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Teachers are the unsung heroes of our communities. They work tirelessly to educate, inspire, and support our children. It's only natural that we want to show our appreciation for all they do, but finding the perfect teacher gift can sometimes be a challenge. Fear not! Here’s a guide to help you choose the best teacher gifts that they'll genuinely appreciate and use.
When Should You Give a Teacher Gift?
Teacher gifts are most commonly given at the end of the school year, during Christmas, or on Teacher Appreciation Day (Sat, 5 Oct 2024 - mark your calendars). However, there’s no hard and fast rule – anytime you feel particularly grateful and want to show your appreciation is a good time to give the best teacher gift. Just remember as cliché as it sounds, it’s the thought that counts, and even a small gesture can mean the world to a teacher.
What Gifts Do Teachers Really Want in the UK?
When it comes to choosing teacher gifts, practicality and thoughtfulness are key. Teachers often receive a multitude of generic presents, but the gifts for teachers that stand out are those that are useful and considerate of their personal tastes and needs. Think about what might make their day-to-day life a little easier or what might help them relax after a busy term.
How Much to Spend on Teacher Gifts in the UK?
There’s no need to break the bank when buying a teacher gift. A thoughtful present for your teacher doesn’t need to be expensive. Generally, spending between £5 and £30 is appropriate. If you’re clubbing together with other parents, you might decide to go a bit higher. The most important thing is the gesture and showing your appreciation.
What Should You Write in a Card to a Teacher?
Choosing the perfect words to express your gratitude and appreciation for a teacher can be a heartfelt gesture that complements your gift. Here are some ideas to inspire your message:
- Express Your Gratitude: Begin your card by expressing your heartfelt thanks for all the hard work and dedication they put into teaching.
- Share Specific Memories: If you have any memorable moments or experiences from the school year, share them in your card. This personal touch will show your teacher that you value the time you've spent together.
- Highlight Their Impact: Reflect on the ways your teacher has made a positive impact on your life or the lives of others. Whether it's their encouragement, support, or inspiration, let them know how much they've influenced you.
- Offer Well Wishes: Wish your teacher well for the future, whether it's for a relaxing summer break or continued success in their career. Let them know that you'll always remember them fondly.
- End on a Positive Note: Close your card with a warm farewell or a simple "thank you" to leave a lasting impression of gratitude and appreciation.
Remember to write from the heart and keep your message sincere and genuine. Your teacher will surely appreciate the effort you put into crafting a thoughtful card to accompany your unique teacher gift.
14 Unique Teacher Gifts They’ll Actually Want
1. Personalised Stationery
Price: £30
Our first gift for teachers is a common but useful one - teachers always need stationery. Personalised notepads, pens, or planners make lovely (and practical) teacher gifts that they can use every day. Consider a customised letter writing set from sites like Smythson, where you can add the teacher's name or a special message. Prices typically range from £10 to £30 depending on the level of customisation.
2. A Hotel Gift Certificate
Price: From £25
When in doubt, a Hotelgift card is an excellent choice. A hotel gift certificate allows you to gift a hotel stay to your hard-working teacher. This incredible gift card offers unbeatable flexibility for the teachers as they'll be able to choose all kinds of hotels from over 750,000 hotels worldwide.
A hotel gift certificate is a unique teacher gift that encourages them to enjoy a well-deserved break, whether it's a local staycation in:
Or an incredible trip abroad to:
It’s a luxurious teacher gift that provides a memorable experience for them to relax and recharge rather than just a physical item. And that's not all, hotel gifts can be personalised by adding your own photo and writing a sweet message! Your teacher will then have 2 years to redeem their hotel gift card and should they have any questions along the way, they can contact Hotelgift's top-rated customer service 24/7.
3. Reusable Water Bottle
Price: £42
A high-quality, reusable water bottle is both a practical and eco-friendly gift for teachers. Opt for one that’s stylish and durable, like a stainless steel bottle from Chilly’s Bottles. These reusable water bottles come in various designs and colours making them a great option for teachers of all genders and you can even engrave it to make it more personalised!
4. Homemade Treats
Price: £2
If you enjoy baking, homemade goodies are a lovely way to show your appreciation to your teacher and are a cheap teacher gift that they're bound to love (just be sure to check for any dietary restrictions). Once you've baked up a storm, you can wrap them nicely in a decorative tin or jar. Websites like Hobbycraft offer a range of packaging options starting from only £2. This personal touch shows that you've gone the extra mile rather than just buying cakes or biscuits from the shops.
5. A New Book
Price: £10
Whether it’s a bestselling novel or a book related to their interests, teachers will appreciate a good read. If you're unsure of their preferences, opt for popular bestsellers like Jay Shetty's Think Like A Monk or James Clear's Atomic Habits. You could also consider a voucher for a local bookshop, or check out online retailers like Amazon, where prices for new releases range from £8 to £20. For an extra sentimental touch, write a personal note inside.
6. Bathtime Letterbox Gift Set
Price: £22.95
Help them unwind with a bathtime gift set. The magic of this unusual gift for teachers is that they get a relaxing experience delivered through their letterbox. Monty and Ridge offers beautifully packaged spa sets that cater to different preferences, with prices ranging from £22.95. These bath sets provide a perfect way for teachers to pamper themselves after a long day in the classroom.
7. Back Support for Their Office Chair
Price: £5.99
Teachers spend a lot of time sitting, whether it’s at their desk or marking papers. A back support cushion can make a world of difference. Look for ergonomic designs that offer lumbar support, available on sites like Amazon or Argos, with prices ranging from £15 to £30. This practical teacher gift can help alleviate back pain and improve posture, making their workday more comfortable.
8. Potted Plant
Price: From £5
An underrated teacher gift is a small potted plant to brighten up their desk or classroom. Succulents and cacti are low-maintenance options that add a touch of greenery. You can find beautiful potted plants at places like Patch Plants or even your local garden centre.
9. Personalised Tote Bag
Price: From £6
A sturdy, personalised tote bag is perfect for carrying books, papers, and other essentials. Choose a design that reflects their personality or interests. Websites like Etsy offer a wide range of customisable tote bags to suit every budget. For higher-end options, you can't go wrong with Aspinal of London.
10. A Luxury Bubble Foot Spa
Price: From £30
After a long day on their feet, a luxury bubble foot spa can provide much-needed relaxation making it an excellent gift for teachers. Look for ones with features like heat, massage, and bubble functions. You can find good options at retailers like Boots or Amazon, with prices ranging from £25 to £50. This luxurious teacher gift will definitely help your hard-working teacher unwind and soothe tired feet after a busy day.
11. Isle of Skye Candle
Price: £20
Enhance their home or classroom with the soothing scent of an aromatic Isle of Skye Candle. Handcrafted in Scotland using natural soy wax and premium fragrance oils, these candles offer a luxurious and long-lasting fragrance experience. Choose from a variety of scents inspired by the Scottish Highlands, such as Sea Salt & Thistle or Wild Gorse. Isle of Skye Candles can be purchased online from their official website or selected retailers, with prices ranging from £10 to £25 depending on the size and fragrance.
12. Hand Cream from L'Occitane
Price: £19
Treat your teacher to the luxurious experience of L'Occitane hand cream. Known for their rich formulas and indulgent scents, L'Occitane hand creams are a pampering treat for hardworking hands. Choose from a variety of fragrances, such as Shea Butter or Almond, to soothe and moisturise dry skin. These hand creams come beautifully packaged and make a thoughtful gift for any teacher. You can find them online on the L'Occitane website or in their stores, with prices typically ranging from £10 to £25 depending on the size and collection.
13. A Gift Card For Train Travel
Price: £25 - £10,000
Another unique teacher gift is a gift card for train travel across the UK and Europe. Traingift is a brand new concept from Experiencegift and lets you easily gift train travel to over 25,000 destinations in over 33 countries. You just add credit, your own photo and a message and then can send it via email, in the post or print at home to give in person. Your favourite teacher will then be able to use her train gift voucher on Interrail passes and trains with the biggest rail networks like LNER, Eurostar, Scotrail and more!
14. Hotel Chocolat Most Wanted Collection Hamper
Price: £44.95
Teachers with a sweet tooth will be delighted with this fancy chocolate hamper from Hotel Chocolat. This special teacher gift has it all: truffles, pralines, fruities, caramels, even biscuits and even hot chocolate, making it great for sharing with fellow teachers in the staffroom, her family and friends or simply saving them for herself!
Which of these unique teacher gifts will you buy?
In conclusion, the best teacher gifts are those that show thought and appreciation. Whether it’s something practical for the classroom or a little luxury to help them relax, your gesture will surely be appreciated and empower them to keep going above and beyond for their students. So, next time you’re looking for the perfect teacher gift, consider these options and make your teacher’s day a little brighter!
