Gift Ideas and Thank You Notes for Teacher Appreciation Week (2024)

As Teacher Appreciation Week approaches, it’s important to take the time to recognize and thank those who have made a positive impact in the lives of our children. This week-long celebration is an opportunity to show teachers how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication to our children’s education. Here are some notes for Teacher Appreciation Week and ideas on how to show your gratitude:

What is Teacher Appreciation Week?

Teacher Appreciation Week is a time when students, parents, and communities come together to celebrate and recognize the contributions that teachers make in our lives. This week-long celebration typically includes special events, gifts, and activities to show appreciation for the hard work that teachers put in every day. It’s a great chance to help your kids recognize the impact their teachers have on their lives.

We love using this as an opportunity to talk to our kids about how much their teachers have helped them during the school year. Often, schools and parent organizations will send out ideas specific to the celebrations in your school. Sometimes this may include lists of supplies for teachers, classroom cleaning or decoration, or even special meals for teachers.

When is Teacher Appreciation Week?

Teacher Appreciation Week is typically held during the first full week of May. Which is perfect for year-end celebrations and gratitude toward teachers.

Teacher Appreciation Week Ideas

If you need great ideas to celebrate your child’s teacher for teacher appreciation week, look no further! Here are our best ideas:

Gift Cards for Teachers

I have several friends and family members who are teachers. As I’ve asked them for the best gift ideas for teachers, I’ve been surprised. None of them would ever turn away or feel anything but gratitude for a gift from a child or parent. However, given the choice of their favorite gift, most would say GIFT CARDS!

Gift cards are a great way to show your appreciation for your child’s teacher. It is a great way to help them fund their classrooms. They don’t have to find a place to store it or consider how to display or use it.

To make it more personal, attach a note to the gift card expressing your gratitude for their hard work. If you need a cute way to package it up, snag our gift card holders here, here, and here! We’ve given this exact gift card below to our teachers for the last several years, but there are so many fun options for packaging up gift cards!

Delivery Treats

Bring your child’s teacher their favorite treat as a surprise during Teacher Appreciation Week. Whether it’s donuts, cupcakes, or their favorite coffee drink, this thoughtful gesture is sure to make their day. Stay away from homemade treats as not all schools allow them and some teachers may feel uncomfortable eating treats from home.

School Supplies

Teachers often spend their own money on classroom supplies. Consider donating supplies such as pencils, markers, and notebooks to your child’s teacher to show your appreciation for their hard work. Stock up on school supplies in the fall when prices are cheap! Not sure what your child’s teacher may need, ask them! Most teachers could easily tell you off the top of their head what they are lacking or need.

I just ordered these grading stamps for my kids teachers for teacher appreciation week this year!

Giving Your Time

Offer to volunteer in your child’s classroom or at school events. This not only shows your appreciation for your child’s teacher, but it also helps to create a sense of community and support for your child’s school.

This may feel hard to package up in a nice way during teacher appreciation week, but don’t worry. Simply write up a cute coupon or note saying that you’d be happy to volunteer in the classroom. Most classrooms are incredibly busy during the month of May. From field trips to field day, I’m sure your child’s teacher would love an extra set of hands around the help.

Amazon Wish Lists

Many teachers have Amazon wish lists filled with items they need for their classroom. Consider purchasing an item from their list and having it delivered directly to their classroom as a surprise during Teacher Appreciation Week. Not only does this help teachers a lot, but it will help your child’s classroom too!

Notes for Teacher Appreciation Week

One of the simplest and most meaningful ways to show your appreciation for your child’s teacher is by writing them a heartfelt note. Here are some tips on how to write a great thank you note for your teacher:

• Be Specific–Mention specific examples of how your child’s teacher has made a positive impact on your child’s life. Whether it’s a specific lesson or activity that your child enjoyed, or a time when your child’s teacher went above and beyond to help your child, be specific in your note.

• Keep it Short And Sweet–Your note doesn’t have to be long or elaborate. A simple note expressing your gratitude is enough to show your appreciation.

• Be Sincere–Express your gratitude in a sincere and heartfelt way. Let your child’s teacher know how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication.

• Handwrite it–Handwritten notes are more personal and meaningful than typed or printed notes. Take the time to write a handwritten note to show your child’s teacher how much you care. If you’d like to include a cute note from your child, that’s a great idea. Grab our free printable “All About My Teacher” sheet. This is a cute way to share your child’s perspective with their teacher.

• Include Personal Stories–Share a personal story or anecdote about your child’s experience with their teacher. This will help to make your note more personal and heartfelt.

Teacher appreciation doesn’t have to cost much. The most important thing is to take the time to show your appreciation and gratitude for your child’s teacher. Whether it’s a simple note or a small gift, your gesture of appreciation will go a long way in making your child’s teacher feel valued and appreciated.

Need more gift ideas for teachers? Read: Practical Back to School Gifts for Teachers