Sustainable Gifting Ideas for Teachers
Teachers play such an important role in nurturing young minds and shaping the future. As many prioritize instilling eco-conscious values in their students, sustainable gifting options make excellent choices to recognize these educational leaders.
Gifts that minimize environmental impact while promoting sustainability will surely delight any environmentally-aware educator.
From classroom supplies and accessories made using recycled or plant-based materials to ethically-made personal items and experience gifts, there are so many thoughtful ways to gift teachers sustainably.
With some creativity, you can craft a meaningful present any teacher will appreciate that’s also gentle on the planet.
Here are some fantastic eco-friendly gifting ideas to consider for teachers and educators.
Sustainable School and Office Supplies
Most classrooms could use replenishing of basic supplies throughout the year. But opt for sustainably-made, non-toxic versions of essential education tools:
- Recycled paper notebooks, folders and binders
• Pencils and pens made from recycled materials
• Plant-based or recycled plastic scissors, staplers and paper clips
• Whiteboards and dry erase markers with non-toxic, eco-friendly inks
• Canvas tote bags for transporting books and papers
Green Classroom Decoration and Teaching Aids
Help teachers create an inspiring, nature-inspired learning environment with sustainable classroom decorations and teaching tools.
- Recycled glass desktop organizers and jars
• Bamboo framed bulletin boards and dry erase boards
• Educational posters printed with eco-friendly inks on recycled paper
• Potted plants and indoor herb gardens to teach biology
• World maps or globes made using eco-friendly materials
Ethically-Made Teacher Accessories
Personal accessories and practical items made with eco-friendly, ethically-sourced materials make for great sustainable teacher gifts.
- Reusable water bottles and coffee mugs with motivational messaging
• Planners and calendars made using recycled or plant-based papers
• Jackets, sweaters or cardigans knit from organic cotton or wool
• Recycled plastic personalized teacher gear like pencil cases and lanyards
• Chic handmade totes crafted from natural fibers
Self-Care and Wellness Gifts
Being an educator can be incredibly rewarding but draining mentally and physically. Pamper teachers with some sustainable self-care and wellness gifts.
- Natural skincare and beauty product sets free of toxins
• Zero waste vegan lip balms and hand creams
• Aromatherapy kits with essential oil diffusers and roll-on scents
• Plant-based soy or beeswax candles in calming fragrances
• Ethically-sourced chocolate and snack boxes
Books and Media
Feed teachers’ love of learning and growth mindset with books on sustainable education topics or issues they are passionate about:
- Teaching guides focused on environmental stewardship
• Books showcasing innovative green teaching practices
• Novels or audiobooks printed on recycled or sustainable materials
• Subscriptions to their favorite magazines using eco-friendly papers
Sustainable Classroom Tech
With education leveraging more technology, give thoughtful sustainable tech gifts teachers can feel good about using:
- Recycled outer shells for laptops, tablets and e-readers
• Eco-conscious charging banks and solar chargers
• Energy efficient desktop lamps with LED bulbs
• Recycled external hard drives and storage devices
• Eco-friendly wireless speakers made from plant-based materials
Experiences and Charitable Donations
For the teacher who has it all, give experiential gifts or donate to causes that align with their values and passion for education:
- Gift cards for restaurants serving sustainably-sourced foods
• Tickets to museums, art exhibits or cultural events
• Eco-tourism adventures like camping, hiking or kayaking
• Charitable donations to green schools or youth environmental programs
• Sponsoring a classroom supply of sustainably-made learning tools
Teachers dedicate themselves to creating a better future for the next generation. Sustainable gifts that reduce environmental impact while promoting eco-values make the perfect way to give back to teachers.
From useful classroom tools crafted responsibly to ethical self-care indulgences and planet-friendly tech, many wonderful options allow showing appreciation sustainably.
Moreover, teachers embarking on sustainable journeys themselves through eco-experiences or supporting environmental education initiatives makes for a deeply thoughtful and inspiring gift.
Let’s celebrate the hard work and world-changing impact of educators in a way that’s harmonious with the natural world they’re working to protect.