Focus on giving a gift with some special meaning to a soon-to-be teacher, such as a rare book from an area of specialization, like history. Or, choose a book, or writings by an author, that inspired her to choose a career as a teacher. You can also choose a gift that she can use in her classroom, to either decorate it or use as a learning tool. If she will be teaching art to elementary students, for instance, an apron or smock that reads "Art Can Change the World" would be an appropriate gift.
Create a custom-made design and place it on one of a number of items that the teacher in your life will love. For example, you can place a design on a t-shirt, sweatshirt or tote bag or mug that she can wear, or use, at work. Create your "teacher-themed" design in a graphics program such as Photoshop (or freeware software GIMP). If you are a parent or friend of newly graduated teacher, a plaque with a personalized message on it can be an ideal way to tell her how proud you are of her and to offer best wishes as she moves forward in her career.
Purchase a briefcase, personal organizer or box of needed supplies, which are all gifts that a new teacher would appreciate. If you are a crafty person, you may opt to make a gift. For example, if the recipient will be teaching kindergarten, where she will certainly have storytime, a "teacher-themed" throw that she can place over a rocking chair can help to create a homey feel to her classroom. Teacher-themed designs include an apple, a schoolhouse or a book (with bookworm).