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12 Gift Ideas for a Mentor Who’s Made a Difference (+What to Avoid)

Looking for the perfect gift idea for a mentor in your life? We all benefit from mentors are various periods. From school teachers to workplace mentors and beyond, they can offer invaluable guidance to set us on the right path. Mentors often go above and beyond what’s required to help, and a gift is a great way show them how much you appreciate their efforts. We searched hundreds of ideas and narrowed them down to twelve top picks for every type of mentor.

This high quality glass water bottle will give your mentor a daily reminder that he or she is appreciated. Comes with a matching gift box. The exterior reads “teach, encourage, instruct, mentor, praise, influence, guide, inspire.”
$14.99
$19.99
Air Plant Terrarium
An adorable little terrarium that will give your mentor some extra joy. Plants are a great symbolic way to show appreciation for the nurturing influence of mentors. We love the cute little yellow button flowers and blue thistle.
This wood engraved plant stake is the perfect accent to a potted plant. Your mentor will love the message and appreciate the extra step you went to make the gift meaningful.
$9.99
$9.99
This farm-direct Bromeliad plant is a beautiful accent to the home or office. It’s about 1.5-2 feet tall from the bottom of the pot to the top of the plant. The growers take extra care to ensure only the top quality, healthiest plants are picked.
$34.73
$34.73
Inscribed on this hammer reads “Thank you for helping me build my life.” A great idea for a mentor who’s been there for you through thick and thin. Consider this for pastors or a father figure you never had.
Sometimes this simplest message says the most. This small pewter dish is engraved with the word “gratitude.” It could be used for anything from paperclips to small personal artifacts.
$13.35
$13.35
Show your appreciation with this “world’s best mentor” mug, painted in stylish black and white. A gift your mentor will be proud to use.
$11.97
$11.99
A great gift idea for grade school mentors such as teachers or counselors, this heartfelt thank you message comes with a tree necklace, representing the growth you’ve experienced thanks to the mentor’s guidance.
$15.00
$15.00
This lovely little keychain includes a wing and heart charm, on which is inscribed “thank you for giving me the wings to fly.” The perfect message for a close mentor who’s lifted you up.
$9.99
$9.99
Has a special teacher or other adult figure made a meaningful difference in your child’s life? This bracelet features a little wise owl bead and comes with a card that reads “thank you for the lessons and insight that provide extraordinary wisdom to help my child soar.”
$20.99
$20.99
These framed quotes from Mother Teresa are a nice gift for someone whose mentor-ship is a labor of love. The quotes include “Do small things with Big Love.”
Mensch is the Yiddish word for a personal of honor and integrity. It’s used to describe someone extra special and praiseworthy. Widely used by non-Jewish speakers as well in western culture. The perfect message for your mentor!

What should you avoid giving a mentor? You should stay away from items that could be interpreted as “too close” especially if mixed genders. A mentor is not a romantic interest, and your gift should not signify this in any way.

You might also be interested in our year end gift ideas for teachers.