5 Original, Heartwarming Ways to Thank a Teacher

Teacher Appreciation Week is in May

In the United States, the month of May is for teachers! National Teacher’s Day is on May 2nd and Teacher Appreciation Week is often celebrated during the first week of May. During this special time, we honor the extraordinary educators in our lives and shower them with the recognition + appreciation they deserve. Looking for some thoughtful ideas to celebrate the amazing teachers in your life or your child’s life? It can be nerve-wracking to find the perfect gift. Folks often turn to gift cards + coffee mugs, and while those items remain ever-popular, there are plenty of other memorable ways to say thank you. Every family wants to give something unique that will be cherished for years to come, so as a student, teacher, + parent that has been on all sides of the gifting table, I have put together a short list of what I think are standout gifts that withstand the test of time. Grab a notepad and jot these down because here are 5 original, heartwarming ways to thank a teacher!

1. Flowers of Gratitude

Flowers of gratitude are a fresh + simple way to thank a teacher for all the ways they help your little one bloom. If you’re on a budget, you can buy a single-stem flower or a small bouquet. Other ideas include buying artificial flowers or making a paper flower that will last forever. For an added special touch, tie a ribbon and attach a note of gratitude. If your child is able, have them write the note themselves or have them sign their name to make the gift more personal and meaningful.

2. Teacher Favorites – Teaching Tools, Resources, + Supplies

Let’s face it, every teacher could use more teaching tools, resources, + supplies for the classroom! We all know teachers pay a ton of money out of pocket to make learning more fun + engaging for kids. On average, I would spend hundreds of dollars of my own money as a classroom teacher every year. Not sure what your child’s teachers need? Feel free to ask them! Anything to aid work + organization, like sticky notes, folders, + writing tools are sure bets. Another option is to purchase gift cards to stores where teachers love to shop, like Target, Michaels, Erin Condren, Barnes & Noble, and Teachers Pay Teachers. Giving the gift of classroom supplies + instructional resources is not only practical but also a gift that keeps on giving and a gift that benefits many.

3. Book Love – Classroom Library Contributions

Books are the perfect way to a teacher’s heart. First, find out if your child’s teacher has book wishlists to avoid purchasing a book that they already have in their classroom library. Teacher Appreciation Week is the perfect opportunity to gift a teacher that book they’ve been eyeing! If money is tight, feel free to gift a book from your home that is like new or gently used. When considering books to gift, think outside the box. Many think to give classics or childhood favorites, but nowadays, teachers may prefer books that cover relevant topics. For instance, my personal favorites when it comes to giving and receiving books are children’s books that promote diversity, equity, + inclusion and center the voices and stories of those who are historically marginalized or erased from our classroom libraries. Sadly, not every child can see themselves in a book in their classroom. Books that could be categorized as “not your average book” are also highly encouraged. Some ideas that come to mind are graphic novels, anthologies, magazines, and e-books. Subscriptions to teacher-geared publications, like Scholastic, Learning For Justice, or Epic! for the classroom, are another route you could take that would make any teacher’s year!

4. Notes of Appreciation

Sometimes, it’s the little things that matter. Dropping your child’s teacher a quick line, whether it be a text, email, e-card, or note, is an inexpensive, yet impactful way to express your appreciation + gratitude for all that they do. There are creative ways to show you care. Some examples include having your child draw a picture of a favorite memory shared with their teacher, writing a song or poem, sharing a photo or digital album, and recording a personal audio or video message. Whatever option you choose, there’s no doubt your keepsake will have that special teacher smiling for years to come!

5. Handmade Gifts

I don’t know about you, but handmade gifts are a surefire way to my heart. The cards + gifts that my students made for me always meant the most. The effort + love poured into each gift are what makes handmade items priceless. Heartfelt notes and hand painted frames with special quotes or messages like the one pictured here are among some of my personal favorites. I really do treasure the gifts students have given me over the years–even to this day. Having your child create a memento for a teacher involves them in the gift-giving process and encourages them to reflect on the impact their teachers have had on their lives.

Bottom Line

Whether you have settled on a gift that is store-bought or made one with love, your token of gratitude + appreciation is sure to leave a lasting impression on any teacher’s heart.