21+ Best Ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week

by | Apr 6, 2024

If you’re wondering how best to express your appreciation to teachers during teacher appreciation week, look no further – we have the best ideas on the internet.

We’ve compiled a list of heartwarming themes, thoughtful gifts, and creative ideas to make this Teacher Appreciation Week truly special.

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the incredible impact teachers have on our society. From imparting knowledge to shaping young minds, educators play a pivotal role in molding the future generation.

Teacher Appreciation Week, typically celebrated in May, is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and show our gratitude for these unsung heroes.

Understanding Teacher Appreciation Week:

First established in 1984 by the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and National Education Association (NEA), Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to recognize the invaluable contributions of educators across the nation.

During this week, schools, students, and communities come together to honor teachers for their unwavering commitment to shaping minds and fostering a love for learning.

Heartfelt Gifts Teachers Love:

When it comes to showing appreciation, thoughtful gifts can make a significant impact. Here are some beloved gift ideas that teachers often cherish:

1. Personalized Items: Anything with a personal touch can warm a teacher’s heart. Consider custom-made mugs, tote bags, or desk accessories with their name or a meaningful message.

Need some ideas? Try one of these!

Personalized Notepad

Your teacher can write notes all day long with this personalized notepad – a perfect idea for teacher appreciation week. Include a set of her favorite pens to really show how much you care.

Clipboard for Teacher Appreciation Week

This clipboard is the perfect idea for any teacher in your life. She is sure to cherish it always.

Include a package of permanent markers – and you have one of the best gift ideas for teacher appreciation week!

Personalized Gift Card Holder

Can’t quite decide on the perfect personalized teacher gift? These personalized gift card holders are the perfect choice for any teacher in your life.

All About My Teacher Board

These custom teacher boards were just too cute not to include. Your little one can color and draw their favorite things with colored pencils to make this even more special

2. DIY Gifts Straight from the Heart: There’s something truly special about handmade gifts—they carry with them a personal touch and a whole lot of love. If you’re looking to add an extra dose of thoughtfulness to your Teacher Appreciation Week celebrations, consider these DIY gift ideas:

Painted Mason Jars

@plaidcrafts

Paint mason jars for a truly easy DIY teacher appreciation gift. You can fill the jars with flowers, pens, markers, or even candy!

Gift Basket

You can’t go wrong with a teacher appreciation gift like this one. Fill a fun basket full of her favorite things, for a unique and easy DIY gift.

Colorful Post it Bundle

For a unique and easy teacher appreciation gift idea, try this easy post it bundle! Just grab some post its, wrap in ribbon and decorate how you’d like. This DIY gift is perfect for anyone.

Super Teacher

Do you think your teacher is just “super”? Try one of these easy DIY super teacher chocolate bar ideas. Easy for your little one to participate in, and sure to bring a smile to your teachers face.

You’ve Blown My Mind

What could be easier than a mason jar full of bubble gum? Perfect for any teacher on your list this teacher appreciation week.

3. Classroom Supplies: Teachers often dip into their own pockets to supply their classrooms. Help lighten the load by gifting items such as markers, notepads, colorful pens, or educational games.

Kleenex

Teachers could always use more Kleenex, and by adding this fun tag – you make the gift even more special.

Flair Pens

Trust me, all teachers love flair pens. And gifting a pack of them for teacher appreciation week would be the best idea… EVER.

Add in this cute printable gift tag and you have the perfect gift idea!

Classroom Supply Cake

Looking for a way to add some pizazz to your classroom supply gift? Making a classroom supply cake is the perfect answer.

Basket of Supplies

Another fun way to gift school supplies is a cute basket – try this fun personal gift tag to go along with it!

4. Gift Cards: Versatile and practical, gift cards allow teachers to treat themselves to a meal, coffee, or shopping spree. Bookstores, office supply stores, and local restaurants are excellent choices.

Plain gift cards are fine, but if you want some fun gifting ideas… we have a few!

Thank you for Being Amazing: Amazon Gift Card

Thanks a Latte

An Apple for My Teacher

Restaurant Gift Card Holder

Original Ideas to Celebrate:

Looking for unique ways to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week? Here are some creative and memorable ideas:

1. Time Capsule: Create a time capsule with contributions from students and staff. Include drawings, letters, and mementos that reflect the current school year. Seal it to be opened in a future Teacher Appreciation Week.

2. Virtual Class Reunion: Reach out to former students and invite them to join a virtual class reunion. Let them share stories of how their teacher made a difference in their lives.

@georgeschool

3. Gratitude Video: Collaborate with students to create a video montage of heartfelt messages and thanks. Include clips of students sharing their favorite memories or lessons learned.

4. “Teacher of the Day” Awards: Designate a day for each teacher to be celebrated as the “Teacher of the Day.” Create personalized certificates, decorate their classroom door, and shower them with praise throughout the day.

Themes that Inspire Appreciation:

1. Travel – This is a fun theme and will have the teachers anticipating what each day will bring! Each day of the week brings a new “inflight” surprise to the teachers.

I can’t think of a better way to show you care than to give them first-class treatment!

2. Survivor Theme – This theme will be appreciated by teachers everywhere at the end of the school year!

With ideas like smoothie bars, tropical foods, and flip flop gifts – what’s not to love?

3. Superhero: Without a doubt, teaching is a superpower! Treat the teachers in your school to a fun-filled week of superhero-themed gifts, snacks, and surprises!

4. Camping: The camping theme is a fun and unique idea for celebrating teacher appreciation week. And one your teachers will be talking about for years to come.

5. Harry Potter: Using a Harry Potter theme for Teacher Appreciation week is a magical idea!


Teacher Appreciation Week serves as a reminder of the profound impact educators have on our lives. Whether through heartfelt gifts, creative celebrations, or simple acts of gratitude, we can make this week truly special for the educational heroes who inspire us.

Let’s come together to honor their dedication, resilience, and passion for shaping the future. To all the teachers: Thank you for lighting the path to knowledge and igniting the flames of curiosity within us all.