You already know that your child's teacher works tirelessly to create a positive, supportive, uplifting environment for your little one to learn and grow. If you want to show them some love for all of their hard work, we’ve created this gift guide with a range of ideas — from free to specialty gifts — just in time for Teacher Appreciation Week!
Heartfelt Ways to Thank Teachers Without Spending Money
Many of the best gifts for teachers cost nothing! Try these no-spend ideas that they'll treasure for years to come.
Create a heartfelt thank-you note. Writing a personalized message to your child's teacher can have an incredible impact. Including quotes from your child (or written words, if they're old enough to express themselves on paper) can create a keepsake that your child's teacher will cherish.
Involve your children. Ask your child to create something for their teacher. It could be a picture, their handprints or a decorated photo frame.
Volunteer time. Offer to help in your child's classroom. See if they need special guest readers, recyclable materials for classroom projects or volunteers to help with class parties.
Gift Ideas When You Can Spend a Little
If you'd prefer to purchase a gift, here are some fun ideas.
Gift cards. Though some people prefer the personal touch of a hand-selected gift, you can’t beat the power of a gift card! As you get to know your child’s teacher, find out about their favorite coffee shop, lunch spot or if they like to read. If you're not sure what type of gift card would be a good fit for your child's teacher, ask the director or owner for some ideas.
Personalized gifts. Create customized items like tote bags, stationery, water bottles, blankets or classroom signs. If your child’s teacher has a favorite bakery nearby, you could also order a cake or cookies with a personalized design.
Comfort gifts. Who doesn’t love a chance to be pampered? Cozy blankets, aromatherapy candles, self-care kits, gourmet snacks or a gift card to a local nail salon or spa can help your child's teacher enjoy some well-earned relaxation.
Classroom supplies. Next time you pick up your child from their teacher's classroom, keep an eye out for anything that needs to be replenished. Stock their classroom with tissues, pencils, hand sanitizer or craft supplies. You can also check to see if your child's teacher has an online wish list for classroom supplies.
Group gifts. Collaborate with other parents in your child's classroom to offer an impactful gift, like a premium gift card to a great restaurant. You can also take this approach by providing your child's teacher with a new piece of classroom technology, like a new projector or smartboard (you may want to talk with your child's school leadership team about whether this is feasible for your child's classroom). You can also offer to cater breakfast or lunch for all the teachers.
Tips for Making Teacher Appreciation a Family Tradition
Teaching children about the importance of gratitude can positively impact their relationships with others. This can start at home. For example, thanking your child for helping with small tasks around the house is a great way to start creating a culture of gratitude that can extend into the classroom.
Talk with your child about the ways their teacher goes above and beyond to help them learn so that they will develop a sense of appreciation for educators now and in the future. Plan recurring teacher appreciation activities like celebrating their teacher's birthday by bringing them a special treat, or writing thank you note can help your child see that gratitude matters.
Putting your teacher appreciation ideas to use can create a ripple effect throughout your child’s classroom and the school. And they don’t have to be grand gestures. Small, heartfelt tokens of gratitude are just as meaningful, if not more!
