Teachers are some of the hardest-working and most dedicated professionals out there. They shape the minds of our future generations and help guide them toward success. While it seems like a passion or calling, it can certainly be draining at times, so don’t shy back when it comes time to show appreciation for everything they do.
Teacher Appreciation Week falls on the first week of May every year in the United States, which is the perfect excuse to spoil your teacher. Showing your appreciation can come in many forms, from volunteering to organizing the classroom to making a delicious treat.
If you’re looking for teacher appreciation gift ideas, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s look at 12 teacher appreciation gifts your teacher is sure to love.
Best Teacher Appreciation Gifts
Teacher Appreciation Week doesn’t need to break the bank, but there are some small gifts to consider buying for that passionate teacher in your life!
- A heartfelt thank you note
- A gift card to their favorite restaurant or store
- A Teacher Appreciation gift basket
- An ornament or plaque
- A voice note or video message
- A photo of the class together
- Why You’re The Best Teacher Ever book
- A bouquet of flowers
- A donation made in their name to a charity they care about
- A homemade gift
- A personalized item
- Affirmation cards
1. A Heartfelt Thank You Note
A simple “thank you” can mean so much to a teacher. Tell them how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication in the form of a handwritten note or letter. You can even include a heartfelt message about how they’ve helped you or your child succeed. These notes can be short, sweet, or more detailed, but they’ll be cherished.
Recommendation:
I recommend using a neat and bright fill-in-the-blank template. Print it out and fill in the spaces provided to create an amazing thank you note:
2. A Gift Card to Their Favorite Restaurant or Store
Everyone loves a good gift card, and teachers are no exception! If you know your teacher’s favorite restaurant or store, grab a gift card from there. They’ll be able to treat themselves to a well-deserved meal or shopping spree.
Recommendation:
Amazon gift cards are great because they have regular sales and are easy to use.
3. A Teacher Appreciation Gift Basket
A gift basket is a great way to show your teacher how much you appreciate them. Fill it with useful small items or candy.
To make the gift basket even more special, include a handwritten note detailing why you’re grateful for them.
You can make a teacher gift basket at home. You need to:
- Find an empty basket or tray
- Gather items to fill the basket
- Decorate the basket (optional)
- Attach a note or card
Examples of items to include:
- Hand sanitizer
- Chewing gum
- Lip balm
- Pack of tissues
- Stain remover pen
- Highlighters
- Pens and pencils
- Truffles
- Sticky notes
- Stickers
4. An Ornament or Plaque
A small, personalized gift like an ornament or plaque is a great gift idea. These gifts can be hung in their classroom or office as a reminder of how awesome they are!
5. A Voice Note or Video Message
If you have the teacher’s number, record a voice note or video message praising them for all they do. A message is a cute gift that will let them know just how much they mean to you and your child.
You may also like: Best End-of-Year Gifts for Teachers
6. A Photo of the Class Together
Another great gift you can give your teacher is a photo of all the students in their class. You can present this gift in a frame or as a canvas poster. You may need to coordinate a picture-taking event or reach out to the principal to arrange this. Nevertheless, it is a lovely keepsake.
Recommendation:
Here’s a picture frame you may wish to use:
7. Why You’re The Best Teacher Ever book
Surprise your teacher with a custom book that celebrates why they are the best teacher ever. Inside, students can add their own stories and illustrations to show their appreciation. The book contains fill-in-the-blanks that prompt creative answers, such as “my favorite memory is _____” and “my teacher is _____.”
Recommendation:
8. A Bouquet of Flowers
The classic bouquet of flowers is always a great way to show your teacher appreciation. Choose an arrangement with their favorite blooms, such as sunflowers or roses. Or pick out a plant they can leave in their home or the classroom.
Recommendation:
There are some beautiful pots for plants and succulents you can purchase online, such as:
9. Donations to a Charity They Care About
The teacher may be passionate about a worthy cause and would appreciate a donation in their name. For example, you may know that the teacher is passionate about nature or animals; if that is the case, consider giving to an animal care sanctuary or a wildlife conservation charity.
A donation to a charity made in the teacher’s name is a great way to show appreciation and make a real difference in the lives of others. Some organizations send e-cards or mail to notify the person that a donation was made in their honor. You could also write a card to your teacher to inform them about your contribution.
10. A Homemade Gift
Homemade gifts are always appreciated. Whether it’s a jar of your favorite jam, a knitted scarf, or some homemade soap – it’s the thought that counts! You can make something that will come in handy in the classroom or just something they’ll enjoy.
Other examples include:
- Making homemade play dough
- Creating a personalized bookmark
- A door hanger sign
- Making bath salts
Homemade gifts are often seen as meaningful and will be cherished by the teacher.
At the end of the day, it’s not about how much you spend on your gift – it’s all about showing your appreciation!
11. A Personalized Item
Personalized items such as mugs, tumblers, keychains, or personalized notebooks make great teacher appreciation gifts. Having a gift inscribed with the teacher’s name and a meaningful message makes it extra special for them.
Recommendation:
You can find plenty of personalized items online, such as this unique teacher appreciation gift:
12. Affirmation Cards
Affirmation cards are a great gift to let your teacher know how much you appreciate them. You can write inspirational messages or quotes on the cards, such as “you are special” and “you make teaching fun!” These cards will be meaningful reminders every time they use them.
Recommendation:
Buy these ready-made affirmation cards to brighten their day!
In Conclusion
Teacher Appreciation gifts are a great way to show your teacher how much they mean to you and your child. From personalized items to homemade gifts, there is something special for every teacher.
Whether you give a small or big gift, your teacher will appreciate your thoughtfulness. They work hard to make a difference in the lives of their students, and they deserve to know how much we appreciate them!
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.
the gift basket and the heart-felt thank you note are it for me.
Yup, super gifts for the teacher 🙂