What would we do, where would we be, how much hair would we have left on our heads without our teachers?! As a mother of three and the daughter of an educator extraordinaire, I’ve seen firsthand the heart, soul and red ink that goes into every lesson plan. We should be going above and beyond to show our appreciation for their unfailing dedication.
At Cheree Berry Paper & Design, we truly believe it’s the thought that counts, but let’s make those thoughts a little more intentional. My nine ideas for unique teacher gifts are guaranteed to make the grade – and are all $50 or less!
Plus, I’m handing out a stationery cheat sheet. Words often fall short of the gratitude we feel, particularly at the end of the school year when our minds have already gone on summer vacation. But the teacher appreciation equation just isn’t complete without a handwritten shoutout from the students.
No need to struggle over something to say. For each of my picks, I’m providing the write way to say, “thank you.” Just snag our Teacher Notes boxed set and have your kiddos pencil in our messaging verbatim if brains are blanking. Put it all together and you’ll level up your teacher appreciation gifting game from the run-of-the-mill Starbucks gift card, monogrammed mug and box of chocolates.
A Gift for the Teacher Who Has Their Hands Full: Personalized Boat and Tote
Starting at $29.95
P.S. Monogramming is free through 5/11!
Teachers carry a lot on their shoulders – piles of papers to grade, stores of school supplies, the brunt of adolescent angst. Help them lighten the load with an embroidered canvas tote bag. My favorite is the L.L. Bean Boat & Tote.
For your custom quip, take inspiration from an alphabetic pneumonic – “i before e” for example.
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Teachers are totes awesome! Thank you, Ms. Honey.
A Gift for the Teacher Who’s a Forever Favorite: Cheree Berry Paper & Design Blossom Deary Stationery Set + Goodnight Moon Stamps
Blossom Deary: Retails for $24.00
Goodnight Moon Stamps: Retails for $11.68
Being with kids 40 hours a week, 36 weeks of the year is enough to make anyone go postal! Give your teacher a set of Cheree Berry Paper & Design’s Blossom Deary stationery and a sheet of just-released Goodnight Moon stamps so they can put all those pent-up emotions down on paper for some much-needed catharsis.
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You were just the WRITE teacher for me. Thank you!
A Gift for the Teacher Who Aces Themed Dress Days: Betsey Johnson Pencil Bracelet
Starting at $49
Dress up your token of appreciation this year with the Betsey Johnson pencil bangle bracelet! Your #1 teacher will be looking sharp with this nod to the No.2.
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You were an absolute gem of a teacher, Ms. Frizzle!
A Gift for the Teacher Who Enjoys Flowery Prose: Book Vase + Plant from Your Local Nursery
Book Vase: Starting at $29.95
Brighten up their desk or library shelves with a Book Vase potted with a plant from your local nursery – perfect for the longtime English lit teacher or the budding bibliophile with a milelong TBR list.
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Thank you for helping me grow and get ready for my next chapter!
A Gift for the Teacher Whose Cardio Is Running to Target: Target Gift Card Tucked in a kate spade x Target Clutch
Target Gift Card: Starting at $10
Beaded Target Clutch: Retails for $30
A Target gift card is always a good idea – a Target gift card presented in the new kate spade x Target “Going to Target” beaded clutch is an ingenious idea! Talk about hitting the teacher gift bullseye.
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Thanks for helping hit all my learnings targets this year!
A Gift for the Teacher Who Burns the Candle at Both Ends: ban.do Colorful Votive Set
Retails for $32.95
Every teacher deserves some peace and quiet after a year corralling kids. Help them create a serene, stress-free atmosphere with ban.do’s crayon-inspired Color Me Happy Votive Candle Set.
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No one can hold a candle to you, Miss Brodie! Thanks for a great year.
A Gift for the Teacher Who Has a Lot on Their Plate: A Gift Card to a Favorite Local Eatery
Nourishing young minds can be exhausting. Take the chance to treat your teach to a meal with a gift card to your favorite local eatery!
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Thank you for making me hungry to learn all year long, Mr. Finn!
A Gift for the Teacher Who’s Tired of Apples: ban.do Foldable Strawberry Tote
Retails for $15
You don’t need to go overboard with a giant fruit basket à la Ralphie Parker to win points. This Strawberry Foldable Tote Bag from ban.do is a great (non-perishable!) pick going into the farmer’s market months.
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I’m so berry grateful you were my teacher this year!
A Gift for the Teacher Who Values Good Grammar and Good Humor: Commas Save Lives T-Shirt
Retails for $17.99
Punctuate the end of the school year with some grammatically correct garb. This Comma Saves Lives tee is a classic.
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Mr. Feeny, you’re the best, full stop!
Pop Quiz: What’s the Key to a Unique Teacher Gift?
Let’s review! What’s the key to a unique teacher gift?
a. An original gift idea
b. CBP’s Teacher Notes boxed set
c. A handwritten, personalized message
d. All of the above
The answer is D, all of the above!
The end of the school year always manages to sneak up like a pop quiz you’re completely unprepared for. If you’re anything like me, you’re already preoccupied with the upcoming summer months. Yes, I have a carpool scheduling spreadsheet and yes, I’m going cross-eyed looking at it. Feel free to call me Chauffeur Cheree until August.
But even though we’re short time and low on fuel, teachers shouldn’t be an afterthought.
If you’re feeling stumped, don’t stress. I’ve done all the homework so that you can ace your teacher appreciation presentation. Pairing any one of my picks with a handwritten note turns this brain teaser into a crowd pleaser without fail!
xo, Cheree
