Shop the best last minute gifts for teachers


by Samantha Ball |
Updated on

It's that time of year again where we need to start shopping for the best teacher gifts, to say thanks to those who have supported our little ones through the last year.

Teachers play an invaluable role in shaping the minds and futures of students, often going above and beyond their duties to ensure each child receives a quality education. As a token of gratitude, giving gifts to teachers has become a cherished tradition. Teacher gifts are more than mere presents; they are heartfelt gestures that convey appreciation, recognition, and support.

They strengthen the bond between teachers, students, and parents, fostering a positive and collaborative educational environment. Whether it’s a small token of appreciation or a personalized gift, these gestures can significantly impact a teacher’s morale and motivation. In a world where their contributions often go unheralded, teacher gifts stand out as the best way to express gratitude and acknowledge the profound difference they make every day.

Whether it's the first year you're buying a gift for nursery teachers or the last year you'll be looking to buy something, Mother&Baby have found a selection of gifts that teachers will actually love.

Best gifts for teachers at a glance:

Best last minute gifts for teachers overall: Chilly's Coffee Cup - buy here on Amazon, £37
Best gifts for teachers from the class: One4All Exchange Gift Code - buy here on Amazon, £15+
Best plant gifts for teachers: Thank Your For Helping Me Grow Plant Pot - buy here on Not On The High Street, £15
Best card for teachers: The World Needs More Teachers Card - buy here on Moonpig, £3.99

A thought out gift is the best way to say thank you to the staff at nursery for your childs care or your older childs teacher. Although, whatever gift you choose, their teacher will appreciate the thought.

So let's swap out the 'best teacher' mugs for delicious biscuit selections, practical stationary, or even a thoughtful card to say thank you..

Best last minute gifts for teachers

Best last minute gifts for teacher overall

There's nothing worse than a cup of tea or coffee going cold, but with the Chilly's Coffee Cup, not only is teachers drink safe from being accidentally knocked over and spilled, but their drink can stay hot and safe even in a busy classroom!

One happy customer said: "I was very hesitant to order due to all the negative reviews, saying it leaks leaks. However, I have tested mine, and it does not leak, vigourously shaken by myself and a two-year-old, neither of us could get it to leak."

Pros

  • Allows you to keep your coffee, cocoa, or chamomile tea steaming hot for up to 4 hours 
  • Innovative leakproof lock

Cons

  • Lock can be difficult to turn
Dimensions:20.9 x 10.9cm
Volume:500ml
  • Stainless steel, rust-resistant core
  • Twist mechanism to lock
  • Keeps drinks hot for up to 4 hours
  • Biocote drinking lid for ultimate hygiene

Best stationary gift for teachers

With the Paper Mate & Sharpie Pens Set, your childs teacher won't need to worry about doing their supply shop until at least the next term break! The set comes with different coloured pens with different ballpoint sizes, so they have a pen for everything they do.

One mum said: "Bought this set at a great price. The set has everything you need to fill the case: black pens, blue  pens, black and colored shape markers, pencils, glue and green, red, black and blue markers. Definitely guaranteed stock."

Pros

  • Multiple pen choices to choose from
  • Different coloured pens

Cons

  • Some mentioned the Paper Mate corrector wasn't always reliable to use
Dimensions:22.6 x 16.7 x 12cm
  • 8 x Paper Mate 045 ballpoint pens
  • 4 x Paper Mate 100ST InkJoy ballpoint pens
  • 1 x Paper Mate InkJoy qautro retractable pen
  • 4 x Sharpe S-Note marker pens

Best hero teacher card gift for teachers

Real Heroes Don't Wear Capes They Teach CardMoonpig

This lovely Real Heroes Don't Wear Capes They Teach Card can be sent as an e-card to teachers, or you can have it delivered straight to the school! It's a great last minute idea if you haven't found the perfect card in shops.

Pros

  • Can be sent electronically too
  • Can share with school friends to add their own message
  • Funny cheeky chops real heroes dont wear capes they teach card

Cons

  • Not many colours to choose from

Best water bottle gift for teachers

This Chilly's Water Bottle makes a great gift for teachers! They're always so busy that they probably don't have much time to have a drink, but at least when they do get chance they'll have a nice cold drink still.

One buyer said: "I bought this as the plastic reusable bottle I had started leaking through the spout, and I wanted a more durable bottle that I could also put stickers I had lying around on to. I bought the 500ml dark matte green one, and I'd say it's the perfect size for me. It fits in my bag and isn't too heavy, ideal size for taking to work, gym and around the house, and I refill my bottle constantly anyway so I don't mind having to do it a bit more frequently. I'm glad I didn't go for the 750ml one as my friend has it and it's just far too big and impractical - I'd consider getting the 750ml one for leaving in the house, but it's far too big to be practical and transportable in my opinion."

Pros

  • Keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours
  • Leakproof
  • Water bottle stainless steel construction creates rust-resistant
  • The water bottle's lid creates an airtight seal to eliminates accidental spills and maintain a leak-proof,

Cons

  • Screw top lid might not be ideal for quick drinks
Dimensions:30 x 7cm
Volume:500ml
  • Keeps water cool for 24 hours
  • Leakproof lid

Best reward stickers gift for teachers

best-gifts-for-teachers-reward-stickers
Price: $8.99

This 1008 Reward Stickers for Teachers is an incredibly practical gift. There's an array of different designs from dinosaurs to unicorns, each with different encouraging phrases. There's 63 stickers per sheet and 16 sheets in total, so they should last your teacher quite awhile.

One buyer said: "I brought these for my crew (I'm a restaurant manager) not thinking they'd like them that much but they ended up adoring them!! The stickers are super cute and come with so many sheets so they really stretch a long way. Great quality and value for money."

Pros

  • Practical
  • Over 1000 stickers to use
  • They don’t adhere, or they rip when peeled off and don’t stick
  • Your set comes with 16 sheets, each with 63 stickers

Cons

  • Cannot be folded to fit a standard card envelope
Dimensions:27.5 x 21.9cm
Amount:16 x 63 (1008)
  • 16 x sticker sheets
  • 63 x stickers per sheet

Best gift for teachers from the class

best-gifts-for-teachers-one4all
Price: £15+

The One4all Exchange Gift Code can only be sent electronically, but it's a good way for all the class to chip in for the teacher, rather than all buying individual gifts. You could even pop enough on for a couple of coffee trips from your little one!

Pros

  • Choose the amount you want to add on
  • Teacher can spend it wherever they choose
  • Choose the delivery date
  • A digital gift card which can be spent on eGifts for some leading brands and stores

Cons

  • Have to redeem the amount at the chosen store before spending
  • Personalised message
  • Email gift
  • Choose the amount to spend

Best plant gift for teachers

Thank You For Helping Me Grow Plant PotNot On The High Street / The Forest & Co

A more practical gift that would look lovely on display in the classroom too, the Thank You For Helping Me Grow Plant Pot makes a really thoughtful and unusual gift to what teachers normally get!

Pros

  • This terracotta planter is great for growing herbs or to hold your favourite plan
  • It has a lovely message for those special people who help you on your way

Cons

  • Not ideal if the teacher does not like plants

Best card for teachers

The World Needs More Teachers CardMoonpig

Another card that can be sent electronically to the teacher too, the World Needs More Teachers Like your childs teacher card makes a thoughtful message to send.

Pros

  • Features illustrations of a globe and stationary
  • Text reads "The world needs more teachers like you thank you xxx from all of is in year 2"

Cons

  • Not many designs to choose from

Best gifts for teachers under £20

Best gifts for teacher caddy organiser

The easy to see Create A Space See-Through Caddy will help your child's teacher to keep an organised desk while also being able to move it around the classroom with them. It has four storage compartments that are different sizes. They can be used with or without the caddy base too.

Pros

  • Keeps everything organised
  • Carry handle
  • There are 4 bins in different sizes, each with a lid
  • The removable bins store on the portable base with carry handle, so you’ll always have whatever you need within reach

Cons

  • Craft supplies not included
Dimensions:N/A
  • 4 x see-through caddy's
  • Carry handle
  • Storage lids

Best LEGO sunflower teacher gifts

LEGO Sunflowers best gifts for teacherMother&Baby Senior Writer, Samantha

This LEGO Creator Sunflowers set doubles up as decoration for your home, plus it's easy to store as each plant has thin stems that can fit into a vase or storage container.

Our Senior Writer, Samantha mentioned that they were bigger than expected and also look incredibly beautiful!

I'd recommend it as a LEGO set because it looks great on display, and it's quite a relaxing and easy build. They could brighten up a classroom more practically!

Samantha Ball, our Senior Writer at Mother&Baby reviewed this product.

Pros

  • Bright and vibrant colours
  • Can pair them with other LEGO flower sets to build a faux bouquet
  • There are 191 pieces in the set, and the model sunflowers measure over 9.5 in. (25 cm) tall

Cons

  • Teacher might not be into LEGO

Best personalised gift for teachers

A delicious selection of luxury biscuits, this Teacher Gift Box of Biscuits can be personalised with the school or nursery name and even your childs name in a thank you message. You can also choose between a box of 4, 8 or 16.

A happy mum said: "Fantastic gift for teachers. Great personalisation, presentation and speed of delivery. I am very impressed and will be buying again."

Pros

  • Personalise with names
  • Delicious thank you gift
  • There is also an option to personalise multiple biscuits, for example if you wanted to include thank you biscuits for multiple teachers

Cons

  • More suited to younger children's teachers
  • Themed based on request
  • Personalise up to 2 biscuits

Best plant based gift for teachers

If your little ones teacher loves plants, then this Personalised Planter For Teacher is perfect for them! It has two secure handles to make carrying it easier, and you can even add a packet of mixed flowers to the order for them to grow their own flowers.

One customer said: "Love this planter, good size and can personalise too. Excellent as a thank you to teacher. Personalisation is just perfect."

Pros

  • Engrave with a name of your choice
  • Available in two sizes
  • Unique plant gifts for teachers who have a jungle of flowers 

Cons

  • There are no drainage holes in the planter
Small dimensions:15 x 30 x 12cm
Medium dimensions:15 x 35 x 15cm
  • Two sizes available
  • Personalised message to teacher
  • Option to add mixed flower packet

Best shortbread gift for teachers

You can't go wrong with shortbread! This Cartwright & Butler Shortbread Selection Box uses a family recipe and includes well-loved flavours such as your classic butter shortbreads, salted caramel and chocolate drop.

Pros

  • Incredibly delicious
  • Selection of flavours
  • Shortbread biscuits:  flavours such as the classic all-butter, salted caramel and chocolate drop.

Cons

  • Not allergen free
Dimensions:22.70 x 18.50 x 4cm
  • Salted caramel shortbread
  • Classic all-butter shortbread
  • Chocolate drop shortbread

Best bookmark gift for teachers

Personalised Leather Corner BookmarkNot On The High Street / SBRI

Whether they use it at home or for reading time in the classroom, the Personalised Leather Corner Bookmark can have the teachers name on or even a best teacher message. They'll never lose their place in the books again!

One customer said: "Another unique present that suits my book devouring daughter to help her read. Well made, subtle colouring, nice range of colours and quickly dispatched."

Pros

  • A colourful leather bookmark that sits on the corner of your page, stamped with your name or initials
  • The perfect personalised gift for book lovers
  • You can either choose from our list of bookish messages ('book lovers club', 'the main character' or 'fell asleep here') 

Cons

  • Not ideal for non-book worms

Best gifts for teachers under £50

Best personalised tin gift for teachers

Perfect for storing their keys and phone in at school, or even for their lunch, the Teacher Gift Tin can be personalised and makes a wonderful gift. The perfect gift to show a teacher appreciation with this personalised teacher gift tin as an end of term gift, to help keep their desk, pens, pencils and notes tidy.

Pros

  • Personalised wording
  • Perfect to store all teachers belongings
  • The perfect gift from a school leaver.
  • Perfect for your favourite teacher to keep on their desk to keep pens, pencils and notes tidy

Cons

  • Can't change the tin colour
Dimensions:16 x 16 x 6.5cm

Best gifts for teacher travel mug

The Guardian Collection Travel Mug can hold up to 530ml and will help keep drinks hot for up to five hours or cold up to 14 hours. It's a great gift for teachers who have to be up and out the house early, and might not have time for a hot drink. It's cool to touch with hot liquids too and has a handle to make carrying easier.

Pros

  • Fits most vehicle cup holders
  • Integrated mug handle with soft grip
  • Durable stainless steel interior and exterior 
  • Cool to the touch with hot liquids, sweat-proof with cold

Cons

  • Keeps your drink hot dor 5 hours
Dimensions:13 x 8 x 20cm
Volume:530ml
  • Durable stainless steel
  • Cool to touch
  • Integrated mug handle
  • Slide lock lid

Best fruit gift for teachers

Arriving in a beautiful little wicker basket with hooped handle, this Medium Fresh Fruit Basket is filled with a delicious selection of fruit that's beautifully arranged. It's the perfect gift for teachers, especially if you're not certain of any dietary requirements.

One customer said: "Received as seen in photo. Lovely selection of fruit, my friend was highly delighted with this gift and her Grandaughter will be using the basket to play 'shops' with her in the future."

Pros

  • Beautifully presented
  • Filled with delicious household favourite fruits
  • Seasonal fruits arranged in an attractive hooped handled wicker basket lined with fabric

Cons

  • Can't tell how long the fruit will stay at its freshest
  • 2 x Pink Lady apples
  • 3 x Bananas
  • Grapes (400g)
  • 1 x Oranges
  • 2 x Pears conference
  • 1 x Pineapples
  • 2 x Plums
  • 3 x Soft citrus (easy peelers)

When should I buy the best gifts?

We all think that there is plenty of time before the end of term, but it flies by! By shopping now, you can avoid missing out on a gift that you know your childs teacher will really love!

Who should I buy for?

It can be tricky to know who to buy for, especially if your child has a few support workers in their class. While all will have helped your child, you can either choose to buy the same gift for all their teachers, or you can choose to buy one for their main teacher, and a box of biscuits for all the staff in the classroom.

Samantha Ball is a Senior Writer for Mother&Baby, having written for the brand since 2018. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best and current trending products for little ones and for cute seasonal outfits.

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