12 Budget Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Thoughtful gifts on a small budget. A sincere note beats an expensive mug every time.

Filter

12 ideas

A simple plan PTAs and parents can send home: one small, easy theme for each day of the week.

30 min Cost $ 3 items

Every child brings a single flower; together they make one big bouquet for the teacher’s desk.

10 min Cost $ 4 items

A book with one page from every child — a drawing and a sentence about their favourite memory.

1 hr Cost $ 4 items

Approved parent volunteers cover playground duty so teachers get a real break.

30 min Cost $ 3 items

Pens, highlighters and markers arranged like a bouquet in a mug or plant pot.

20 min Cost $ 4 items

Ask for the teacher’s classroom wish list and buy something from it — the most practical gift of all.

Cost $$ 2 items

A small potted plant or herb with a hand-decorated pot and tag.

30 min Cost $ 4 items

Hand cream, hand sanitiser and lip balm for hands that never stop.

10 min Cost $ 5 items

A basket of their favourite snacks to keep in the desk drawer.

Cost $ 3 items

A new picture book or novel for the classroom library, inscribed by your child.

Cost $ 2 items

A box of homemade cookies with a pun tag like “You’re one smart cookie.”

1 hr Cost $ 3 items

Layered hot chocolate mix and mini marshmallows in a jar with a festive tag.

15 min Cost $ 5 items