The 30+ Best Teacher Appreciation Ideas

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Cute and creative ideas to celebrate teachers all year long

Co-authored by Annaliese Dunne and Sophie Burkholder, BA

Last Updated: December 18, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas
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• Theme Ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week
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• Do’s & Don’ts

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We all know that teachers are superheroes, but how do we show them how much we appreciate what they do for us (and all of their students)? If you want to show gratitude to a teacher during Teacher Appreciation Week (or any time of year), you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the most creative, heartfelt, and memorable teacher appreciation gifts you could give—whether you’re a student, parent, school board member, or principal!

Gift Ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week

1. Write a heartfelt card signed by both the student and parent/guardian.
2. Give cash or a gift card to Amazon or Target.
3. Make a handmade gift like a painted mug, cross-stitch, or knitted item.
4. Gift flower bulbs with a note like “Thanks for helping me grow!”
5. Put together a stress-relief basket with adult coloring books, bath salts, and tea.
6. Gift a one-hour massage or spa certificate for use at any time.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas

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1. 1
   Write a card with a note of appreciation. A nice teacher appreciation gift doesn’t have to cost anything at all—a heartfelt and personalized card will be treasured by a teacher forever. Pick out a teacher appreciation card that you think your teacher would like or make the card yourself. Inside the card, write a letter of appreciation to the teacher from both the parent/guardian and the student.

   • If you're the parent or guardian of a younger student, ask them questions to fill in their portion of the card, e.g., “What makes [your teacher] the best?” and “What does [your teacher] do to make you happy?” Write in quotes of what the student particularly likes about their teacher.
   • Some sample messages of appreciation for teachers include:
     • “Thank you for making learning so fun and engaging. I love being in your class and always look forward to it!”
     • “Thank you for having our backs and always pushing us to be better. Your support as a teacher means more than I can even say.”
     • “You’re a great teacher because you’re so kind and positive, and you always go above and beyond for us students. Can you PLEASEE be my teacher again next year??”
     • “Thank you for believing in Jack and giving him the confidence to try new things and pursue his dreams.”
     • “We’re so happy that Maribel is in your class. She speaks so highly of you and is always excited about the interesting and creative projects you assign.”
2. 2
   Give a cash gift or a generic gift card. While cash may seem like an impersonal gift, it’s usually the most requested appreciation gift by teachers. Tuck a cash bill or gift card into a card with a handwritten thank you note. Unless you know a specific local store that your teacher likes, get them something generic like a Target, Amazon, Starbucks, or Visa gift card.

   • On average, teachers make a pretty low salary and use a lot of their own income to fund their classroom supplies, decor, and activities. By giving your teacher a cash gift or gift card, they can either allocate that money to their classroom (instead of their personal funds) or use it on some much-needed self-care and personal necessities.
   • If you want to make your gift card a little bit more fun and personalized, consider gifting it inside a cute, funny, or punny gift card holder. For example, slip a Peets gift card inside a card that looks like a coffee and write puns like “Have coffee on us to espresso our gratitude” or “Thanks a latte for everything you do!”
   • Or, buy an ice-cream-loving teacher a gift card to your local scoopery and pair it with an ice-cream-shaped card that says “Thanks for making school so cool” or “Ice cream, we all scream for amazing teachers like you!”
   • You can make these cards yourselves or use online templates: here is a tutorial and template for ice cream gift card holders, and a tutorial and template for coffee gift card holders!
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3. 3
   Make a word cloud with adjectives that describe your teacher. Open a word cloud generator website and follow their prompts to create your word cloud. Typically, you’ll input words that describe the teacher, like “nice,” “funny,” “dedicated,” “talented,” “helpful,” etc. If you feel really strongly about some of the words or adjectives, add them more than once to make them bigger.

   • Then, you can edit the shape, color, layout, and style of your overall word cloud until you’re happy with it.
   • If possible, give your word cloud a title with your teacher’s name (or add it as the biggest word in the cloud!).
   • Print out your word cloud and frame it for your teacher, or glue it inside of a card with a heartfelt appreciation letter.
4. 4
   Make a customized mini cross-stitch for your teacher. If you (or a parent) are great at cross stitching, put those skills to use to make an ultra-cozy and personalized gift for your teacher. Make a mini cross-stitch with your teacher’s favorite phrase, favorite place, or even a mini portrait of their face. If you know their favorite colors, use those shades for your embroidery palette!
5. 5
   Make a coffee-centric DIY pencil holder for your teacher. Does your teacher love their morning iced coffee from Dunkin? Make them a DIY pencil holder—but decorate the outside to look like a Dunkin cup! Paint the cup brown with the orange “DUNKIN” lettering down the side. Use hot glue to affix a straw to the inside of the cup. You can even use a white paint pen to draw on ice cubes.
6. 6
   Gift other handmade crafts like a mini-portrait or clay magnet. If you have a special skill in the world of arts and crafts, make something personalized and DIY for your teacher. You could draw them a mini portrait, turn some of their favorite objects into magnets with air dry clay, or paint them a mug at your local pottery painting studio!

   • Whatever you make your teacher, don’t worry about it being perfect. Teachers just love to see that you’ve gone the extra mile to show your appreciation!
7. 7
   Make a gratitude jar for your teacher to keep in their classroom. Of course, it’s nice for you to write a note of gratitude to your teacher, but why not give them a way to receive appreciation all year? Take a large mason jar and decorate it however you’d like. Label the glass with paint or permanent marker, writing something like “Mrs. Tadmor’s Gratitude Jar” or “Reasons We Love Ms. White.” Add stickers, doodles, or other decor to the outside of the glass.

   • Put some colorful pens and sticky notes inside the jar for other students to use throughout the year. And, of course, leave a few notes in there that express your gratitude for your teacher.
8. 8
   Gift flower bulbs to a teacher with a green thumb. If you know that your teacher is an avid gardener, flower bulbs (or seeds) are a great gift. Place a few seasonal flower bulbs or seed packets into a cute gift bag. Attach a note or gift tag that reads, “Thank you for helping our students grow!”

   • To go the extra mile, you could also pair this gift with a fresh flower bouquet for your teacher to enjoy while they wait for their flower bulbs to grow.
9. 9
   Make your teacher a dry-erase marker bouquet. If you know anything about teachers, it’s that they love dry-erase markers! Get a small metal planter pot and fill the bottom with pieces of foam. Cut small holes into the foam and stick the dry-erase markers into the holes so that they’re of varying heights. Finally, stick foam flower stickers onto the heads of the markers and cover the foam with colorful confetti grass.

   • Opt for Expo-brand markers if you can—teachers often prefer this brand since they work the best but are typically more expensive.
   • If your school has chalkboards or Smartboards installed in classrooms (instead of whiteboards), this may not be your best option.
10. 10
    Put together a stress-relief gift basket for your teacher. Fill a gift bag or basket with snacks with items designed to help teachers relax and relieve some stress. Add in items like adult coloring books, colored pencils, stress reliever toys, calming teas, essential oil room sprays, candles, and bath bombs. Include their favorite candies, chips, and beverages, as well.
11. 11
    Gift your teacher a spa or massage certificate. If you’re comfortable enough with your teacher (or your child’s teacher), give a gift certificate for a one-hour massage or other spa service at a local business. Teachers work super hard and don’t get a lot of time to relax during the school year, so it’s nice to give them a reason to indulge in a luxurious experience such as a massage.
12. 12
    Get your teacher a personalized gift if you know a lot about their interests. You may know a lot about your teacher’s personal life and interests. If you do, it’s nice to get them a gift that perfectly fits them. For example, maybe you know that your English teacher has been trying to learn German. Get them a copy of a book that’s been translated to German, like The Little Prince, Harry Potter, or Alice in Wonderland. Bonus points if it’s a book you’ve read in their class or one that you know they love!

    • If you’re not sure what your teacher will like, pay close attention throughout the year for anything they mention that they love doing or wish they could do.
13. 13
    Set up a teacher appreciation fund. If you’re a parent or an older student, set up a teacher appreciation fund about two months before teacher appreciation week (or another celebratory occasion like the end of the school year or the beginning of the holiday break). Reach out to parent groups, student groups, or even local organizations and ask for donations. Once you’re finished collecting donations, divide the money evenly among all the teachers to show your appreciation. Then do it all over again next year!
14. 14
    Place fresh flowers on each teacher’s desk at the start of appreciation week. Flowers are an easy way to brighten up anyone’s day (or desk). Order a small bouquet of flowers for each teacher at your school, then show up at the building before they arrive for the school day. This sweet gesture is a great way to begin teacher appreciation week, but it can also be used to celebrate the start of spring or any other week when teachers may need a morale boost!
15. 15
    Purchase (or make) business cards for every teacher. Despite being college-educated working professionals, teachers often don’t get the professional respect given to other careers at a similar level. To make your teachers feel a little more professional and cared for, consider making them professional business cards with their name, title, and the name of your school.

    • If making professional business cards is out of your budget, enlist the help of your school’s art or technology teachers to make and print them yourself. You can also ask local printing and stationery businesses to see if they’re willing to donate their services.
16. 16
    Spruce up the teachers’ lounge with new furniture or decor. Take the opportunity to make the faculty lounge a more comfortable place to hang out. Freshen it up with some new paint, framed photos, clean curtains, or used/donated furniture. Make sure that all of the school supplies are well-stocked and organized, and check that all of the copiers and other machines are working smoothly.
17. 17
    Set up a special thank you breakfast or lunch for teachers. Host a “Thank You” breakfast or luncheon to celebrate teachers on Teacher Appreciation Week—or any time of year. For an appreciation breakfast, bring donuts, coffee, fruit plates, and any other treats that you can scrounge up. If you want to throw a luncheon, try a build-your-own taco bar or order a bunch of pizzas for the staff.
18. 18
    Host a themed snack bar for teachers to choose treats from. There are a few funways you can set up a buffet or snack bar to let teachers can choose-their-own-appreciation-adventure. Set up a build-your-own hot cocoa bar with different milks, flavorings, and toppings. Or, do something similar with lemonade, but include different fruits, sodas, and other mix-ins for teachers to choose from.
19. 19
    Set up a gift buffet for teachers to feel spoiled. Make a “buffet” with different teacher-friendly gifts: Expo markers, colored pencils, mini bath bombs, hand sanitizers, fidget toys, keychains, etc. Be sure to mix in gifts that are for the teachers themselves (e.g., candles, gift cards, treats) as well as useful classroom items (e.g., crayons, laminating sheets). Tell teachers they can pick out up to 12 gifts from the buffet!

    • Or, do a gift buffet with a specific theme, like “Sharpies & Smarties.” Fill baskets with Smarties candies and Sharpies in different colors. Give each teacher a small paper bowl and let them fill it up with whatever their heart desires.
20. 20
    Organize opportunities for students to show appreciation for their teachers. Sometimes, students need a little reminder (or help) putting together a show of gratitude for their teachers—but nothing makes teachers happier than hearing from their students! Here are a few ideas to get students to show love on teacher appreciation week:

    • Have students write why they love their teachers on a sticky note, then arrange all of the notes on a bulletin board display.
    • Take classes out one at a time to write all over the entrance of the school in sidewalk chalk. Tell them to write some things they love about their teacher(s)!
    • Set up an appreciation station near the front desk where students and parents can write notes to their teachers. Put all the notes in a large bowl or container to be distributed later.
    • When you have the chance to speak in front of a school assembly or other public address, take a moment to remind students to show appreciation for their teachers whenever they can.
21. 21
    Arrange for the teachers to attend a group painting class. If your school has the funds and the time, organize a special event for the teachers away from the school (or bring it to them). Reserve a group painting class in your local community and arrange for teachers to attend the class on a school-wide prep period or standard meeting time. If going off-campus for the class isn’t feasible, hire a painting instructor to come to the school for a couple of hours and lead the course.

    • If painting doesn’t seem like a popular activity choice among your teachers, consider bringing in self-care resources for a day instead (like yoga classes, massage services, etc.).
22. 22
    Hire a limo to take your teachers to lunch. Teachers deserve A-lister treatment every day—but especially on Teacher Appreciation week! Hire a limo to chauffeur them to lunch off campus and have the limo pick them up in front of the school. Roll out a red carpet between the front doors and the car, and have students line the carpet and scream as if they’re seeing their favorite celeb!
23. 23
    Take the faculty onto the high seas. If your school is located near a body of water, rent a boat to take the teachers on a short and relaxing cruise or sightseeing tour. This event could be sponsored by the PTA or by the school board. Plan the seaside day on a day where teachers would usually be attending meetings or professional development (so that there are no students to look after).
24. 24
    Take over classes or duties for teachers periodically. If you’re a principal or school administrator, the best way to show that you care is by spending time in classrooms and getting face time with teachers. When you’re able, it’s also important to take over classes or duties to give teachers a much-needed break. Choose one teacher a month and let them choose a class or duty for you to take over that month. You can also offer this to teachers who have recently gone above and beyond to do something amazing for their students.

    • Alternatively, hold a lottery drawing for class or duty coverage at each faculty meeting. Let the winner know that they can redeem their coverage at any time, but it must be arranged at least a week in advance.
    • If you’re a parent (or an administrator), you can also help out and show your appreciation for teachers by providing weekly copying services or offering to babysit a teacher’s child while the teacher does some special, out-of-school-hours activity for students or the school.
25. 25
    Plan regular opportunities to celebrate staff year-round. As amazing as it is to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, it’s just as important to show teachers how appreciated they are all throughout the year. If you’re a parent or principal, work with your fellow families or administrators to set up monthly or otherwise regular events to celebrate teachers. Here are some example ideas to get you started:

    • Hold monthly staff birthday parties for all teachers born in a certain month.
    • Designate a monthly (or weekly) “jeans day,” if your staff dress code disallows jeans.
    • Add a “Staff Spotlight” to faculty and parent newsletters to praise teachers regularly.
    • Put together a bulletin board display in the school to spotlight a different teacher each month.
    • Ask families to donate any theater or sports tickets they can’t use, then hold a staff lottery to give out the tickets.
    • Organize a bimonthly Casserole Night where families donate homemade casseroles or store-bought frozen dishes to be divided amongst the teachers.
    • Send special notes of appreciation at the end of each grading period–which can be some of the most stressful times for teachers.
    • If teachers are made to stay late for evening meetings or school events, provide dinner in between school and the event.
    • If teachers have lost vacation or planning days due to snow days, provide special treats on those makeup days.
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Section 2 of 3:

Teacher Appreciation Week Theme Ideas

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1. 1
   Teachers Are Superheroes Theme Set up a photo booth with superhero costumes for teachers to take pictures in. Hand out superhero-themed swag bags filled with themed goodies. Have the whole school dress up in themed spirit days for the week:

   • Monday: Dress like a reporter and write about your favorite "superhero" (aka teacher).
   • Tuesday: Gift your teacher with their favorite supplies so they can continue their super work.
   • Wednesday: Be the ultimate sidekick and wear your teacher's favorite color.
   • Thursday: Help your teacher fight off germs by bringing in hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes, or tissues.
   • Friday: Celebrate your promotion to Super Student by dressing up like a superhero.
2. 2
   Tropical Beach Theme Serve a buffet of bagels, fruits, coconut waters, and fresh juices. Pass out Hawaiian leis to the staff to wear throughout the day. Ask for staff or family volunteers to deliver goodies to classrooms on a snack-filled “Tiki Cart.” At the end of the week, throw a “luau” luncheon with games and prizes.
3. 3
   Carnival Circus Theme Set up a DIY popcorn bar with different toppings and mix-ins in the teacher’s lounge. Then, turn a rolling cart into a “Circus Concessions” stand and deliver carnival-inspired treats to the classroom (think kettle corn, cotton candy bags, cream sodas, and more). Hand out “circus tickets” to teachers throughout the week, then have a luncheon where you hold a gift basket raffle and play games like guessing how many candies are in a jar or seeing who can knock down a pyramid of pencil holders.
4. 4
   Seaside Cottage Theme Decorate the faculty lounge like a seaside cottage with fake shutters made out of paper, a painted “seascape,” and craft shells decorating all the surfaces. Play ocean sounds on a sound machine and spray beach-inspired room sprays all around. Then, hold a New England-style buffet with clam chowders, lobster rolls, cotton candy, and lemonade.
5. 5
   Medieval Theme Decorate the faculty lounge like a castle, or decorate each teacher’s door to look like the doors to a castle! Hand out crowns and sashes for the teachers to wear, and hold an assembly at the beginning of the week where each teacher is “knighted” by the principal. Then, ask students to address their teachers with medieval honorifics like Sir, Lord, and Lady.
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Section 3 of 3:

Do’s & Don’ts for Teacher Appreciation Week

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1. While teachers appreciate any and all shows of gratitude, there are some important things to keep in mind to show your thanks in the best way possible.

   • Do extend recognition to support staff, like janitors, lunch monitors, administrators, counselors, etc.
   • Do share teacher wish lists with families often so that they know exactly what teachers want.
   • Do provide pick-me-ups and shows of gratitude throughout the entire year—not just over one week.
   • Don’t buy generic gifts like candles or mugs. While teachers definitely appreciate these gifts, they get a lot of them. If you really want to get your teacher one of these items, try to personalize it to them.
   • Don’t only show appreciation as an incentivization tool. If you’re a principal, for instance, avoid only rewarding the staff when you want them to do something specific for you.
   • Don’t feel like you have to go crazy coming up with some over-the-top gift or event. While effort is always nice, most teachers love nothing more than a sweet card from their students (and maybe a gift card).

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