21 Special Education Teacher Gifts (Ideas from a Sped Teacher)
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Special gifts for special teachers.
We Are Teachers/Amazon/Etsy
By Samantha Cleaver, PhD, Special Education & Reading Intervention
Apr 24, 2024
Special education teachers have a unique job. They’re busy balancing teaching, IEP meetings, paperwork, lesson planning, and collaborating with multiple grade-level teams, and they handle it all with grace and a dose of humor. A note of appreciation or a handmade gift go a long way to show SpEd teachers how much you appreciate them. They especially love to hear how their work impacts students and families. While gifts are not expected, if you do have a SpEd teacher you’re shopping for, here are 21 special education teacher gifts that any SpEd teacher would love.
Note: Be sure to check the school’s policy on gifts before deciding what to give.
Best Special Education Teacher Gifts
Amazon
Amazon
2. Your Words Matter T-shirt
Special education teachers have opinions about IEPs, FAPE, autism awareness, and all things SpEd. Give your favorite special education teacher a T-shirt that reflects their words to live by.
Buy it: Your Words Matter shirt
Etsy
3. All Kinds of Minds print
Frame this print that sums up special education teachers’ work for an office or desk decoration.
Buy it: All Kinds of Minds print
Etsy
4. Statement stickers
Stickers that can be put on laptops, water bottles, or bulletin boards and communicate the messages special education teachers want to send are a great way to appreciate a special education teacher.
Buy it: Computer sticker or Special Education Crew stickers at Amazon
Amazon
5. Dry-erase markers
A special education teacher can never have enough dry-erase markers. Repeat, we will never (ever) say no to a pack of markers.
Buy it: Dry-erase markers
Amazon
6. Teacher stamp
There are some really cool teacher stamps on the market right now, including this one that lets teachers check how a student completed their work. It’s a quick way to track accommodations in the moment.
Buy it: Teacher stamp
Amazon
Amazon
8. Time Timer
This is an essential special education classroom tool. Even if the special education teacher on your list already has one, they can always use another one (or the desk version).
Buy it: Time Timer
Amazon
9. Coffee mug or tumbler
Special education teachers are always caffeinated, either with coffee or soda, so a fun mug or tumbler is a great gift.
Buy it: Special education mug, Teacher tumbler
Amazon
10. Pen set
Every special education teacher has tons of pens at the ready for signing all the forms. Turn the pens into conversation pieces with this set.
Buy it: Inspirational quote pens
Amazon
11. Table spots
These table spots are great for working with kids who need visual reminders as they’re working, as well as for teachers who may have to teach small groups in various locations.
Buy it: Table spots
Amazon
12. Personalized note
A note of appreciation won’t go unnoticed. Special education teachers remember all the notes that students and parents have given them.
Buy it: Stationery set
Make Bake Celebrate
Mama Cheaps
14. At-home manicure
A fun nail color and accompaniments (file, nail polish remover) are a great way to appreciate special education teachers with a mini manicure.
Get it: Printable gift tag
Amazon
15. Sticky note set
When special education teachers are not teaching, they’re running around trying to get people to review and sign documents. These adorable sticky notes would make that ask much easier.
Buy it: Sticky notes
Amazon
16. Tote bag
A bag the perfect size to carry papers, notebooks, fidgets, visual schedules, and reward systems!
Buy it: Special education tote bag
Glitter Gifts and More
17. Photo frame
A frame for desk or home with the perfect message for a special education teacher, because we’re all advocates too.
Buy it: Photo frame
Amazon
18. Aromatherapy
After a long day at school, special education teachers are experts at unwinding. An aromatherapy candle like this one is just the ticket.
Buy it: Aromatherapy candle
Amazon
19. Sugar scrub
Because after writing IEPs all day, special education teachers can use a little spa-style relaxation.
Buy it: Sugar scrub
Breezy Special Ed
20. Visual rules key chain
Each year, a teacher’s visual rules key chain needs to be replaced. So a key chain like this one with various rule prompts would definitely get used.
Buy it: Visual rules key chain
Etsy
21. Lanyard
This detachable lanyard would be a great addition to any special education teacher’s school uniform.
Buy it: Special education lanyard
Looking for more gifts for teachers? Check out Best Teacher Gifts in Every Price Range.
Which special education teacher gifts are your favorites? Come share in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Jessica's passion for writing began at a young age. She was always the one in her family who knew the answer to any question, and she would write down her thoughts on paper and give them to anyone who asked. As she grew up and became more interested in fashion, automotive, travel, and arts, her natural affinity for writing became apparent.
She is currently working at Gibbs Press as a news writer where she writes about those topics mentioned above and more!
