Teachers do so much for their students, and Teacher Appreciation Week is the perfect time to show a little love. But instead of another coffee mug (because let’s be real—they have a whole collection by now), why not create something unique, thoughtful, and custom-made just for them?
With a Cricut machine, you can make personalized gifts that teachers will actually use and love. From tote bags to engraved keychains, these DIY projects are beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, and guaranteed to stand out.
Below, are 10 Cricut-made gifts and design ideas so you can easily craft + showcase your creations.
1. Personalized Teacher Tote Bags (Cricut Iron-On or Infusible Ink)
Why It’s a Great Gift:
Teachers always need a good tote bag—whether it’s for carrying lesson plans, books, or just their daily essentials. A personalized Cricut iron-on vinyl or Infusible Ink tote makes for a stylish, practical, and meaningful gift.
What You’ll Need:
✔ Blank canvas tote bag (cotton for iron-on, polyester for Infusible Ink)
✔ Cricut machine + EasyPress or household iron
✔ Cricut Iron-On Vinyl (for standard) or Infusible Ink (for sublimation effect)
✔ Weeding tool & heat transfer tape
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Choose a Design: Open Cricut Design Space and create or upload a teacher-themed design.
2️⃣ Cut the Vinyl or Infusible Ink Sheet: Mirror the image before cutting.
3️⃣ Weed the Design: Use a weeding tool to remove excess material.
4️⃣ Apply with Heat: Use an EasyPress or iron to adhere the design to the tote.
5️⃣ Peel & Reveal: Let it cool, then remove the transfer sheet for a professional finish.
Design Ideas:
✔ “Coffee. Teach. Repeat.”
✔ “Shaping Young Minds One Day at a Time”
✔ “Teacher Mode: ON”
✔ Custom name: “Ms. Rodriguez’s Teacher Survival Kit”
2. DIY Teacher Engraved Keychains (Cricut Maker)
Why It’s a Great Gift:
A personalized keychain is small but meaningful, and it’s a great way for teachers to carry a reminder of appreciation wherever they go.
What You’ll Need:
✔ Cricut Maker (for engraving)
✔ Blank acrylic or faux leather keychain
✔ Cricut engraving tip or fine-point blade
✔ Jump rings & keychain hardware
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Select a Design: In Cricut Design Space, create or upload a name-based or quote design.
2️⃣ Engrave or Cut the Keychain Material: Use the engraving tip for acrylic or fine-point blade for faux leather.
3️⃣ Assemble the Keychain: Attach the design to the keychain hardware using pliers.
Design Ideas:
✔ “Best Teacher Ever” (engraved in script font)
✔ A small apple icon with the teacher’s name
✔ “It Takes a Big Heart to Shape Little Minds”
3. DIY Classroom Door Sign (Perfect for a Personalized Gift!)
Why It’s a Great Gift:
A custom door sign gives teachers a way to personalize their space and make their classroom feel welcoming.
What You’ll Need:
✔ Blank wood, acrylic, or layered cardstock
✔ Cricut Maker or Explore Air
✔ Adhesive vinyl, paint, or HTV (for wood)
✔ Command Strips for easy hanging
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Choose a Shape: Pick a round or rectangular blank sign base.
2️⃣ Cut & Apply the Vinyl: Use adhesive vinyl for a sleek look or HTV for a painted effect.
3️⃣ Add Hanging Hardware: Attach a ribbon or Command Strips for easy mounting.
Design Ideas:
✔ “Welcome to Ms. Thompson’s Class”
✔ “We Are Thinkers, Creators, and Dreamers”
✔ “Learning in Progress”
4. DIY Teacher Bookmarks (Faux Leather or Wood Veneer)
Why It’s a Great Gift:
For book-loving teachers, a custom bookmark makes for an elegant and functional appreciation gift.
What You’ll Need:
✔ Cricut Maker (for cutting faux leather or wood veneer)
✔ Cricut deep-cut blade
✔ Faux leather or thin wood veneer
✔ Ribbon or tassel for embellishment
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Cut the Bookmark Shape: Use Cricut Design Space to cut a simple, rectangular bookmark with rounded edges.
2️⃣ Engrave or Add Vinyl Details: Personalize it with teacher names, quotes, or small icons.
3️⃣ Attach a Ribbon or Tassel: Punch a hole and add a decorative touch.
Design Ideas:
✔ “Teachers Change the World One Student at a Time”
✔ “Ms. Johnson’s Favorite Reads”
✔ A simple monogrammed bookmark with initials
5. Personalized Classroom Supply Labels (Cricut Vinyl Decals)
Why It’s a Great Gift
Teachers have so. many. supplies. From markers to manipulatives, keeping everything organized is a daily struggle. Custom vinyl labels let them instantly upgrade their bins, drawers, and folders while making their classroom look more put-together.
What You’ll Need
✔ Blank plastic storage bins or supply containers (Dollar Tree, Target, or Amazon)
✔ Cricut machine (Explore, Maker, or Joy)
✔ Permanent adhesive vinyl (for durability)
✔ Weeding tool & transfer tape
Instructions
1️⃣ Choose a Font & Design – Keep it clean and easy to read (modern sans-serif or playful script).
2️⃣ Cut the Vinyl Labels – Use Cricut to cut the customized labels for subjects, supplies, or names.
3️⃣ Weed & Apply – Remove excess vinyl, place transfer tape over the design, and press onto bins.
4️⃣ Peel & Admire – Once applied, remove the transfer tape and smooth out bubbles.
Design Ideas
✔ “Markers, Pencils, Crayons” (for supply bins)
✔ “Turn In, Graded, Needs Review” (for file trays)
✔ “Ms. Garcia’s Class” (for a personalized teacher storage bin)
6. DIY Teacher Appreciation Gift Card Holders (Cricut Paper Crafting & Vinyl Designs)
Why It’s a Great Gift
Gift cards are always a go-to for teacher appreciation, but let’s be real—just handing over a card in a plain envelope feels kinda boring. A customized Cricut-made gift card holder adds a personal, thoughtful touch and makes the gift feel extra special.
What You’ll Need
✔ Cricut machine (Explore, Maker, or Joy)
✔ Cardstock or Kraft paper (for sturdy holders)
✔ Adhesive vinyl or sticker paper (for decoration)
✔ Scoring stylus (for foldable designs)
✔ Glue or double-sided tape
Instructions
1️⃣ Choose a Gift Card Holder Template – Use Cricut Design Space to find a foldable card template with a built-in pocket.
2️⃣ Cut & Score the Cardstock – Load the paper into Cricut, let it cut the design, and use the scoring tool for easy folding.
3️⃣ Personalize with Stickers or Vinyl – Add a teacher quote, a monogram, or a fun design.
4️⃣ Assemble & Insert the Gift Card – Fold along score lines, glue where needed, and place the gift card inside.
Design Ideas
✔ Apple-shaped card holder with “Thanks a Latte!” for a Starbucks gift card
✔ “You’re the Best Teacher Ever” with a pocket for a bookstore or Amazon gift card
✔ Minimalist kraft-paper holder with a monogrammed vinyl decal
7. Personalized Notepads (A Cute & Practical Teacher Gift)
Why It’s a Great Gift
Teachers write everything down—to-do lists, lesson notes, parent reminders—so a custom notepad with their name or a fun quote is a gift that’s stylish and practical.
What You’ll Need
✔ Plain notepads or sticky notes
✔ Cricut machine + adhesive vinyl or printable sticker paper
✔ Weeding tool & transfer tape
Instructions
1️⃣ Design a Nameplate or Quote – Simple, modern, and legible.
2️⃣ Cut and Weed the Vinyl – If using adhesive vinyl, carefully weed the lettering.
3️⃣ Apply to the Notepad Cover – Use transfer tape for a seamless finish.
Design Ideas
✔ “Ms. Williams’ Daily Chaos List”
✔ “Lesson Plans & Coffee Stains”
✔ “Notes from the Desk of Mr. Vasquez”
8. DIY Teacher Cups & Tumblers (Custom Cricut Vinyl Designs)
Why It’s a Great Gift
Let’s be real—teachers survive on coffee, tea, or hydration goals. A customized tumbler, coffee cup, or water bottle makes their daily caffeine intake a little cuter.
What You’ll Need
✔ Plain tumblers, Starbucks cups, or glass cans
✔ Cricut permanent adhesive vinyl
✔ Weeding tool & transfer tape
Instructions
1️⃣ Choose the Tumbler Type – Glass cans, tumblers, or reusable Starbucks cups all work.
2️⃣ Design the Vinyl Text or Graphics – Keep it bold and easy to read.
3️⃣ Cut, Weed, and Apply – Use transfer tape to adhere the vinyl seamlessly.
Design Ideas
✔ “Teach, Caffeinate, Repeat”
✔ “Fueled by Coffee & Lesson Plans”
✔ Personalized with their name in a stylish font
