Below, you’ll find 15 easy DIY Teacher Appreciation Gifts they’ll love to receive.
Teachers work hard to educate and inspire, so showing a little gratitude goes a long way.
And what better way to show gratitude than with a handmade gift?

You don’t even need to worry about the costs or your crafting skills – let’s take a look at some thoughtful yet easy DIY teacher appreciation gifts that will help you show your gratitude without breaking the bank or requiring hours of crafting expertise.
Ready to get creative? Let’s dive in!
Don’t want to make a Homemade Gift? Check out these picks for the Best Gifts for Teachers that you can buy.
Personalized Thank You Card
A Personalized Thank You Card is a simple yet heartfelt way to express gratitude to a teacher.
Start with blank cardstock or a pre-made blank card and write a sincere thank-you message expressing appreciation for the teacher’s hard work and dedication.
You can also include specific examples of how they have positively impacted you or your child’s education.
To add an even more personal touch, consider incorporating a little drawing from your child.
The goal is to make the card unique and meaningful, showcasing the time and thought put into expressing gratitude.
Instructions for this card: Balloon Card
Customized Stationery
Customized stationery provides the teacher with functional and unique tools for their daily tasks.
You can get plain notepads, sticky notes, or pens and personalize them using colorful washi tape, stickers, or labels with the teacher’s name.
Moreover, you can try adding designs that coordinate with the teacher’s preferences or classroom theme for an extra thoughtful touch.
Mason Jar Succulent
A Mason Jar Succulent is a charming and low-maintenance gift that brings a touch of nature to the teacher’s desk.
Choose a small succulent plant, place it in a clean mason jar, and add decorative pebbles or stones around the base.
Tie a ribbon or twine around the jar for a finishing touch.
Succulents are easy to care for, making them ideal gifts for teachers who may not have a green thumb.
The rustic mason jar and vibrant greenery combine to create a visually appealing and thoughtful present.
Homemade Bath Salts and Bath Bombs
Homemade Bath Salts and Bath Bombs offer a touch of relaxation for your hardworking teacher.
This gift provides a spa-like experience, allowing the teacher to unwind and enjoy a soothing bath after a busy day.
Create a batch using Epsom salt, essential oils, and dried herbs or flowers.
Mix these ingredients, and package the bath salts in a decorative jar or pouch.
Attach a tag with instructions for use and a heartfelt message.
Bath Bomb Recipes
Bookmarks with Quotes
Create personalized bookmarks with quotes for your teacher.
These DIY bookmarks serve as both a practical and inspirational gift, reminding the teacher of your appreciation every time they open a book.
Use sturdy cardstock or laminated paper for durability.
On one side, decorate with colors, patterns, or illustrations that reflect the teacher’s interests or the subject they teach.
On the other side, print or handwrite motivational quotes about education, learning, or teaching.
Here’s another unique bookmark idea.
Chalkboard Plant Pots
Chalkboard plant pots add a decorative element to the teacher’s space and provide a practical and interactive way to display plants in the classroom or at home.
Start with small clay pots and paint them with chalkboard paint, allowing the teacher to write the plant names or personalized messages on the chalkboard surface as they wish.
Plant small herbs or colorful flowers in the pots for an added aesthetic appeal.
Homemade Granola
Homemade Granola or Trailmix is a delicious and thoughtful DIY teacher appreciation gift.
Create a batch using a combination of oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and sweeteners of your choice.
You can find various recipes online to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. This is a great one for those looking for gluten free options.
Once the granola is prepared, package it in a decorative jar or airtight container.
Consider also attaching a personalized tag or label expressing your gratitude.
This gift offers a tasty treat and shows the effort you put into creating something special for the teacher.
More Homemade Food Gifts
Decorated Clipboard
A Decorated Clipboard adds a touch of personality to a practical item.
It’s perfect for keeping lesson plans, notes, or important papers organized in the classroom.
Get a plain clipboard and personalize it using paint, fabric, or decorative paper.
Choose colors and patterns that resonate with the teacher’s style or match their classroom decor.
You can also add the teacher’s name, motivational quotes, or even images related to their subject.
DIY Pencil Holder Vase
A DIY Pencil Holder is another practical gift for teachers to help them organize their pens, pencils, and other desk essentials.
It adds a touch of personality to the teacher’s workspace while keeping things neat and tidy.
Start with a simple tin can or glass jar and unleash your creativity.
Decorate it using paint, fabric, decorative paper, or even washi tape, and add the teacher’s name, a motivational quote, or images related to the subject.
Customized Tote Bag
A Customized Tote Bag is a practical and stylish gift for teachers on the go.
It will help them carry books, papers, and other essentials while also serving as a daily reminder of their student’s appreciation.
Get a plain canvas tote bag and use fabric paint, markers, or iron-on transfers to add a personal touch.
Choose colors and designs that align with the teacher’s preferences and consider including the teacher’s name, a thoughtful message, or even a design related to their subject.
Scented Sachets
Scented Sachets offer a touch of aromatherapy and can be a delightful addition to any space.
They can be placed in drawers, closets, or around the classroom to create a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.
Create these sachets using dried lavender, herbs, or potpourri.
You can make small fabric pouches or use decorative paper to hold the scented mixture.
Before giving them to the teacher, package them in a pretty bag or box, and consider adding a personalized tag.
Coffee Gift Basket
A Coffee Gift Basket is a fantastic choice for the coffee-loving teacher.
This gift caters to the teacher’s love for coffee and provides a cozy and enjoyable experience during breaks.
Assemble a selection of gourmet coffee beans, a stylish mug, and some sweet treats.
You can also include items like flavored syrups, chocolates, or biscotti.
Arrange everything in a decorative basket or box, and consider adding a personalized note expressing your appreciation.
DIY Coasters
DIY Coasters are a practical and customizable teacher appreciation gift.
To make them, start with plain ceramic tiles, cork sheets, or wooden discs as the base and decorate the surface using various techniques, such as decoupage with decorative paper, painting, or even using photos.
Make sure to seal the coaster with clear varnish for durability.
You can personalize each coaster with the teacher’s name, initials, or a design that reflects their interests.
Package the coasters in a set and tie them together with a ribbon for a polished finish.
Upcycled Planters
Upcycled Planters adds a touch of greenery to the teacher’s space while promoting sustainability through creative recycling.
Repurpose old tin cans, glass jars, or wooden crates into unique plant containers for small indoor plants or succulents.
Paint or decorate them with colors and patterns that match the teacher’s preferences or classroom theme.
Personalized Classroom Art
Creating Personalized Classroom Art can involve collaborating with all the class students to craft a meaningful and unique piece.
Choose a theme or subject that reflects the teacher’s interests or the class curriculum and use various art supplies such as paints, markers, or collage materials.
It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece; it’s enough that the student put in the time and effort to create it.
This gift showcases the students’ creativity and provides the teacher with a lasting and sentimental memento of their impact on their students’ lives.
These easy DIY teacher appreciation gifts are thoughtful and great for showing gratitude without breaking the bank.
So, get creative and let these ideas inspire a tradition of giving back to the educators who make a difference.
Leave a Reply