On a teacher’s birthday—whether it’s a teacher from school, a cram school, or a lessons instructor—you probably want to give a small gift to show your appreciation for everything they do.
That said, when the time comes, you might find yourself unsure about what to give.
In this article, we’ll introduce recommended birthday gift ideas for teachers.
When students give gifts to teachers, it’s best to avoid anything expensive or large and bulky.
We’ve gathered a wide range of easy-to-give items, from gifts the whole class can present together to small individual tokens.
Please use this as a reference.
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Birthday present for the teacher: gifts that express gratitude (1–10)
message board (with group messages), group card, or collective autograph
A message board filled with notes from all the students might be the best possible birthday present for a teacher.
Because the words of thanks and congratulations remain on a shikishi board, the teacher will surely want to look back on it again and again at home or in the staff room.
All you need is a board and some pens to get started, but if you’re going to do it, adding decorations or illustrations is highly recommended to give it an even more handmade feel.
It’s a gift that lets the teacher feel the bond with the students—things that are usually too embarrassing to say can be written down precisely because they’re in writing.
ballpoint pen
For teachers who often find themselves writing—whether it’s grading papers, filling out forms, or sending messages—a ballpoint pen can be considered a practical gift.
Because it’s something they use every day, it will remind them of you each time they see it.
There are plenty of affordable, easy-to-use options, making it a student-friendly choice, and some services even allow you to have a name engraved on the pen.
It might be nice to pitch in with a few people and choose a slightly more upscale one.
If you pick a pen with a sleek look, it’s a birthday present they’re likely to use and cherish even more.
table clock
In schools where many activities are tied to time—such as start times, class periods, breaks, and dismissal—clocks are essential items for teachers as well.
A desk clock that can be placed easily on a desk makes a practical and appreciated birthday gift.
Many options are also affordable if students split the cost, making them relatively easy to choose and find.
However, even if students pool their money, a gift that’s too expensive may make the teacher feel uncomfortable, so aim for that sweet spot: not too cheap-looking, but not overly luxurious either.
Handkerchiefs, sports towels
A great birthday gift for a PE teacher or a coach from a sports club is something to wipe away sweat, like a handkerchief or a sports towel.
These are useful not only in the hot summer months but also in winter, since you still sweat when you’re active, and items that help prevent getting chilled are sure to be appreciated.
Many options are affordable even for students, but considering practical aspects like absorbency as well as design will likely make the gift even more welcome.
It’s a heartwarming present that will remind them of their student every time they use it.
Handmade album
An album that gathers memories with a teacher is a gift that lets you relive the fun moments anytime.
Since it’s often something teachers give when sending their students off, receiving one from students would bring an indescribable joy.
Simply arranging carefully selected photos is great, but it’s also easy to add your own touch—include comments or illustrations, cut and paste decorations, and make it more festive.
The materials are inexpensive and easy to get, so it’s a birthday present that students can make easily and pour their feelings into.
bouquet
A bouquet of flowers is a classic way to simply express congratulations and gratitude—not just for teachers, but for anyone.
Whether they’re men or women, almost no one fails to be moved by a celebratory bouquet.
Choosing flowers that are visually beautiful is great, but selecting blooms based on their meanings or birth month can make your sentiment easier to convey.
However, with male teachers in particular, many may not know how to display the flowers at home after receiving them.
So be sure to do some research before giving the bouquet, or if you’re close to the teacher, consider offering suggestions on how to arrange the flowers as well.
mug
For teachers who often work in the staff room while sipping tea or coffee, having their own mug is an essential item.
From designs that match the teacher’s personality to something unexpected, there’s a wide range of options in terms of style and size, and they’re affordable, making them an easy gift choice.
You could also intentionally choose a plain mug and have students write messages on it—the teacher would likely appreciate that.
However, keep in mind that messages may fade with repeated washing, so give the gift with that understanding.