Teacher Appreciation Week – happening this year from May 4 through May 8 – is one of the sweetest times of the year. The notes, the thoughtfulness, and the effort parents put into these gestures is so meaningful. If you’ve ever stood in the Target aisle wondering what teachers actually want, you’re not alone. As both a teacher and a mom, I know parents want to give something meaningful and useful.
Consider this your Insider’s Guide from someone who lives on both sides of the classroom door:
Gift Cards r
You truly can’t go wrong with a gift card, but there are definitely a few favorites: Amazon, Target, and coffee shops are always a hit. Speaking as both a teacher and a mom, a night off from cooking in May feels like a dream. By that point in the school year, many of us are in full survival mode so gift cards to restaurants such as fast food or pizza places are incredibly appreciated.
Teacher Survival Kits
By May, our school supplies have usually dwindled down to almost nothing. Just this week, I wrote myself a reminder on a paper towel because I had run out of sticky notes. A little “teacher survival kit” to help us make it through the end of the school year can be such a meaningful gift. It’s also a fun way for your child to help pick out items to include. Useful items such as sticky notes, pens, highlighters, dry erase markers, snacks, chapstick, sweets, hand sanitizer, lotion, and even an energy drink (if their teacher drinks them), are needed especially near the end of the school year.
Group Gift
Some schools have classroom parents who can coordinate a group gift. Pooling money allows families to contribute toward a larger gift, such as a manicure/pedicure, massage, gift cards to places like Target or Amazon, or even a gift certificate to our favorite restaurant.
Personalized Gifts
I am a sucker for personalized items. A tote bag with the teacher’s name, a 26–27 school planner, clipboard, or customized school supplies are all great options. Personalized gifts feel extremely thoughtful and are very useful, but there are some items we may have accumulated several of over the years (see below).
Gifts that mean the most…
As a high school teacher, teacher appreciation gifts aren’t as common, but I have kept every handwritten card and note I’ve ever received. Another wonderful gift is having your child write a note, draw a picture, share their favorite memory from the school year, or tell their teacher how they’ve made an impact. These thoughtful gestures become something that many teachers treasure forever.
Gifts teachers have plenty of, for those asking…
The hard truth is that eventually our cabinets overflow and our desks become cluttered. While every gift is truly appreciated, there are a few items you may want to avoid. Mugs, cups, and small decor pieces are sweet, but many teachers run out of space to keep them all. It’s also important to be cautious with scented gifts like candles or lotions. Many of us love them, but our scent preferences vary. If you’re considering a scented item, I would check with your child’s teacher first.
At the end of the day, teacher appreciation isn’t about how much you spend, or if it’s a heartfelt note, our favorite snack, or a gift. These small gestures mean more to us than you’ll ever know. Trust me; after a long school year, a new set of pens, personalized sticky notes, a little love (and caffeine) goes a long way.
This Teacher Appreciation Week, no matter how you make your child’s teacher feel appreciated or spoiled, know that we are so thankful for you trusting us with your children. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without my students!
