3 Easy + Fun Back to School Teacher Gift Ideas ✏️🍎

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Is there anything more exciting than a fresh school year? As a child, I didn't feel this way, but as a former teacher, I miss the days when starting with a fresh class and brand-new school supplies were so much fun. Classroom decor, the smell of a new box of crayons, and of course, all the nervous jitters for that very first day. Whether you’re a parent, student, or just someone who loves gift giving, back-to-school season is the perfect time to show a little extra appreciation to the teachers who do so much. (And take it from me, I always appreciated a little love on the first day!)

Today, I’m sharing three simple and thoughtful teacher gift ideas that are easy to pull together and fun to give! I’ll also be linking a few of the containers and supplies I used, just in case you want to recreate any of these for your favorite teachers. These can be as minimal or as fancy as you’d like, just add a little personality and love.

Gift Idea #1: The “Smart Cookie” Treat Box 🍪

Who doesn’t love cookies? For this gift, I used a 6"x6" mailing box  (found at Walmart!) and filled it with some white crinkle paper from Amazon. Then I filled in a variety of school supplies from Walmart, a custom cookie, and a fun gift card.

What I used:

• 6x6 box – shop here

• Homemade cookies (you could also use store-bought!)

• Crinkle paper or tissue for a pop of color- shop here

• A variety of school supplies- shop here

• Printable or handwritten gift tag – Download them here for FREE!

This gift is great for meet-the-teacher nights, open house, the first day of school, or just because!

Gift Idea #2: School Supply Caddy 🖍️📚

This one is a personal favorite! I used a plastic divided caddy from Dollar Tree (Here's a similar pick at Walmart) and filled it with cute and practical school supplies- think pens, sticky notes, highlighters, markers, and more.

Then I tucked a gift card to Amazon in one of the front pockets and added a cute bow with some ribbons I had on hand.

What I used:

• Plastic caddy – shop similar here

• Fun school supplies – shop some of my picks

• $5–$10 gift card (Target, Amazon, or Starbucks)

• Colorful tissue or crinkle paper for the base

• Printable gift tag – download here

You can totally customize this based on your teacher’s grade level or favorite colors.

Gift Idea #3: Cookie Cup 🍪🥤

For something sweet and practical, I used a colorful cup I found at Hobby Lobby (shout out to the Spring Shop Clearance!) and paired it with a pack of one dozen mini homemade chocolate chip cookies. I also added in a few practical school supplies. I love this idea so much! It's really so cute and colorful!

What I used:

• Colorful cup– shop similar here

• Restaurant gift card

• School Supplies- shop here

• Gift tags- download here

This one is always a hit, and you can easily make several at once if you're gifting multiple teachers.

A Few Tips for Packaging:

• Add crinkle paper or tissue paper to the bottom of your container for a pop of color and extra support.

• Use clear treat bags, ribbon, or washi tape to secure smaller items.

• Don’t forget a sweet note! A handwritten message can mean more than anything you put in the box, or of course, just scroll back up and download the free gift tags I designed just for you! Easy peasy.

  
  

Whether you go simple or over-the-top, these gifts are a small way to say “thank you” to the teachers shaping little minds and our communities. 💛

Let me know in the comments which one is your favorite, and be sure to follow along for more ideas, tips, and tricks!

📌 Pin this post for later or share it with a friend who loves gifting, too!

-Kindall