It’s teacher appreciation season! If you’re a working mom, you likely have at least one dedicated teacher looking after your kids while you’re at work, whether they’re in daycare or school.
As Teacher Appreciation Week falls upon us in the first full week of May, it’s time to start thinking about how you want to celebrate these angels on earth.
This week brings an opportunity to show your child’s teachers just how much they are appreciated and recognized for all the hard work they do. It’s not easy taking care of these kids!
If you want to splurge on gifts for your child’s teachers, go for it! They really do deserve it. But there may be times when you need to be a little tighter with your spending – like if your child has multiple teachers and you need several gifts, or if they’re in daycare and you don’t remember what having money in your bank account even looks like anymore.
If you’re looking for some gift ideas for that won’t completely break the bank, here is a list of 15 teacher appreciation gifts under $15.
14 Teacher appreciation gifts under $15
- A sincere note
Simple, sincere notes from you/ your child is always a great gift of appreciation for your kid’s teachers. Letting them know how grateful you are for their hard work costs nothing, but it’s a gesture that has a lot of impact. Heartfelt notes remind teachers why they do what they do, which can be easy to forget when they’re in the tuck of it. It can include what your child loves about their teacher, how they’ve helped them grow and learn, or how grateful you are for keeping your little one safe.
Hallmark Teacher Appreciation Card Assortment (8 Cards with Envelopes) $12.77 for 8 cards
My Teacher is Amazing: Fill in the Blank Book with Prompts $9.99
The Teacher Appreciation Book: A Creative Fill-In-The-Blank Venture for Your Favorite Teachers $9.99
Things my Students A Teacher’s journal of memorable sayings from Students $8.99
- A gift card to a store or restaurant
Up next on the list of inexpensive favorites – gift cards. I always feel like gift cards come off as a bit impersonal, but recipients usually appreciate them all the same. Since teachers usually spend a lot of their own money to buy supplies for their class, gift cards to craft and hobby stores definitely come in handy. Amazon and Target gift cards are also safe bets, as well as Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts for the coffee drinkers. You don’t really think about buying gift cards for food delivery services (Uber Eats, Door Dash) but they are practical and useful for busy weeknights.
- Canvas makeup bag
Canvas makeup bags are another cute, inexpensive, and useful gift idea for teachers, and can be used to stash anything from stationary to snacks. There are many pre-designed options available, but you can look for a personalized version for a special touch.
Teacher Makeup Bag $6.99
Teacher Gift Makeup Bag, 12PCS Canvas $14.39 for 12
Personalized Canvas Makeup Bag $7.77
- Canvas tote bag
Canvas tote bags are also great as gifts because, like their smaller versions, they are inexpensive and functional. They’re useful for holding all the extra stuff that teachers carry when they’re going to class, and they’re handy for small errands and trips to the grocery store. They’re also durable, which means there’s no hard feelings if they get tossed around a bit.
Canvas Tote Bag $9.99
- Wireless charger
I never really thought about giving wireless chargers as gifts, but when I stumbled upon these I added them to my gift list immediately! They are surprisingly affordable and very convenient, and most phones these days can be charged on a wireless charger. The ability to personalize them with the receiver’s name is a nice touch, too. Everyone I have ever bought these for has loved them.
Anker Wireless Charger $11.99
2 Pack Magnetic Wireless Charger 15W Fast Apple Mag-Safe Charger $23.99 for pack of 2
Personalized Wooden Wireless Charger $12.40
- Cards of affirmation
In addition to Teacher Appreciation Week, May is also a big month for mental health awareness. Show your child’s incredible, hardworking teachers that you recognize the importance of supporting their mental health with some inspirational and uplifting cards.
Dessie 60 You Make a Difference Inspirational Cards with Envelopes & Matching Seal $12.99
Dessie Awesome Cards – 40 Unique Mini Encouragement Cards w/Inspirational Messages $9.99
- Stationery
You might be thinking stationery is the last thing teachers want to receive, but some teachers might appreciate the additional supplies. Pens with a little personal touch like an engraved name or message makes for a cute gift that’s easy on the wallet.
LONGKEY 3PCS Large Crystal Diamond Pen $6.99
6 Pcs Ballpoint Pens $8.99
Set of 6 Engraved Pens $15.50
Personalized Glitter Gel Pen $12.60
Personalized Leather Pens $8.91
- Personalized bookmark
For the avid readers, personalized bookmarks are sure to be appreciated. Less inexpensive bookmarks can even be combined with something else – like stationery or a book – for a well thought-out gift.
Personalized Bookmark $14.50
Personalized Hand Embroidered Corner Bookmark $5.80
- Initialed glass cup
There’s something really satisfying about drinking from a cup with your name on it. I actually got these for my son’s daycare teachers last year, and the feedback was all positive. These glass cups are very chic and make beautiful gifts for your child’s teachers. They are also leak-proof and usable for both hot and cold drinks through all seasons.
Coolife Initial Glass Cup, 16 oz $14.99
Personalized Iced Coffee Cup $13.74
- Bath bombs
Bath bombs are a great gift for teachers, who generally could do with a little self-care time. They can be a relaxing and soothing way to end a rough week and get some personal relaxation time in. When giving these as gifts, I usually purchase a box set and wrap 1 or 2 in cellophane or tissue paper (and keep the extras for myself!)
Nagaliving Bath Bombs Gift Set, 20 $14.99 for pack of 20
LifeAround2Angels Bath Bombs Gift Set 12 $36.80 for 12
- Shower steamers
Speaking of self-care, shower steamers can turn basic showers into well-being moments. I personally love these because they literally require no extra steps beyond putting the steamer into the shower. Similar to bath bombs, you can buy a box set, take out a few, and wrap in tissue or cellophane paper.
Cleverfy Shower Steamers – Variety Pack of 6 Shower Bombs with Essential Oils $16.99 for pack of 6
- Tea and coffee sets
Chances are your kid’s teachers are coffee or tea drinkers – they probably need the caffeine! Coffee mugs are generally one of those gifts that teachers tend to receive a lot, so if you’re going to get one, I’d suggest getting something unique that’s not just another “World’s Best Teacher” mug. Tea sets and accessories, like steepers for loose-leaf tea and honey sticks, are also great gifts for the tea-drinking teachers.
Ceramic 15oz Elephant Tea Mug Green $9.99
Tulip Loose Leaf Tea Steeper $11.95
Twinings Herbal Tea Bag Assortment (Pack of 40) with By The Cup Honey Sticks $17.99 for pack of 40 assorted teas
The Honey Jar Plain Raw Sticks $19.99 for 100 sticks
- Personalized whiteboard/ chalkboard eraser set
If you’re looking for something your teacher could use in the classroom, a custom whiteboard or chalkboard eraser is a nice gift. Personalizing it with their name takes it a step above the usual classroom supplies.
Personalized whiteboard eraser chalkboard eraser with expo marker $13.29
Dry Erase Chalkboard Eraser, Custom $13.95
- Succulents and artificial plants
Give your child’s teachers the gift of green with a low maintenance succulent or artificial plant with a message that says “thank you for helping me grow.” Your child’s teachers will appreciate a little touch of greenery to their desk or home. Both artificial plants and succulents are perfect for teachers because they require virtually no maintenance – perfect for busy teachers with a million things on their mind.
Succulent Pots, 4 inch Colorful Ceramic Flower Pots $22.99 for 6
Thank You for Helping Me Grow Succulent Tags Teacher Appreciation Gifts, 20PCS $8.49 for 20 pieces
Teacher appreciation week, which falls on the first full week of May, is all about honoring our child’s hardworking teachers and recognizing how important they are to our children’s development. It’s an opportunity for us to show them our gratitude with gifts of appreciation. But with kids being so expensive these days, it helps to have some more affordable options. What matters most isn’t necessarily the price of the gift, but the sincerity behind it.
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