There are hundreds of ideas on blogs and Pinterest for elaborate ways to shower teachers with appreciation, but you don’t have to be the ultimate Pinterest mom to give a meaningful gift.
Here are a few simple (and inexpensive) ideas of how you can show love to your child’s teacher:
- Give the gift of your time.
Teachers are always giving their time to invest in their students. Help them out by taking on time-consuming tasks like labeling, prepping for a craft or event, or ask them specifically what they need help with. You can also offer to volunteer in the classroom if they have a need for that. Be open and be willing. It probably won’t be glamourous, but your child’s teacher will be appreciative of you taking a burden off of them. - Give a gift card to a place that means something to them.
At first it seems impersonal, but giving a gift card can actually be one of the most thoughtful gifts to give teachers because it acknowledges the things that bring them joy instead of putting our own expectations on them. My coworkers love candles, but the scent is a trigger for my migraines. I love chocolate, but I have friends who are allergic. Giving a gift card (specifically to a place that you know your teacher loves) lets them treat themselves to something they might not normally splurge on. My favorite way to bless our teachers is with a gift card to the coffee shop across the street from our school so they can grab a cup of coffee on their way into work. It’s easy, fits in our budget, and is so appreciated by the teachers because it’s a place they enjoy going. - Bring them their favorite drink.
I have often skipped the step of a gift card, and brought coffee right to the teachers. When I do this, I make sure to ask what their favorite drink is – don’t try to guess here. If you’re going to go out of the way to buy a special drink, make it one that they’ll enjoy. Two of our teachers love coffee (one always get hers iced, no matter what the season) and another one drinks Earl Grey instead, but prefers to brew it herself. I let them know at least a day ahead of time when I’ll be bringing it so they don’t have to stop for coffee on that day. - Write a card or letter of appreciation from you and/or your child.
Have you told your child’s teacher recently how much you appreciate them? It’s easy for us to say a quick thank you in passing, but taking the time to write out a few specific things that have made a difference for you or your child is an encouragement that they can keep coming back to. My favorite cards are the 99c cards from Trader Joe’s. They’re beautiful and budget friendly. For extra encouragement, have your child do the same. They can make a card or pick out a card and write a few things that they love about their teacher. If you have younger kids who can’t write yet, have them draw a picture, then write a note of their favorite things.
What are you planning on doing for Teacher Appreciation Week?
RELATED:
We Asked Teachers What They REALLY Want for Teacher Appreciation Week. Here’s What They Said.
Teacher Gift Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank
Ten Things Teachers Wish Parents Knew
Guest post by Hannah Anariba
