Teacher Appreciation Week begins on Monday, May 6th. Having been a teacher myself, I know that it is great when students and parents show their appreciation for teachers.
I am here to give families 10 simple, but thoughtful ideas for teacher appreciation gifts. You don't need to spend a bunch of money to show your appreciation for educators!
1. Homemade Card
A simple, yet sweet way to show you are thankful for the teachers in your student's life! Have your child make their teachers a card. Add some glitter and stickers, and they are sure to love it!
2. Painting or Drawing
Homemade gifts are the best. Get out the paint or markers, and let your child be an artist for the day. You can get an inexpensive canvas at your local craft store. Some stores even have coupons to use toward your purchase!
3. Tree Handprint Craft
Just like moms, teachers LOVE handprint crafts (or at least I did). This simple craft involves using your child's handprint as the leaves or you can use their fingerprints.
4. Volunteer in the Classroom
Teachers will be very appreciative if you help out in the classroom, especially for the younger grades! It is also very rewarding to help out and see how the teacher does their job and interacts with students. You have to have proper clearances, of course!
5. Donate Supplies
Teachers often purchase items out of their own pocket for their classrooms. Donating supplies like Crayons, glue sticks, and pencils is always appreciated. You would be surprised how many pencils teachers go through in a day! Teachers are also thankful to receive tissue boxes and antibiotic wipes (two of my FAVORITE gifts when I taught).
6. Gift Card for a Pick-me-up
Teachers are ALWAYS running it seems, and they could always use a pick-me-up. A gift card for coffee or donuts is a nice way to show your appreciation.
7. Picture Frame with your Student in it
You can get inexpensive picture frames at your local dollar store. Pop in a school photo or one of your kiddo doing what they love. Or you can skip the frame and have your child make a frame. I loved receiving photos of my students.
 Studio Philippines | Canva |
8. Mason Jar with their Favorite Candy
You might have a Mason jar or other container lying around. Grab it and put the teacher's favorite candy in it (your child probably knows what it is!). Simple and sweet! Let you kiddo decorate the jar to put their own personal touch on it.
9. Plant or Flowers
Another sweet gesture is having your child pick out a plant or flowers for their teacher. You can take it a step further and buy a terracotta pot. Your child can decorate the pot and then you can add the plant to make it a one-of-a-kind gift.
10. Snack Box with Note
Teachers are very busy and often work through their lunches. Send in some snacks for them to munch on while they work. A variety of snacks and even a few water bottles will make their day!
Teachers do so much for their students and deserve to be celebrated. I hope these 10 simple ideas help you to shower your student's teacher with appreciation.
Nicole Hickoff is the publisher of Macaroni KID Williamsport, Pa.
