30 Budget-Friendly Teacher Appreciation Gifts You Can Make

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Looking for a creative gift for your child’s teacher but don’t want to break the bank? Here are 30 DIY teacher gifts you can make at home!

30 DIY Teacher Gift Ideas

Whether it is the first day of school, Christmas, teacher appreciation day or the last day of school, you are probably looking for a gift to give your child’s teacher. More and more parents are starting to give gift cards with a cute printable. This is an easy gift idea, but not everyone can afford to give a monetary present. This is when a DIY teacher gift is the way to go!

Types of teacher gifts

There are two different routes you can go when coming up with a present for a teacher. You can get them a gift that goes with the school or teaching theme or you can get them a generic gift.

Teaching-related gifts

These is the route that most parents go when deciding what to get for a teacher. A gift that has to do with teaching, or the classroom, or is school related:

  • Classroom supplies – this is appreciated by all teachers
  • Teacher themed item – a mug, shirt, bag, etc. with a saying related to teaching
  • Teacher desk supplies – notepad with their name on it, clipboard, etc.

The only problem with gifts like these is that teacher’s receive A LOT of them. If your child’s teacher is newer to teaching, you can go this route and your gift will be received well. If they have been teaching for quite some time, be aware that they probably already have a ton of mugs and apple-themed items.

Generic gifts for teachers

If you want to make sure that your DIY teacher gift is appreciated, you could go for more of a generic gift idea. Think along the lines of what you might give to a neighbor or coworker.

  • Consumable gifts – items that will be eaten or used and then they are gone. Examples: food, bath/spa items, candles and personalized stationery.
  • Everyday items – Examples: tote bags for shopping, flower pot or vase, small wicker baskets, plants, etc.

Whether you go the teacher-related or generic gift route, there are many ways to DIY your teacher gift. I’ve compiled a list of 30 DIY or homemade gift ideas that your child’s teacher will really appreciate but won’t cost you a ton of money. Scroll down and take a look. Which idea is your favorite?

DIY Teacher Gifts

Looking for a creative gift for your child's teacher but don't want to break the bank? Here are 30 DIY teacher gifts you can make at home!

Teaching and School Related DIY Gifts

These gifts include items that a teacher could use in the classroom on a daily basis and school related gift ideas. Scroll down to find more generic gift ideas for teachers.

1

Magnetic Hedgehog

These are so adorable! Add a magnet to the inside of a craft egg and paint it. Easy, cute and perfect for a teacher's desk. There are 3 other DIY gift ideas on this page as well!

2

Mason Jar Pencil Holder

Photo Credit: www.drugstoredivas.net

Help your child's teacher get organized with this super cute pencil holder that looks like a No. 2 pencil!

3

Pretty Paperweight

Photo Credit: modpodgerocksblog.com

Create gorgeous, customizable DIY paperweights from dollar store glass candle holders with no mold. This easy project makes a great gift idea, and you can personalize!

4

Pencil Sign

Photo Credit: leapoffaithcrafting.com

This is an easy wood and paint project that is dressed up and personalized using a Cricut!

5

Composition Notebook Vase

Photo Credit: www.attagirlsays.com

I love this easy paint vase! You can gift it with flowers in it, but it could be used in the classroom to hold supplies. Plus you can get 2 other school supply vase ideas here.

6

Clay Pens

Use up your leftover polymer clay scraps for this fun DIY gift. Your kids will love playing with the clay to make a marbleized design.

7

Teaching Shirt

Photo Credit: seevanessacraft.com

Use rose gold foil and your Cricut to make a shirt for teacher appreciation. Vanessa also made a tumbler to match!

8

Teacher Appreciation Mug

Photo Credit: rufflesandrainboots.com

Get a free svg file for your Cricut to make this mug. Every teacher needs some caffeine during the day, so a mug is a good gift idea!

9

Apple Sign

Photo Credit: threelittleferns.com

Here is another sign for a teacher—this time in the shape of an apple! The apple was purchased at the Target Dollar Spot and the name was added using a Cricut. super easy DIY.

10

Pencil Frame

See how easy it is to make this pencil frame using a plain wood frame and paints. Download the free printable or just put a blank piece of paper and use it as a dry erase board!

11

Glass Photo Magnets

Photo Credit: modpodgerocksblog.com

These EASY DIY photo magnets are so simple that even a kid can make them! You could make them with a cut out photo of each student (from the class photo).

12

Teacher T-shirt

Photo Credit: www.u-createcrafts.com

This DIY teacher t-shirt doesn't require a Cricut! In fact, this was completed using fabric markers and a ruler. The apple is an iron-on patch!

13

Teacher Tote Bag

Photo Credit: www.skiptomylou.org

No Cricut needed for this bag! Download the free saying and use iron-on heat transfer to add it to a tote bag or maybe a shirt.

14

Colored Pencil Vase

Photo Credit: thriftyjinxy.com

This is like 2 gifts in one! Teachers can use the vase at home and keep the colored pencils for the classroom.

15

Pencil Pendant

Photo Credit: www.skiptomylou.org

This personalized necklace would make a great teacher appreciation gift. Shaped like a pencil/crayon, the pendant is made using clay.

General DIY Gifts that Teachers Will Be Happy to Receive

16

Clay Ring Dish

This is a good beginner craft that even kids can make! It uses air dry clay, is personalized and you can add an easy painted design.

17

Flower Pot Craft

Learn how to decorate a flower pot with a Sharpie in this unique craft! Kids can use their teacher's name for a gift.

18

Nacho Average Teacher Gift Basket

Photo Credit: seevanessacraft.com

This is a great DIY teacher gift for the person who doesn't feel very crafty! Purchase supplies, print out the printable and gather in a container.

19

Abstract Painted Pouch

You don’t need painting skills to create these beautiful abstract painted zipper pouches – with a custom DIY gem charm that you can make!

20

Decoupage Soap

Photo Credit: modpodgerocksblog.com

This decoupage soap craft is easy to make for a gift idea or wedding favor. The Mod Podge keeps the design from washing off when you suds up!

21

Beeswax Candles

Photo Credit: athomeontheprairie.com

This is a great post on making beeswax candles. Lots of great tips and advice for first time candle makers. Who doesn't love a good candle?

22

Painted Tote

Photo Credit: www.funwithmama.com

Everyone can use a cute tote! They are great to have around for shopping or carrying school supplies. This tutorial uses stickers and allows your child to get creative with paint.

23

DIY Bath Salts

This DIY bath salt recipe is perfect for a teacher gift! Use any essential oils that you like to make this aromatherapy treat in a jar.

24

Gold Succulent Planters

Can you believe that these planters are just painted yogurt containers? Fill them with small succulents. Add in the free printable tag if this is a beginning of the year teacher gift.

25

Applique Slippers

You know teachers need to relax at home; that is why slippers are a cute gift idea. Personalize them with a letter or shape applique they will love!

26

Chocolate Covered Apple Pretzels

A teacher is always going to be happy with chocolate! Your kids will have fun helping to make these super cute pretzel treats.

27

Pocket Drink Cozy

Photo Credit: www.ravelry.com

If you are a knitter, these drink cozies are a gift any hot beverage drinker will love! There is a cute little pocket for sugar packets or tea bags.

28

Succulent In A Mug

Photo Credit: www.honeyandlime.co

Thank your teacher for helping your child grow with this DIY succulent in a mug gift. You can get a free printable gift tag as well!

29

Embossed Earrings

Your kids can help you make these DIY embossed earrings for their teacher. They are easy to make and only take about 15 minutes!

30

Ribbon Bookmark

Photo Credit: www.5minutesformom.com

Make a DIY bookmark with ribbon, elastic, and a button. It makes a wonderful gift for a teacher. Purchase a blank journal book to put it on.


Were you inspired by this list of DIY teacher gifts? I’d love it if you could share this post using the buttons below. Then check out these other popular DIY gifts here on DIY Candy:

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