Teacher Appreciation Gifts

The days are getting shorter, and the nights are getting cooler (we hope anyway), so you know what that means. Back-to-school is just around the corner! This can be as exciting and chaotic for teachers as it is for parents and students.

While Teacher Appreciation Week is the first full week in May, every day is a good day to show your child’s teacher how much they mean to you with these unique teacher appreciation ideas.

Durable Satchel

Have you driven past an elementary school and seen those tiny beings toting huge backpacks, looking like they’re about to tip over and get stuck like a turtle? You should see the teachers when they get to school!

A high-quality yet lightweight tote bag can be a teacher’s delight. Consider something with a cross-chest strap for a more secure carry that has different-sized pockets for storing everything from a laptop to pens and paper clips.

Gift Cards

One of the greatest teacher appreciation week gift ideas is gift cards. They are versatile and easy to give. A massage gift card can provide some much-needed stress relief. Restaurant gift cards can help with convenient food pick-up on the way home or a relaxing meal out with family. Gas cards can cushion their monthly budget, too.

These days, teachers have to buy more of their own classroom supplies. Even basics like copy paper and tissues for the inevitable runny noses are in short supply from the districts. Gift cards from the local office and school supply stores are quite helpful.

Soups and Sweets

A teacher’s workday goes way beyond classroom hours. There are meetings, sporting events, concerts, coaching, and additional student help before and after class. Chaperoning obligations for special weekend events like solo and ensemble happenings and athletic tournaments. And evenings are filled with grading papers and preparing lesson plans.

Show you care with some Cookie Comforts they can share with others or keep for themselves. Give them an “excuse” for some me time with a lavender aromatherapy package. Gift a Spoonful of Comfort with convenient, delicious, and nutritious soups, breads, and sweets.

Handwritten Notes

When asked, many teachers said the gift that means the most to them is a note of acknowledgment or a handwritten sign of appreciation. Don’t have time to handwrite one? Send an email. A few kind words can go a long way.

Homemade and Handmade

Teachers love treats, especially homemade ones. Cookies, cakes, and pies—you can’t go wrong with something from the oven. Just check with the school about food allergen restrictions, like nut-free zones.

Hand-in-hand with homemade is—that’s right—handmade! Knit them a scarf they can wear on recess duty, cross stitch an inspirational saying on a wall hanging, or build toys for the classroom in your wood shop. The beauty of the gift is knowing you put the time and care into creating it.

Something Specific

Do you know what makes a great teacher appreciation gift idea? Getting to know them. Take a few minutes out of your day to chat about non-school things. Find out what their passion is outside of the classroom. Do they love their dogs? Give them a gift basket of dog toys and treats. Do they paint as a form of relaxation? Get them a gift card to a local hobby store. They’ll know that you see them as a person beyond the four walls of the classroom.

Blue Light Lenses

Teachers have a lot of screen time between creating lesson plans and grading papers, not to mention email correspondence and online classes. The blue light of devices can mess with a person’s production of melatonin, which aids in the sleep process. Buy them a stylish pair of blue light glasses to help them get a good night’s rest.

Beverage Subscriptions

Coffee, tea, wine, beer, juice, or soda—what is your teacher’s favorite beverage? A monthly subscription to home or classroom can be a continuous reminder that someone appreciates all their hard work.

Maintenance by Multi-Tool

Teachers are always fixing things. Wonky chairs, sagging bulletin boards, jacket zippers, you name it, a teacher has probably repaired it. A good multi-tool is invaluable. A quality tool will have:

• Screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Wire cutters
• Wire strippers
• Scissors
• Can and bottle openers
• Knives

Check with the school to ensure that the multi-tool meets district safety requirements regarding blades and screwdrivers.

Cleaning Services

There is nothing like coming home to a clean house, but teachers do not have time for that! Chip in with a group and get them monthly or one-time house cleaning services.

Comfort and Caring

Beyond showing your appreciation for a job well done, show the teachers in your life that you care. They don’t even have to be your child’s teacher. You can show any teacher that you are grateful for them helping today's youth succeed.

Shop our quality care packages today, and share a Spoonful of Comfort with the teachers in your life. Whether you choose to get a gift basket for teacher appreciation week or something special any other time of year, it’s always a good time to show your child’s teacher you care.