Last Minute Teacher Gift Ideas

This is the time of year to recognize teachers for all the hard work they do year after year, shaping our children. Not only do teachers have a large impact on our children’s lives, but they influence the future. Daily, we trust our kids’ teachers to provide our children with an education, support and motivation to succeed. As a former teacher, I can tell you that the teachers I worked with always went above and beyond what they were being paid to do. 

To possess the kind of love, patience and kindness it takes to be a teacher, is truly phenomenal. We should give thanks every day for all the hard work they do, but the end of the year provides an amazing opportunity to really show our teachers how much we appreciate them. Sometimes though, life gets busy and we realize that school is ending and we haven’t taken care of getting gifts for the kids’ teachers. Never fear, there are ways to get them something thoughtful and quick. These last minute teacher gift ideas are simple and yet still, something that will bring a smile to the face of any teacher who receives them. 

Last Minute Teacher Gift Ideas

Gift Cards

If you are looking for something thoughtful and last minute, a gift card is a great choice. With gift cards you can almost go with any kind from any store. Restaurants, big box stores and even the local dollar store all offer cards you can give to your teacher. Please don’t think this is too impersonal. I loved receiving these when I was a teacher! 

Flowers

Flowers can be found at your local grocery store and they are usually open late. If you find yourself stuck for something to give the teacher last minute, a plant can make a great gift.

Homemade Cookies or Other Treats

Giving something homemade is a very thoughtful way to gift give. Spend time making a big batch of cookies or brownies for the teacher to enjoy and package them in a cute little cellophane bag.

Homemade Cards

Anything handmade is a treasure because it shows how much effort you put into it. Have the kids sit down with you and make some cards for the teachers. Allow them to write them on their own, this will show the teacher that they really thought about what they wanted to say. I still have all of the special cards my students made for me all these years later. 

Summer Fun

Don’t forget, teachers are much like everyone else in the sense that they like to have fun too! A summer fun gift basket is a great way to say thank you and send them into summer with your well wishes. Add things like sunscreen, a beach towel, sunglasses and even funky flip flops. They will be grateful to have some fun stuff to enjoy their summer and excited to use it all. If you know they have kids including something they can enjoy with their kids will be much appreciated. 

If you are struggling with last minute teacher gift ideas, just remember, it really is the thought that counts. Please know that teachers don’t sit around and keep track of who gave them gifts and who didn’t. And we don’t judge the gifts we receive either. But we often don’t see immediate results from our jobs either and just the recognition can mean so much. It is so important to remember to thank our teachers each day for all the hard work they do with our children. Teachers’ gifts at the end of the year are just the icing on the cake.