If you ask any teacher anywhere in the world, they will say that their favorite teacher gifts are the ones they can feel with their hearts. Parents often wonder what they can get a teacher to show their love and gratitude. Well, this book is the winning teacher gift by far.

This creative personalized version of the story “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” changed to “If You Give a Teacher a Cookie” shows appreciation with an innovative narrative that includes thoughtful gifts without a single coffee mug in sight. 

The Concept

Inspired by Laura Numeroff’s classic tale, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” this version tailors the story to the life of a teacher. Much like the mouse, the chain of events starts with a teacher receiving an attractively wrapped cookie and logically continues with things a teacher loves and needs for their daily sanity.   

Crafting the Book

Materials Needed:

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  • Printed story pages bound together
  • Colorful markers or pens
  • Stickers and embellishments (optional)
  • A cookie (wrapped)
  • Gift cards (Starbucks, shopping places, etc.)
  • Cozy pair of teacher socks
  • Chocolate

The Storyline

When making this book as a teacher gift, follow this story line for easy assembly.

Who doesn’t love cookies? Leave them a cookie on the first page. Teachers would be happy to receive one alone, but this is only the first page of a book filled with many of a teacher’s favorite things.

2. They are going to want a drink to go with it.

Teachers love their coffee, and a gift card to Starbucks (or any liquor store) is always welcomed during the school year.

3. All the sugar will give them energy and make them want to go shopping.

We LOVE shopping and often make a pit stop in the dollar section of Target. This would help with our huge credit card bills. Add a Target gift card to this page.

4. While they are shopping, they will find some adorable pens.

Our “Good Pens” often go MIA. Replacements are always welcomed and needed.

5. They will want to go home and make some crafts.

A gift card to any local crafts store here would be a terrific page-turner.

6. To Keep them Comfortable, they’ll Need Some Cozy Socks

Socks, unlike mugs, are something we never have enough of as they, too, disappear into the night. 

7. Once they are nice and comfy, they will need something to eat.

Chocolate is perfect; it is always our go-to pick-me-up after a long, emotion-packed day. Attach the teacher’s favorite candy bar to this page.

8. And chances are they will want a cookie to go with it.

Like the original, this story ends the same way it began: with a symbolic cookie that represents the circle of kindness that students and teachers give to one another. A giftcard to Crumble or another local bakery would be perfect on this page.

Personal Touches

To make the teacher gift even more memorable, personal touches can be added such as:

  • A handwritten note of appreciation at the end of the book can make the most hardened teacher cry.
  • A dedication page expressing your gratitude and why you appreciate the teacher.

Teachers deserve to feel as special as they make their students feel. This is a teacher gift that will be valued and shown to everyone for decades to come.

This adorable book is hands down the best teacher gift ever