8 Teacher Approved Gifts to End the School Year

With less than a month to go before summer break, you may be searching for the perfect teacher gifts to show your family’s appreciation for all of their hard work. Given that our team of tutors are also teachers, we have the inside scoop on what educators really need and want. We’ve got original gift ideas for elementary and high-school teachers to help make shopping super easy – and fun!

Here are our top picks to end the 2021-2022 school year.

Teacher label gift packs from Mabel’s Labels

It’s no secret our team loves labels to keep students and families organized, but teachers love them too! We are thrilled that our friends at Mabel’s Labels just launched official Teacher Labels, and in celebration we’ll be giving out 3 of their brand new Teacher Label Gift Packs on social media. Check out the bottom of this post and the Teachers on Call Facebook page for more details on how to enter.

If you like this idea and don’t win our contest, we have a discount code - TEACHERSONCALL - for 15% off from Mabel’s Labels!

Books about being a teacher

Teachers love books, especially ones to read with students. Children’s books about being a teacher are especially cute gifts, and a great way to show your gratitude for everything students have learned! Here are a handful of books that we personally love. As a bonus, click on the links to help you find at your closest independent bookstore.

My Teacher is the Best!

How to Get Your Teacher Ready

My Teacher and Me

Thank You, Teacher from the Very Hungry Caterpillar

Dr. Seuss’s Oh, What I’ve Learned – Thanks to My Teachers!

Gift cards, shop local  

Teachers love gift cards; it’s a wonderful way to provide a gift that will get them exactly what they need (or want) most. Try to find a gift card for something in area and support local if possible, such as a bookstore, coffee shop or café close to school. But if you’re feeling unsure, a nearby stationary/office supply store, dollar store, craft shop, or chain restaurant also make a thoughtful pick.

Art supplies to de-stress and decompress

Adult colouring books, pencil crayons, and paint by number kits are fun, introspective gifts perfect for after-hours unwinding during the summer break. And some of the adult colouring books can be quite saucy!

Reusable teacher tote bags

Many teachers pack quite a lot of gear in and out of school on a regular basis. Reusable teacher tote bags with inspiring artwork and quotes, as well as crates or bins might be the perfect way to show your appreciation in a gift. It also reinforces the message teachers share with students about being environmentally conscious and eliminating the use of disposable bags.

A new journal, notebook or stationery

Teachers love cards and stationery, especially to send notes home to families. Be sure to keep them well stocked with a lovely, monogrammed set or a new journal to jot down all their creative ideas.

Show your recognition publicly

Sometimes the best way to show your appreciation for a teacher is to make a gift of letting everyone know how great they are. So, consider nominating a teacher who inspires you for an award or contest! Check your school board website for teacher excellence awards and deadlines, or some of the local businesses (Staples has a We Love Teachers contest, incidentally!). There are also other awards offered by the government, including The Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence.

Class appreciation card

If you’re hoping to get the whole class together to commemorate the year, now’s a good time to get started! A card signed by all students with notes, or a photo keepsake, video, or slide show makes a wonderful, treasured memory and a great gift. If you can’t get everyone together in one gift, don’t be afraid to send personal messages either. Teachers love getting notes from parents and their children, and often save them to read on rainy days to lift spirits. This is what remains with them at the end of the day!

Do you have other great gift ideas to share with your fellow parents? Let us know in the comments on the Teachers on Call Facebook page. Julie Cole from Mabel's Labels will be choosing three suggestions as winners for the teacher gift giveaway. Good luck!