough Case for Samsung®

19. Custom tote bag

Source: Etsy

A tote bag is a tote-ally awesome accessory for any teacher. Besides carrying all their knowledge, they also carry a lot of books, notes, and documents. Therefore, a custom tote bag will be the perfect teacher appreciation gift. Customize it with a thoughtful and heartwarming quote to make it special. 

Product suggestions:

• Eco Tote Bag
• Large Eco Tote

20. Custom backpack

A customized backpack is another valuable gift to support your teacher’s day-to-day tasks. It’s useful for carrying and organizing all their essentials in spacious compartments.  Without a doubt, this is a practical, durable, and fun teacher appreciation gift. 

Product suggestions:

• Champion Backpack
• All-Over Print Backpack

21. Custom fanny pack

Just as practical yet more compact, a fanny pack is also an amazing teacher gift.  Choosing a color your teacher prefers and personalizing it with a quote or cute image can make a meaningful gift to show your teacher appreciation for their work. It’s well-suited for school days to carry a phone, class keys, and other small items comfortably. Beyond wearing it to school, a fanny pack is convenient for school trips and other outdoor activities. 

Product suggestions:

• All-Over Print Fanny Pack

22. Custom calendar

A class calendar is necessary for teachers to plan exam dates and manage their schedules. A custom one is even better! Customizing it with your class’ pictures and fun quotes can make it a lasting gift your teacher will use throughout the entire school year. It will be a daily reminder of gratitude from the kids they educate.

Product suggestions:

• Wall Calendar

23. Custom puzzle

Source: Printful

Teachers teach us problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and patience, and so do the puzzles. That’s why a custom puzzle is an awesome gift idea for a teacher. Create it from a picture of a recent class excursion, allowing your teacher to look back on this fun and memorable moment while piecing the puzzle together.

Product suggestions:

• Jigsaw Puzzle

24. Custom yoga mat

Source: Zazzle

A teacher’s job involves sitting at the desk for many hours, which can result in tense muscles and lead to pain. A yoga mat is a thoughtful gift idea to encourage physical activities, such as stretching, to relieve tension.

It would be a wonderful gift for Teacher Appreciation Week or as a supportive gesture at the start of a new year to help achieve wellness resolutions. Customizing it with a motivational quote will make workouts more enjoyable and improve your teacher’s mood. 

Product suggestions:

• Yoga Mat

25. Framed poster

Source: Etsy

A memorable and meaningful gift to show your teacher appreciation is a framed poster with fingerprint art. Each student will contribute to the gift by adding their fingerprint, making it extra special. Isn’t that adorable? 

The collective effort will create beautiful artwork and symbolize the bond between the students and their teacher. This will be a great gift at the end of the school year to thank your teacher for their patience and efforts.

Product suggestions:

• Enhanced Matte Paper Framed Poster
• Enhanced Matte Paper Poster With Hanger (in)

26. Custom apron

A custom apron is an excellent idea when choosing teacher appreciation gifts, especially for an arts and crafts teacher. It’s an essential item to protect their clothing from stains during classroom activities.

However, an apron as a gift isn’t only limited to the classroom: it can make a wonderful gift for a teacher who loves cooking or baking so that they can use it outside the school.

Product suggestions:

• Embroidered Apron | Liberty Bags 5502

27. Custom robe

Source: Etsy

Remember that a teacher’s life extends beyond teaching and working. Teachers must also practice self-care to recharge from their demanding schedule like everyone else. That’s why a wonderful teacher appreciation gift would be a custom robe, offering them coziness after a well-deserved bath. 

28. Custom throw blanket

Source: Etsy

You can never go wrong with a warm and cozy throw blanket, especially if it’s customized with sweet quotes from the students. Your teacher will appreciate this gift while relaxing on a sofa and unwinding from a long day at school.

Product suggestions:

• Throw Blanket

29. Custom candle

Source: Etsy

A candle with a customized label is another heartwarming teacher appreciation gift that will help your teacher set a relaxing atmosphere at their home. To make it more special, add a thoughtful and touching quote.

Product suggestions:

• Glass Jar Soy Wax Candle

30. Personalized gift card holder

Source: Etsy

When you’re unsure about a specific gift, you can always choose a gift card, letting the teacher choose what they really want and need. However, if you give your teacher a gift card, a good idea would be to add a personal touch with a printable gift card holder or a greeting card. Customizing it with a sentimental note will make a meaningful gift for Teacher Appreciation Week or any other celebration.

Wrap it up!

As we wrap up our exploration of teacher appreciation gift ideas, it’s important to remember that regardless of the material value, the true essence lies in the heartfelt gratitude the gifts convey.

Now that you have this list, you can choose your gift or save it for later. That way, you’ll be prepared for every Teacher Appreciation Week, birthday, and holiday. 

So be ready for gift wrapping and let your teachers know how valued and cherished they truly are!