21 DIY Teacher Gifts for the Upcoming Season

Finding the perfect holiday gift for your child’s teacher sometimes feels like an overwhelming task. Rather than purchasing a gift, why not get creative with the gifting this year? A handmade gift can be personalized and shows how much students appreciate their teacher. Instead of grabbing a last-minute gift at the store, check out this list of easy DIY teacher gifts!

Quick tip: Check your school’s gift policy before giving; some prohibit homemade treats and/or gifts over a certain monetary value.

(Note: WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)

Table of Contents

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:

Coffee cup from store of choice
Free Printable Tag
Crinkle Paper
Bow

Learn more: Just Add Confetti

2. Creative Gift Card Holder

Not into coffee? This adorable holder presents any restaurant gift card you choose in such a fun way.

Materials:

Gift Card Holder Printable
Glue Dots
Gift card to restaurant of your choice

Learn more: Crazy Little Projects

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:

Green Cardstock Paper
Red Tissue Paper
Glue
Foam Letters

Learn more: Easy Peasy and Fun

4. Bouquet of Pencils

This bouquet of pencils is so on point. Teachers will adore this creative and useful gift.

Materials:

Flower Pot
Foam Block
Pencils
Colorful Scrap Paper
Easter Grass
Ribbon
Flower Punch

Learn more: My Mommy World

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:

Movie Box Printables
Regal Gift Card
Candy

Learn more: Skip to My Lou

6. Cookie Tote

These DIY cookie tote gifts are perfect for any teacher who loves baked goods. What a sweet surprise!

Materials:

Cookies (Or make them homemade!)
Chalkboard Printable
Gable Boxes
Basket Filler
Alphabet Chalkboard Ribbon
Elmer’s X-Treme Glue Stick

Learn more: A Pumpkin and a Princess

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:

Umbrella
Free Printable

Learn more: Paintbrushes and Popsicles

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:

Unfinished Wood Wreath
Crayons
Chalkboard Ribbon
Chalkboard
Stickers
Hot Glue

Learn more: A Pumpkin and a Princess

9. School Survival Kit

Every teacher needs one of these teacher survival kits! Fill it up with all sorts of goodies such as 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:

Wood Box
Acrylic Paint
Paintbrushes
Vinyl Machine Cutter
Vinyl
Goodies (Candy, lip balm, gift card, hand sanitizer, etc.)

Learn more: The 36th Avenue

10. Vanilla Sugar Scrub

Give the gift of relaxation to teachers this holiday season. This homemade vanilla sugar scrub is simple to create and will smell amazing!

Materials:

Sugar
Olive Oil
Vanilla Fragrance Oil

Learn more: Made in a Pinch

11. Cookie Mix in a Jar

For a quick and easy holiday 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:

Mason Jar
String
All-Purpose Flour
Baking Soda
White Sugar
Brown Sugar
Cinnamon
Rolled Oats
Dried Cranberries
Chocolate Chips

Learn more: Vegan Huggs

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:

Basket
Fuzzy Socks
Candle
Mug
Other fun goodies of your choosing!

Learn more: The Rising Spoon

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:

Painted Mason Jar/Small Planters
Succulents
Printable Label
Planting Dirt
Toothpicks
Scotch Tape

Learn more: Three Kids and a Fish

14. Lemonade Cups

Grab a tumbler and some lemonade packets for this simple gift! Teachers will especially appreciate this for summer vacation.

Materials:

Flag Printable
Tumbler
Lemonade Packets

Learn more: Lisa Storms

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:

4-inch Terra-Cotta Pot and Saucer
Red Paint
Green Felt
Pencil
Hot-Glue Gun and Glue
Paintbrush
Candy

Learn more: The Krazy Coupon Lady

16. Personalized Snowman Mug

We love these cozy snowman mugs for the holiday season! Gift one to your child’s teacher with their name on it. How cute!

Materials:

Oven-Safe Mug
Sharpies

Learn more: Almost Super Mom

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:

White Cardstock
Scissors
Pencils
Markers
Hand Soap

Learn more: Modern Mom Life

18. Crayon Picture Frame

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.