Teacher Appreciation Ideas
Have I told you that I am PTA President at my son’s school? Yup, I’m that lady, but I only tell you that to share that I have had a lot of experience with Teacher’s Appreciation Week, which is May 3-7 this year.
Below I’ve put together a list of ideas that I have given both as an individual parent, but also as a PTA that don’t cost a lot or are free, while some cost a bit more and are a little bit bigger, so there is something for everyone’s budget.
This year, especially, I think it’s important to say thanks to the teachers in our lives! Even if you give something small, you can always personalize it with a great note or tag, just going that extra step I think says thank you in a big way.
Personalized Pencil Bags
I love how you can customize these, and they are simple enough for you to make a lot of or have your kiddos get in on the action.
Relaxation
Who doesn’t need a little relaxation at the spa right about now? I know I could use it any day of the week and so can our teachers. If you can afford to give a spa gift certificate, now is the time to do it, with a personalized message or tag.
Personalized Plants
I love giving plants with a special twist, especially if I have a lot of teachers or therapists to purchase for. They are a nice gesture, but also don’t have to cost an arm and a leg.
One year, I did large plants with plastic, colorful rulers and tags on them that say “Being in your classroom has helped me grow and bloom!”
Another year, I did smaller succulents that I planted in tin pails with a tag that says “thank you for help me grow.” If you can’t design something yourself, Etsy is your best friend!
Wine (or Other Drinks) and Glasses
Before giving wine or alcohol, I always make sure the person I’m giving to enjoys that, but I also like to personalized it. I love these labels that you can make from Evermine and have done this a few times over the year. I love adding “because my child is the reason you drink!” to the tag. Or consider giving them their favorite wine and a personalized glass like this one.
Thankful Letters
No matter what kind of gift I give to my kids’ teachers, I always have them draw or write something personal from them. You can find templates like this all over online to make it easier and pretty.
T-Shirts and Tote Bags
Another fun thing I like to make or purchase are personalized t-shirts and/or tote bags. The t-shirt was given to my son’s teacher last year and I had these tote bags made for all of the staff for the holidays with our school’s logo.
Massage Gift Certificates
If you can, give the gift of relaxation with a spa gift certificate that says “Thank you for being a spa-tacular teacher!”
Keep Them Caffeinated
Coffee and tea are a teacher’s not-so-secret weapon, so keep them caffeinated. I love giving personalized mugs with coffee gift cards inside, or you can keep it simple and do just the gift card, but again, I always like to personalize it with a tag or a holder that says “thanks a latte!”
Gift Cards Are Great!
I am of the thinking that gift cards are wonderful for teachers and staff! They get so many things, why not gift them something they can use to buy whatever they want. But I’ll say it again, personalize it! I love this bookmark/gift card holder that I put together and slipped the card inside.
Treat Bars
If you are purchasing for a lot of staff members as a PTA or just because, I personally love setting up a treat bar! I buy colorful gift bags, add stickers that say “a little treat for someone so sweet” and set up a bunch of different treats that they can pick and choose from (some food, some not) and take home or enjoy at school. Above are just a few of the things we have offered up this year for our staff. For 77 staff members, all of these ideas are under $100 each and again, the labels pull it all together in my opinion.