Ways to Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week: Ideas and Gifts
Teacher Appreciation Week runs from May 4th to May 8th this year. So if you’re still not sure of what to do or how to reward your school staff for all of the hard work they do, we’ve got you covered! But first, where did Teacher Appreciation Week come from?
In 1953, Eleanor Roosevelt received a series of poignant letters from an Arkansas teacher advocating for a formal way to honor educators on a national scale. Moved by the request, Roosevelt successfully lobbied Congress to recognize the invaluable contribution of teachers. However, it wasn’t until 1980 that the National Education Association (NEA) officially established a National Teacher Appreciation Day in March. The celebration took its modern shape in 1984, when the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) moved the observance to the first full week of May, expanding the tribute into the week-long celebration we recognize today.
You can read more about the history of Teacher Appreciation Week on Schoolyard Blog here: https://blog.schoolspecialty.com/history-behind-teacher-appreciation-week/.
You may be racking your brain thinking of just what to do for your upcoming Teacher Appreciation Week. Finding the perfect way to honor educators doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, it’s a great time to get the whole family involved in saying thank you. Whether you are looking for practical gift ideas like classroom essentials or a more fun gift like a trendy water bottle, the goal is to show genuine gratitude. Exploring these great ideas is a fun way to ensure the teachers in your life feel seen, supported, and celebrated. They make an incredible impact on the lives of children every single day. That is no small feat and should be acknowledged.
If you need a little help getting started, here are a few Teacher Appreciation Week ideas that we think will be a hit with your teacher!
1. School Supplies
By the time Teacher Appreciation Week comes up in May, it’s been a while since the beginning of the school year. This means that most teachers are in desperate need of a restock of classroom supplies. This is a simple and much appreciated way to give something to your teachers. The added benefit is that these necessary supplies aid in the teaching and learning for the students too. School supplies like dry erase markers, pencils, and post-it notes are valuable for note taking and study sessions with teachers. Meanwhile, lysol wipes, hand sanitizer, and tissue are some of the necessities for keeping a classroom clean and hygienic to prevent the spread of germs. This is a big one because a sick kid misses school and a sick teacher isn’t working at their full potential to teach the kids.
2. Gift Cards
Another way you can support your child’s classroom is through gift cards! A Visa gift card gives teachers or school staff members the flexibility to purchase exactly what they need. Or, you could pamper them with gift cards to local spas, coffee shops, restaurants, or retail stores. Think of it this way. A gift card to a local coffee or tea shop shows teachers you care about their well-being too. This doesn’t disturb their day and actually allows them to grab a pick me up on their way to work during their normal routine.
3. Water Bottles or Coffee Mugs
A reusable water bottle or tumbler is a great way to cut down on plastic waste and promote hydration. It’s also great for teachers when they have back to back classes to have something that can be refilled once and last a few class periods. Nowadays, we’ve seen an uptick in water bottle popularity as an accessory through social media. Try opting for a Stanley or Owala to keep up with recent trends. If your teachers run on caffeine, try insulated coffee mugs! Make it special and even personalize the mug or tumbler with the teacher’s name or a saying. Online shops like personalization.com or VistaPrint.com are perfect for customizing gifts!
4. Self-Care Items
Show your teachers how much you care with a gift basket of self-care items. Teachers have the fulfilling, but occasionally daunting, task of teaching and molding dozens of kids everyday. From toddlers to teens, this job has many stressors that can leave even the best teachers feeling drained and exhausted. Think of adding things like candles, bath and shower products, lotions, and cozy socks. Maybe some herbal tea or calming room spray to help teachers really relax after a long day of high energy kids. This is a perfect way to show how much their well-being means to you with the thoughtful gift of self-care.
5. Plants
Maybe you want to gift the teachers in your life something a little more lively? A small plant can sit on their desk as a daily reminder of your thought and appreciation. Now everyone may not be a plant person, so it helps to get to know the teachers. Maybe purchase a few low maintenance plants for the teachers in your life, or even a few decorative faux plants. On one side fake plants would need no maintenance nor upkeep at all. However, real plants add a touch of nature to the classroom that sparks creativity, communication, and even responsibility if the whole class takes care of the plant.
6. Sweet Treats
Everyone deserves a sweet treat once in a while, especially our hardworking school staff. If time allows, try baking something special like cookies, cupcakes, or brownies. If you aren’t a baker, or don’t have time to whip something up in the kitchen, that’s fine! Buying store bought treats or granola for energy are great ideas. Maybe a box of chocolates from a grocery store or a gourmet shop like Fannie May. A local bakery may have a larger variety of treats to choose from as well, but with any option be mindful of allergies!
7. Handmade Gifts
The most meaningful gifts come from the heart. A handmade gift from you or your kids is a creative way to show how much you care. Think of handmade photo frames, bookmarks, pencil holders, decorated clipboards, or sticky notes holders. Or, let your child’s creative ideas run free! If it comes from your child then the teacher not only receives a gift, but they receive a gift that was made from the heart. The time and energy put into making the gift can show just as much appreciation as a store bought gift.
8. Heartfelt Notes
Above all, your teachers just want to know you care. They want to see all the hard work they do daily connects with their students in some way. A handwritten note is a great budget-friendly option and its impact can last forever in the hearts and minds of your teachers. You can print out a card template on printer paper or grab a card from the store. It can make an even bigger impact if the parent and the student BOTH write a message to the teacher. This shows both you and your student are appreciative and that you see the effort they put in everyday to help students succeed.
Teacher Appreciation Week Matters
These are great options if you are a student or parent looking to give back to the school community. However, if you serve on a Parent Teachers Association or Organization, you can make a significant impact together! I remember when I was in high school, our PTA found ways to support staff and teachers with small gifts and activities throughout the entire week. They would set up a station every morning in the teachers’ lounge with a surprise. On the last day, they covered the walls in handwritten notes from the students.
At the end of the day, Teacher Appreciation Week is about more than just gifts; it’s about acknowledging the heart and soul teachers pour into our children. By taking the time to say thank you, through a gift, a treat, or a note, you are helping to build a stronger, more encouraged school community. Make your teacher feel empowered and appreciated and thank them for all the work they do. Let’s make this year’s celebration one they’ll never forget!