10 Teacher Appreciation Gifts to Knock Their Socks Off
My dad was a teacher for 39 years before he retired. He taught fourth grade for the majority of his career but also taught fifth through eighth grades. Growing up with a parent who was a teacher didn’t have many perks. When he was my fourth grade teacher, he made me bring home field trip permission slips for my mom to sign. He also knew my weaknesses and challenged me, arguably more than the other students. One major perk, though, was when his students gave him Teacher Appreciation gifts—he always let us eat any candy!
If you missed Teacher Appreciation Day or some of the other gift-giving periods throughout the year, then have no fear! A little thank you during the last week of school is a great way to remember these professionals who have a passion for helping our children grow up to be great people.
A word of caution: Skip the apple-themed coffee mug, ornament, picture frame, etc. As on-theme as apples are, teachers are inundated with apples, and it may not carry the same significance over time. I’d also shy away from candy and treat items. You just don’t know if someone is eating clean or trying to shed a few pounds.
Here are some ideas that will shine regardless of your budget:
1. A letter.
These were my dad’s favorite gifts. Parents, and occasionally students, would write a heart-felt note sharing how he had an impact. The notes don’t have to be long, but consider writing where you saw your child grow this year or the influence that a teacher had. Bonus: it won’t cost you a thing, and it will bring great joy. In fact, even if you choose something else, I’d still recommend a personalized note!
2. A gift card.
Teachers, like the rest of us, are busy. Grab a gift card to a local coffee shop, a gas station, a favorite restaurant, Amazon, Target, Walmart, or surprise them with a little insider knowledge by giving a card from Teachers Pay Teachers (chances are, your teachers are already using this site to buy incredible resources for their classroom). Gift cards are one of my favorite ways to treat a teacher. I know how grateful I am to be able to order a pizza on our crazy nights, so let them in on a little perk.
3. Flowers or a plant.
My son’s 4K teacher was an avid gardener, and I gave her a decorative but functional kitchen herb collection (herbs were full grown, so it was ready to use!). She and I had shared recipes throughout the year because of food allergies in our families, so I included my favorite recipes to use the herbs. A bouquet of flowers also makes a nice gift.
4. Book or gift certificate to local book store.
I have yet to meet a teacher who isn’t an avid reader. If you know one, I’d love to meet him or her! Sometimes when I’m at a loss for a gift idea, a gift card to a local book store is always a hit. If you have an out-of-the-box-thinking teacher, a few book recommendations:
- Teach Like a Pirate
- Creative Schools: The Grassroots Revolution That’s Transforming Education
- Out of Our Minds
5. Self care gift.
Give the gift of relaxation. Working with children day after day can be rewarding but exhausting. Need I say more? A gift card for a manicure, pedicure, massage, or spa treatment is well earned after hours in the classroom. Equally as awesome? Epsom salts. We love Dr. Teal’s scented salts and body wash. Walmart has an awesome, inexpensive selection online.
6. Great smelling hand sanitizer.
Sure, your teacher likely has the gallon-sized bottle already in their classroom. He or she would probably appreciate a fun scented solution to germs. I love Bath & Body Works; they have gender-neutral scents!
7. Movie & Popcorn.
Redbox makes renting a movie so easy. Pair with some microwaveable popcorn and your teacher has a relaxing night at the ready! Or, go all out with movie passes to a local theater.
8. Flair pens.
I’m not kidding. These pens are a teacher’s dream. They don’t bleed through paper, come in fun colors, and write smoothly. I didn’t understand the hype until I saw some on sale and started using them in my home office. I have to hide them from my family! Here are some in non-traditional colors.
9. Fun office supplies.
Similar to the pens above, teachers don’t always spend extra on necessary items. Splurge on a fun journal, brightly colored post-its, paper clips, binder clips, or other typical “boring” supplies. My son’s teacher this year loves cats, so she may be getting a really fun cat-themed journal I spotted…you know how much more fun it is to use eye-catching supplies. Office supply stores often have a revolving stash of options.
10. Water bottle or insulated cup with a lid.
Can you imagine a cup of water getting knocked over in a busy classroom? I love these water bottles with an infusion basket so you can have “flavored” water. An insulated cup with a lid is equally as useful.
Whatever you choose, do it from the heart. Overall, teachers do not expect gifts, but they do appreciate a sincere thank you!
