Sometimes you want to give a small teacher gift that sends a big message. Whether you’re choosing a gift for a teacher friend or buying a set of the same gift for a staff of teachers, here are 21 small gifts that teachers will love in a big way, and each costs only about $10 or less.
1. Gift card
Even if it’s a small denomination, teachers always appreciate gift cards to their favorite stores. A $10 coffee gift card is more than enough to treat them to a cup of joe.
Buy it: $10 Starbucks Gift Cards (pack of 4) at Amazon / Printable Gift Card Holder at Etsy
2. Ring dish
A ring dish is a great small gift for teachers—we can put our rings on it, or paper clips, or hair ties, or anything that we want to remember later.
Buy it: Ring dish at Amazon
3. DIY ruler vase
A vase for flowers or school supplies is a welcome addition to any classroom. And with all the options for rulers, you can choose colors beyond the classic wooden ruler.
Buy it: Rulers at Amazon
Get tutorial: Ruler Vase at Lolly Jane
4. Decorated tote bag
A tote bag decorated with apple stamps or an inspiring message will definitely get used.
Buy it: Blank tote bags and Fabric Paint at Amazon
Get tutorial: DIY Apple Print Tote at Crayons and Croissants
5. Key chain
All teachers have keys, lots of keys. So a key chain that is either cute, inspirational, or funny is a great way to help us keep all those keys together.
Buy it: Key chain at Amazon
6. Teacher stone bracelet
Each of these bracelets comes in a different-color stone to match with the teachers you’re gifting.
Buy it: Stone bracelets at Amazon
7. Bath bombs away
Who doesn’t love bath bombs? They’re small, fun gifts that you can give teachers that lets them know you want them to relax a little after a long day in the classroom.
Buy it: Bath bombs at Amazon
Get printable: You’re the Bomb Tags at Kristin Duke Photography
8. Rubber band ball
It’s probably no secret that teachers appreciate rubber band balls. They’re helpful (who can’t use more rubber bands?) and make an interesting paper weight.
Buy it: Rubber bands at Amazon
Get tutorial: Rubber Band Balls at Tried and True Creative
9. Teacher compact
Having a small mirror nearby to check teeth or hair is super helpful when you have a meeting to run to and can’t stop in the restroom to prep.
Buy it: Compact at Amazon
10. Umbrella
Bus duty, recess when it rains, or any duty when it might rain. An umbrella is a great teacher gift. Add a cute note to make it personalized.
Buy it: Umbrella at Amazon
Get tutorial: Umbrella Gift Tag at Mom Always Finds Out
11. Sharpies and a note
Teachers. Love. Sharpies. A set of colored Sharpies with a nice note is a gift teachers will remember!
Get it: Sharpies at Amazon
Get printable: Sharpie Tag at The CentsAble Shoppin
12. If you can read this … socks
Cozy socks with just the right message, yes please!
Buy it: Socks at Amazon
13. Makeup bag
Teachers can never have enough makeup bags (shall we call them teacher survival bags?). A bag with an affirming message, like these, are a great place to keep all the little things—paper clips, PBIS tokens, markers—that keep teachers going about their day.
Buy it: Makeup Bags (4 pack) at Amazon
14. Lanyard
No teacher’s uniform is complete without a lanyard to hold an ID, PECS cards, and more. Gift a lanyard to fancy up any teacher’s outfit.
Buy it: Lanyards at Amazon
15. Stamps
This set of feedback stamps will be well used during any teacher’s year.
Buy it: Stamp set at Amazon
16. Ornament
An ornament to hang on a window or holiday tree is a wonderful way to say thank you.
Buy it: Ornament at Amazon
17. Wrist strap
Another way to hold keys, cards, and all the other things that teachers lug around all day.
Buy it: Wrist Strap at Amazon
18. Decoupage soap
Decoupage pretty flower designs onto bars of soap to make a stand-out gift that teachers can put in their classroom bathroom or use at home. All you need are images of flowers, soap, and Mod Podge glue.
Buy it: Mod Podge at Amazon
Get tutorial: Decoupage Soap at Mod Podge Rocks
19. Pineapple candle
These pineapple candles are super cute and easy to make with jars, soy wax, and pineapple fragrance.
Buy it: Candle-making kit + jars + pineapple fragrance at Amazon
Get tutorial: Pineapple Candles at Happiness Is Homemade
20. Puzzle
For puzzle loving teachers, you can find lots of inexpensive puzzles on Amazon and other sites. They’re a great way to give a teacher some R-and-R time.
Buy it: Starry Night puzzle at Amazon
21. Card game
A card game to teach students or play with friends is a great gift that you can give any time of year.
Buy it: Five Crowns card game at Amazon
