The end of the year is fast approaching and everyone's to-do list is growing. One group that will undoubtedly be counting down the days – no matter how much they love their job – are teachers, educators and daycare assistants. And who is more deserving of a great gift?
Teachers are among the most environmentally conscious people in our community, so it goes without saying that the best and most loved teacher gifts in 2023 will be thoughtful, useful and sustainable!
Pressure seems to be mounting for teachers in Australia these days. Whether it's ‘teaching to the Naplan', ensuring their students are safe and happy, and diverse needs are cared for, it's safe to say that teachers have a lot on their plates. Teaching is such an important but often thankless job. We can help students ensure their teachers feel appreciated with teacher gift ideas that aren't throw-away trinkets that will clog landfills.
Teachers are amazing people who dedicate their lives to educating and inspiring the next generation. But finding the perfect gift for teachers from students can be tricky. So, without further ado, here are this year's best teacher gifts under $50 in Australia:
1. Ceramic Reusable Cup
Help your teacher stay hydrated and eco-friendly with a ceramic reusable cup from Sttoke that they can use for their coffee, tea, or water. These cups are stylish, durable, and shatterproof, and they come with a silicone lid and sleeve for easy grip and insulation. They also have a range of colours and sizes to suit any preference.
Price: $49.95
Alternatively, the Huskee cup made from rice husks.
2. Organic Cotton Tote Bag or Kind Reusable Shopping Bag
Teachers have a lot of stuff to carry around, so why not make their life easier with a spacious and sturdy tote bag? These bags are made from organic cotton canvas.
Price: $29.95
3. Personalised Star Ornament
If you're looking for teacher gift for Christmas, you can't go wrong with a personalised ornament that they can hang on their tree or in their classroom. Made from ceramic by Brisbane artist, Kylie Johnson of Paper Boat Press. Need to order early to receive it in time.
Alternative, Paper Boat Press apple magnet or apple brooch.
Price: $22.95
4. Australian Native Birds and Floral Tea Towels
Add some colour and charm to your teacher's kitchen or classroom with these unique tea towels that feature Australian native birds and flowers from Earth Greetings. These tea towels are made from 100% organic cotton and have vibrant prints that showcase the diversity and beauty of Australian wildlife. They also make great souvenirs or gifts for teachers who love nature or are new to Australia.
Price: $29.95
5. A book about nature, gardening, or sustainability
This is a creative and inspiring gift that can spark the teacher’s interest and curiosity. Through fanciful botanical illustrations, matched with fun and detailed descriptions, author and illustrator Mel Baxter (aka Moonshine Madness) guides you through 100 native Australian flowering plants.
Price: $34.99.
6. A beeswax candle.
This is a soothing gift that can help the teacher unwind after a long day. This sustainable beeswax candle is hand-poured in Australia.
Price: $41.95
7. Palm Oil Free Soap
A delightful palm oil free handmade soap. Using soothing essential oils and plant oils this soap will help nourish and revive tired, dry skin. This amazing gift idea for your teacher will help put a spring in their step and help rejuvenate their mood and energy levels after a long day at school.
Price: $14.95
Shop all palm oil free soap here >
8. Organic, Handmade Chocolate
A little Loco Love Chocolate in the staff room with their second coffee? That sounds a pretty good thank you gift for teachers!
Price: $12.75
Shop all organic chocolate here >
9. Natural Body Moisturisers
Educators need a little R&R after their busy year. The Olieve & Olie Hand & Body Cream is a best seller when it comes to educator gifts. It's versatile enough to be used all over the body, including the face and hair. This product is made with ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients. You can be sure this is good in every sense of the word. The gorgeous scent and uplifting properties of Lemon Myrtle will almost certainly help your teacher slough off the cares of the past year.
Price: $48.95
10. Micropod Starter Kit
This includes everything you'll need to start sprouting your own delicious, nutritious microgreens. You may produce Broccoli, Radish and Rocket Sprouting Seeds from only high-quality Australian seeds. An innovative Teacher's Day gift idea! They may even keep it in the classroom window and incorporate it into some of their lessons on sustainability and agriculture.
Price: $42.95
11. Earth Greetings Notebooks
A blank canvas to doodle, organise, remind and reflect. We all know teachers sometimes need to vent, and if it doesn't happen in the staff room, they certainly have a few full diaries laying around full meditative reminders and memos. Whether it's the start or the end of the year, a fresh start with this gorgeous notebook made from 100% post-consumer waste paper is the perfect medium.
Price: $24.94
12. Bento Insulated Food Container
13. Bamboo Refillable Pen
Something teachers can't get enough of - but maybe they are still utilising the school stationery supplies that usually involve cheap plastics. A refillable bamboo ballpoint pen is a sustainable alternative. This black ballpoint pen is constructed of eco-friendly sustainable bamboo wood and has a stylish and comfortable form. A 'cross' or comparable Medium size ballpoint pen cartridge can be used to refill this pen. It might be worth advising them to take the pen with them when purchasing a refill to ensure correct sizing.
Price: $10.95
14. An Eye Pillow Or Heat Pack
A sight for sore teachers' eyes is this stylish Wheatbags Love Lavender Eye Pillow. This pretty eye pillow is made from organic materials, and again, the lavender is soothing for sore, tired or irritated eyes. When you buy this product, you're not only buying locally but helping refugees. The offcuts from the fabric are given to migrants that use them for quilt making. Another good gift idea for teachers.
Price: $41.00
Shop all eye pillows and heat packs here >
15. Organic Tea
World Teacher's Day happens around October every year, and just to let them know how appreciative you are, why not get them a Teacher's Day Gift? Combos with organic tea and chocolate make good gifts for teachers.
Price: $17.95
16. The Linen Press Organic Cotton Pouch
Next on the list of Gifts for teachers is a handy cotton purse. Teachers often need little bags and purses for keeping stationery, dockets, and tokens. These pretty organic cotton purses by The Linen Press are the perfect size for little trinkets that need storage in class. Or just simply as a coin purse, for tuckshop treats. They make a beautiful gift with a touch of Australiana.
Price: $24.95
17. Wilson Payne Socks
Wilson Payne socks are a statement of clever graphic design, fun and comfort. We love socks that are practical yet whimsical, and that bring a smile to start your day. Capturing Australia's unique native wildlife like the Kookaburra, Echidna and Blue Budgie, these Australian made socks make a wonderful gift for teachers.
Price: $35.50
18. Veggie Saver Produce Bag
This veggie-saving cotton pouch is a patented fresh food storage bag that keeps produce crisp and fresh for weeks (not days), helping to reduce waste, plastic pollution, and the number of trips you take to the store. It is machine washable, long lasting and plastic free and a great gift idea for teachers or anyone!
Price: $25.95
19. Carry Your Cutlery
Teachers will love this cutlery kit for zero waste takeaways and lunches. Featuring a sturdy metal carry case that contains all you need when you're out and about, this kit is essential to keep in your bag to help you on your zero waste journey. Kit contains; fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks, straw, straw cleaning brush. All made from quality stainless steel in Australia.
Price: $29.95
20. Eco Friendly Thank You Card
Along with your teacher gifts from students, of course a hand written message is the best gift of all. What better way than on one of these recycled thank you cards. These vibrant and sweet cards are just the ticket for brightening a harried teacher's day. Made from 100% post-consumer recycled card using vegetable inks, the native flowers will remind your teacher of Australian summer and relaxing Christmas holidays. Bring it on!
Price: $6.50
'Thank You Teacher' Care Package for a Class Present
If you want to combine your gifts from the class, you can't go wrong with a 'Thank You Teacher' care package that contains a lovely selection to pamper themselves and enjoy some treats. This care package includes a beeswax tea light candle, a bath bomb, a lip balm, a Loco Love chocolate, and thank you card.
So there you have it. A comprehensive list that will help say ‘thank-you' to a precious resource in your life – your child's teacher.
We hope you found Biome's Collection of Teacher Gifts Australia helpful!
For more teacher gift ideas, head to our extensive collection of sustainable gifts for teachers.
