As your kiddos head back to their classrooms, why not show their teachers some love with a special gift? A DIY Teacher Tote is a thoughtful and practical way to welcome them back and help them conquer the school year.

This year, I had a couple of leftover totes from a recent conference and decided to use them to create some useful teacher gifts. Using my Cricut Explore, I whipped up a design based on an inspiring teacher quote and cut it out of glittery heat transfer vinyl (because everything is better with sparkle, right?). The result? Adorable totes bursting with personality!

DIY Teacher Tote Gift with Heat Transfer Vinyl

Once the totes were transformed, I filled them with goodies galore. Think classroom must-haves like Lysol wipes, tissues, markers, labels, notepads, and more. These totes are sure to be a welcome sight for any teacher facing a fresh school year. I’m sure they’ll get put to good use!

DIY Teacher Tote Gift with Heat Transfer Vinyl

Teacher Cricut Cut File

Do you have a Cricut and want to make your own teacher totes? You’re in luck! I’ve included the teacher quote design below as a downloadable image. Simply upload it to Cricut Design Space and follow the prompts to make it your own. Pro Tip: If you’re doing a heat transfer like I did, make sure to click the mirror image button before you send it to your machine!

DIY Teacher Tote Gift with Heat Transfer Vinyl and free graphic for Cricut Explore

Did you notice the extra little dot embellishments in the image above that didn’t make it onto my tote? My little sis just went off to college and we’ve been FaceTiming a bunch. It just so happens we were chatting away as I was weeding the vinyl and I totally missed those! Whoops! I was bummed at first, but honestly, I still love the design and I don’t think anyone but me can tell somethings missing.

It takes a big heart to teach Printable Note Cards

Teacher Gift Ideas

I understand that not everyone has a Cricut. For those of you who prefer a non-cutting option, I’ve also created printable versions of the teacher quote design. There’s an 8″ x 8″ option perfect for framing or card-making, and a greeting card template – all downloadable and ready to personalize.

It takes a big heart to teach little minds Printable Quote for Teachers

8×8 Big Heart to Teach Printable

Big Heart to Teach Printable Note Cards

Whether you use the DIY teacher tote design, the printables, or dream up your own teacher appreciation gift, a little thoughtfulness goes a long way. Let’s show our teachers how much we value their hard work and dedication as they embark on a new school year!