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. Teachers deserve all the extra credit they can get, so why not use the U.S. Teacher Appreciation Week to celebrate Canadian teachers the week of 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 colourful MopTopper® Multi-ink Pens. Ask questions like, “What’s your favourite drink?” “What’s your favourite snack?” and “What hobby do you enjoy?” Use this information to provide teachers with personalized gift cards.
Include a complementary gift to go with their gift card, like a Vacuum Insulator Tumbler along with a gift card to their favourite coffee shop. Or a stylish Buckle Tote and a gift card to their favourite 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 Coloured 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 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 favourite 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 Mason Jar Tumbler. Place in a school logoed gift bag and impress your teachers with a homemade gift.
Or provide a Colouring Bookmark with a Colour 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 Butter Popcorn Tins, Chocolate Cookie Dough Bites and Tasty Bites Snack Mix. Don’t forget to include Hot Chocolate Pouches, iced tea and other favourite 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 favours, like Can Coolers or Insulated Grocery Totes.
5. Organization
Teachers can never have too many organization tricks and resources. Share useful tips, along with a Folding Utility 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 colourful tabs to keep track of papers and files. Best of all, these organization gifts for teachers will come in handy every week of the school year.
Teacher appreciation 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.