Hello readers – Alex, founder of Roonee here! As a former teacher, I totally understand the importance of expressing gratitude to the educators and caregivers who play a significant role in shaping young minds. With the end of the school year approaching, it’s the perfect time to celebrate and thank these remarkable individuals, because let’s be honest, teachers and other caregivers for our children really are amazing. In this gift guide, I’ll share some thoughtful and unique gift ideas that are sure to make teachers, nursery practitioners, and other deserving individuals feel appreciated. From personalised items to delicious treats, there’s something for everyone.

Personalized Gifts from Max Spielman

Max Spielman offers a wide range of personalised gifts that add a special touch to show your appreciation. Take a look at their photo mugs, where you can turn memories into a meaningful keepsake for that special someone. Additionally, they have a selection of ready-to-order “thank you teacher” gifts that are sure to bring a smile to any educator’s face. Personally, I love gifting photo mugs to friends and family, and I can confirm that as a teacher, I kept a photo mug in the staff room at all times!

CookServeEnjoy glass lunch boxes

Speaking from experience, I know that practical gifts can be a wonderful choice, and CookServeEnjoy offers high-quality glass lunch boxes that are both functional and stylish. These durable and eco-friendly lunch boxes are perfect for teachers who can use them both in and out of the work place. As far as lunch boxes go, these really are lovely – the one I have is glass and comes with built in cutlery. In my teaching days, I was always on the hunt for something like this to take my lunch to school in, so it’s a brilliant gift idea for any educator!

SEAMS Beauty hand cream

Gifts with an underlying theme of self-care always go a long way, whoever your giftee is! For a thoughtful touch of self-care, consider gifting SEAMS Beauty hand cream.This luxurious hand cream provides nourishment and pampering, leaving skin feeling soft and rejuvenated. It’s a thoughtful gesture that shows you care about their well-being.

Wildflower Seed Bombs from Vintage Playing Cards

These wonderful Wildflower Seed Bombs come packaged in charming hessian bags, each accompanied by an original vintage King or Queen of Hearts playing card. These playing cards can be customised with your own heartfelt message, ensuring a truly bespoke gift that will touch the heart of any recipient.

Handcrafted with care, these seed bombs contain a blend of UK native wildflower seeds, red clay, and topsoil, providing the ideal environment for the seeds to flourish. By gifting these seed bombs, you not only show your gratitude but also contribute to the preservation of the environment by attracting bees and wildlife with vibrant and diverse wildflowers.

Contigo Water Bottles

Staying hydrated is essential for teachers and nursery practitioners who are constantly on the go, taking care of little ones. Contigo water bottles make excellent gifts, as they combine functionality, durability, and style. These high-quality bottles are designed with features like spill-proof lids, easy one-handed operation, and insulation to keep drinks cold or hot for extended periods. With a wide range of colours and designs available, you can find the perfect Contigo water bottle to suit your giftee’s taste. As a teacher, having a high quality reusable water bottle was essential to me being able to keep going throughout the teaching day! Contigo bottles are available on Amazon and there are loads of different styles and colours to choose from – you really can’t go wrong!

Love Heart chocolate coin from Swizzels’

If you are looking for an affordable yet meaningful end-of-year gift for your child’s teacher then consider Swizzels’ Love Hearts Chocolate Coin. Priced at just £2.49 (although currently on sale for 99p!!), this chocolate coin is the latest addition to Swizzels’ iconic Love Hearts range. With its ‘FOR YOU’ message, it’s a perfect token of gratitude for a beloved teacher at the end of term. I got one and it’s absolutely massive – definitely something that would make a lovely end of term treat. During a cost of living crisis, money is tight for many of us, but this is a great low cost option.

For the whole staff room

Beanies Coffee

Beanies Coffee is a favourite among teachers everywhere, and for good reason – let’s be honest, a lot of educators run on coffee! Beanies’ delicious range of coffee flavours caters to every taste preference. Consider gifting a multi-pack or variety pack, perfect for sharing and treating the whole staffroom. The delightful aroma and flavours of Beanies Coffee will surely brighten up their day. You can find 12 packs of individual instant coffee sachets from just £1.50, and a box or two of these would go down wonderfully in any staff room. Alternatively, the Beanies website has all kinds of great bundles of coffee jars on offer, so it’s always worth taking a look!

Popcorn Shed Gourmet popcorn

Surprise teachers and nursery staff with a scrumptious treat from Popcorn Shed. Their gourmet popcorn comes in a variety of interesting and delicious flavours, and they offer multipacks and gift tins that make for a delightful staffroom gift. Explore the gift tins & mega bags section of the website to pick the perfect staff room present! Imagine the joy of indulging in these mouthwatering snacks during break times!

Handmade gifts

Sometimes, the most heartfelt gifts are the ones created with love. Handmade gifts are a beautiful way to express your gratitude, and they can be very low budget. Whether it’s a handcrafted card, a personalised drawing, or a DIY project, the time and effort you put into making something unique will be deeply appreciated. See if your little one has any ideas about what they could hand make or craft, and get them involved in the process from start to finish! Throughout my time in teaching, I kept a folder of handmade cards, notes, and drawings from my students – every one was appreciated and I still love to look back on them now!