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30 Budget-Friendly Teacher Appreciation Gifts You Can Make

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?

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
diy no. 2 pencil mason jar pencil holder
www.drugstoredivas.net

Mason Jar Pencil Holder

Help your child's teacher get organized with this super cute pencil holder that looks like a No. 2 pencil! So perfect for back to school.
Get the Tutorial
2
make a paper weight with mod podge and a glass container
modpodgerocksblog.com

Pretty Paperweight

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!
Get the Tutorial
3
teacher pencil sign tutorial
leapoffaithcrafting.com

Pencil Sign

Learn how to easily make a personalized teacher pencil sign with scrap wood, a Cricut, and some paint. Quick and cherished teacher gift idea!
Get the Tutorial
4
www.attagirlsays.com

Composition Notebook Vase

I love this easy painted vase! You can gift it with flowers in it, but it could be used in the classroom to hold supplies. Plus you can get two other school supply vase ideas here.
Get the Tutorial
5
Kids will love playing with clay in this DIY pens project! They'll learn to marble, and the pens make great gifts for friends and family.

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.
Get the Tutorial
6
Teaching is my jam DIY shirt and tumbler gift
seevanessacraft.com

Teaching Shirt

Use rose gold foil and your Cricut to make a shirt for teacher appreciation. Vanessa also made a tumbler to match!
Get the Tutorial
7
teacher appreciation gift coffee cup cricut craft
rufflesandrainboots.com

Teacher Appreciation Mug

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!
Get the Tutorial
8
DIY apple sign for teacher gift
threelittleferns.com

Apple Sign

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!
Get the Tutorial
9
Pencil Picture Frame tutorial
www.thecraftedsparrow.com

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!
Get Tutorial + Free Printable
10
DIY glass photo magnets
Steve Carrell

Glass Photo Magnets

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).
Get the Tutorial
11
Kari Sweeten

Teacher T-Shirt

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!
Get the Tutorial
12
DIY teacher gift tote bag with free printable
Cindy Hopper

Teacher Tote Bag

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.
Get Tutorial + Free Printable
13
Colored pencil vase teacher gift
thriftyjinxy.com

Colored Pencil Vase

This is like two gifts in one! Teachers can use the vase at home and keep the colored pencils for the classroom. This is such a cute and colorful idea.
Get the Tutorial
14
pencil pendants for teacher appreciation
Cindy Hopper

Pencil Pendant

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

General DIY Gifts that Teachers Will Be Happy to Receive

15
DIY air dry clay trinket dish

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.
Get the Tutorial
16
alphabet stickers on a ceramic pot with Sharpie dots

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.
Get the Tutorial
17
Nacho Average Teacher
seevanessacraft.com

Nacho Average Teacher Gift Basket

This is a great gift for the person who doesn't feel very crafty! Purchase supplies, print out the printable, and gather it all in a container.
Get the Tutorial
18
How to paint a pouch

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! You can stick a gift card inside, too.
Get the Tutorial
19
Decoupage soap tutorial
Megan Kapple

Decoupage Soap

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!
Get the Tutorial
20
beeswax candles with essential oils tutorial
athomeontheprairie.com

Beeswax Candles

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?
Get the Tutorial
21
teacher appreciation tote bag DIY
www.funwithmama.com

Painted Tote

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.
Get the Tutorial
22
Bath salt gift ideas in mason jars

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.
Get the Tutorial
23
DIY Back to School Teacher gift succulent gold containers
www.thecraftedsparrow.com

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.
Get Tutorial + Free Printable
24
DIY personalized slippers

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!
Get the Tutorial
25
apple shaped chocolate covered pretzels
www.theinspirationedit.com

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.
Get the Tutorial
26
DIY knit Drink cozy with a pocket
www.ravelry.com

Pocket Drink Cozy

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.
Get Tutorial & Free Pattern
27
Fruit stamps on tea towels in yellow, orange, and mint

EASY and Fun Fruit Stamping on Tea Towels

This is a great gift idea that kids can participate in, but they still look great! You can use fruit to stamp the towels (or veggies) then dress them up with some fabric markers.
Get the Tutorial
28
DIY succulent in a mug easy DIY teacher gift
www.honeyandlime.co

Succulent In A Mug

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!
Get Tutorial + Free Printable
29
Ribbon Bookmark DIY Tutorial
www.5minutesformom.com

Ribbon Bookmark

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.
Get the Tutorial

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:

Pak

Sunday 16th of July 2023

Amazing ideas! Thanks for all of it