Teacher Appreciation Week Ideas

Every day, teachers go above and beyond to inspire and educate our kids. Now, it's our turn to show them some love.

Whether you're a parent, student, or school administrator, Teacher Appreciation Week is the perfect time to recognize the incredible impact teachers have every day. It's not about the size of the gesture—it’s about the heart behind it. With a little creativity and a dash of personalization, you can make your teachers feel extra special this week.Let’s explore some simple, meaningful ways to brighten their week.

When Is Teacher Appreciation Week 2025?

Teacher Appreciation Week takes place during the first full week of May, with National Teacher Day celebrated on Tuesday of that same week.

For 2025:

• Teacher Appreciation Week: May 5 - 9
• National Teacher Day: May 6

Our remarkable educators give so much of their time, energy, and heart to help students grow and succeed. Their impact reaches far beyond the classroom. Knowing that their efforts are seen and appreciated is one of the most rewarding parts of the job. That’s why one of the best things you can give a teacher is the simple but powerful reminder that they are truly valued.

Some of the most meaningful ways to show teacher appreciation include writing a heartfelt note or letter, giving practical gifts like planners or classroom supplies, or even offering your time by helping out during recess or lunch duty. Small gestures like these can go a long way in showing how much you care.

Remember, it's the thought that counts. Even small gestures can make a big difference in a teacher's day!

Let's start by looking at thoughtful gift ideas that you can give a teacher. Many of these suggestions can be easily adapted for group or class contributions as well.

1. Personalized academic planner

A personalized academic planner is one of the most thoughtful yet practical gifts you can give a teacher. The very nature of the job requires an educator to be ultra-organized and prepared.

Therefore, a customized planner creates a perfect blend of function and sentiment, especially if you combine it with handwritten elements.

The best thing about this gift idea is that you can create a planner that works precisely for the teacher's needs. Whether it's for kindergarten, elementary level, high school, or even a custom homeschooling lesson planner, here are some sweet ideas:

• Personalize the planner with the teacher’s name on the cover and include inserts specifically for classroom planning.
• You can sign or write thank-you notes on the first page.
• Fill in random days of the planner with fun surprises. For instance, you or the child could write messages like “You’re amazing!” or “Thank you for all you do!”
• Decorate the planner cover or inside pages with student artwork, stickers, or small doodles.
• Attach handwritten quotes or positive affirmations from students to the tabs or calendar pages.
• Write mini thank-you notes and slip them between pages of an undated planner.
• Include student-made planner stickers with messages like “Best Teacher Ever.”
• Design custom tabs with fun titles like “Superstar Week!”

2. Customized notebooks

Notebooks are also incredibly practical because they can be used for just about everything. From journaling to creating to-do lists, a teacher will always find a use for a notebook.

Choose one with a teacher-themed page design, and then add your own finishing touches. You can:

• Create a gratitude journal where each student writes a message expressing appreciation for their teacher.
• Gift a classroom checklist pad with a student-made “Top 10 Things We Love About You” list. -Add positive affirmations or relaxing tips inside a self-care notebook.
• Transform pages into coupons that can be redeemed for parent volunteer time or extra school supplies, like tissues, markers, or snacks.

3. Teacher survival kit

A survival kit combines humor and practicality. It’s a thoughtful gift that shows you understand the daily challenges teachers face.

You can tailor it to match the teacher's personality (ask for your child's input here). To help, here are some standard items that teachers are likely to use:

• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues
• Lip balm
• Favorite brand of tea or coffee
• Sticky notes or a personalized notepad
• Daily or weekly planner
• Pens and markers
• Stress ball
• Student-written affirmation cards
• Cookies and/or candy (be mindful of dietary restrictions)
• Band aids

4. Themed gift basket

If you know the teacher quite well, then you can go a step beyond the survival kit and build a themed gift basket that matches their personality or passions.

For instance:

• Create a movie night basket with popcorn, candy, soda, a cozy blanket, and streaming service gift card.
• For a spa day fan, add a face mask, lotion, bath salts, and tea. You could also get the class to pitch in for a massage voucher and gift it inside a self-care journal.
• If the teacher is a book lover, include a bookstore gift card, tea, and a class-made bookmark. Add in a pocket notebook with a handwritten reading list.

5. School supplies

The unfortunate reality is that many teachers dip into their own pockets to ensure their students have the right classroom supplies.

Make it easier for your child's teacher by adding much-needed supplies into a nice gift box.

If you're not sure which supplies to include, reach out to the school administration and ask for a list of items and required quantities.

Tip: If you have a strong local community, you may even be able to get donations from local businesses and neighbors. It's worth asking around to see what supplies people are willing to give to the school.

Getting the whole class involved in a group gift or gesture can be extremely powerful. These collective gestures demonstrate the meaningful impact a teacher has had on their entire class.

Tip: Start planning the idea well ahead of Teacher Appreciation Week, so no one feels rushed or pressured to create something quickly.

1. A thank-you video

Create a heartwarming video compilation where each student records a brief message sharing what they appreciate most about their teacher.

Students can:

• Share a favorite memory from class
• Explain how the teacher has helped them
• Describe what makes this teacher special
• Thank them for specific lessons or moments

Compile all clips into one video that the teacher can keep forever and easily share with family and friends.

This gift is meaningful and creates a keepsake that teachers often say they watch years later whenever they need encouragement.

2. Classroom memories collage

This creative approach visually captures the positive experiences shared between students and their teacher.

Print out photos, get the students to draw pictures, and use mixed media like scrap paper, markers, glitter, and so on to create a stunning collage to display on the classroom wall.

If wall displays aren't practical, consider creating a classroom memories book instead, where each student contributes a favorite moment with accompanying illustrations.

3. "Why we appreciate you" journal

Start a “Why We Appreciate You” journal where each student writes a message on a page and decorates it with stickers, drawings, washi tape, etc. Kind of like a mini-collage but in notebook form!

For example, each student could write:

• “My favorite thing about you is..."
• “The funniest or most inspiring thing you said this year is..."
• "I will always appreciate..."

You could also incorporate this with a goal-setting journal.

Let each student write a personal goal and how their teacher has helped them achieve it. This will surely warm any teacher's heart.

4. Behavior tracker with a twist

Print a mock seating chart or behavior tracker, and students can add kind or funny words and compliments about their classmates and teacher! To bring it to life, students can draw illustrations of their fellow classmates.

For example, "Mr B gets a 10/10 for his jokes about science!"

This one works especially well for elementary classrooms because it's simple to create.

5. Class show/performances

This is a good one to run throughout Teacher Appreciation Week, since you can divide the class into groups or pairs and hold a mini show each day.

Have the students come up with a short performance. This could be a funny moment or a situation they experienced with the teacher. Perhaps they could write and perform a song or a poem, or even a dance.

As an additional keepsake, the scripts, songs, poems, etc., can be printed and inserted into a memory journal.

If students are willing, you could even film each performance and add them to a memory stick to include with the journal.

6. Coupon book

A coupon book is a super fun yet thoughtful gift for Teacher Appreciation Week. It’s a creative way for students (and parents) to offer support and make a teacher’s day a little easier and more joyful.

Here are some ideas for what to include:

• Ten minutes of peace and quiet: Redeemable when needed most
• One free compliment break: We’ll shower you with kind words for 5 minutes
• Classroom cleanup crew: A helping hand during pack-up time
• Snack drop-off: You name the treat, we’ll deliver it
• One coffee run on us
• One free duty coverage: We’ll cover recess/lunch/hall duty
• Handout helper: We'll hand out books/worksheets/etc. for the whole week

7. Positivity plant

A plant is a great Teacher Appreciation Week gift because it can brighten up the classroom. But how about adding a little extra to it?

Students can tie little handwritten notes of positivity or appreciation to the branches, which the teacher can then remove and read.

The notes could even be plant-themed, such as "You make me bloom because..," or "You help us grow by..."

Gift a journal or planner along with it, with blank pages so the teacher can stick the notes inside.

Tip: If a real plant is impractical, get a nice-looking fake plant. Or, if there's time, the students could make paper flowers and leaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do teachers really want for Teacher Appreciation Week?

Teachers want meaningful gifts that are personal, practical, and heartfelt. They value thoughtfulness over grand gestures. Therefore, gestures such as handwritten notes, personalized items such as planners or notebooks, and homemade keepsakes are most appreciated.

How can I make my Teacher Appreciation Week special?

You can make Teacher Appreciation Week special by organizing themed days with a specific event for each one. You can also get everyone involved in creating a heartfelt group gift, like a personalized planner or decorating the classroom.

Volunteering your time to support staff members or school events is also highly appreciated.

How do you celebrate Teacher's Day in a unique way?

Some unique ways to celebrate Teacher's Day include interactive games and challenges, such as a cake decorating contest or a costume party. You could even go all-out and organize a food truck, coffee bar, or arrange a potluck lunch.

Final Thoughts

We hope you’ve found plenty of inspiration to help celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week in a meaningful way. Whether you’re contributing to a group gift or planning something personal, there are so many thoughtful ways to show gratitude. These simple acts of kindness not only make teachers feel truly valued, but also help children understand the importance of saying thank you to the people who inspire and support them every day.