Teachers spend a lot of their own money on supplies for their classrooms. So, what can you get a recent teacher grad that they’ll use and love? Here are over 50 ideas!
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50+ Recent Teacher Grad Gift Ideas
Something That Reminds Them of Why They Wanted to Teach
Whether it’s an inspirational quote, a picture of a younger sibling that inspired them, or something from a former teacher who made an impact, having a sentimental, meaningful item on their desk can make a big difference on those tough days.
A Laminator
Laminators for the home can be a huge help and save new teachers a ton of money and time. Read more here about my favorite at-home laminating materials and how you can use them in your own home and classroom!
A Cricut Machine
Cricuts can save teachers a lot of time cutting things out and with the creation of labels and sticks for the classroom. It doesn’t have to be a super-fancy Cricut, but it should be robust enough that it can cut through cardstock with ease!
A Paper Cutter
Speaking of cutting things out, a paper cutter is also a huge help for tackling those bulletin boards and adapted books!
A Three-Hole Punch
Having a sturdy, reliable paper punch for home and the classroom is going to be important for any new teacher. It’s a great, inexpensive gift that will last a very long time.
EXPO Markers
When it comes to teacher favorites, EXPO dry-erase markers are the board markers of choice. Send off your recent teacher grad with a box full of EXPO marker goodness!
Sticky Notes
Sticky notes can be used for so many things in teaching and a recent teacher grad needs as many as he or she can get their hands on! Give them in different sizes and colors so that they have plenty for whatever they need!
Prize Box Trinkets
Token economies can be great, but those little prizes sure do get costly! Start your recent teacher grad off with a full box of prizes.
Pocket Charts
Pocket charts are good for everything from organizing weekly work to preparing for a substitute. They also come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes.
Organizers
Organizers for paper, materials, manipulatives, and supplies are invaluable. It doesn’t matter if they’re on wheels or not, organizers are a must!
Gift Cards
Gift cards to Teachers Pay Teachers, Amazon, Target, local teacher supply stores, food delivery services, and more are always much appreciated and used quickly!
Read Aloud Picture & Chapter Books
Give your recent teacher grad one of your favorite picture books or read-alouds for kids. It’s a great way to help them start their collection of classroom books!
Hand Sanitizer
Never underestimate the amount of hand sanitizer that is used in a classroom! You can never give your recent teacher grad too much!
A Teacher Bag
Nothing beats a sturdy teacher bag for helping to carry things to and from school!
A Planner
A planner that’s designed specifically for teachers is a great gift idea! It helps your new teacher prioritize and organize all areas of her personal and teaching life.
Stamps
Stamps save time and that’s a precious commodity for all teachers. Choose stamps that are well-made and have messages that are relevant to their field (i.e. – special education, reading, etc.).
Stickers
Stickers are always a hit with students no matter how old they are, so a new teacher should have a big collection of stickers to put on papers.
Teacher Tees
Nothing says, “I’m a Teacher!” like a graphic t-shirt with a teacher saying! Grab a few for your recent teacher grad so they can start their teaching wardrobe!
Heavy-Duty Electric Pencil Sharpener
There are going to be a lot of pencils sharpened over the course of the new teacher’s teaching career, so invest in a heavy-duty electric pencil sharpener for them!
Hook & Loop Adhesive
Hook and loop adhesive will be used for everything from activities to books to bulletin boards!
Cardstock
White cardstock is highly versatile but colored cardstock is equally as important. Get your recent teacher grad a bunch of both!
Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks
When a new teacher is just starting off, a glue gun and glue sticks are never far away. Get one that will be able to keep up with the heavy gluing demands of teaching!
A Small Timer
A small timer to keep on their desk or at the front of the classroom can be exceptionally helpful and keep your new teacher on track throughout the day.
Cute Classroom Decor
If you know what theme your recent teacher grad is going for in their new classroom, get some cute classroom decor items that match it. If you’re not sure, it’s best just to get them a gift certificate so they can round out their decorations instead.
Heavy Duty Magnets
Heavy-duty magnets that can hold up chart paper and laminated cardstock are a must.
Bins & Tubs for Books
Bins and tubs that are large enough to organize picture and chapter books can be costly, but they’re a huge help for organizing a classroom library. Grab some as a gift!
Math Manipulatives
Counters and manipulatives are important for young learners, so the more options your new teacher has to reach their students, the better.
Good Shoes
Shoes that are supportive and durable are a must. If they’re stylish it’s even better!
A Lunch Box
Sometimes lunches don’t make it to the fridge, so having an insulated lunch box or bag that can keep things cold all day long is much appreciated.
Insulated Water Bottle
Throwing some ice and water in before leaving for school and being able to drink cold water throughout the day is one of those tiny luxuries that any recent teacher grad will appreciate. An insulated water bottle is always a hit!
Insulated Coffee Mug
While the water is staying cold, an insulated coffee mug can keep coffee hot and fresh to help give a jolt of caffeine throughout the school day.
Stapler & Staple Remover
Whether you need to staple together 30-page IEPs or hang bulletin board decor on a difficult-to-reach board, a hardy stapler is a must. Don’t forget to include a staple remover – just in case!
Pens
Pens in all colors and thicknesses can make grading, dare we say, fun!
An E-Z Grader
An E-Z Grader can save your recent teacher grad so much time and effort when grading student papers!
Scissors
Scissors for the teacher, scissors for the student, and decorative scissors to help make the classroom functional and attractive are all important!
Sharpies
Sharpies are perfect for writing on chart paper or making labels. You can never have too many!
Laptop Stand
A laptop stand makes it easy to work around the room and elevate the laptop so you don’t hurt your neck. Your new teacher will say thank you!
File Folders
From organizing to making activities, file folders in all different colors and sizes are a great new teacher gift.
Clipboards
Clipboards give students the freedom to move around while doing their work and make learning more fun. A classroom set is a great gift.
Clear Packing Tape
Whether it’s going over book bin labels or being used to cover nameplates on desks, clear packing tape is extremely versatile in any classroom.
Cord Wraps
Help your recent teacher grad keep those pesky cords off the ground and out of the way with cord wraps.
Extension Cords
Extension cords can be a lifesaver when you have a wide range of things that need power. Just make sure they’re safety-rated and durable.
Small Fan
Sometimes classrooms can get hot so a small fan can be a huge help.
Small Toolbox
A small toolbox with a hammer, screwdrivers, a tape measure, and a level can help with everything from putting together furniture to hanging posters and bulletin boards.
Sand Timers
Sand timers for the whole class help with managing time and transitions. They’re a great way to put kids in control of their time management.
Mr. Sketch Markers
There’s just something about those smelly Mr. Sketch markers that has delighted educators and students for years alike. Get some for your recent teacher grad so they can make colorful, wonderful-smelling posters and charts!
Chart Paper
Speaking of posters and charts, chart paper is another classroom must-have. Make sure the paper is thick enough that the markers don’t bleed through.
Flexible Seating
From bean bags to wobble stools, flexible seating options are a great addition to any recent teacher grad’s classroom collection!
Plants
Spider plants and succulents are an easy way to breathe some life and oxygen into the classroom setting. Having a few for your recent teacher grad’s desk is perfect!
Lamps
Small fairy lights for calm down corners or reading lamps for the classroom library can add ambiance and help students and your recent teacher grad feel a lot more comfortable in the space.
Rugs
A fluffy rug for a calm down corner or library is a great addition. Larger classroom rugs can also be used for whole group activities and circle time.
Sensory Toys
Sensory toys and manipulatives can get pricey, but they’re a great option for a gift for a recent teacher grad – especially if they majored in special education!
Finding the right gift for your recent teacher grad doesn’t have to be hard. Choose things that will stand the test of time and make teaching more fun for them. Sometimes the smallest items are the things that add up the fastest and are much needed. You may be surprised how excited a new teacher gets over a pack of sticky notes and some gel pens!
What would you like to receive as a new teacher? Share with us below!
