Google tells me that Teacher Appreciation Week is next week, May 8-12. Facebook tells me that plenty of places are actually celebrating THIS week. So whether you’re scrambling for a last-minute way to give a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to your child’s teacher, or planning ahead to get a gift ready for next week, we’ve got you.
We asked teachers what they REALLY wanted for Teacher Appreciation Week, and here’s what they said.
Handwritten Notes
This was far & away the top request among teachers. Whether it’s a note written by the child or an email from an appreciative parent, teachers love feeling recognized for their hard work. Many even said that they keep them to pick them up on the difficult days.
They pour so much into our kids and their top request in return is a thank-you note? Moms, WE CAN DO THIS.
Gift Cards for School Supplies
It’s such a shame that teachers aren’t given all the tools they need to do their jobs. They have to provide so much for their classrooms on their own and would love gift cards to help out with those expenses.
Pens, Colorful Sticky Notes, Stickers, Notepads, blank Thank-You Notes
If you don’t want to buy a gift card but still want to help out with school supplies, buy some fun things they probably wouldn’t splurge for on their own!
Coffee
These people spend ALL DAY with children. That means they also deserve ALL THE COFFEE. Whether it’s gourmet beans or a Starbucks gift card, they’d love a little pick-me-up from you.
Restaurant or ‘Date Night’ Gift Cards, Movie Tickets
Teachers have lives, too. Help remind them to stop grading homework once in awhile and enjoy time with their friends and family.
Hobby Items
By now, your child probably knows some of their teacher’s hobbies. Do they garden? Buy some gloves and tools. Do they knit? Get some yarn. Do they golf? Buy a pack of golf balls.
Read-Aloud Books
Do you have an elementary-age child? Consider buying a book to add to your teacher’s library. Personalize it by putting a note in the front cover.
Buy From Their Wish List
Many PTA organizations compile a wish list for teachers. Check with your school’s office or the PTA to see if one exists at your school. You can’t go wrong!
Don’t Forget the Specialists
Even your youngest student sees multiple teachers each week. Don’t forget to thank the librarian, the PE teacher, the music specialist, the technology teacher…the list goes on! And if this list gets overwhelming and you feel like you’re going to bust your budget, just remember the very first item on this list.
This week, let the teachers in your child’s life know how much you appreciate them. They don’t hear it enough.
