21 of the Best DIY Teacher Gift Ideas + 1 Mind Blowing Hack to Help You Give the Perfect Gift Every Time

Show your teacher appreciation with one of these thoughtful DIY teacher gifts! These teacher gift ideas are perfect for any occasion: Christmas, the end of the year, back-to-school, Teacher Appreciation Day, or birthdays! Show your gratitude with one of these personalized DIY teacher gift ideas with printable tags—plus a free printable wish list so you can give your teacher the perfect gift every time.

21 DIY teacher gifts! Show your teacher appreciation with one of these homemade gifts from your kids! These teacher gift ideas are perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, end of the year or back to school presents, teacher appreciation day or birthdays! Say thank you to all your kid's teachers with one of these affordable DIY teacher gifts!

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No doubt about it, teachers deserve mad props – but gift-giving can get crazy expensive, especially if you have more than one kid & it gets super insane if you’re in a class full of Pinterest-y moms that make gift-giving a competition.

So what do you do when you’re not Martha Stewart and you don’t want to spend a lot of cash? Well, first, let’s check ourselves out of the Mom Competition—trust me, I’ve got 18 years in on this mom thing, and you can’t win, so don’t try.

But if you want to express your tremendous gratitude to deserving teachers, I’ve rounded up some super easy DIY teacher gift ideas your kids can help with – all teacher-approved.

Boom. Let’s do this!

First, I created this Favorite Things Printable to give to teachers in advance. This is the hack that will guarantee you give the perfect gift every single time! 

Teacher's Favorite Things List Free Printable Word To Your Mother Blog

Knowledge is power. This printable will allow your child’s teacher to list all the things they love, making for a more effortless shopping experience for you and a better gifting experience for your teacher. It’s free for you to print out and use now. 

Click HERE for the PDF:)) 

21 of The Best DIY Teacher Gift Ideas 

21 DIY teacher gifts! Show your teacher appreciation with one of these homemade gifts from your kids! These teacher gift ideas are perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, end of the year or back to school presents, teacher appreciation day or birthdays! Say thank you to all your kid's teachers with one of these affordable DIY teacher gifts!

Teachers Emergency Stash Gift 

Image: Eighteen25

This box of goodies is a fabulous, budget-friendly teacher’s gift that comes with a free printable gift tag. Find all the details on Eighteen 25.

Fun Christmas Gift Idea 

Image: Fun-Squared

Get the cutest bottle of lotion you can find in your teacher’s favorite scent & add this gift tag! Fabulous, simple, easy, & cheap! Get the adorable gift tag on Fun-Squared 

White Christmas Teacher Gift 

Image: Shaken Together Life

Looking for a jaw-dropping, all-in, super fly, fabulous teacher’s gift? How about this White Christmas themed basket? Full of sweet treats, goodies, and supplies this is one gift your teacher will not forget! Get all of the inspiration & details on Shaken Together

Pedi in a Jar Gift 

Image: A Pumpkin & A Princess via Lil Luna

Make sure your teacher takes time for herself by giving this DIY Mason Jar gift filled with nail polish, lotion, a mini nail file, a pair of cozy socks, and Hershey’s Kisses! You can find all the details & the free printable gift tag on Lil Luna 

Cupcake Gift Jar 

Image: Lil Luna

Here’s a project that’s easy, inexpensive, and multi-tasking! The cupcake gift jar doubles as a Christmas candy jar & your teacher can use it later to hold various supplies like paper clips, thumbtacks, erasers, etc.! Get the details & the free printable gift tag on Lil Luna 

School Supply Cake 

Image: Happy Go Lucky

Feeling a little odd about giving supplies? Here’s a cute way to give all the essentials! Get the details on Happy Go Lucky 

Chalkboard Crayon Wreath 

21 DIY teacher gifts! Show your teacher appreciation with one of these homemade gifts from your kids! These teacher gift ideas are perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, end of the year or back to school presents, teacher appreciation day or birthdays! Say thank you to all your kid's teachers with one of these affordable DIY teacher gifts!
Image: A Pumpkin and A Princess

This clever DIY uses an unfinished wood wreath like this one decorated with just over 3 boxes of crayons surrounding a chalkboard! Find all the details on A Pumpkin and A Princess 

RedBox Teacher’s Gift 

21 DIY teacher gifts! Show your teacher appreciation with one of these homemade gifts from your kids! These teacher gift ideas are perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, end of the year or back to school presents, teacher appreciation day or birthdays! Say thank you to all your kid's teachers with one of these affordable DIY teacher gifts!
Image: The Crafting Chicks

Give the gift of a RedBox code (which you can easily buy online) & add your teacher’s favorite snacks & candy! Put it all together in a galvanized steel bucket or large mason jar! Easy! Grab the free printable tag on The Crafting Chicks 

Peppermint Sugar Scrub 

21 DIY teacher gifts! Show your teacher appreciation with one of these homemade gifts from your kids! These teacher gift ideas are perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, end of the year or back to school presents, teacher appreciation day or birthdays! Say thank you to all your kid's teachers with one of these affordable DIY teacher gifts!
Image: Mom 4 Real

If you’re thinking of going the self-care route, try making this Peppermint Sugar Scrub! It’s an easy DIY, and it makes skin feel and smell fabulous! Bonus: Adorable Free Peppermint Sugar Scrub Gift Tags! Get the details on Mom 4 Real

EOS Christmas Gift 

21 DIY teacher gifts! Show your teacher appreciation with one of these homemade gifts from your kids! These teacher gift ideas are perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, end of the year or back to school presents, teacher appreciation day or birthdays! Say thank you to all your kid's teachers with one of these affordable DIY teacher gifts!
Image: The Idea Room

You can take this cute EOS chapstick gift idea a step further by adding a gift card or movie pass, but any teacher will love it on its own! Get the free printable on The Idea Room

Dry Erase Marker Teacher’s Gift 

21 DIY teacher gifts! Show your teacher appreciation with one of these homemade gifts from your kids! These teacher gift ideas are perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, end of the year or back to school presents, teacher appreciation day or birthdays! Say thank you to all your kid's teachers with one of these affordable DIY teacher gifts!
Image: Creations by Kara

Make ordinary dry erase markers adorable with this cute & budget-friendly gift idea! Get the free printable tag on Creations by Kara 

Popcorn Themed Gift 

21 DIY teacher gifts! Show your teacher appreciation with one of these homemade gifts from your kids! These teacher gift ideas are perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, end of the year or back to school presents, teacher appreciation day or birthdays! Say thank you to all your kid's teachers with one of these affordable DIY teacher gifts!
Image: Mama Cheaps

Simple & Easy! Add a gift card to up the value of this teacher’s gift if you’d like.  Get the free printable gift tag on Mama Cheaps 

Apple Mason Jar Teacher’s Gift 

21 DIY teacher gifts! Show your teacher appreciation with one of these homemade gifts from your kids! These teacher gift ideas are perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, end of the year or back to school presents, teacher appreciation day or birthdays! Say thank you to all your kid's teachers with one of these affordable DIY teacher gifts!
Image: Tilly’s Nest

Add a little bit of paint to a mason jar, and you’ve got a fabulous gift that your teacher can put to good use! Add pencils, pens, rulers, flowers, or candy! Get the details on Tilly’s Nest 

DIY Plant Gift 

21 DIY teacher gifts! Show your teacher appreciation with one of these homemade gifts from your kids! These teacher gift ideas are perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, end of the year or back to school presents, teacher appreciation day or birthdays! Say thank you to all your kid's teachers with one of these affordable DIY teacher gifts!
Image: The First Grade Roundup

Cute, easy, and super affordable DIY teacher’s gift! Get the 411 & the printable tags on The First Grade Round Up 

Sweet Year Teacher’s Gift 

21 DIY teacher gifts! Show your teacher appreciation with one of these homemade gifts from your kids! These teacher gift ideas are perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, end of the year or back to school presents, teacher appreciation day or birthdays! Say thank you to all your kid's teachers with one of these affordable DIY teacher gifts!
Image: Positively Splendid

A super sweet gift idea for teachers! This idea features delicious & easy homemade bread in mini disposable loaf tins-with a napkin and fork so they can dig in! Get the details & the free printable gift tag from Amy on Positively Splendid 

Easy Christmas Tic Tacs

21 DIY teacher gifts! Show your teacher appreciation with one of these homemade gifts from your kids! These teacher gift ideas are perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, end of the year or back to school presents, teacher appreciation day or birthdays! Say thank you to all your kid's teachers with one of these affordable DIY teacher gifts!
Image: It’s Always Autumn

Dress up a box of tic tacs to make a useful & inexpensive Christmas gift! This craft utilizes a Silhouette, but it can be done by hand if you get all crafty with it! Get the 411 on It’s Always Autumn 

Easy DIY Teacher’s Gift 

21 DIY teacher gifts! Show your teacher appreciation with one of these homemade gifts from your kids! These teacher gift ideas are perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, end of the year or back to school presents, teacher appreciation day or birthdays! Say thank you to all your kid's teachers with one of these affordable DIY teacher gifts!
Image: MichellePaige

Using the info you got from the My Favorite Things printable & grab a bottle of your teacher’s favorite scented lotion, soap, or hand sanitizer. Add this super cute gift tag & boom! One more teacher’s gift is off your list! Get the ‘Scent’Sational Gift Tag on MichellePaige

Recess Revival Gift 

21 DIY teacher gifts! Show your teacher appreciation with one of these homemade gifts from your kids! These teacher gift ideas are perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, end of the year or back to school presents, teacher appreciation day or birthdays! Say thank you to all your kid's teachers with one of these affordable DIY teacher gifts!
Image: Girl Loves Glam

Grab a basket, tissue paper, ribbon, & a bunch of energizing snacks & favorite drinks! Get the super cute gift tag & more details on Girl Loves Glam 

Mason Jar Gift Card Holder 

21 DIY teacher gifts! Show your teacher appreciation with one of these homemade gifts from your kids! These teacher gift ideas are perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, end of the year or back to school presents, teacher appreciation day or birthdays! Say thank you to all your kid's teachers with one of these affordable DIY teacher gifts!
Image: Something Turquoise

The most fabulous way to give a gift card & a candy treat using two different sized quilted crystal jelly jars & a little decorative foil tape! Grab all the details on Something Turquoise 

Dr. Seuss Gift in a Jar 

21 DIY teacher gifts! Show your teacher appreciation with one of these homemade gifts from your kids! These teacher gift ideas are perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, end of the year or back to school presents, teacher appreciation day or birthdays! Say thank you to all your kid's teachers with one of these affordable DIY teacher gifts!
Image: The Country Chic Cottage

For the teacher who loves Dr. Seuss-which is every teacher-this gift in a mason jar rules! Find out how to Seuss it up on The Country Chic Cottage 

Easy Essential Oil Gift 

21 DIY teacher gifts! Show your teacher appreciation with one of these homemade gifts from your kids! These teacher gift ideas are perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, end of the year or back to school presents, teacher appreciation day or birthdays! Say thank you to all your kid's teachers with one of these affordable DIY teacher gifts!
Image: Unskinny Boppy

A spa bath in a cup! This unique idea using a Starbucks cup is brilliant! Find out how to do it on Unskinny Boppy

I asked a few of my friends who are in the classroom trenches, and here’s what they had to say when asked about their best and worst gift experiences.

First up – the worst.

Best DIY Teacher Gift Ideas

Worst DIY Teacher Gift Ideas

  • Candles: No. More. Please & Thank You! One teacher explained she had so many unused candles she could hold a seance. Daily. For a Year. 
  • Cash: While gift cards are a solid favorite, cold, hard cash comes off more like a bribe. 
  • #1 Teacher Mugs with Candy: While the thought counts, nothing says I put zero effort into this gift like a pre-packed coffee mug full of nasty candy displayed prominently on every checkout aisle at Walmart. 
  • Jewelry: You must be keenly aware of your teacher’s style to attempt to navigate this territory.

Here’s what they told me about their all-time favorite gifts.

Best DIY Teacher Gift Ideas

Best DIY Teacher Gift Ideas

  • Thank You Note: Handwritten notes from students are always a hit and are treasured for years. 
  • Homemade Treats & Desk Snacks 
  • Handmade Gifts & Original Artwork by Students 
  • Personalized Goodies: Bags, Cups, Notepads, Hand Towels
  • School Supplies for the Classroom: Yes, they do love getting supplies for the classroom!
  • Themed Gift Baskets
  • Scents & Sprays: This trick is knowing the teacher’s favorite (and least favorite) scents! 
  • Gift Cards: Always a favorite! Please don’t shy away from the gift card, thinking it is too impersonal! If you want to put a thoughtful spin on it, add it to a basket! 
  • Class Gift: Instead of individual gifts, each child contributes a few dollars, usually $5, toward one large gift item or gift card for the teacher.

I hope you have found a few ideas and a lot of inspiration to show the teachers in your life the love and gratitude they deserve. While you’re here, check out these ideas.

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If you loved this collection of DIY teacher gift ideas, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest!  

21 DIY teacher gifts! Show your teacher appreciation with one of these homemade gifts from your kids! These teacher gift ideas are perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, end of the year or back to school presents, teacher appreciation day or birthdays! Say thank you to all your kid's teachers with one of these affordable DIY teacher gifts!

Today’s Quote: “A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything!”-Unknown

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