The best small teacher gifts under $20! These inexpensive teacher gift ideas are perfect for the beginning or end of the year, Christmas, or to give during teacher appreciation week.
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My dad taught 5th grade for over 40 years, and I always loved seeing the fun gifts he came home with.
And parents seem to be even more creative and thoughtful these days …
… but I know it can be tough to keep thinking of new and different ideas for your favorite teachers.
If you’re crafty, there are lots of fun homemade DIY teacher gifts you can make at home.
But some of us prefer to just buy something, because crafts aren’t our favorite. (Or we ran out of time.)
That’s why I put together a list of thoughtful yet inexpensive gifts for teachers.
They’re all under $20, you can order them right on Amazon, and have them on your doorstep in a day or two.
(👉 If you’re a Prime member that is. You can get a 30 day Amazon Prime free trial if you’re not a member.)
All of these teacher gifts are fun, thoughtful, and useful. If you want to spend more than $20, you could always add in a gift card to Target, Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, or Sephora.
Your child’s teacher will be so pleased that you thought of them, and that you chose something they actually like!
Let’s check ‘em out!
Cheap Teacher Appreciation Gifts
1
Cute Glass Mug
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
This fun travel glass mug is perfect for teachers who need a coffee pick-me-up. It’s such a cute way to drink coffee, tea, or anything else at their desk or on the go.
2
It Takes a Big Heart Tote Bag
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
Let’s face it, teachers always have a lot to transport between home and school. Between lesson plans, homework to grade, snacks, and more, they need a roomy tote to carry it.
3
Best Teacher Wind Chime
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
This heartfelt teacher gift symbolizes growth, strength, and new beginnings. It’s both visually stunning and offers a sweet message, plus it comes in a lovely gift box, making a beautiful presentation.
4
Cute Gift Set for Teachers
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
This adorable gift set makes it SO easy! With a tumbler, funny socks, and a ‘teacher survival kit’ makeup pouch, all in a pretty gift box, this totally takes the guesswork out of what to buy.
5
Teacher Notepad Set with Pens
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
This cute set of notepads is the perfect way to show your favorite teacher some appreciation in a practical yet fun way.
6
Funny Teacher Candle
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
If you know your child’s teacher could use a good laugh, they’ll get a kick out of this funny “Thanks for putting up with my kid” candle. It has a relaxing lavender scent, and is made of quality soy wax, so they can burn it on the weekends to decompress.
7
Gift Sets for Multiple Teachers
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
Buy at least 6 teacher gifts in one simple step with this 18 piece set. It comes with six cosmetic pouches, bracelets, and keychains. If your child has multiple teachers, this is perfect!
8
Monogrammed Tote
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
Using the first letter of the teacher’s first or last name, this monogrammed tote is a lovely way for them to carry their school supplies and paperwork back and forth to school.
9
Teacher Bracelet
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
This fun bracelet spells out “teacher” in morse code in beads. Not only does it make a cute accessory, but the teacher will know the special meaning behind it.
10
Laptop Bag
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
Beauty meets function in this lovely laptop bag. It’s waterproof and shockproof, so the teacher can carry their computer with confidence. It’s just so pretty!
11
Teacher Shirt
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
Teachers need a lot of clothes, so why not gift a fun teacher-themed shirt that they can wear on casual days. There are lots of fun options to choose from, and with a t-shirt you should be able to roughly estimate their size.
12
Be Kind Teacher Lanyard
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
Since teachers usually need to carry an ID badge everywhere now, this cute teacher lanyard makes it fun and easy! They’ll really appreciate the Be Kind message too.
13
Festive Desk Calendar
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
To help them remember important meetings, dates, and events, this season desk calendar is both cute and functional. Each date has a few lines for them to take notes or put reminders.
14
Teacher Spiral Notebook
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
This ‘apple for the teacher’ themed notebook is perfect for teachers to use as a journal or to-do list. It’s cute so it'll even make a nice decoration for their desk.
15
Paper Mate Flair Pens
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
These felt tip marker pens are the best on the market. They write so smoothly, don’t bleed, and come in so many fun colors. Take them out of the package and arrange them in an inexpensive mug for a cute and useful gift they’ll really appreciate.
16
Stylish Lunch Cooler Bag
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
I guarantee that your teacher is bringing their lunch to work, and probably eating it in a pinch. This pretty lunch bag will keep their food cold, and even comes with ice packs.
17
Teacher Christmas Ornament
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
Help your favorite teacher remember the impact they’ve made every holiday season with this adorable and sweet Christmas tree ornament.
18
Travel Coffee Mug
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
This “Teachers Plant Seeds” travel coffee mug will help keep their hot drink warm on their commute and throughout the morning while they work. We need to keep them caffeinated!
19
Snarky Teacher Coloring Book
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
For the creative teacher with a sense of humor, this adult coloring book is the perfect way for them to relax and blow off steam after work or on the weekend.
20
Hand Cream Gift Set
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
Handling all that paper can really dry out a person’s hand. A set of nice-smelling hand creams, or a non-scented variety if you think they’d prefer that, is sure to be greatly appreciated.
21
Apple Post-It Dispenser
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
As any teacher knows, Post-It notes are downright necessary for those important reminders. This fun apple-shaped dispenser uses pop up notes, so they’re always readily available to use quickly and easily.
22
Cute Pen Holder
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
Help your favorite teacher keep their desk organized with this fun pen, pencil, and marker holder. It swivels so they can easily find the exact utensil they’re looking for.
23
Teacher Stamp Set
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
This fun stamp set is ideal for elementary school teachers. It will save them having to write all these sentiments, and help them use fewer stickers.
24
Relaxation Shower or Bath Bombs
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
Pretty sure your favorite teacher loves self care, or could use some relaxation? These eucalyptus shower bombs will help relieve the stress of their day. It also helps relieve sinus pressure and stuffiness, for when they catch your kid’s cold.
25
Amazon.com Gift Card in a Flower Pot
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
Choose any denomination you wish, and let the teacher choose their own gift, with this pretty gift card.
Ready to try some of these small teacher gift ideas?
I hope this list of cute inexpensive gifts for teachers has given you lots of inspiration for what to give your favorite teacher.
Whether you’re shopping for Christmas gifts, teacher appreciation week, want to set a good impression on the 1st day of school, or it’s the end of the year – teachers love these thoughtful gifts!
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