As this crazy and unpredictable school year winds to a close, it’s time to remember the heroes who pulled us all through: TEACHERS! It is my firm belief that teachers always deserve more accolades, recognition, pay, and appreciation than they receive. And this year, whether they are virtual or in-person, the teachers in our kids’ lives deserve even more!
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 3-7 this year, and I have compiled a teacher-approved list of gifts, both store-bought and homemade, to celebrate these special women and men.
Store-Bought Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas
- Customized coffee mug or cup- Because teachers run on caffeine and flair pens.
- Themed gift basket- Think “summer” (beach towel, sun hat, beach read) or “relaxation” (candle, bath salts, a bottle of vino), etc.
- Classroom supplies- Custom stamps and ink, fun stickers, flair pens; check out their Amazon wish list if they have one.
- Amazon Echo Dot for the classroom- For voice-activated games, activities, trivia, and dance parties!
- Gift card- Just all the gift cards: Target, local restaurants, Amazon, Starbucks. You really can’t go wrong.
Service-Focused Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas
- Mani/Pedi gift card- To get those tips and toes off to a good summer start!
- Massage gift card- Teachers know you really spell “relax” M-A-S-S-A-G-E.
- Month of laundry service– Can you IMAGINE!? What a gift!
- Book-of-the-Month subscription– Hopefully they can get some chapters in by the pool this summer!
- Lunch or a special treat delivered to school- Be sure to coordinate with the teacher in advance. UberEats, Tiff’s Treats, Crumbl, etc.
Homemade Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas
- Handwritten letter from student and parents
- Video of student sharing meaningful memories or stories from the schoolyear
- Handmade comic book that features the teacher as the hero
- Succulent plant, potted in a hand-decorated pot or vessel
- Have the student make their favorite craft: homemade jewelry, potholders, string art, etc., to give to their teacher
Despite the disappointments and overall weirdness of this school year, teachers across the nation have done their best to bring some normalcy, comfort, and joy to their classrooms. Let’s celebrate them as we all prepare for a well-deserved summer break!
