The school year is nearly over, and you want to say thank you without adding another mug to the pile. The best teacher gifts are small, useful and easy to keep at school or at home. Here are our favourite teacher gifts under $20 and $30 in Australia: plastic-free everyday things they'll reach for long after the end-of-year card comes down.
- Under $10: Rose Gold Tea Drinking Straw ($2.95) or Coconut Cutlery Set ($9.95)
- Under $20: 4-Pack Steel Straws ($11.95) or Organic Cotton Produce Bags ($16.95)
- Under $30: Plastic-Free Reusable Cup ($29.95) or Kansa Foot Massage Bowl ($29.95)
- From the whole class: a pure copper water bottle (from $64.95)
Teacher gifts under $10
Small and thoughtful, and easy to pair with a handwritten note from your child.
Teacher gifts under $20
The budget many families land on for an end-of-year thank you.
Teacher gifts under $30
For a special thank you, or when two or three families go in together.
A bigger gift from the whole class
If families are chipping in together, one lasting gift beats a pile of small ones.
How to choose a good teacher gift
- Skip the "best teacher" mug. Teachers can collect plenty of these. Choose something that gets used up or used every day.
- Think about a teacher's day. Staffroom lunches, yard duty and hours on their feet are all good places to start.
- Let your child add a note. A few handwritten words can mean more than the gift itself, whatever you spend.
- Consider going in together. Pooling with other families can turn several small gifts into one nice one.
- Check your school's policy. Some schools have guidelines on gifts for staff, so it's worth asking first.
- Order early. Check our shipping information so your gift arrives before the last day of term.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good teacher gift under $20?
Useful everyday items work well, such as a coconut cutlery set for staffroom lunches, a steel straw set or organic cotton produce bags.
How much should you spend on a teacher gift in Australia?
There's no set amount, and a heartfelt note is always welcome. Choose what feels comfortable for your family, or team up with other families for a bigger gift.
What can a whole class give a teacher?
Pool your contributions for one lasting gift, like a pure copper water bottle or carafe, or a gift card so they can choose for themselves.
What do you give a teacher who has everything?
Choose something practical that replaces an everyday disposable, or give a gift card and let them pick. Add a note from your child to make it personal.
Are these gifts good for male teachers too?
Yes. Reusable cups, cutlery, straw sets and copper bottles are all unisex and suit anyone who likes practical gifts.
Looking for more ideas? Browse all our gifts under $50 and Christmas gifts, or read our eco Secret Santa and Kris Kringle gift ideas.