33 Best Teacher Retirement Gifts They’ll Use & Love (2024)
The best retirement gifts for teachers are useful, thoughtful, funny & unique gifts suggested by retired teachers themselves. Now that school’s out forever, give the perfect retirement gift to honor that special teacher for their many years of service.
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I’m from a long line of teachers, so I know the joy of helping students learn and watching them grow. That desire to make a difference helps teachers push through emotional exhaustion and a dysfunctional education system. So when the time comes for them to retire, they deserve a hero’s farewell.
These retirement gifts for teachers will help you say thank you for their years of hard work and dedication to their students. We have great ideas for group gifts and gifts that will be really useful during retirement. Unique, thoughtful and funny gifts round out the list.
Unique Retirement Gifts for Teachers
Send retiring teachers out in style with a gift to keep them busy! The best gift is one that helps them enjoy all the things they haven’t had time to pursue!
Travel Coffee Table Book
Say happy retirement with a book full of breathtaking images. This travel book is unique because it’s organized by the best destinations for every month of the year. It’s the perfect retirement gift for teachers who can now travel year-round!
Old School Library Card Tote
It’s time to retire those worn-out tote bags she’s been carrying. How’s this zippered tote for an upgrade? It will make her smile every time she uses it–and it will be a conversation piece wherever she goes. Even better, your purchase gives back to literacy programs and book donations.
Cooler Sleeve for Golf Bag
Recommended by a retiree who is an avid golfer, this cooler is a great idea for retired teachers who can’t wait to golf more often. It keeps up to 7 cans cold with a layer of insulation–no ice required! This discreet cooler sleeve comes in lots of colors and fits in nearly all types and styles of golf bags. Skip the monogrammed golf balls and get this useful gift instead.
Indoor Hydroponic Garden
Do they have a green thumb but need a new challenge? Or love fresh herbs and veggies year ground? This AeroGarden countertop garden includes a gourmet herb seed kit for six plants that grow in water, not soil. It’s a great teacher gift because it will give them something to nourish and grow.
Day of the Week Clock
This.is.genius. When summer hits, teachers can never keep days of the week straight. So imagine retirement! This unique clock is the perfect solution. Order it in multiple colors and sizes – and you can even choose a backlit option. Rave reviews for this Etsy star seller!
Useful Gifts for Retiring Teachers
If you’re searching for a more expensive gift for the special teacher in your life, look no further. Like most gifts at milestone moments, these useful gifts are enjoyed by our own retired parents, in-laws and friends!
Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones
We know a few retirees with noise cancelling headphones who don’t know what they’d do without them! They use them for listening to music, watching tv, mowing the lawn, talking on the phone and more. Mary’s dad uses them to watch tv when he’s in the same room with his wife who prefers to read.
They’re easy to use, have up to 30 hours of battery life and they’re compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa. Round out your gift with Amazon Music Unlimited or Audible Premium Plus!
Kindle Paperwhite
If they’re already reading books on a tablet or if they’re willing to give the Kindle a try, this is absolutely worth the splurge. My mom (a retired teacher) loves that she can get on a plane without lugging heavy books, especially because she goes through a few books on every trip. It’s also perfect for the pool or the beach because it’s waterproof and glare-proof.
Choose the bundle without ads and with wifi, a leather cover and wireless charging. Don’t forget to add Kindle Unlimited!
Remote Control Page Turner
Before you dismiss this (like I almost did), hear me out. If they already use a Kindle, iPad or iPhone to read books, this device allows them to prop up the device and turn pages without holding it. Some people even read on the TV because they can connect the device and turn pages with the remote. It’s not a big gift, but it’s incredibly useful for tablet readers!
Flexible Tablet or Phone Holder
Making things at home more enjoyable can ease some of the challenges of retirement. For teachers who love to read or watch things on their tablets or phones, this flexible tablet holder will make it more comfortable. It’s perfect for reading in bed, on exercise equipment, in the kitchen and more. Pair it with the remote and they’ll have everything they need!
READ MORE >>> How Does
Thoughtful Retirement Gifts for Teachers
A retiring teacher has more heartwarming memories than they know what to do with. These gifts are a perfect way to highlight a teaching career. And remind them that they’ve touched the lives of many students.
Fantasy Mapmaking: Chart a Life Story Experience Gift
This is an unforgettable splurge-worthy gift for teachers who are retiring from a career they loved. Spend 90 minutes in a live virtual experience with an expert cartographer. No art experience required!
The geographic features of the map are based on “landmark events, passionate pursuits, and memorable moments. Each map can cover a full life or focus on a specific time frame, such as the past year, early teaching days, or that one amazing summer.”
READ MORE >>> 42 Best Experience Gifts for Everyone on Your List
New York Times Custom Front Page Reprint
Choose an important date in their teaching career or a famous historical event for a unique retirement gift. Then get a reprint of the front page the New York Times, either framed or unframed. This high quality gift uses archival ink on archival paper. A great option for social studies or history teachers!
Ring Dish
Does she wear a lot of jewelry? This pretty ring dish is a sentimental gift to remind her of years well spent and a career that made a difference in the lives of others. It’s a simple gift, but an especially thoughtful one. It comes in a white gift box.
Funny Gifts for Retiring Teachers
If they have a great sense of humor, consider these funny retirement gift ideas. They’ll get a great laugh out of a few unique gifts.
F in Exams
This book of hilariously wrong test answers will keep him laughing – and will probably also make him grateful his days of grading terrible exams are over! Plus, you can’t go wrong with a good book. Take a minute to personalize it with a special message on the inside.
Wine Glasses
They’ll get a laugh out of these glasses – and think of you every time they use them. Choose from “School’s Out Forever” and “I Came. I Taught. I Retired.”
Stainless Steel Tumbler
Remind them of their legendary status as a teacher or coach with this laser engraved stainless steel tumbler. Choose from 16 ounces or 30 ounces and either black or red. This travel mug gets a perfect 5-star rating and comes with a gift box!
Literary Socks
These are perfect for any retired English teacher, reading teacher or librarian, from pre-K to college! You’ll find socks with images from beloved children’s books to popular fiction to classic novels. We love Out of Print, the company that creates bookish apparel–and these socks are available on Amazon!
Every purchase helps fund literacy programs and book donations to communities in need.
Retirement Gift Ideas from a Group
We think the best retirement gifts come from a group! Make a thoughtful gift even more special with a personal message from everyone in the group. It’s a win every time.
Leather Tote
We love this leather tote from Able — perfect for everything from daily errands to travel around the world. Gift her a gorgeous bag that will last her for years and years. In addition to high-quality products, Able’s mission is to empower women in the workplace. A perfect gift from workplace friends!
Mixbook Photo Book
A photo book is a great way to celebrate a memorable teaching career. Mixbook’s feature that allows collaboration on a photo book is pure gold! It’s perfect for creating a group gift from a team of teachers. It’s also ideal if you’re working solo but want pictures and stories from a variety of people.
Personalized Flower Print
This print is gorgeous! Available in 6 sizes, you can customize with with up to 12 names. It’s professionally printed on 230gsm matte premium paper and ships free from the UK (so give yourself a little extra time on this one). We love supporting small businesses and this is an Etsy best seller! Message the owner if you’d like a different flower.
Fill-in-the-Blank Gift Book
This little book is a perfect group gift! Have the final class of students fill in the prompts about why they’re the best or get in touch with former students and use their answers to make it personal. This would also be a fun and memorable gift from colleagues, best friends, or even a family member because they see things from a different perspective.
Gift Card
You can never go wrong with a gift card! An e-gift card is a great option, but a physical gift card is even better.
Teacher Retirement Party Ideas & Gifts
A celebration might be the best way to say farewell to a great teacher. Send your best wishes with these fun party decorations and must-haves.
Years of Service Print
Kick off the party with a look back at their teaching career! Send the details to Susan of beINKspired and she’ll send you a digital file to print (and then frame if you want). This print captures years and dates of service, number and names of schools, grades and more. Choose from 4 sizes and 4 color schemes. Buyers rave about her responsiveness and willingness to customize.
Retired Teacher Graphic Tee
Let your guest of honor know you’ll have a t-shirt ready for her retirement party! One less decision she has to make. Choose from 16 colors of super soft Bella+Canvas tees.
Personalized Photo Booth Props
Who doesn’t love a good photo booth prop? You can even personalize this set! Shipping is fast and buyers love the quality.
Retired Teacher Tote Bag
Make her laugh AND give her something that will carry her gifts and cards home from her teacher retirement party. Because there will be nothing better than carrying a tote full of nothing teacher-related.
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