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45 Unique Teacher Retirement Gifts: For A Special Teacher

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Show a retiring teacher how much they impacted your life with one of these heartfelt gifts.

Teachers can have a huge impact on our lives! In interviews and speeches, many celebrities and other outstanding people have credited their teachers with putting them on that path. Many of us can think back to a special teacher that made an impact in our own lives, too.

So, when a teacher like that retires, it’s important to show them what they mean to us! Here are 45 teacher retirement gifts that express your admiration and appreciation for a special teacher. Some are funny, some are sentimental, and some are practical presents. All of them can show a special teacher how much they mean to you.


45 Unique Teacher Retirement Gift Ideas

These gift ideas are as unique as the teachers who guided you on your journey!

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Orchid Gift Set

  • For Helping You Blossom

  • $$$$$
  • Decor

Orchids make lovely teacher retirement gifts because they last for years and years if they’re cared for. This one also comes with a beautifully scented orchid candle as well. The candle comes in a decorative box, perfect for gift-giving.


Kindle

  • Never Stop Learning

  • $$$$$
  • Hobbies

Many teachers are voracious readers, which is probably why they embraced the profession! Help them keep their book appetite satisfied with a Kindle. They can simply buy or check out more books at any time, and it’s a great device for traveling.

Personal Insight

My Kindle Paperwhite 4 has really rekindled my love for reading. The device fits comfortably in my hand, much like a real book, and has an impressive battery life that allows me to read uninterrupted for days on a single charge. I was pleasantly surprised to find that my local library supports Kindle, which has become my primary source of books. I appreciate how the Kindle provides a distraction-free reading environment, unlike my iPad. The e-ink display technology, while not as visually impressive as my iPad's screen, contributes to the device's long battery life and is perfectly sufficient for reading.


Teacher Notebook

  • For Writing Their Memoirs

  • $$$$$
  • Hobbies, Sentimental

Now that they don’t have to race out the door to school in the morning, perhaps your teacher friend might want to spend a little time journaling. This notebook has more than 50 double-sided pages and says, “An awesome teacher is hard to find, difficult to part with, and impossible to forget.” It could also be used to record books they’ve read or notes on their travels.

Community Review

Great quality is the hallmark of this teacher's gift. As a hands-on user, I found it to be well-constructed, boasting vibrant colors and a sturdy binding. The soft cover notebook's lines are college-ruled, making it perfect for journaling or note-taking, as one teacher recipient pointed out. Despite a minor smudge on arrival, a gentle clean-up revealed the notebook's matte finish and its heart-felt message on the cover.


One Smart Cookie Set

  • For A Sweet Teacher

  • $$$$$
  • Practical, Sentimental, Food & Drink

This baking set gives one of the best teacher retirement gifts – a sense of how much they’re appreciated! The potholder says, “Thanks for making me one smart cookie,” and the set comes with a rubber scraper and a packet of cookie mix. Not only does it convey a meaningful message, but it’s also a very useful set as well – just about everyone can use another potholder!

Individual Opinion

In my experience, this gift was a hit among teachers! They expressed their love for it, making it a wonderful choice for showing teacher appreciation.


Gift Cards

  • Teacher’s Choice

  • Practical

They may not be the most exciting gift to give, but gift cards are some of the most practical. They make especially good teacher retirement gifts if you’re collecting money from students or fellow educators because you can spend exactly the amount of money you collect on the present! Also, since teachers get gifts from lots of students, this is one gift that isn’t a problem if several others duplicate it in the class.


Bean Box Gourmet Coffee Sampler

  • Java Jolt

  • $$$$$
  • Food & Drink

If the retiring teacher is a coffee-lover, a coffee sampler box may delight them…especially now that they can linger over a cup in the morning! This sampler box includes four expertly chosen coffees. The beans are professionally ground to release the perfect amount of flavor, and they come with tasting notes and brewing tips.

Personal Experience

I was thrilled when I received this coffee as a present, as it introduced me to a whole new spectrum of flavors I hadn't tasted before. Each coffee blend had a distinct and fresh taste, with no bitterness, making it a joy to explore the different options. However, to my disappointment, I found the dark roast to have an unusual and unappealing flavor, reminding me that not all experiences with this coffee were to my liking.


Literary Insults Chart

  • Elegant Put-Downs

  • $$$$$
  • Funny, Decor

A retiring English teacher or librarian will appreciate this chart of insults from literary greats like Mark Twain and Shakespeare – one of the most eloquent shade-throwers out there. From calling someone an acorn to saying, “she doesn’t so much cook as assassinate food,” there are some great one-liners that they can toss out as zingers for a good laugh.


Retirement Wine Bottle Labels

  • Wine With A Twist

  • $$$$$
  • Funny, Food & Drink

These wine bottle labels would make a hilarious gift for teachers or professors who are retiring because they’re quirky and funny ways to say goodbye. With labels that read “Congrats on Being A Quitter” and “You Can Wine All You Want, You’re Retired!” these are a fun way to send off a retiring teacher, especially when they’re combined with some delicious bottles of wine!

Community Review

I received these retirement gifts quickly and was immediately charmed by their cuteness. The aesthetic appeal of these items is undeniable, making them ideal for anyone entering the golden years of retirement. I'm particularly impressed with the thoughtful design and how suitable they are as a heartfelt gift. Indeed, the retirement gifts exceeded my expectations and I am confident they will bring a smile to my friend's face.


I'm A Teacher, What's Your Superpower Candle

  • A Scentsible Present

  • $$$$$
  • Decor

Candles make great teacher retirement gifts because they’re consumable, meaning even if they get more than one, teachers will eventually work their way through all their candles. This one smells like lemon, peach, and orange and reminds the world of how exceptional teachers are.

Individual Opinion

This teacher-themed gift was originally meant for our daughter, but the tantalizing aroma made us contemplate keeping it! The scent is absolutely irresistible, to the point where we are considering purchasing a second one just for ourselves. We were genuinely impressed by the quality of this product and the overall experience it offers. It's not every day you come across a gift that tempts you to become a little selfish. So, kudos to the makers, your product certainly made an impression. If you're looking for a gift that's tough to part with, this is the one.


Teacher Charm Bracelet

  • For A Charming Teacher

  • $$$$$
  • Sentimental

A teacher will love this bracelet with charms like this round one that says, “It Takes a Big Heart to Teach Little Minds.” It also has an initial, an apple (of course!), a heart, and a small pearl charm. Because it’s stainless steel, it won’t rust and it’s hypoallergenic.

First-Hand Impression

When I first laid eyes on this bracelet, I was taken aback by its beautiful design and high-quality build. This bracelet has proven to be durable, even with added charms, despite a slight hiccough with one charm looking a bit worn. However, it does require a bit of care - it's not a fan of water, perfume, or hairspray and might not be the best choice for those constantly in the company of young children.

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The Influence of A Great Teacher Mug

  • A Sweet Teacher Treat

  • $$$$$
  • Food & Drink, Sentimental

Mugs are practical teacher retirement gifts that they can use for a long time after their last day in class. This one would be a nice present with some gourmet coffee or tea, or maybe chocolates to accompany the sweet message on the mug.

Personal Experience

I'm thoroughly pleased with this mug that I acquired as a token of gratitude for my son's diligent teacher who recently overcame a health scare. This mug, not only physically substantial and attractively designed, but it also carries a meaningful message that truly embodies the spirit of a dedicated educator. Plus, the quality is noteworthy and it arrived in a decorative box, unharmed and visually appealing, which made my son's teacher and my future-teacher roommate really appreciate it.


Teacher Angel Figure

  • Teachers Are Saints

  • $$$$$
  • Decor, Sentimental

This Willow Tree resin angel holding an apple is hand-painted and comes with a card that says, “Thank you for making a difference.” It would make a lovely Christmas figure or a beautiful figurine to display any time of year. Make sure the teacher in your life knows how important they are!

Personal Insight

I was thoroughly pleased with this gift's craftsmanship, mirroring the high-quality work I've come to expect from Willow Tree products. The attention to detail, from the beautiful handcrafted design to its likeness to the online picture, did not go unnoticed. While there was a minor hiccup with one lacking the handcrafted insert slip, this gift remained a precious token of appreciation for my daughters' teachers and my friend, who absolutely adored it.


Thank You For Helping Me Grow Bracelet

  • For A Precious Teacher

  • $$$$$
  • Sentimental

Show your teacher what an influence she had on you with these bracelets! They come as a set of two – a narrow, plain copper bracelet cuff and a wider stainless steel cuff that says “Love Inspire Teach” on the outside, and “You have made a difference in my life. Thank you for helping me grow” inscribed inside.

Community Review

As someone who enjoys gifting meaningful items, this bracelet set was quite hit and miss for me. On the one hand, the quality of the bracelets was top-notch, with both pieces appearing durable and maintaining their shine even after regular use. However, the packaging left much to be desired, as the original box was too small causing the bracelets to be crammed in, making it inconvenient for re-packaging. Despite minor flaws like the colours of the engraving being lighter than expected, and the bracelets not fitting perfectly against each other, this set was still a good value for the price.


Classic Literature Rocks Glass

  • Classy Cocktails

  • $$$$$
  • Food & Drink

These cocktail glasses feature quotes from famous novels like Ulysses, War of the Worlds, and Moby Dick. They’ll give anyone’s cocktail hour an even more refined air, but a retiring English teacher will especially appreciate them.

Note that these glasses are ordered individually, so be sure to adjust the quantity if you want a set.


Travel Journal

  • For The Planners

  • $$$$$
  • Practical

If you know a teacher who 1) has been looking forward to retirement so they could travel and 2) is a big planner who loves plotting things out ahead of time, this journal is for them! It has space to plan a budget, add notes while researching places to go, and a spot to journal during the trip. Afterward, they’ll have a self-contained scrapbook of their adventures.

First-Hand Impression

In my experience, this travel journal is a mixed bag. I love its compact size, making it easy to carry, and its various features like budgeting tools and packing lists, which are very handy when planning trips. However, the paper quality was a bit of a letdown as it's thin and prone to tearing. The print also could be darker as it's sometimes hard to read. On the brighter side, it's a lovely, sturdy journal that I look forward to using, despite its few shortcomings.


The New Yorker Book of Teacher Cartoons

  • Sometimes You Gotta Laugh

  • $$$$$
  • Funny

This hilarious collection of New Yorker cartoons captures the funny, absurd, crazy life of being a teacher. The cartoons feature teachers, students, and parents in all the odd and quirky situations that school can cause. Sometimes, you have to just sit back and laugh at it all.

Personal Experience

I got this book as a present for a loved one and found myself chuckling at the educational cartoons from the New Yorker even before I wrapped it up. This book, filled with teacher humor and amusing anecdotes involving students, is short but sweet. It's not just funny, it's also relatable, especially for veteran teachers who've seen it all in the classroom. While I originally bought it as a gift, I ended up sharing some laughs with my colleagues and it's become a hit in our teachers' lounge.


Coffee And Book Club Monthly Subscription Box

  • A Perfect Pairing

  • $$$$$
  • Food & Drink, Hobbies

Who doesn’t love sitting down with a hot cup of coffee and a good book? This subscription box provides both! Each month teachers will receive a 12-ounce bag of gourmet coffee and two new hardcover books in the chosen genre. It’s a great way to be introduced to new coffee…and new books!


Canvas Duffle Bag

  • See The World

  • $$$$$
  • Hobbies, Practical

Now that they’re retired, teachers have more time to travel! Whether they’re going on a weekend trip to visit family or planning a trip to a far-off land, this duffel bag has plenty of room and lots of pockets to make packing easy.

Community Review

My experience with this bag was nothing short of amazing, its expansion feature was a lifesaver during my two-week trip, allowing me to adjust its size depending on my mode of transport. The quality and versatility of this bag, with its strong yet soft material, ample pockets, and ability to fit a week's worth of clothing, had me impressed and satisfied, not to mention it's stylish and cool design that adds a touch of personality.


Ballpark Scratch Off Map Poster

  • Track The Bucket List

  • $$$$$
  • Hobbies

Lots of people dream of visiting every MLB stadium in the country after they retire, and this map helps them track their progress. Teachers can scratch off each stadium as they visit, making this both interesting decor and an easy way to track where they travel. This would be a great present for a P.E. teacher or anyone who loves baseball!

Individual Opinion

I've enjoyed presenting this map to my son as well as to my husband, both being enthusiastic baseball fans. They've had a blast scratching off the parks they've visited, which has spurred them to plan more trips to continue filling out the map. While I initially had concerns about a strong chemical smell, letting it air out seemed to help. The map is of surprisingly high quality and should last for years of tracking our baseball adventures. It's clear that this map is more than a gift, it's a catalyst for future memories.


Audible Subscription

  • Books On The Go

  • $$$$$
  • Hobbies

Avid readers don’t let mundane tasks like laundry, working out, or gardening stop them from reading! They simply move to audiobooks while they do these other tasks. Gift your teacher friend with a subscription to Audible, which has thousands of audiobooks from which to choose.

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School’s Out Forever Retired Teacher T-Shirt

  • Not My Problem

  • $$$$$
  • Funny

Grab this gag gift for your favorite retiring teacher and let them proudly announce to the world that they’re finally finished with school! You can customize the size and color of the shirt to make something that suits your teacher perfectly.

Personal Experience

As someone who values proper fit, I found these pajamas to be a bit of a mixed bag. The quality is top-notch, and I was thrilled to see they offer women's sizes rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. However, I encountered an issue with sizing - the adult medium I ordered seemed more akin to a child's medium. Despite this, the overall experience was positive, but I urge future buyers to consider sizing carefully.


Literary Tea Bags

  • Tea & Conversation

  • $$$$$
  • Food & Drink

This selection of teas has tags on the string featuring literary quotes from authors and books throughout history. You’ll get a smattering of Shakespeare, of course, plus C.S. Lewis, Louisa May Alcott, and many more. It’s definitely a great present for an English teacher or anyone who loves to get their nose into a good book.

Personal Insight

My daily afternoon break has been transformed by this tea, its full-bodied flavor pairs perfectly with a good book, offering a moment of relaxation and enjoyment. Not only is the tea delicious, but the packaging is also adorned with clever puns that add a touch of fun and novelty to the whole experience.


Fitbit Health Tracker

  • Keep Track Of Good Health

  • $$$$$
  • Practical, Hobbies

Fitbits are good teacher retirement gift ideas…or good gift ideas for anyone who’s retiring! It may take some time after retirement to develop a new daily schedule, and unless exercise and good health are a priority, they could get left behind. A Fitbit is a good way to remind a newly retired person to take walks and not to neglect their eating and sleeping habits so they can enjoy retirement for a good long time!

Community Review

For six months, I've been using this Fitbit Charge 5, and it has proven to be a reliable fitness device. Its assortment of features, including a heart rate monitor and a sleep tracker, is comprehensive, although the accuracy of the sleep tracking function could be improved. The step counter and exercise tracking features, on the other hand, have motivated me to increase my physical activity. Despite a somewhat steep learning curve and occasional issues with GPS and EKG functions, the extended battery life and quick charging make this Fitbit a valuable tool for maintaining and monitoring my health.


Number 2 Pencil Socks

  • Snazzy Feet

  • $$$$$
  • Funny, Practical

Make sure your teacher feels good in retirement with some comfy socks for wearing around the house. These socks are decorated to look like Number 2 pencils, which will hopefully bring back fond memories and the realization that they don’t have to fight with a pencil sharpener ever again.

Individual Opinion

If you're on the hunt for fun, vibrant socks, these ones should be on your radar. I found them to be quite comfortable, even during my 4th of July run, though they were a tad snug around my calves and a smidge too long for my five-foot frame. Despite confusion about the material composition, I appreciated their coolness during the heat and stretchiness; they're also a hit on school spirit days and wash well.


Bose Noise-Canceling Headphones

  • I Can’t Hear You

  • $$$$$
  • Practical, Hobbies

After years and years of noisy classrooms and endless questions, teachers deserve a little peace and quiet! These noise-canceling headphones enable them to block out excess noise and only hear the music, audiobook, or podcast they want. They’re also wonderful for airplane travel!

First-Hand Impression

These headphones are a significant upgrade from the previous model I owned, providing an impressive sound quality and frequency range that enhances my overall listening experience. Despite having a larger than average head, I found these headphones to fit comfortably and even accommodate my large ears, which is a rarity with over-the-ear designs. However, the noise cancellation technology isn't perfect, it doesn't block out all sounds equally, but for practical purposes, it does minimize most background noises effectively, making my daily use in various environments enjoyable.


Keurig Single-Cup Coffee Maker

  • Cool Beans

  • $$$$$
  • Food & Drink, Practical

After years of bad breakroom coffee, your teacher deserves a quality cup each morning! Show them how much they mean to you with a Keurig coffee maker that will make them a single, delicious cup of coffee that they can sit and savor all morning long if they wish.

Personal Experience

Got this Keurig machine and it's been a great addition to my kitchen - it's stylish, compact, and brews quickly. I love the strong button feature, it really does enhance the flavor of each pod, giving me that bold taste I crave. There's a bit of a learning curve with the power saving function and the water reservoir could hold more, but those are minor issues in my book.


Coloring Book For Teachers

  • Find Inner Calm

  • $$$$$
  • Hobbies

Adult coloring books are not only trendy, they’re a great way to de-stress while providing a creative outlet. This coloring book celebrates teachers with inspiring and funny quotes. It would make a great gift paired with some quality gel pens or other fancy coloring pens or pencils (no more Crayola crayons for this teacher, thank you very much!).

Personal Insight

Best thing I've received in a while was this coloring book, gifted to me at my retirement as a teacher. I've genuinely enjoyed filling it in with the Wonder Woman crayons that were thoughtfully added, creating pieces worthy of being framed. It's a delightful gesture of appreciation that can be enjoyed by teachers at any point in their career, and a great way for parents and students to express their gratitude.


1,000 Places To See Before You Die

  • Oh The Places You’ll Go

  • $$$$$
  • Hobbies

If the teacher you know is planning to travel after retiring, this book will give them all kinds of ideas! They can read about 1,000 places all over the world where they can visit sacred ruins, beaches, islands, museums, and so much more. They may not get to every place, but they’ll expand their knowledge and get a good idea of what they do – and don’t – want to visit.

Community Review

This book is an extensive compilation of global travel destinations, ideal for both avid explorers and armchair travelers. From my experience, it offers a great mix of popular tourist staples and lesser-known sights, with destinations ranging from bustling cities to natural wonders. While the book does lean towards pricier accommodations, it does a remarkable job of sparking curiosity and providing initial information for deeper research on potential travel locations.


Organic & Sustainable Wine Pack

  • If You’re The Reason They Drink

  • $$$$$
  • Food & Drink

It’s okay to admit it – sometimes our kids are the reason a teacher might look forward to a nice glass of wine after work. It’s a hard job! This six-pack of wine bottles ought to make up for some of that with an assortment of red and white wines to help them unwind after years of rambunctious pupils.


Flowers

  • Bloom Where You’re Planted

  • $$$$$
  • Decor

Flowers may be a basic present, but there’s a reason they’re given so often – they’re wonderful! A beautiful flower arrangement will smell amazing, and the cheerful colors brighten any room. Also, for a teacher who may be getting a lot of presents, flowers will only last a week or so and they won’t have to find room for a gift they may not really want!

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Travel Scratch Map

  • Roam Around The World

  • $$$$$
  • Decor, Hobbies

This map of the world features scratch-off countries, so a retired traveling teacher can keep track of their travels! The map is gold and black but as the teacher scratches off each country, bright bursts of color are revealed underneath. The bottom of the map also has interesting facts about geography around the world.


Let The Recess Begin T-Shirt

  • Relax And Enjoy

  • $$$$$
  • Funny

Let’s face it, while they’re working, teachers don’t even get to enjoy recess! Now that they’re retired, however, the recess goes on indefinitely. Help them celebrate with a t-shirt announcing this fact to everyone.

Personal Insight

Best describe this t-shirt as a delightful blend of comfort and style. The material feels soft against the skin, enhancing the overall wearing experience, while the words emblazoned on the front resonate with teacher pride. However, be mindful of sizing issues, as my experience showed significant shrinkage after washing.


Sterling Silver Compass Necklace

  • Where To Next?

  • $$$$$
  • Sentimental

A necklace can be a beautiful piece of retirement jewelry, and this one reminds the teacher in your life that she can go anywhere in her next step! The necklace is made of sterling silver and the pendant is stylish and meaningful.

Community Review

This retirement necklace, tastefully crafted with a captivating compass design, exudes elegance and quality. The necklace's radiant chain and its resistance to tarnish truly testify to its excellent craftsmanship. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the thoughtful inclusion of a cleaning cloth, instructions, and a ready-to-gift packaging elevates the entire gifting experience.


Fishing Rod And Reel

  • Gone Fishin’

  • $$$$$
  • Hobbies

Retirement is a great time to either take up fishing, or to devote more time to the activity! Help a teacher out with a new rod and reel so they can head to the lake and relax. This kit also comes with a carrying case to keep everything looking good.

Individual Opinion

I'm really impressed with this fishing rod and reel combo. The rod is quite sturdy and the sections telescope smoothly, making it very compact when fully collapsed. However, the shorter butt length initially felt odd and took some getting used to. The reel is smooth and quiet with a reversible handle, which I found to be a nice touch. I tested the rod with a ¼ to ½ ounce lure weight and it handled well. Despite its compact size, it's definitely more suitable for larger fish, as the tip doesn't convey a lot of information about what's happening at the lure end, and the rod didn't bend much even with a 10 oz. weight.


Inspirational Trinket Tray

  • Teacher Treasures

  • $$$$$
  • Sentimental, Decor

This tray is great for holding jewelry, coins, or other small items in one spot. The message on the tray is also a good way to let a teacher know the effect they had on your life. It reads, “Never underestimate the difference you made, and the lives you touched. Happy Retirement!”

First-Hand Impression

I'm thrilled with this trinket holder's practicality and elegance. It's sturdy and well-sized, providing a safe spot for jewelry during tasks like dishwashing or showering. This holder also makes for a thoughtful present, having brought joy to my daughter and friends when I gifted it to them. The engraved words add a sweet touch, making it more than just a functional item, but also a loving reminder.


Wineglass Gift Basket

  • Party Time!

  • $$$$$
  • Funny

Give this retirement gift basket to a woman who is finishing her career as a teacher! It features socks with a message on the soles that says, “If you can read this, the queen has retired.” There’s also an unbreakable wine glass that says, “A wise woman once said, ‘I’m outta here’ and she lived happily ever after.” The set also includes a keychain and coaster.

Personal Experience

I've gifted this retirement set to colleagues and family, and the positive reactions were unanimous. The items in the set are not just decorative but practical, all neatly packed in a pleasing blue box that adds a touch of elegance. From the wine bag to the other unique pieces in the set, it's clear this retirement gift is a hit at parties, adding a spark of joy and appreciation from the recipients.


Heart Photo Collage

  • Precious Memories

  • $$$$$
  • Decor, Sentimental

Help a teacher remember great times with this heart photo collage! You can choose 30 pictures to add to the collage and move them around however you want them set up. A class could include pictures of each student, or a faculty could include pictures of staff events and school activities.


Craft Beer Club Membership

  • It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere

  • $$$$$
  • Food & Drink

Now that they no longer have to be in school during the day, no one’s stopping a retired teacher from cracking open a cold one at noon for a special treat now and then. Regardless of when they drink it, however, these craft beers will open up a world of variety. They come from around the country and recipients get new ones to try with each shipment.


Retirement Keychain

  • Keys To Success

  • $$$$$
  • Practical, Sentimental

If you’re looking for a small retirement gift for a teacher or principal, this keychain makes a thoughtful gift that won’t break the bank. It has two charms on the keychain that say, “Thank you” and “Never forget the difference you’ve made.”

Individual Opinion

I found this keychain to be a fitting and heartfelt memento, embodying heartfelt sentiments that resonate deeply. Its lightweight design does not add excessive bulk to your keys, making it practical and easy to use. However, I noticed that the lettering isn't as bold and clearly readable as depicted in the picture, tending to be more reflective. Despite this, it still served as a wonderful gift that was appreciated and stirred emotions, and the inclusion of a velvet pouch added a nice touch.


Catch-All Bag

  • No Papers In Here

  • $$$$$
  • Practical, Funny

Help a teacher celebrate their retirement milestone with this bag, which happily announces, “This bag contains absolutely no papers to grade or lessons to plan #retiredteacherlife.” It’s the perfect size to be used as a makeup bag or to hold card games or small toiletries. The one thing it won’t hold is school assignments.

First-Hand Impression

I'm someone who's gifted this bag to a retiring teacher and found it to be a fun, thoughtful present. The bag is a bit on the thin side and I wasn't sure what items would fit into it, but it has a pleasing appearance and the size was as described. The teacher I gave it to was thrilled, saying it would be great for travel. I liked the bag and it seemed well-received by its recipient. This product certainly fits the adage that it's the thought behind a gift that truly counts. Despite its thinness, the bag's charm and practicality for travel make it a fitting gift for any retiring teacher.

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Musical Serving Boards

  • Face The Music

  • $$$$$
  • Decor, Food & Drink

Music teachers (or teachers who just appreciate music) will love these serving boards that are just the right size for a cheese platter or for appetizers. Choose from a guitar, piano, or violin and present your teacher with a beautifully handmade wood serving board to use for dinners or special occasions at home.


Gourmet Drizzled Strawberries

  • Teachers Are The Sweetest

  • $$$$$
  • Food & Drink

A 24-count order of these delicious strawberries comes with several combinations of chocolate. Some are dipped in white chocolate with milk chocolate drizzle, some dipped in milk chocolate with white chocolate drizzle, and several other variations. The only thing that stays the same is that they’re all delectable.


100+ Books to Read and Reread

  • Teacher’s Reading Assignment

  • $$$$$
  • Hobbies

Sometimes teachers who have been teaching for a while run out of time to actually read for their own enjoyment. If they’re stuck and need a place to start when choosing books to read during retirement, this book about books is perfect. They’ll have a list of books to start reading – some may be old favorites, but others will probably be brand-new.

Community Review

If you're an avid reader like me, you'll appreciate the insights offered in "Ex Libris: One Hundred Books to Read and Re-read". While the author, Michiko Kakutani, does offer a treasure trove of book recommendations, her approach may not appeal to everyone. Some of the books she discusses are unfamiliar to me, which piqued my curiosity, but I found the commentary on the books I had already read to be somewhat superficial. An aspect of the book I found off-putting was the frequent insertion of political views, which in my opinion, detracted from the otherwise enlightening content. However, despite these drawbacks, I found the author's eloquent writing style engaging and the book overall to be an interesting addition to my collection. This anthology is like a mixed bag of candies - some flavors you'll love, others you will merely tolerate, but all worth trying.


Keys to a Successful Retirement Book

  • Never Stop Learning

  • $$$$$
  • Practical

Teachers may be done teaching, but there’s still more to learn! This book will help a retiring teacher (or anyone!) figure out how to manage their finances, stay fit, and find a passion now that teaching is done. It’s a great first step to a great retirement!

Individual Opinion

For me, "Keys to a Successful Retirement" was a valuable tool in the preparation for my imminent retirement. The author's approach was refreshing, going beyond the financial aspects, and addressing the vital topic of finding purpose in life after work. I found the writing style to be engaging, presenting complex ideas in an easy-to-understand manner that never felt dull or dry. However, I felt the book could have delved deeper into the realities of aging, such as shifting energy levels and the dynamics of forming new social connections in later life.


Best Teacher Ever Plant Pots

  • Keep Growing

  • $$$$$
  • Decor

If you know a teacher with a green thumb, they’ll love this set of three plant pots. Each pot has a different word, and together they say, “Best teacher ever.” They’re the perfect size for succulents or other small plants and will make a big impact when they’re grouped together.

First-Hand Impression

I'm really into these plant pots; they're super cute, but definitely on the smaller side, perfect for succulents. I noticed that all three pots are identical, which was a bit of a letdown, as I was hoping for some variety. These pots come in a lovely gift box, but be aware that the box may get a little roughed up in transit. Despite their size, they were well-received as gifts, making them an adorable choice for plant lovers.


Teacher Retirement FAQs

How Do You Honor a Retiring Teacher? ​​

A retiring teacher can certainly have a retirement party to celebrate this new step! This could be thrown by family and friends or by fellow faculty members. Often, schools will also acknowledge a retiring teacher during graduation ceremonies, or in the school yearbook, or at other end-of-year celebrations.

You can also honor a retiring teacher with a present – either individual presents from students or fellow teachers who will miss them, or with a group gift after taking up a collection. However, you choose to honor a retiring teacher, be sure to take the time to tell them how they have influenced your life!

How Much Do You Spend on Teacher Gifts?

How much you choose to spend on a teacher gift depends on several factors. First, consider the economic circumstances of students at the school. Students whose parents make less money will likely not be able to give as much as students whose parents are well-off.

Also, consider your relationship with the teacher. Students may give less if they have six teachers in their school day. Also, if a teacher helped write a recommendation, or taught an after-school activity, or went above and beyond somehow, you may want to give them a special gift to show your gratitude. Co-workers may also want to give gifts that show their relationship to a fellow teacher. A casual acquaintance may not get as heartfelt a gift as a team teacher or close work friend.

A school may also have a cap on how much students (and parents) can spend on a teacher to avoid the appearance of bribery. It’s a good idea to check with the office if you’re unsure of how much to spend.

Many families average between $10-$50 on teacher gifts. If you can’t afford to give expensive gifts, remember that teachers also love to know they’re appreciated! A heartfelt note, drawing, or poem are also sweet gifts for a teacher.

What is a Good Retirement Message?

A good retirement message celebrates this next step in someone’s life while letting them know that they made an impact and will be missed. A personal note expressing gratitude is always best, but you can also include the following messages:

  • Thank you for making a difference.
  • Enjoy your retirement – you deserve it!
  • Congratulations on your retirement! Wishing you the best on this next step in life.

What Are Good Retirement Gifts for a Female Teacher?

Although they aren’t terribly creative, if you ask most teachers, many will say they actually prefer gift cards! This is because gift cards allow the flexibility to buy exactly what a teacher needs or wants, and you won’t have to worry about duplicate presents.

Other good gifts for a female teacher include jewelry, candles, lotion, or a coffee or tea sampler.

What Are Good Retirement Gifts for a Male Teacher?

Male teachers also appreciate gift cards! Other good gifts for them include plants, coffee or tea, a book or Kindle, or an accessory for a hobby they have.

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About the Author

Laura Falin

Laura Falin is a freelance writer from Colorado. She worked in TV news for more than ten years, and since then has written for publications and websites including BabyCenter, Colorado Parent Magazine, and Denver Parent. She loves being outdoors and reading.