Keep your gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week simple. These easy and useful presents are sure to warm your teacher’s heart.

Having been a teacher for 11 years, I have seen my fair share of extremely well done Teacher Appreciation Weeks, as well as those that just missed the mark. 

As a teacher, I never expected anything during Teacher Appreciation Week either from the administration, students, or the PTA. However, it was always a wonderful surprise and put a little extra pep in the end-of-the-school-year step to get a little gift or have a meal provided during the teacher work day.

Choosing a gift for Teacher Appreciation Week can get tricky since you want the gift to be something that shows your appreciation, isn’t too expensive, and will actually be used. These 7 gifts are perfect for a little Teacher Appreciation Week love. In tandem with that, scroll to the bottom of the post to see the 4 gifts to avoid giving to your teachers.

Throwback picture to my last day teaching after 11 years. I was so excited to be home with Zoey and William (and little Hazel was growing in my belly). 

This post contains affiliate links. 

Gift Cards 

Even though this one is a bit generic, it is so much appreciated. Just a $5 gift card to places like Amazon, Target, or Starbucks can go a long way to brighten your teacher’s day.

Most of the time, these gift cards are used to buy items for the classroom (or to keep your teacher energetically caffeinated to teach class), so you know your child is likely to directly benefit. 

Healthier Meal Drops 

It was really exciting to come into work and find that a parent or group had brought in breakfast. It was also very special when lunch was provided. 

Doing something like a meal drop – breakfast or lunch – can have a huge impact on your teacher’s day. When you are choosing what to drop off, aim for healthier options. The majority of teachers are working on having a healthier lifestyle, so choosing more nutritious foods supports this. 

Places like Panera, Chipotle, Jimmy Johns all have healthier choices. A meal drop like this works well if you want to go in on it with a group of friends, your child’s classmates, or an organization like your business.

Thoughtful Notes (from you and your student)

I have an entire hanging folder in my house full of notes I received as a teacher. Heartfelt notes from students, kind notes from parents, and respected words from administration all make up this folder. 

Writing your teacher a note, from you as the parent and/or your student, can have a huge impact on your teacher’s year. Teachers have been through a lot – pandemic or not – and reading how all this work has made an impact can be beyond uplifting.

A thoughtful note is an excellent DIY teacher appreciation gift and a purposeful educational activity to do with your children.

Teacher Desk Package 

Even though Teacher Appreciation Week comes at the end of the school year, teachers are excellent hoarders. Putting together a little teacher desk package would be wonderful to carry through the end of the year and kickoff the next year ready to go. 

Items in a teacher desk package can include:

• post its
• good pens
• hand sanitizer
• nut-free packaged snacks (to give to hungry students) 
• mints
• highlighters
• bandaids 
• tissues

Get a few more care package ideas in this post, which is ideal for cold and flu season.

Notebook 

A notebook is a super practical gift for your teacher. Teachers are always jotting down notes during professional development meetings, after chats with kids, and while they are lesson planning. Having a sturdy notebook on hand to do all of that jotting keeps us more organized. 

Chocolate 

I know I said to keep the food on the healthier side, but that 3pm sugar craving hits teachers hard. Any time students were selling chocolate bars for a fundraiser, they would circulate through the classrooms right when school ended and hit their sales goals with no problem. 

A bar of nice chocolate will leave a huge smile and a happy heart. 

Coffee or Tea 

The vast majority of teachers drink caffeine. In truth, I didn’t for the first 9 years of my teaching career, but then I had two kids in two years and all that changed. 

Gifting your teacher with a nice bag of coffee or a special set of teas is a thoughtful, practical gift you know will get used.

Things Not To Give Your Teachers 

Just as much as you are searching for a thoughtful gift for Teacher Appreciation Week, there are gifts to avoid. 

Alcohol 

 Schools have strict rules about alcohol on the property. Do not risk your teacher getting in trouble by gifting a bottle of wine or tucking a mini bottle of spirits into a coffee mug hidden with candy. 

Coffee Cups 

Unless you know that your teacher needs a new travel mug or regular mug, skip the coffee cups. Most teachers have more than they need, or stick to their tried and true favorite. 

Fragrances 

While boxed sets of perfumes, hand lotions, and body scrubs are lovely and easy to pick up and gift, skip it. Being in a tight classroom space all day with children with different sensitivities means many teachers skip colognes and perfumes. We don’t want to make any kids uncomfortable enough to have to leave the room for “fresh” air. 

Homemade Foods / Baked Goods 

The thoughtfulness that goes into baking cookies, muffins, brownies, and cakes for your teachers is not lost on us. We love thinking about the care and time it took you to do this. The bonding you had with your child while you made it. 

However, with student allergies and food safety, keep the homemade foods and baked goods for you and your child to enjoy together. 

I hope you get a chance to send your teacher a little something during Teacher Appreciation Week. Remember, it doesn’t have to be anything big as just a small gift or note can go a long way to brightening a teacher’s day.