Teachers deserve the world, they help us grow, learn, and inspire us to strive. If your favorite teacher or professor is retiring soon and you want to show them they’ll be missed, you’ve come to the right place.
We have carefully selected the best teacher retirement gifts so you can surprise your teacher and thank them for what they taught you. They will be touched you thought of them on this special day and will have a nice keepsake to remember you by.
We have found the best gifts for a retiring teacher for all budgets, from useful gifts to funny ones, that can be other gifted by you or by the whole class.
Keep on reading to find some inspiration and gift ideas for the retiring teacher, professor, or educator in your life. These teacher retirement gift ideas can be from students, their class, colleagues, friends, or family.
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Most popular teacher retirement gift ideas from this list:
- With almost 6,000 5-star reviews, the Knock Knock Why You’re The Best Teacher Ever Fill-in-the-Blank Journal is a popular gift for teachers. Customizable, show your teacher how much you’re thankful and leave them with something to remember you by.
See in list >> - A New York Times bestseller, Because I Had a Teacher has an average of 4.9 stars on Amazon. It features beautiful drawings and inspiring texts. It’s a great way to thank your teacher for the positive impact they have had on you.
See in list >>
Teacher Retirement Gifts Ideas:
1 – Audible Membership
With all this extra free time, they’re going to be able to catch up on their reading, they’ll also need to find new ways to pass time.
Audible is the biggest audiobook platform out there, with millions of books available from a wide variety of genres. You can gift them a 3, 6, or 12-month plan that will give them access to thousands of books each month.
Audiobooks are the perfect way to “read” while doing something else, it’s great for long-distance trips, when going for a walk or at the gym, while you are home cooking…
Gift an Audible Membership here>>
2 – Inspirational Notebook for Teachers
When looking for gifts for a retiring teacher, sticking to basics can be a good idea. This cute notebook is the perfect budget-friendly teacher retirement gift idea.
3 – Teacher Retirement Mug
4 – Because I Had a Teacher Illustrated Book
- Hardcover Book
- Yamada, Kobi (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 40 Pages - 03/01/2017 (Publication Date) - Compendium (Publisher)
There’s no better way to show your appreciation for your teacher than with this heartwarming book specially designed for teachers. Featuring beautiful illustrations, this book is about the positive impact a teacher has on their students.
Written by Kobi Yamada, the book is a New York Times bestseller and will make a perfect gift idea for a retiring teacher if you are looking for something with a sentimental touch.
5 – Retirement Coloring Book
Retirement is the perfect time to pick a new hobby or two. Coloring books for adults are all the rage at the moment, as it helps to keep you busy, to clear your mind, reduce stress, and improve creativity.
6 – Ceramic Gold Apple
Reward your favorite teacher with the Golden Apple Award and show them how much you appreciate them.
7 – Best Teacher Ever Tumbler
Customized tumbler cups always make great gifts. They can be used every day, make bringing your favorite drink everywhere easier, and are a nice way to commemorate an event.
8 – Fill-in-the-Blank Journal
The Knock Knock Fill-in-the-Blank Books make great gifts. The teacher edition is full of meaning, you can customize it to show your teacher you care and give them a nice reminder of their days as a teacher.
It’s a perfect pick if you are looking for a sentimental gift.
9 – Retired Teacher Shirt
If you are looking for a funny novelty gift for your teacher’s retirement to say goodbye and show your appreciation, this Retired Teacher Shirt might be the perfect gift you’re looking for!
10 – Teacher Appreciation Keychain
Keychains are classic teacher gifts that are useful and will remind your teacher of their students every time they use their keys.
11 – Personalized Teacher Retirement Plaque
Nothing is more memorable than an engraved plaque dedicated to your favorite teacher. Celebrate their years spent as a teacher and their retirement with this Personalized Teacher Retirement Plaque.
12 – Westman Works – Basil Plant Pot
Retirement is the best time to pick up a new hobby, your teacher started helping minds grow, maybe they’ll enjoy growing plants from now on.
This Basil Plant Pot is a nice way to show your teacher you care and the impact they had on your life.
13 – Post-it Pop-up Notes Dispenser
14 – Engraved Pen with Flashlight and Stylus Tip
Designed for teachers, the Engraved Pen with Flashlight and Stylus Tip will make a thoughtful retirement gift for your teacher.
The pen comes in a nice box so it’s ready to gift.
15 – Morse Code Teacher Bracelet
If your teacher is a bit of a geek, they will love this morse code bracelet. Cute and meaningful, this handmade bracelet is a thoughtful way to wish your teacher a happy retirement.
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It comes with a meaningful message and a gift box.
16 – Top Shelf Retirement Wish Jar
The Top Shelf Retirement Wish Jar makes a unique teacher retirement gift, especially if the whole class is pitching in.
Everyone can write something about how much they appreciate your teacher so he/she can have a heartwarming memory from your class.
17 – Canvas Bag
A simple yet cute gift for your teacher, this Canvas Bag is a classic. Tote bags are always super useful and can be used on many occasions. This one features a saying “Retired… and living the good life” as well as a colorful drawing.
A perfect present for a retired teacher.
18 – Bangle Bracelet
A meaningful retirement gift for your favorite teacher, this Bangle Bracelet is beautiful and any woman who wears jewelry will love it.
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19 – 50 States, 5,000 Ideas: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do
- National Geographic (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 288 Pages - 02/07/2017 (Publication Date) - National Geographic (Publisher)
Retirement is the best time to start traveling and scratch off destinations from your bucket list. We often want to go across the world and forget all the beautiful places the US has to offer.
Help the retired teacher in your life who loves to travel find inspiration and discover great destinations within the US, with the 50 States, 5,000 Ideas Travel Guide by the National Geographic. From popular places to off-the-beaten-path hidden gems, this guide includes everything one needs to fill up their bucket list.
20 – US Art Supply – 21-Piece Acrylic Painting Set
Retirement is a great time to pick up a new hobby and develop new skills to help spend all this extra free time. If your teacher is into art, they might love this Acrylic Painting Set from US Art Supply.
A retired teacher who’s into art will just love this present.
Other gift ideas for a retiree teacher:
A gift card is also a great gift idea for teachers, try to find out what their favorite coffee shop or store is and get them a gift card from there. The whole class can pitch in.
You can also throw them a retirement party, bring some cakes, sodas, and balloons on their last day of school to celebrate this special occasion, and show them your appreciation for their dedication and hard work.
Discover more gift guides for teachers:
- 10 Cute Easter Gift Ideas for Teachers
- 25 Gifts for teachers to show your appreciation
- 15 Best Back-to-School Gifts for Teachers
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