Custom teacher gifts

Most teachers already own plenty of mugs. A custom gift is worth giving when it puts their name on something they will use in the classroom, or the class itself in a frame. These cost more than a gift card, so they suit a group gift from several families, the end of the year or a retirement.

With the teacher's name

• A hardcover journal ($29): 150 lined pages, with a name such as "Mrs. Parker" and the year on the cover.
• A desk mat ($38): 16 x 32 in for the teacher's desk, with their name and a short line such as the room number.
• A personalized apron ($45) for an art, science or cooking teacher.

From the whole class

• A framed class collage (from $44): the class photo and up to three more from the year, with a title such as "Room 12" and the school year underneath. Ask the school before using photos with children in them.
• A photo puzzle of the class picture (from $42); the 252-piece size is one the class can build together.

Getting the details right

Use the name the children use, check the spelling against a school letter, and keep the second line short. Each field shows how many characters fit.

Timing for a group gift

Collect contributions first, then order: each item is printed for one person and cannot be returned for a change of mind. For Teacher Appreciation Week in May or the last day of school, count back from the date using the times below.