Teachers can make or break the school experience, which is why good teachers must be celebrated at any given moment.
From bottles of wine to poetry books and candles, there are plenty of gift ideas that will tickle any teacher pink at the end of the academic year.
When blessed with more than one exceptional tutor throughout your schooling experience, then you may need to come up with numerous gift ideas to thank each and every one.
Given that a student loan doesn't arrive until university has started and you’re probably saving up for either interrailing or Reading Festival, it’s wise to select inexpensive yet considered gifts.
Price doesn’t necessarily negate quality. It’s the thought that counts after all. Online retailers such as John Lewis, Not on the High Street and Etsy offer creative picks for your teacher of choice. Decorative notebooks, personalised sweet treats and classic novels are bound to move a mentor, no matter what subject they teach.
If a novelty gift is more your style, then there are plenty of items to peruse. Being the film geeks that we are, we can never resist a cinematic reference to iconic teachers such as Robin Williams’ John Keating from Dead Poets Society or Tina Fey’s Ms Norbury in Mean Girls. Peep the ‘O Captain! My Captain!’ mug below.
They may have delightfully long holidays when school is out, but teaching is no easy feat. Endless hours of after-school grading, lesson prep and years of training are conducted behind the scenes.
Show your appreciation for your favourite teacher with a thoughtful thank-you gift that doesn’t have to cost the earth.
Shop now
Mischief Candles Teacher Gift Candle
Say thanks to your favourite teacher with a funny candle to tickle them pink. Choose from scents such as pink blossom and chilled vibes and gift them a heart-warming piece for them to keep deskside.
Buy now £16.99, Etsy
Biscuiteers Sir Teacher
The perfect thank you to your hardworking tutor, Biscuiteers’ gingerbread teacher is almost too sweet to eat.
Buy now £7.95, Biscuiteers
Personalised Leather Corner Bookmark
These ingenious, personalised leather corner bookmarks prevent beloved page-savers from falling to the bottom of your bag – or worse – the Tube platform. Offered in a range of calming hues including lilac, mint green and blush pink, these are going straight into our virtual basket.
Buy now £10.50, NOTHS
Liberty Floral Pen Set
Can’t get enough of those iconic Liberty florals? Bring your personal workspace up a notch with this delightful trio from our favourite department store. The capped ballpoint pens feature black ink and adorable rose gold hardware. You certainly won’t be putting these pens down.
Buy now £21.99, Liberty
Dead Poets Society Mug
Name a more influential teacher than Robin Williams’ John Keating. The protagonist of the beloved film Dead Poets Society inspired his students through his teaching of poetry, making this mug, which features his most iconic quote, a must-have for English teachers everywhere.
Buy now £9.99, Etsy
Neal’s Yard Wild Rose Hand Cream 50ml
A heavenly-scented hand cream makes a wonderful gift, but coming from Neal’s Yard makes it even more special.
Buy now £13.00, Neal’s Yard
Metal Flower Butterfly Bookmark
There are plenty of novelty bookmarks out there, but this pretty cutout lotus design offers an elevated version. A charm dangles from the main flower, helping them keep their place in their latest page-turner or textbook.
Buy now £8.99, Amazon
Waterstones Clothbound Classics
Waterstones’ selection of beautiful Penguin clothbound editions makes for a highly touching gesture. Discover the colourful collection of literary classics, from Dante to Dickens and Homer to Austen. Featuring illustrative, collectable covers and epic adventures within, the hardbacks will instantly elevate any bookshelf.
Buy now £16.99, Waterstones
Joanie Cosmetic Bag
Shop sustainably thanks to Joanie. The brand’s rose-printed cosmetic bag is crafted from deadstock fabric and natural fibres, plus features a sweet floral design set against a minty blue hue.
Buy now £25.00, Joanie
Oxfam Recycled Sari Kantha A6 Notebook
The options at Oxfam are endless. The charity’s recycled notebook is a beautiful artisan gift, made from recycled saris. Jot down notes or journal with peace, knowing that your new notepad was ethically and sustainably made in India.
Buy now £9.99, Oxfam
Papier Reading Journal
Believe it or not, this isn’t a special cloth-bound edition of an old French novel. It’s a beautifully crafted reading journal by Papier, designed specifically for personal reviews of books – with pages dedicated to ratings, wish lists and more.
Buy now £24.65, Papier
Booja Booja Hazelnut Crunch Truffles
A multi-award-winner and scrumptious after-dinner treat, these creamy truffles are crafted from organic dark chocolate and roasted hazelnuts. Each is dusted in rich cocoa powder and filled with a melt-in-the-mouth praline centre. Also free from gluten, soya and refined sugar. A must-have.
Buy now £6.25, Waitrose
Personalised Best Teacher Mug - The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Let your favourite teacher know the impact they’ve made with a thoughtful gift, like this bone china Very Hungry Caterpillar drinking mug. While the words ‘Best Teacher’ are fixed at the front, you can personalise the back with a short message. A cute idea that’ll brighten up break times.
Buy now £8.99, Etsy
