88 DIY Teacher Gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week
Skip to main content
Win Big in Our Teacher Appreciation Giveaway 🎁!
ENTER DAILY
Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.
Give the gift of creativity.
Finding the perfect Teacher Appreciation Week gift for your child’s teacher can feel like an overwhelming task. But rather than purchasing teacher gifts this year, why not get creative with the gifting? Handmade DIY teacher gifts can be personalized and they show how much students really appreciate their teachers. Instead of grabbing a last-minute gift at the store, check out this list of easy DIY teacher gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week.
Quick tip: Check your school’s gift policy before giving DIY teacher gifts; some prohibit homemade treats and/or gifts over a certain monetary value.
Just Add Confetti
1. Thanks a Latte
Fuel their love of caffeine with this adorable way to showcase a gift card to their favorite coffee shop. Perfect for the holidays or Teacher Appreciation Week!
Materials:
Get tutorial: Thanks a Latte Gift Idea
Crazy Little Projects
2. Creative Gift Card Holder
Not into coffee? This adorable holder presents any restaurant gift card you choose in such a fun way.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Printable Gift Card Holders
Easy Peasy and Fun
3. Handmade Thank-You Card
Sometimes a thank-you card is the perfect way to show your appreciation. This apple card made with tissue paper is the perfect gift for your little one to help create for their teacher. Creative enough to stand on its own, or pair it with any other gift.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Tissue Paper Apple Card
My Mommy World
4. Bouquet of Pencils
This bouquet of pencils is so on point. Teachers will adore this creative and useful gift.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Pencil Bouquet at Play Ideas
Skip to My Lou
5. Movie-Themed Basket
Show your appreciation for your child’s teacher with this movie gift basket. Add their favorite candies to personalize this DIY gift.
Materials:
Learn more: Movie Gift Card
A Pumpkin & a Princess
6. Cookie Tote
These DIY cookie tote gifts are perfect for any teacher who loves baked goods. What a sweet surprise!
Materials:
Get tutorial: Cookie Teacher Gift Printable
Paintbrushes and Popsicles
7. Personalized Umbrella
Teachers will love this simple, personalized umbrella gift for any occasion. Re-create one of these special DIY teacher gifts for under $20.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Umbrella Gift Tag
A Pumpkin & a Princess
8. Chalkboard Crayon Wreath
This chalkboard crayon wreath requires some extra creativity and time, but the end result is so worth it! Encourage your child to work on this project with you to make it extra special for their teacher.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Chalkboard Crayon Wreath
The 36th Avenue
9. School Survival Kit
Every teacher needs one of these teacher survival kits! Fill it up with all sorts of goodies like candy, lotion, and lip balm. If you don’t have a Cricut machine, use stencils and paint to create the front of the box.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Back to School Emergency Kit
Made in a Pinch
10. Vanilla Sugar Scrub
Give the gift of relaxation to teachers. This homemade vanilla sugar scrub is simple to create and will smell amazing!
Materials:
Get tutorial: 3-Ingredient Vanilla Sugar Scrub
Vegan Huggs
11. Cookie Mix in a Jar
For a quick and easy DIY teacher gift, try out this cookie mix in a jar. Assemble all of the ingredients on top of one another to create the gorgeous layered effect.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Cranberry-Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies in a Jar
The Rising Spoon
12. Self-Care Kit
Provide some pampering for your child’s favorite teacher with this self-care kit. They will especially appreciate one of these DIY teacher gifts during the winter months!
Materials:
Get tutorial: DIY Self-Care Gift Basket
Three Kids and a Fish
13. Potted Succulent
Succulents are more popular than ever, making them the perfect DIY teacher gifts. Include a personalized note from your child to wrap up this cute gift.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Succulent DIY Gift for Teachers
Lisa Storms
14. Lemonade Cups
Grab a tumbler and some lemonade packets for this simple gift. Teachers will especially appreciate this for summer vacation.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Lemonade Cups
The Krazy Coupon Lady
15. Terra-Cotta Candy Holder
This creative candy holder is a great gift for back to school. Include some tasty treats inside the painted pot.
Materials:
Get tutorial: DIY Terracotta Apple
Almost Supermom
16. Personalized Snowman Mug
We love these cozy snowman mugs in the wintertime! Gift one to your child’s teacher with their name on it. How cute!
Materials:
Get tutorial: Personalized Snowman Mugs
Modern Mom Life
17. Hands Down You’re the Best
Teachers always appreciate a good-smelling hand soap. This DIY gift is so easy to make and really shows your appreciation for your child’s teacher.
Materials:
Get tutorial: DIY Hands Down Teacher Appreciation Gift
Colorful and cute, this crayon picture frame will be sure to wow any teacher. Use any picture frame and a pack of crayons to achieve this personalized present.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Crayon Monogram
Crisp Collective
19. Hot Chocs and Fuzzy Socks
Wintertime means cozying up with a mug of hot cocoa wearing some fuzzy socks. Gift this adorable idea to a teacher.
Show a teacher they deserve the world with these spray-painted mini globes.
Materials:
Get tutorial: DIY Painted Globe
Eighteen 25
21. I Have To Ad-Mitt You’re a Sweet Teacher
How cute is this oven mitt stuffed with baking goodies? Gift this DIY teacher gift to a baking-obsessed teacher for the holiday season.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Oven Mitt Gift
Mod Podge Rocks
22. Mod Podge Soap Craft
Spice up your teacher’s favorite soap scent by using Mod Podge to decoupage a flower or cute design on a soap bar. This craft is super quick and easy and can be personalized to your teacher’s preferences.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Mod Podge Soap Craft
Hearth and Vine
23. Flower-Pounded Tea Towel
To turn your DIY gift into a fun craft with your kid, consider this flower-pounded tea towel. Super cute to spice up a teacher’s kitchen or bathroom.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Flower-Pounded Tea Towel
Be Sew Crafty
24. You’re the Star of Our School
This DIY teacher gift is perfect for the teacher with a sweet tooth. Fill a reusable cup with candy and attach a homemade sign as a sweet touch.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Starburst Cup
Skip to My Lou
25. Bouquet With Personalized Tag
For a last-minute DIY gift, grab a bouquet of your teacher’s favorite flowers. Add a personalized tag, or this tag we found, and write your kid’s name on it to add that extra love.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Last-Minute Teacher Appreciation Gift
Etsy
26. Whiteboard Eraser Kit
Make this easy eraser kit to gift your teacher some essentials they just never can have enough of. Write your teacher’s name on the whiteboard eraser for a personal touch.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Whiteboard Eraser Kit
Skip to My Lou
27. Rolo Pencils
This super-cute gift idea is easy to make. Get a pack of Rolos and a pack of Hershey Kisses, and use the printable below to create a cute pencil made of chocolate.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Rolo Pencil Thank-You Gift
Crayons and Croissants
28. Apple Print Tote Bag
Super cute and a fun craft, this tote bag teacher gift will definitely show your teacher how much your kid cares for them.
Materials:
Get tutorial: DIY Apple Print Tote Bag
Sugar Bee Crafts
29. Crayon Vase
This teacher appreciation gift is perfect because it can serve multiple purposes, both in the classroom and at home.
Materials:
Get tutorial: DIY Crayon Vase
A Pumpkin & a Princess
30. Chalkboard Mason Jar
To make this chalkboard mason jar, take an old mason jar and simply paint it with chalkboard paint. Write a fun customized message to gift it to your teacher. Add some #2 pencils in the jar to show some extra love.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Chalkboard Mason Jar Teacher Gift
Eighteen 25
31. Toe-Tally Awesome Teacher
Find out your teacher’s favorite color, and buy some nail polish in different shades. Then, get the free printable below and attach it to the nail polishes for a quirky gift.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Toe-Tally Awesome Gift Bag
The Cents Ables
32. Color a Life Forever
This teacher appreciation gift is super simple. Buy a pack of Sharpies, and tape or glue the free printable below onto the pack for a gift your teacher will be sure to appreciate.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Sharpie Gift Printable
One Little Project
33. Homemade Sugar Scrub
This sugar scrub is super easy to put together and needs only a couple of ingredients. Plus it can be customized to fit your teacher’s favorite scents.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Homemade Sugar Scrub
Sweet Cayenne
34. Coffee Cup Candles
These candles in a coffee cup are adorable and serve multiple purposes for the coffee lover. For bonus points, find a unique mug at the local consignment store.
Materials:
Get tutorial: DIY Coffee Cup Candles
First Day of Home
35. Flower-Pounding Art
For a sentimental DIY piece of art and a fun craft, check out the tutorial below!
Materials:
Get tutorial: DIY Flower-Pounding Art
The Krazy Coupon Lady
36. Personalized Hand Sanitizer
To create a simple yet useful gift, buy a pack of hand sanitizer and either print out or hand-write a note to show that you care. Teachers can never have enough hand sanitizer for their classroom or car!
Materials:
Get tutorial: Personalized Hand Sanitizer
The Krazy Coupon Lady
37. You’re the (Bath) Bomb!
Grab a yummy-smelling bath bomb, then cut out a piece of black paper to draw a fake bomb. Write “You’re the bomb!” on it and give your teacher something that will be sure to make them relax after a long year.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Bath Bomb Gift
The Krazy Coupon Lady
38. For the TEA-riffic Teacher
Find a vintage or unique mug to personalize this easy gift. Grab some tea bags and print out or hand-write “To a TEA-riffic teacher!” with your kid’s name.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Tea-riffic DIY Teacher Gift
Happiness Is Homemade
39. DIY Apple Candles
This gift is such a cute take on the classic trope of “giving your teacher an apple,” and it smells yummy too!
Materials:
Get tutorial: DIY Apple Spice Candles
Crafts by Amanda
40. Wood Slice Coasters
These wood slice coasters are the perfect way to get creative with your kid. All you need are paints, paintbrushes, and some simple circle-cut wood slices to DIY a precious coaster for your teacher.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Coastal Wood Slice Coasters
Teach Me Mommy
41. DIY Beaded Picture Frame
This beaded picture frame will be so fun for you and your kid to put together. Be sure to find a cute photo of your teacher and the classroom to really bring the gift together.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Beaded photo frame
Gathered
42. Homemade Heart Frame
This is such a cute gift to get the entire classroom involved with. Have each student draw and color on a heart printout, and seal each heart in a photo frame to give your teacher a gift they will never forget.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Paper hearts gift
The Pennywise Mama
43. Thanks for Going the Extra Mile!
Use the printout below to add a sweet touch to a simple pack of gum. Teachers will NEVER be upset about receiving gum!
Materials:
Get tutorial: Gum gift
Edible Arrangements
44. O”fish”ally the Best!
Get a bag of Swedish fish and write out on a piece of paper “You are o’fish’ally the best”! Tie the candy with a bow and gift it to the teacher in your life who has a sweet tooth.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Swedish Fish Gift
Eighteen 25
45. Teacher’s Emergency (Candy) Stash
Grab a bunch of your teacher’s favorite candy or chocolate and put it in a plastic organizer box for your teacher to throw in their desk. Just don’t let the other students see!
Materials:
Get tutorial: Teacher Emergency Stash
Avery Blog
46. Highlight of My Year
Grab a pack of highlighters and use card stock to write out a thoughtful message, ending it with the line “Being in your class has been the highlight of my year!” Your teacher will love the extra highlighters for their desk.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Highlighter Gift
Avery Blog
47. Pop-ular Teacher
Fill some clear mason jars with popcorn and use the free printable below for an easy and yummy gift. To make your teacher love your kid even more, switch out the popcorn for some kettle corn!
Materials:
Get tutorial: Popcorn Teacher Gift
Teachers Pay Teachers
48. Yummy S’more Gift
This gift will definitely come in under $1 each when you buy the supplies in bulk. You can create your own printable or get one from Etsy.
Materials:
Get tutorial: S’more Time
Pinterest
49. Ombre Bookmarks
This is a project you can easily put together. Make a bookmark out of paint sample cards and a ribbon … so simple and so cute!
Materials:
Get tutorial: Paint sample cards gift
The Spruce Crafts
50. Flower Bookmarks
If you want a bit more of a challenge but want to keep with the bookmark theme, switch it up and make cute floral bookmarks from colored paper.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Flower Bookmarks
Lovely Indeed
51. Pressed-Flower Bookmarks
If your teacher is more into nature, step things up and use actual flowers to create this beautiful pressed-flower bookmark. You can also use the pressed flowers for crafts below.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Pressed-Flower Bookmarks
Crafts by Amanda
52. Lightsaber Bookmarks
Does your teacher love Star Wars? This DIY teacher gift is the perfect combination of fun and useful for the reader and Star Wars lover.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Lightsaber Bookmarks
It’s Always Autumn
53. DIY Pop-Up Card
All you need for this super fun pop-up card is the free cut-out template below and some patience.
Materials:
Get tutorial: DIY cards
The Spruce Crafts
54. Stress Balls
Want to thank your teacher while simultaneously giving them an outlet for their stress? This easy DIY stress ball is both super useful and super funny to gift.
Materials:
Get tutorial: DIY Stress Balls
The Spruce Crafts
55. Origami Apple
Gift your teacher an apple they can keep on their desk all year without it spoiling whatsoever. Get the tutorial below.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Origami Apple
30 Days of Recipes
56. You’ve Blown My Mind!
Grab a mason jar and fill it with gumballs. Use the free printable tag below and some twine for one of the yummiest DIY teacher gifts.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Bubblegum Gift
Kate’s Kitchen
57. Teaching Is Your Jam
Get a jar of jam from your local farmers market and use the cute free printable below to gift your teacher something yummy they will enjoy.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Teacher Jam Gift
It’s Written on the Wall
58. You’re a Lifesaver
Buy some lifesaver candy packs from the dollar store and use the free printable below to attach to the candy. Just be warned: Your teacher might finish these off in a day!
Materials:
Get tutorial: Lifesaver Gift
Cheryls
59. Apple Cookies
If you love to bake, try these super-cute apple-shaped cookies to gift to your teacher. They will definitely love them.
Materials:
Get tutorial: Apple-Shaped Cookies
Make and Takes
60. Apple Cupcakes
If cupcakes are more your thing, make a batch and add cute apple icing to show your teacher love!
Materials:
Get tutorial: Apple Cupcakes
Etsy
61. Teacher Appreciation Cupcakes
Check out these cute cupcake toppers to add to an easy cupcake recipe to make it your own.
Materials:
Get tutorial: School Cupcakes
Easily Customizable DIY Teacher Gifts
Amazon
62. Customized notepads
Personalize this set of four notepads for your teacher so they can jot down reminders and ideas with a personal touch.
Buy it: Notepads
Amazon
63. Customized Key Chain
This handmade leather key chain, customized with your teacher’s name, is a perfect teacher appreciation gift.
Buy it: Key Chain
Minted
64. Apple for the Teacher Photo Keepsake
Got classroom photos? Why not make them into a custom photo keepsake for your teacher?
Buy it: Apple for the Teacher
Amazon
Etsy
66. Personalized Stanley Cup
Gift your teacher a super-cute and trendy Stanley cup with their initial to show how much you care.
Buy it: Stanley Cup
Etsy
Tribute
68. Custom Video Montage
Another one of the best DIY teacher gifts. Assemble a video montage with Tribute! Their easy-to-use tools allow you to do it yourself, or you can pay a little more and have a professional put together something spectacular.
Buy it: Tribute Video Montage
Etsy
69. Personalized Stationery Note Cards
Teachers often find themselves writing notes to coworkers, principals, or parents. Help them send a adorable, personalized note next time they send a message with this set of stationery.
Buy it: Note Cards
Etsy
70. Leather Clipboard
Pick up a high-quality leather clipboard for the perfect gift. You can personalize it with initials or their name in a variety of text options.
Buy it: Leather Clipboard
Personalization Mall
71. Personalized Greeting Card
This easy-to-create card offers personalization while giving your child the chance to add their own special touch.
Buy it: Oversized Coloring Greeting Card
Amazon
Etsy
73. Personalized Labels
Since gifts like mugs and ornaments can pile up at home for a teacher, a useful yet still thoughtful one like this one will be sure to stand out in a crowd.
Buy it: This Belongs to Labels
Amazon
74. Personalized Door Sign
We love this gift idea especially for first-year teachers. We can’t think of anything more welcoming to students and visitors than this sweet sign.
Buy it: Personalized Teacher Sign for Classroom
Etsy
75. Custom Teacher Name Sign
This sign is super cute and your teacher will love being able to switch up their desk name tag.
Buy it: Teacher Sign
Etsy
76. Custom Tote Bag
Give this customized tote bag to your teacher and they will have heads turning in the school hallway. This bag is fashionable as well as super useful.
Buy it: Personalized Tote Bag
Etsy
77. Personalized Face Stamp
This gift will be sure to have your teacher laughing! Find a photo of them and send it to get transferred to a custom stamp, so that when your teacher is grading quizzes, they can add a personal touch.
Buy it: Face Stamp
Etsy
78. Custom Bookmark
This bookmark can be customized to include any personal message, but a “thank you for being part of my story” with your teacher’s name would be perfect.
Buy it: Customized Bookmark
Etsy
79. Glitter Pencil Pen
This customized pencil pen will shock the classroom. With the ability to customize the name on the pen and simultaneously bling out a cute pen, this teacher appreciation gift is worth the money.
Buy it: Glitter Pencil Pen
Etsy
80. Succulent Box
Buy this succulent box and fill in what type of card you want with a specific customized message to please the artsy teacher in your life.
Buy it: Succulent Box
Etsy
81. Customized Teacher Caricature
This gift will have your teacher rolling on the floor laughing. Send in a photo of your teacher, and get back a cartoonified version. It makes the perfect gift!
Buy it: Teacher Caricature
Etsy
82. DIY Flower Bouquet
This bouquet is fun for you and your kid to put together. Buy the downloadable bouquet pack, and simply print and cut out the individual flowers to make one of the more unique DIY teacher gifts.
Buy it: Teacher Flower Bouquet Download
Etsy
83. Beaded Key Chain
This customizable key chain is super cute for the more boho teacher in your life. You can pick from a bunch of different colors and customize what the key chain says.
Buy it: Customizable Teacher Key Chain
Etsy
84. Personalized Cutting Board
Does your teacher have a passion for cooking? Gift them this customizable wooden cutting board! You can add any message you want.
Buy it: Customizable Cutting Board
Etsy
85. Custom Teacher Whistle
Engrave a whistle for your teacher for both a cute and useful gift wrapped up in one. Here’s to hoping they don’t use it inside of the classroom!
Buy it: Personalized Whistle
Etsy
86. Teacher Appreciation Spa Pack
Pamper your teacher with this teacher appreciation spa pack. The best part? You can customize which letter comes on the clear bag for a special touch.
Buy it: Spa Pack
Etsy
87. Personalized Sweatshirt
Who wouldn’t want a cute sweatshirt with their own name embroidered on it? Grab one for your teacher below.
Buy it: Personalized Sweatshirt
Etsy
88. Personalized T-Shirt
Or grab a personalized shirt for warmer weather.
Buy it: Personalized Shirt
Plus, check out our big list of teacher gifts in every price range.
Be sure to sign up for our newsletters to get all of our latest gift guides.
Melody McGill is a writer for Premium News Updates. She specializes in covering politics, health, business, parenting, and finance.
Melody is also a mother of two who loves the outdoors and enjoys hiking and kayaking when she has time.
