25 Unique Gift Ideas to Sew or Buy for Teachers – Free Patterns and More
It’s time to start looking at gifts for teachers, neighbors, and other people who make our lives wonderful. I like to make gifts instead of buying them, but I know you don’t always have time to do that. This post will help you find ideas for both!
Use the following free sewing patterns to make bags and other gifts, or use the Amazon links to buy my picks for the stellar people in your life.
Mug Caddy
Most people have spare mugs laying around; make use of them with this super handy mug caddy! It’s come in so handy in my sewing room, and I’m sure it would be appreciated by teachers and neighbors alike. Add functionality and a little fun to your desk with this free sewing pattern.
Easy Zipper Pouch Pattern
Even if you are a beginner at sewing, you can make these easy zipper pouches that can hold coins, school supplies, or cosmetics.
Consider adding a gift card or a hand written note. You can also add a fancy zipper pull charm for a unique touch.
Teacher Tote Bags
I love bags because they are so useful. You can sew some easy canvas bags with my free sewing pattern and then machine embroider a custom saying like, “I teach. What’s your super power?” You can use different fabric for each one to make them unique, and there you have it!
Gnome Table Runner
I think this gnome table runner pattern would make a sweet gift. It’s not hard to make, and it adds a cute personality to any setting. Make several with different scraps of fabric from your stash and you can have your holiday gifts ready in no time flat.
A Bowl Cozy
A soup bowl cozy is a cozy little cover for your bowl that helps keep hands from being burned after heating soup, noodles, leftovers, or even cooking a potato. This free pattern includes 3 sizes, so you’ll be able to sew lots using fabric yardage, scraps, fat quarters, or even layer cake squares.
Large 24oz Mug
Consider gifting a large size mug with the cozy. You can also add hot chocolate, coffee, or Bear Creek soup packets to fill it up and make it into a nice gift.
Fabric Gift Box
Do you already have a gift, but want to hand make a gift box for it? Here is a beautiful free sewing pattern that you will love. It’s perfect for gifting notes, treats, sachets, and more.
Pocket Tissue Cover
Sew sweet covers for pocket-size tissue packages. This easy DIY sewing project makes a very thoughtful gift. These have a hanging loop and are awesome for keeping in your purse, car, bedroom, office, bathroom, or anywhere you need a tissue.
Here is a double-open hook for a nice, finished touch.
Machine Embroidered In The Hoop Sunglasses Case
My embroidering friends will like the Machine Embroidered Glasses Case I created for my friends at Hatch Embroidery. These require a 5×7 hoop or larger.
Reusable Heating Pad
Look how useful my DIY Heating Pads for shoulders and neck are for anyone who needs a warm hug! This easy sewing pattern uses rice or another heatable grain so it can be warmed up in the microwave.
Scandinavian Star Ornament
Learn how to make traditional Scandinavian Star Ornaments using folded fabric. This fun and easy tutorial is great for using up fabric scraps. There’s no machine sewing needed – just one stitch at the end to attach a string for hanging.
And here is a beautiful metallic string that you can use to add a professional touch.
Mini Christmas Stockings
At 6 1/2“ tall and 5 1/2“ wide, my Mini Stockings are perfect for a small gift. The topstitching on the toe and heel are one of my favorite touches.
Hand Cream Gift Set
“This thoughtfully curated set includes a selection of luxurious hand creams, each infused with the nourishing goodness of goat milk.” You can gift the whole set, or break them up and use them as mini stocking stuffers.
Phone Wallet/Purse
This cell phone wallet is a great gift. It’s helpful to have access to your phone while you’re working, but not have to carry around your whole purse. Here is my free sewing pattern.
Folded Fabric Coasters
Cute coasters like these protect your furniture and use up fabric scraps! This sewing project is easy for any beginner and makes great holiday or anytime gifts.
Folded Fabric Potholders
If you want to give someone a matching set, you can make Folded Fabric Potholders using the same free tutorial.
Cute Corners Zipper Pouch Pattern
I love how the Cute Corners DIY Cosmetic Case turned out. It would be a useful and stylish gift for so many on your list.
A Pretty Lanyard
A handmade lanyard from this free lanyard tutorial would make the perfect gift for a coworker. Be careful: everyone else in your office will want one too!
Drawstring Bag with Hot Cocoa Packets
Another small gift idea is my Hot Cocoa Bag. Tuck in a candy cane and some marshmallows and they make a sweet and welcome treat! This is my favorite hot chocolate!
14oz Tumbler with a Lid
If you would like to add a nice mug as a gift with coffee or hot chocolate, try this mug with a lid from Amazon.
Custom Handmade Journal
Journaling helps us remember the good times and learn from hard times. Make a personalized journal with a pretty fabric cover and ribbon ties.
Journaling Bookmark and Pen Keeper
Journaling is easier with a bookmark and pen keeper. This easy sewing project can be made with just a few scraps. The front is a great place for machine embroidery if you have an embroidery machine.
Here are some nice pens that I really like if you want to add them to your gift.
Apples to Apples Mug Rug Set
This sweet set of mug rugs would also make a thoughtful gift. Tis the season after all! Don’t you just want some cinnamon sticks and warm apple cider?
A Soft Mask for More Restful Sleep
Getting a good night’s rest is so important! Help a friend sleep better with a soft and comfortable DIY sleep mask.
Include some essential oil or calming lotion to really pamper them!
Cute Vinyl Zipper Pouches with Ribbon
When I think of teachers, I always think of pencil pouches. My Ribbon and Vinyl Pouch is so practical because it’s easy to use and easy to clean. Teachers might appreciate something being easy this year, I think.
Easy Homemade Sugar Scrub
This is a nice gift for pampering those hard working people you appreciate so much. Grab some cute glass or plastic jars and head over to eating by elaine for the easy sugar scrub recipe.
More from SewCanShe:
25 Precious Baby Quilt Patterns to Bundle Your Joy!
25 Free Sewing Patterns for Baskets, Bins, Buckets, and Boxes – These Will Help You Organize Everything!
70 Cozy Lap Quilt Patterns You can Sew For Free
Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. 🙂