Celebrating World Teachers’ Day: 6 Gifts teachers may actually use

World Teachers’ Day is a time to celebrate the backbone of our society. On 5 October 2026, teachers worldwide will be celebrated for the tremendous work they do to produce educated, well-rounded people who will become future leaders and contributors to society.

Also see: Investing in your child’s future: A guide to education planning

Forget the apple this year and try these gifts they may actually use.

1. Teachers need rest too

Try a memory foam pillow so your child’s teacher gets some good restorative rest.

Every teacher deserves a little rest, especially after eight hours of marking, teaching, and mediating their students’ social lives. Good rest can help them feel rejuvenated enough to do it all the next day.

2. A little something sweet

Honey can add a little sweetness to a hard day of dealing with little ones. A teaspoon in some chamomile tea can help calm one’s nerves.

Teachers deserve a little sweet treat now and then, and nothing says “thank you for everything” like some sustainable honey.

3. The portable classroom

A sizeable tote is the most practical gift for teachers who carry their whole lives in their bag, from worksheets to snacks and sunscreen and most definitely the three pens that mysteriously don’t belong to them.

There are a few spacious enough totes for all the essentials a teacher may need, and a few stylish options at that.

Also see: Toddler behaviours that are frustrating but completely normal.

4. One bite at a time to keep the worries away

A stroopwafel can be a teacher’s best-kept nibble to survive the day.

This sweet snack is a thin, round biscuit made from two layers of sweet baked dough held together by a treacle or syrup filling, often caramel.

5. Tea to calm the nerves

A box of tea can be a very impactful gift for the teacher who has a lot on their mind. A good herbal blend can be the difference between overstimulated and regulated.

There are various vibrant blends of rooibos tea with either rose petals, hibiscus, or a mix. The fruity or floral teas can have a hint of tartness. Rooibos and hibiscus are high in antioxidants and help support daily well-being.

There are iced tea options as well as hot.

6. Extra pens, anyone?

Pencil cases are simply the best gift for a teacher because one pencil case is clearly never enough.

Teachers are always carrying random pens, highlighters, and pencils to sign, mark, and correct something. A good pencil case might be the very thing they need to keep their stationery in one place and organised.

Also see: 5 Ways parents can help children prepare for career choices