40 Teacher Appreciation Week Ideas

8 Teacher Appreciation Week Gift Ideas if You're a Student

Whether you're in elementary school or high school, a token of appreciation can make a teacher's day. For students wanting to gift their teacher something spectacular, here are eight gift ideas. 

1. Sweet Treats 

A fun way to show appreciation is by baking or decorating a dessert. Teachers will feel valued when students actively put in the effort to bake them a delicious treat. These treats can be appreciated whether they're from students who love baking or those who need some help in the kitchen. Some exciting ideas include baking a mini cake, making donuts, or decorating cupcakes or cookies. 

2. Flowers 

Does your teacher love flowers? Consider gifting them a bouquet with the note, “Thanks for helping me grow!” This gift becomes extra special when you pick out flowers or plants you know your teacher loves. Make sure to include your name and a handwritten note that explains how that teacher helped you grow as a student. 

3. Paintings 

When painting a sincere picture for a teacher, let your creativity flow — use paints, glitter, sequins, cardboard cutouts and anything else to make it unique. Some ideas include a picture of you and your teacher, a painting of the whole class or something your teacher likes, such as a sunset view or their favorite animals. 

4. Bracelets 

Handmade bracelets are a sweet idea for middle schoolers or elementary school students. Create a colorful bracelet with beads that spell out the teacher's name. You can get creative by including bracelet charms that represent the teacher, such as books, pencils, apples or paw prints if they like animals. 

5. Crocheted Flowers

Do you enjoy crocheting? Rather than getting your teacher fresh flowers, consider creating a crochet bouquet that they can keep forever. This is an excellent idea for high schoolers looking to show their appreciation. There are various types of flowers you can crochet, from tulips and sunflowers to roses and daisies. Remember to include a note or pun that relates to helping you grow! 

6. Bookmark 

Another Teacher Appreciation Week craft idea for students of all ages is bookmarks. Make the main focus of your bookmark a quote that you want your teacher to remember. It can be anything from “You are the best teacher ever” to “We need more teachers like you.” Consider using bold fonts, including drawings like flowers or math symbols, and adding color and accessories to finish it off. 

7. Thank-You Jar 

Consider working together as a class to create a combined gift. Ask your classmates to write thank-you notes to your teacher for specific things your teacher helped with or that your peers appreciate most. Fold these notes and put them in a decorated jar. This can be a confidence booster for days when your teacher needs a reminder about the impact they've made. 

8. Gifts Based on Their Personal Interests 

Teachers are always paying attention to their students' individual needs and interests. To make your teacher feel valued and seen, pick out a gift related to their interests. For example, if your teacher loves camping, pick out marshmallows, chocolates and crackers for a s'mores kit for their next campfire. 

8 Teacher Appreciation Week Ideas if You're a Parent 

As the parent of a student, you might see the progress your child makes because of a particular teacher. Teacher Appreciation Week is a fantastic time to show your gratitude. Here's what to get teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week if you're a parent. 

1. Heartfelt Appreciation Card 

If you see what your child's teacher has done for them, express it with a heartfelt note that explains how much you appreciate them. Giving them context allows teachers to see the difference they make. They also get to keep the card as a reminder of their impact. 

2. Self-Care Gift Basket 

Some teachers may not be willing to spend on self-care. Consider compiling a self-care kit that encourages them to take care of themselves when they're not working. This can include items like massage tools, essential oils, bath bombs, face masks and affirmation cards. 

3. Cash and Gift Cards 

Another favorite is cash and gift cards. Common options include grocery store, coffee shop and restaurant gift cards. If you want to give them something nicer, you could opt for a spa gift certificate. It helps to learn more about the teacher and their interests when deciding on the type of gift card to get them. 

4. Custom Sweatshirts 

Many teachers treasure custom T-shirts and sweatshirts from families. Work with your child to create a piece of clothing that their teacher feels proud to wear. One option is to tie-dye the clothing and have the teacher's name printed on it in the child's writing. You might also include images on the clothing or a sweet message on the back that thanks them for being a phenomenal teacher. 

5. Teacher Appreciation Garden 

This one requires collaboration with other parents to print pictures of the students. Get a wooden flower box or planter and fill it with green shredded tissue paper to mimic grass. Feel free to mix in some sweet treats and chocolate bars to create a firm foundation. 

Use sticks or straws as flower stems, and attach flower cutouts before sticking your flowers into the “soil.” You'll then paste individual pictures of each student's face to the flowers. You can get more creative by including sticks with gift cards or notes from parents and students. 

6. Personalized Handwritten Letter Blanket 

Teachers love handwritten letters from parents and students — but what if you could put them in a format that they can always enjoy? Blankets can be used at home or on cold days at school. Write a heartfelt handwritten letter and get it printed on a cozy throw blanket. Another idea is printing letters from various parents and students on a quilt. Your child's teacher will certainly appreciate it!

7. Teacher Appreciation Gift Plaque 

Look for a gift plaque with words that perfectly describe your child's teacher. It can speak about how the teacher is a difference maker and makes a huge impact, or it can list the best qualities of teachers. You may opt for a personalized gift plaque that includes the teacher's name or pictures of the teacher alone or with the class. 

8. Personalized Thank-You Candle Gift Set 

A candle gift set is another gift teachers can hold onto for years. Get them a candle in a ceramic or glass container labeled with their name and something special about them. This can be accompanied by a bottle of matches, both neatly packed in a gift box. Other sweet additions might include aromatherapy items like incense sticks, essential oils or shower steamers. 

8 Teacher Appreciation Week Gifts for Your Fellow Teachers

If anyone will recognize the effort teachers put in, it's a fellow teacher. Have you noticed a few teachers you believe deserve a reward for being an inspiration to other educators? Here are eight gift ideas for a dear colleague. 

1. Personalized Tote Bags 

Show appreciation for your fellow teacher with a personalized tote bag. Some ideas include their name, quotes like “Best math teacher coming through,” their favorite book cover, a picture of their pet, a picture of their favorite character or an inspirational book quote that describes them best. 

2. Comfy Slippers 

Only teachers understand how much fellow educators might need a pair of comfy slippers after a long day of teaching. Walking from class to class and around the classroom can leave their feet aching. To provide them with much-needed foot relief, give your colleague comfy slippers that they can wear behind their desk or slip into as soon as they get home. 

3. Stackable Lunch Containers and a Lunch Bag 

Stackable lunch containers are a welcome gift that can enhance the lunch experience at the teacher's lounge. These often include utensils and several compartments for food beyond sandwiches. Pair the containers with an insulated lunch bag that will keep their meals chilled or warm and prevent leaking. 

4. Coffee Gift Set 

If the teacher you want to gift loves coffee, consider giving them a coffee gift set. Fill a gift box with coffee pods, creamer, and a tumbler or travel mug. You can spruce it up by customizing the travel mug or tumbler with the teacher's name or something that expresses what an amazing teacher they are. You could also include a coffee subscription or a gift card for their favorite coffee shop. 

5. Snack Gift Set 

A snack gift set can be a great option if you want to give gifts to several teachers. Simply fill your gift basket or gift bag with snacks you think they'll enjoy, and cover it with cellophane. Try to stick with a certain theme. For example, you might include only watermelon-flavored snacks and add a note that says, “You're a one-in-a-melon teacher!” 

6. Tea Gift Set 

If the teacher enjoys tea more than coffee, create a tea gift set. Include small boxes of different types of teas for them to try out, or fill the gift box with their favorite kinds. You can also add a pack of cookies that pair well with tea or a unique teacup and saucer that suits their taste. 

7. Sweet Treat Gift Box 

A teacher who has a sweet tooth might appreciate a neatly wrapped sweet treat gift box. Some ideas include doughnuts, cupcakes, bento cakes, macaroons, Swedish candy or Turkish delights. Make sure to wrap it up with a note that lets them know you value them. 

8. Blanket or Pillow With Their Pet on It 

Is your colleague a pet lover? Make their day with a customized throw blanket or pillow with a picture of their pet printed on it. These items may hold a special place in their heart — and in their classroom — allowing them to feel closer to their pets even while they're away from home. 

8 Teacher Appreciation Week Ideas for a Family Member or Friend

If you have a friend or family member who is a teacher, you probably know the dedication they have to their job. The following gifts for teachers can make their jobs easier or make them feel appreciated. 

1. Teacher Planners 

Teacher planners can be useful for educators who want to improve organization in their work lives. It allows them to sort out class schedules, plan long-term assignments, organize field trips and keep track of student information. They can also use it to store student birthdays, emergency contacts, seating charts and substitute teacher instructions. 

2. Best Teacher Mugs 

Show your loved one that you see the effort they put in for their school and students by giving them a “World's Best Teacher” mug. They can use this mug while at school or at home. You can also consider a personalized mug that includes their initials, name or text that describes them as a teacher. 

3. Personalized Teacher Desk Nameplate 

Another way to make them feel special is with a personalized acrylic teacher desk nameplate. There are various options, from those with book and plant illustrations to those with pictures of apples and pencils. Choose something colorful that matches their classroom's theme. 

4. Hand Cream 

Teachers wash their hands often, whether they work with young kids or have to write on a whiteboard. Show them you care with a kit that keeps their hands moisturized. Include a range of fragrant hand creams with beneficial ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera and vitamin E. 

5. Stationery 

Help your loved one stock up on key classroom supplies, such as markers, pens, memo notepads and tape. Place it in a gift bag or gift basket with an appreciation note. 

6. Desk Lamps 

Desk lamps are another Teacher Appreciation Week gift idea. Look for a rechargeable LED desk lamp that may reduce eyestrain. This can be helpful for those late nights when teachers need to grade papers.

7. Personalized Pen Holder or Desk Organizer 

A sweet gift idea that will add more organization to your loved one's life is a desk organizer. Pen holders are a simple idea and can be extra special when personalized with their name. You may even find that some desk organizers and pen holders come in the shape of crayons and apples to embody the teaching spirit. 

8. Personalized Keychain 

Consider getting a personalized teacher-themed keychain. These keychains can come in pencil, crayon, flower or rainbow shapes, among other options. Customize them with the teacher's name, and make sure the keychain includes an inspirational quote like “Only the brave teach” or “Changing the world one child at a time.” 

8 Teacher Appreciation Week Ideas if You're an Administrator

As a school administrator, it's important to keep teachers motivated to help them reach their full potential. Here are eight valuable Teacher Appreciation Week ideas that make teachers feel recognized for their efforts. 

1. Teacher Appreciation Fund 

To make sure your school has the money to treat teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week, start a teacher appreciation fund. This fund can include donations from parents, alums, the community and school partners. Use this money to give each teacher an extra bonus each year. This money can also go toward necessary supplies or team-building events.

2. Valuable Teacher Resources 

Provide your teachers with teaching resources that can help them make the most of classroom time. Consider handing out teacher planners, launching technology tools that help them teach or providing basic classroom supplies so that they don't use their own money to stock up. 

3. Catered Lunch or Breakfast 

Another way to give back to your students is by treating them to breakfast, brunch or lunch! Since May 6 is the official Teacher Appreciation Day, get them a catered lunch or brunch from a local restaurant. Try to make it buffet-style. 

Set up an area in the staff lounge or outside where educators can choose from food like salads, pasta, vegetables and other dishes. If a breakfast or brunch setup is more convenient, you can have a setup with coffee, tea, fruit juices, yogurt, bagels and muffins. 

4. Teacher Appreciation Gift Box 

To make each teacher feel seen and valued, consider creating standard gift boxes for all teachers. The gift box can include items like a spiral notebook, pen and teacher bookmark. Make sure to include personalized appreciation notes in these boxes. 

5. Award Ceremony 

Allow every teacher to win a trophy or certificate for something special they bring to the education program. Host the ceremony during school so that all students can cheer on their favorite teachers and celebrate with them. You could also encourage children to take part and have them hand out the certificates on stage. 

6. Teacher Talent Show 

Hosting a teacher talent show can be an exciting way to celebrate teachers and their hidden talents. Allow them to dance, sing and display various talents to their students and colleagues. If teachers don't wish to be in the spotlight, let their students fill in for them or allow teachers to display off-stage talents, like bringing cookies to school for everyone to appreciate. 

7. Lottery Drawing 

Hold a lottery drawing at a faculty meeting that allows special winners to gain a free two-hour break. During this time, you'll cover their classes so that they get a well-deserved break. Let them know when they can redeem it and that they must let you know two weeks in advance. 

8. A Video Shoutout 

Create an exciting collaborative project in which students and administrators thank teachers for everything they do. This video can consist of short clips of groups of students explaining what they like most about their teacher and how they helped make a difference in their lives. 

Show Appreciation With Teacher Planners From Success by Design

Teacher Appreciation Week is a great opportunity to passionately and authentically show how much you value the teachers in your life. Success by Design offers high-quality teacher planners with numerous features to improve the teaching experience, from long-term planning to organizing class schedules. 

To start your search for teacher gifts, view our teacher planner or contact our friendly team today.

* This list contains possible allergens. It's best to proceed with caution when selecting food, beverages, flowers, or skincare items.