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The school year is ending and let’s be honest – teachers deserve all the appreciation. They’ve supported us through early mornings, “I forgot my homework” moments, math meltdowns and playground dramas. They teach, encourage, console, and cheer on our children daily. So, what better way to say “thank you” than with a thoughtful gift that celebrates the best of Arkansas? Whether you’re a Pinterest-perfect gift giver or a last-minute, text-a-gift-card type of parent (no judgment!), we have creative, local ideas to make your teacher feel genuinely appreciated. Local businesses are the perfect place to start, helping you showcase your deepest gratitude.
What’s your Why?
As if you even need a reason other than “They survived a whole year with my child!” But teachers, coaches, therapists, nurses, and educational helpers are the unsung heroes of our children’s lives. They offer morning hugs, help navigate tricky friendships, push through learning struggles, and show patience even when you know your child is having “one of those days.” Honestly, just thinking about my son’s teacher’s role in his life makes me teary-eyed. So, let’s ensure we send them off into summer with some Arkansas love!
And yes, if you are the coach or homeschool teacher, this is your sign to treat yourself to an end-of-school gift; we celebrate Mother’s Day in the same way!
Teacher Gift Ideas with an Arkansas Twist
Nom Nom – The Local Food Basket
Gather a basket of Arkansas-made treats to keep them snacking all summer long! Many local clothing boutiques, kitchen stores, coffee shops, farmers’ markets, local food markets, and florists offer these products. Some favorites include:
- 10 Arkansas Food Gifts
- Arkansas Made Food Gifts
- Arkansas Food Innovation Center Clients
- Arkansas Themed Corporate Gift Ideas
- Arkansas Culinary Gift Ideas
- Margie’s Market Arkansas Made Foods
- Arkansas Made Lunchbox Foods
- McClard’s or Wright’s barbecue Sauce for summer cookouts
- Candy stores make great options, too – with Lambrecht toffee, Kopper Kettle Candies, taffy, etc.
- Arkansas Made Honey
- Arkansas-Made Food Gifts
Self-Care Spa Set
Teachers need a little pampering after a long school year! Consider:
- Bathhouse Soapery & Caldarium – handcrafted bath products
- Milk & Sugar Bath Co. – bar soaps, bath bombs, sugar scrubs and lotions
- Stirling Soap Co. – Arkansas self-care products for men from Arkansas
- Moose River Supply Co. salt scrubs and shaving soaps
- Red Bird Naturals lip balms are made in Arkansas with natural ingredients!
- Safyre Beauty – lotions, face creams, scrubs and lip gloss
- Aromatique fragrance care products
- Lux + Soul – elegant fragrances and home products
- Shack Creek Cattle Cosmetics – body care products made from beef tallow
- Blind Tiger Chandlery – home fragrances in vintage containers
- Blue Cottage Candle Company – 100% soy wax candles
- Arkansas Soap Companies
- Arkansas Spa Trail
What is Firmly Planted Grows
A touch of greenery goes a long way and brings joy throughout the summer!
- A porch plant from a local nursery, such as Westwood Garden, Sharum’s Garden Center, Carl Wayne’s Nurseries or Jim’s Boot Shop.
- A charming Arkansas-themed plant pot from shops like Freckled Hen House.
- Gardening gloves + seed packets for summer fun
- Birdhouse or hanging seed products from Wild Birds Unlimited
Thanks a Latte
Perfect for the caffeine-loving teacher!
- Gift cards to a favorite local coffee shop or coffee shop at a destination they are headed to this summer.
- Fresh beans from a local stop like Red Light Roastery, Airship or West Rock
- Pink House Alchemy drink syrups
- Arkansas Made Hot Chocolate and Coffee Delights
- Must-visit South AR Coffee Shops
- Arkansas College Coffee Shops
- 9 Arkansas Coffee Shops for Coffee Lovers
- Main Street Arkansas Coffee Trail
Bling Baby!
Who doesn’t love a little sparkle, especially for those summer family photos?
- Handmade jewelry from AR artisans like Bella Vita Jewelry or Bang up Betty
- Seasonal earrings by Shannon V. Jewelry
- A cute charm bracelet with a school-themed pendant
- School Spirit shirt from Jenn Merritt Designs or The Pink Lilli
Don’t Lift a Finger
Give them the gift of NOT cooking!
- Gift card to eat out locally
- What’s Cookin’ Meal kits
- The Resident Chef meal kits
- Zelli handmade pasta meals
- Me & McGhee Food Market
Book Nook
Perfect for the teacher who loves to read!
- A gift card to a local bookstore or museum shop
- A beautiful Arkansas-themed bookmark
- Coffee shop gift card for reading fuel
- A gorgeous cookbook by an Arkansas author
- Summer beach reads or cozy cabin reads
- Arkansas chapter books for their classroom
Orange You Glad It’s Summer?
A beach bag filled with summer fun:
- Sunglasses from a local boutique
- A fun summer hat
- Bug Banisher Bundle from Tammy Sue’s Critters
- A bottle of Orangette + orange snacks
- Lip balm and sunscreen from Arkansas makers
BYOB – Bring Your Own Bottle
Use the cup as the gift wrapping and drop a gift card and flavor enhancers inside.
- A fun insulated cup or glass bottle with sipping straw from a local shop
- Gift card to a drink stop or a local nutrition shake & tea shop
- A pack of hydration mix-ins for summer refreshment
Download a set of these Gift Tags, print, and voila!
Gifts that never go out of style:
- A spa gift card
- Handmade keychain from a local artisan
- DIY keychain or lanyard project with your kid
- An Arkansas-themed T-shirt from Rock City Outfitters, Arkie Apparel, or Southern Trend Clothing Co
- A personalized school spirit tee
- A cute weekend bag from a local boutique
- Gift cards to a local hobby or craft store
- Painting, yoga or pottery class gift certificate
- A fun summer puzzle or adult coloring book
- Customized teacher stamps and notepads from The Social Type
- Fun Arkansas-themed stickers at any outfitter store or nature center
Creative Gift-Wrapping Ideas
Gift wrapping doesn’t have to be a last-minute scramble—make it part of the gift! Creativity can transform even the simplest present into something truly special. The best part? You can use a part of the gift for the wrapping, or consider a container you can recycle from something you already own.
- Opt for a cute tote or summer beach bag instead of wrapping paper!
- Wrap the gift in a dish towel or apron for an added surprise!
- Fill a Mason jar with small treats and a lovely note.
- Decorate a kraft paper gift bag with your child’s artwork!
- Use a cup or mug and add a little wrapping stuffing or miniature candies around a gift card.
Whatever you do, remember that a personal note can go a long way. Of course, anything in your child’s handwriting will melt them, but knowing how much their time meant to you will be as valuable as the money you invested in their gift.
If you still need more ideas, don’t miss the ULTIMATE ARKANSAS GIFT GIVING GUIDE.
Regardless of your choice, the best gift shows appreciation for everything they’ve done this year. Do you have any other fun Arkansas gift ideas or Arkansas companies to support through gifting? Share them in the comments!
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