Editor’s Note: This article is updated annually and has been modified to include new teacher appreciation gifts and celebration ideas for 2022.
It’s time to give teachers the extra recognition they deserve. Every day, teachers prepare the next generation to be the leaders of tomorrow. Around 88% of people say their teachers played a significant part in their lives. And two out of three students see their teacher as a role model. Celebrate all educators during teacher appreciation week, May 1-8. We offer teacher appreciation gift ideas to share the love.
1. Personalized teacher appreciation gifts
Teachers spend all year getting to know their students. Show you care by getting to know your teachers. Pass out surveys, along with colorful MopTopper® Multi-ink Pens. Ask questions like, “What’s your favorite drink?” “What’s your favorite snack?” and “What hobby do you enjoy?” Use this information to provide teachers with personalized gift cards for teacher appreciation week.
Include a complementary gift to go with their gift card, like a Vacuum Insulator Tumbler along with a gift card to their favorite coffee shop. Or a stylish Duet Rectangular Tote and a gift card to their favorite store.
2. School supplies
Teachers often buy school supplies out of their own pockets. Show you care by putting together a gift set of essential supplies. A mini canister of assorted permanent markers, a Colored Pencil and Ruler Box and Mood Erasers are fun yet practical gifts. And Corked Bottles filled with paper clips, push pins and binder clips are useful and stylish. Compile supplies in a Large Tote Bag that teachers can use all year long.
3. Handmade arts and crafts
A handmade teacher appreciation week gift is a thoughtful way to make teachers feel loved and recognized. Encourage younger students to trace their hand on a large sheet of paper and sign their name inside. Older students can write a personal note or highlight their favorite thing about their teacher. “Frame” the artwork by posting it in a classroom window or on a bulletin board.
Create a homemade bath soak with bath salts and Essential Oils. Present the bath soak in a Deep Etch Mason Jar Mug. Tie a pretty Dye-Sublimated Ribbon around the top and impress your teachers with a homemade gift.
Or provide a Coloring Bookmark with a Color Pencil Six Pack to help teachers relax with their own personal art time.
4. Host a party
Whether virtual or in-person, a party is a memorable way to show heartfelt appreciation. Load up with snacks and drinks—like Popcorn Cone Bags, Chocolate Cookie Dough Bites and a Wisconsin Variety Package of meat and cheese. Don’t forget to include Hot Chocolate Kits in Mini Glass Mason Jars, Iced Tea and other favorite beverages.
Get everyone laughing and interacting with fun games and activities. BINGO and trivia are fun games that can be played either in person or online. Games like Oversize Wooden Dice are lots of fun at in-person celebrations. At the end of the party, provide useful party favors, like Can Coolers or Deluxe Insulated Grocery Totes.
5. Organization
Teachers can never have too many organization tricks and resources. Share useful tips, along with a Non-Woven Storage Tote perfect for easily transporting supplies from home to school and back again. An Executive Desk Organizer keeps stray pens, pencils, erasers, paper clips and items neat and tidy. And an Office Buddy Cube provides plenty of colorful tabs to keep track of papers and files. Best of all, these organization gifts for teacher appreciation week will come in handy every week of the school year.
Teacher appreciation week gifts for amazing teachers
With the best teacher appreciation gifts and giveaways, from personalized to fun to practical, it’s easy to give teachers the recognition they deserve. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!