12 thoughtful gift ideas to say thank you to your child’s nursery teacher before the summer holidays

Selection of nursery teacher gifts

by Samantha Ball |
Updated on

With the end of the school year fast approaching, you might be wanting to thank your little one's nursery teacher with a present for all their hard work over the last year, especially if they are leaving nursery to start school it is nice to get a leaving nursery gift. But it's not always easy to know what to get.

Teachers become a big part of your little one's life when they are in daycare, in fact they might be the first people, outside of friends and family, your little one bonds with, plus they introduce your toddler to a sense of independence which will grow as they go through nursery, preschool and finally school, so no doubt you want to say thank you, especially if your little one is leaving nursery for school or preschool, with a special gift for a teacher. Of course everyone loves a big a box of chocolates or bunch of flowers, but why not go for something a bit different, or something your little one's teacher can keep with unique nursery teacher gifts.

You could go down the DIY route and make a little something with your toddler, after all there are some great craft ideas for toddlers which you will enjoy together, or maybe you want to buy a personalised gift for nursery teachers, or something that has a little thought there too, and perhaps something they can keep, or that might be useful day to day.

Best nursery teacher gifts at a glance:

Best eco-friendly nursery teacher gift: wildflower seed bomb - Buy now on Amazon UK
Best keepsake gift for a nursery teacher: Little jar of Big Ideas - Buy now on Amazon UK
Best personalised chocolates for a nursery teacher: Chocolate gift for teacher - Buy now on Etsy
Best jewellery gift for a nursery teacher: Personalised 'You're a Star' bracelet - Buy now on Not on the High Street
Best hamper nursery teacher gift: Gift basket box for teacher - Buy now on Amazon UK

Whether you're buying from your tot or chipping in with other mums, here are some thoughtful gift ideas to say thank you to your child's nursery teacher and general gifts for nursery staff.

Gift ideas for nursery teachers 2024

Best last minute gifts for nursery teachers

Best eco-friendly nursery teacher gift

This cute little seed bomb is not only great for the environment but any nursery teacher will love the message it comes with too. The seed bomb is attached to a card which says, 'thanks for helping me grow' and we love that it is small enough to place inside a card. Unfortunately the item cannot be personalised but this does mean that it will arrive quickly and makes a great last minute teacher's gift. One reviewer commented that "it's a truly wonderful little thank you gift, that not only looks lovely but also is contributing to improving the environment. Love them!" However, some reviewers thought it didn't really look very heart shaped.

Pros

  • Environmentally friendly gift
  • A cute message on the presentation card

Cons

  • Reviewers though the seed bomb wasn't very heart-shaped
Dimensions: 7 x 12.7 x 2.4 cm
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Sentimental message
  • Fits inside a gift card

Best nursery teacher gift to download

Downloadable teacher giftEtsy

If you have left it a bit late to go out shopping (don't worry we all do!) then this great gift can be downloaded, printed on A4 paper, and even better, personalised. It will also make a great keepsake gift because your little one can add all the things they know and love about their teacher (with a little bit of help from you). There is even space for them to draw a small portrait of their teacher too. If you get chance you could always frame it but it will be equally as special rolled up and presented with a ribbon. One reviewer said, it's "perfect for my child's preschool teachers as part of their thank you end of year gift!" It is important to note that you are purchasing a file to download and you will have to print the file and supply paper.

Pros

  • Can be instantly downloaded as a last minute gift
  • Can be personalised by your little one

Cons

  • Paper and frame not supplied
Dimensions: 21cm x 29.7cm
  • Instantly downloaded
  • Can be personalised by your little one
  • Great for last minute gifts

Best keepsake gift for a nursery teacher

This lovely jar of big ideas can be delivered the next day so it makes a great last minute gift for a nursery teacher. However, it is a gift that will last forever. Filled with lots of lovely sentiments about the importance of teachers, your little one's nursery teacher will love reading through them for years to come. One reviewer said, "a very thoughtful, beautifully done gift. We did personalise it a bit more by adding our own handwritten notes, but it is really nicely done." However, they did add that "we'd prefer if it was a bit bigger as it's tiny, but it's pretty and sweet nonetheless." Another reviewer commented that it's "a lovely unique gift for my son's teacher at the end of the school year. It's well made and looks lovely, comes in a little bag. Smaller than expected, but a lovely gift."

Pros

  • A lovely keepsake gift
  • Can add your own messages

Cons

  • Reviewers thought it was a bit too small
Dimensions: 7.3 x 6.3 x 8.4 cm
Number of notes: 42
  • Sentimental keepsake
  • Can add your own notes
  • Presented in a gift bag
  • Next day delivery

Best gifts for nursery teachers under £10

Best classroom sign for a nursery teacher

Classroom sign Etsy

Any nursery teacher will love this colourful, personalised classroom door sign. It will make a perfect gift and practical for the next year too. We love that it is waterproof and can withstand all the messy play and fun that happens at nursery and which makes nursery such fun for your little one. Made with tough acrylic, it has a string to hang it and a lovely glossy finish. Reviewers were pleased with the sign, commenting that it is a "lovely item, it was a gift and recipient really liked it." With some nurseries there is more than one member of staff in the room and unfortunately this sign only allows for a single personalisation, however, you could always buy multiple with one for each nursery teacher.

Pros

  • Waterproof and durable
  • Bright, eye-catching design

Cons

  • Can only be personalised with one name
Material: Acrylic
Dimensions: 10 x 20 cm
  • Waterproof
  • Made with durable acrylic
  • Brightly coloured
  • String to hang up the sign

Best personalised chocolates for a nursery teacher

Personalised chocolatesEtsy

What could be cuter, or tastier, than this sweet chocolate gift box complete with a personalised thank you poem. This is a great way to show your nursery teacher how thankful you are for all their hard work. Reviewers agreed that this gift is really special, saying, "such a lovely present for some special teachers. Love the thought and finish of the product!" However, if you are looking for something which might last longer (who could resist tucking straight into that chocolate?!) then this gift might not be the one, although we love the poem and think any nursery teacher will cherish it too.

Pros

  • A great variety of chocolate for all tastes
  • Personalised poem for a special thank you gift

Cons

  • Not something a teacher can keep for years
Box size: 6 items, 7 items or 12 items
  • Variety of sizes with 6, 7 or 12 items
  • A good mix of chocolate
  • Personalised poem

Best nursery teacher gift under £5

This little survival kit makes a perfect keepsake for a nursery teacher. It is filled with sweet items, each with meaning. For example it includes, a candle with the phrase 'because you are a guiding light for your students', and also a plaster 'to fix any grazed knees.' Then there are funnier items such as a marble 'just in case you lose one of yours' and an elastic band 'for when you are stretched to your limits'. We love the sentimental side of this gift, but also the comedy which will cause a few laughs. One reviewer commented that they had bought it "for my daughter's teacher. Lovely idea will definitely bring a smile to her face." However, some reviewers thought it was a bit "gimmicky." At under £5 it is a great little gift for a nursery teacher.

Best nursery teacher gifts under £20

Best cushion nursery teacher gift

personalised teacher cushionEtsy

This will brighten any nursery teacher's chair for story time and we love the adorable phrase 'a place where little rainbows shine.' Plus the cushion can be personalised to include the teacher's name. At just £11.99 for the cover, you can choose to include the cushion pad to bring the price to £19.99, but still (just) under £20. One reviewer was delighted with the cushion saying, "what a fantastic item, that will be much cherished and appreciated by the recipient." However, there is only one size option available and no alternative designs. But who doesn't love a rainbow?

Pros

  • Can be personalised with the teacher's name
  • Different buying options available with or without cushion pad

Cons

  • Only one size and design available
Size: 40 x 40 cm
Material: Linen and polyester
  • Personalised with teacher's name
  • Cute message
  • Different options to buy with or without cushion pad

Best sentimental gift for a nursery teacher

If your little one's nursery teacher is a true super star, then why not name a star after them? This lovely pack lets you choose a star for your teacher, name it and then you receive a Star Name Deed which displays the astronomic co-ordinates and positioning of the star amongst the constellations, along with a star name deed certificate. One reviewer said, it "comes with a certificate, map and view of the star in the sky, also provided another free star naming opportunity through email as a thank you for the custom. Brilliant purchase and would definitely buy again." While you can also view the star using the app, some reviewers were disappointed with how well the app functioned. For a sentimental gift your nursery teacher can keep forever, we love this thoughtful gift.

Pros

  • A great gift to keep
  • Includes a certificate and deeds for the star

Cons

  • App can be tricky to use
Includes: Certificate and deeds
  • Personalised gift with a named star
  • Includes certificate
  • Access to the app

Best pamper gift for a nursery teacher

At the end of a busy school year, your little one's nursery teacher will love relaxing with this pamper hamper. Filled with lots of lovely products including hot chocolate, bath salts, and bath bombs as well as a thank you card, this is the perfect gift which to ensure relaxation. One reviewer said "lovely cute gift and nice way to say thank you! Especially if you are limited for time and need something already put together!: while another added that it "smells divine." Another reviewer thought, it "is pretty pricey, but considering the convenience and nice variety of goodies, I would say it is worth it." We also love that it even comes gift wrapped!

Pros

  • A variety of items for relaxation
  • Includes card and gift wrap

Cons

  • Some reviewers thought it was a bit pricey
Item weight: 282g
Scent: Peppermint & rosemary, ginger & lemongrass
Number of items: 5
  • Gift wrapped
  • Includes gift card
  • 5 items for relaxation
  • Lovely scent

Best gifts for nursery teacher under £50

Best jewellery gift for a nursery teacher

Personalised star braceletNot on the Highstreet

We love this delicate bracelet that can also be personalised as a beautiful thank you gift for a nursery teacher. You have the option of adding a name and class as well as a message, but do note that the 'You're a Star' is fixed text. There is also the option of adding a silver polishing cloth and a thank you card, but these along with a gift bag, are at additional cost. This really does make a lovely keepsake with the laser cut wooden card and the sterling silver bracelet.

Pros

  • Bracelet is made from sterling silver
  • Wooden card for bracelet can be personalised

Cons

  • Additional items available but at additional cost
Star size:7mm
Bracelet length: 16 - 19cm
Card size: 75 x 75 mm
Material : Wood and sterling silver
  • Personalised gift
  • Gift bag available
  • Made with sterling silver

Best educationall nursery teacher gift

Butterfly gardenAmazon
Price: £24.99
Alternative retailers
Michaels Stores$28.49View offer
Wayfair$34.99View offer
Walmart$35.29View offer

This might be just as much for the students as the teacher, but it is a lovely gift to enjoy together in the new year. The kit includes everything you need to watch caterpillars go through their life cycle and turn into butterflies. A nursery teacher can then enjoy the special moment of releasing the butterflies with their students. Don't worry about gifting live animals, the kit comes with a voucher to redeem when you are ready to order the caterpillars. It is important to note that the caterpillars can only be redeemed from mid-March until mid-September. One reviewer said, "the kit itself was perfect - a lovely brightly coloured pop up habitat with a zip opening and mesh sides, through which you could see your butterflies. Although caterpillars were not included in the kit itself , they were included in the price - you simply had to send off the voucher at the bottom of the instruction leaflet, and you'd receive the caterpillars in the post. Nope, the kit was lovely, no doubt about it , but it was upon reading the instructions that I realised I wouldn't be able to actually get my caterpillars until late February at the earliest, since they need a nice warmish temperature in which to grow, evolve, and hopefully be released." We think that, if the timing is right, this is a perfect gift for all the class.

Pros

  • Educational and fun to be enjoyed together
  • Kits contains voucher to redeem caterpillars

Cons

  • Timing can be awkward because caterpillars only available at certain times of the year
Dimensions: ‎25.4 x 25.4 x 30.48 cm
Age range: 4 - 12 years
Number of pieces: 4
  • Voucher to redeem caterpillars
  • Educational gift
  • Fun to use together as a class

Best hamper nursery teacher gift

If you are not sure what to buy your little one's nursery teacher then this basket has you covered. It includes lots of little keepsake and practical gifts that any nursery teacher will love. Presented in a cute basket, some of the items include, a candle, pencil case, bracelet, bookmark, sunflower and keychain. It is also beautifully decorated with a silk ribbon. One reviewer, Kristine, said, it's a "special gift for a special teacher. It is beautifully presented and thoughtful gifts. We got the key ring engraved with my daughter's writing too which was a lovely little touch." However, the basket was smaller than expected, some reviewers thought. We love the variety it provides and the messages included, such as 'it takes a big heart to shape little minds,' making it an ideal end of year gift for a special nursery teacher.

Pros

  • A great variety of items
  • Beautiful presentation

Cons

  • Basket smaller than expected
Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 10 cm
Weight: 800g
Number of items: 10
  • A great variety of items
  • Beautiful presentation
  • Keepsakes and practical gifts

FAQs about gifts for nursery teachers

How much do you spend on teacher gifts UK?

There is no set amount for how much to spend on a gift for a nursery teacher, it is really up to you. However, somewhere between £5 and £30 seems to be normal, although some parents may choose to spend more. It might be that there is a collection at your little one's nursery and you can add to that, or you might prefer to get your own gift for your little one's nursery teacher. It might also depend if you are buying gifts for all the nursery staff or just your child's key worker. If you are buying for all the nursery staff then a little token gift for each would be acceptable and you might choose to get something different for your child's key worker.

Is it appropriate to give a nursery teacher a gift?

Yes, although not expected, or essential, it is a lovely gesture which will be very much appreciated. Plus, your little one will enjoy giving something to their teacher whether it is something they have made, a personalised gift for a nursery teacher, or something more unique. Teachers do not expect gifts, but schools and nurseries do not ban them, however don't feel like you have to give anything. A lovely painting from your little one will be just as special as a big bunch of flowers or perhaps a mug, or box of chocolates.

What is a useful gift for teachers?

There are so many options for gifts for nursery teachers, and many can be useful or perhaps you prefer to give them a keepsake they can treasure as a memory of your little one if they are are leaving nursery and not returning to after the summer. Practical gifts can include a mug, or pencil case, which could be personalised, or even something for the class, such as the Insect Lore butterfly kit which everyone can enjoy. Of course, chocolates will always be appreciated and toiletries which a nursery teacher can pamper themselves with will make a relaxing gift after a busy school year.

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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