
20+ sustainable and upcycled gifts for teachers that they will LOVE. These projects are so much fun and easy to make. Check out these meaningful ideas and let your teachers know how much you appreciate all they do for you and your children!
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This year, I wanted to put together a round up of easy sustainable, eco friendly, and upcycled gift ideas for teachers- that they will LOVE.
What does it mean to give an eco friendly and sustainable gift?
It means that you give others gifts that:
- Are make from upcycled or recycled materials.
- Are useful.
- Will not end up in a landfill.
Consumable Gifts
Know your teacher loves wine? Blueberries? Mac and cheese? Those make great gifts. You could also help supply them for the next school year by giving them items they can use: hand sanitizer, Advil/Tylenol, facial tissue, dry erase markers, etc.
A Handwritten Thank You
Pro tip: If you ever write a thank to a social worker or other medical professional, don’t put your last name or identifying information (ie. your address, phone number, etc) on the note due to HIPAA rules.
Class Gift
Rather than the teacher getting thirty different gifts, you could opt to coordinate a class gift for the teacher. My friend Jaime made these adorable flower baskets as a group gift for the two teachers. They asked each parent to ask their child these 3 questions (per teacher):
- Why do you love your teacher?
- What is your teacher really good at?
- What does your teacher always tell you?
I think the teachers will LOVE receiving this gift.
Berry Baskets
These berry baskets from Our Family of Seven were used to hold other items. They came out super cute, but I bet you could also just give a basket full of strawberries. Tis the season and there’s nothing quite as amazing as fresh strawberries.
Cloth Wipes
Cloth wipes are a great option for drying little hands or for giving each child to erase their writing on a dry erase board. I have instructions on how to make them in my book, The Complete Guide to Using, Laundering, and Sewing Reusable Cloth. But really, they’re just two squares of flannel serged together.
Mug
Soap
Books
What teacher doesn’t need more books for their classroom? Kiwi in the Clouds has a cute printable to go with the book.
Gift Cards
I love to give gift cards for things people need or may use frequently. Gift cards won’t be just another gift that gets tossed- they also are easy. Check out this “Thanks a Latte” free printable from Thrifty Northwest Mom.
Gifts from Mason Jars
Mission to Save has a cute idea for a Rainbow Candy Jar with a free printable.
Our Family of Seven used mason jars to make vases for their teachers.
Gifts from Wine Bottles
Repurposing Nail Polish
Personally, I have a ton of nail polish that has NOT gotten used since I had kids. I hate to just toss it so I love this idea for using nail polish to decorate items like mugs. Check out these Nail Polish Mugs by Strength and Sunshine.
Upcycled Paint Cans
You can use a brand new can or you could also upcycle a paint can for this project. This is SUCH a cute idea for a gift “bag” that can be reused for storing school supplies or other items. Check out the tutorial from The Magic Brush Inc.
Pencils
Here’s your pretty pinnable image!

Lovely and fun ideas Danielle. Thanks so much for sharing these fun projects at DI&DI.