Teachers work hard. They come early, stay late, and attend meetings while trying to quickly eat lunch. Teachers give extra time, energy, and funds to create a warm and inviting learning environment. Teachers deserve so much more than a week of appreciation for helping students and their communities. But since we only have a week, we need to make it amazing! Here are teacher appreciation gift ideas for the week, according to their teacher personality.
What do teachers really want as gifts?
I’d like to dispel a myth. Gift cards are ok. But teachers love receiving gifts. Some gifts become memorabilia. They are displayed on a shelf or a desk. Reminders of the amazingly smart and challenging students that have come through their classrooms each year.
Of course, the best form of appreciation is a thank you from students and their families. A written or digital note showing thanks goes a long way.
What is a good appreciation gift for teachers?
The best teacher appreciation gift ideas are something a teacher can use. Be sure to connect it with the teacher's personality. It can be as simple as a new tool to use in the classroom or as detailed as a signed copy of their favorite novel. Consider the teacher’s style and preferences. You can’t go wrong with an appreciation gift that relates to the teacher’s personality.
Gifts for the crafty teacher
We all love the teacher that comes into their classroom and makes it feel like home. From special curtains to color-coordinated containers. The crafty teacher appreciates a gift that fits into their weekend DIY plans.
Rolls of vinyl for their cutting machines.
Picture it now. A large quote across the front of the room encourages students to be creative. Thanks to the beautiful blue roll of vinyl they were gifted by a student. Teachers are never short of ideas. And they could always use extra supplies to bring those ideas to life.
A subscription box filled with crafty supplies.
A favorite among teachers is the Craftastic Teacher Club from Not Just A Box. It is everything a crafty teacher needs in one box. A monthly craft box for teachers that love crafting and making unique projects for their students, classrooms, and themselves. Teachers will love the reusable tools and supplies that they receive in each box. Get ready to see some amazing crafty items pop up around the classroom.
Coffee related teacher appreciation gifts
Do you have a teacher that walks in with a daily cup of coffee? They possibly make a little extra income working as a barista on the weekend, for fun. Or they have spent the year perfecting their at-home barista skills. The best teacher appreciation gift ideas for your coffee-loving teacher should keep them stocked with their favorite treat.
Specialty drink syrups
If your teacher’s coffee order includes more than 6 words, you should gift them a syrup sampler pack. Give them the gift of sweet flavors to add to their favorite homebrew. Or something that will spice up the teacher’s lounge mega pot of coffee.
Travel coffee containers
For some coffee lovers, there is nothing more exciting than unwrapping a new thermos. Or a new carafe to carry them through the eight class periods and four hours of sleep. The gift of traveling coffee is the way to a teacher’s heart.
Pet-loving teacher appreciation gift ideas
If your favorite teacher keeps a framed photo of Cookie the cat or Baxter the dog on their desk, consider gifting something for their 4 legged friend. Gifts of appreciation that can be used by the family, even if it includes a family pet, are extra special. When you include the teacher’s loved ones in your gifting it serves as recognition of who the teacher is outside of the classroom. The best appreciation gifts for teachers with a special connection with their pets should be fun and flavorful.
Specialty treats
Fun-shaped treats for them to share with their pets make a great gift. You can pick them up from a local pet shop or order them online.
An interactive toy
You may have spotted your teacher at the dog park on the weekend. Consider gifting them a toy that will keep their favorite animal entertained.
Tech gifts for teacher appreciation
When the head of the class has the newest tech gear before you learned the release date, you may have a techy teacher. Recognize your teacher’s love for all things technology, It doesn’t need to be expensive. A simple dongle to hang from their phone or light-up desk decor will show that you see them for the tech-loving educator that they are.
Fun desk item
We all know a teacher that has a gazillion devices, but little to no battery charge. Gifting a portable charger could be just the answer. Or consider an iPad/iPhone desk stand that will help them keep track of where they set down their device.
Also, just throwing this in there because it is super cool. Two words. Desk vacuum. Helps keep their work area clean and it is just so cute!
Cool USB storage
Keeping up with digital files doesn’t have to be boring. Gift your techy teacher with a USB storage to match their favorite team, food, or animated character. They can wear it proudly throughout the day. A specialty USB storage should also be easy to spot and return if they happen to leave it in the copy room.
Bonus Tech Gift Idea
Do you have a tech-loving teacher that is hard to shop for? Gift them a tech-infused subscription for educators that includes the latest tech gadgets for professional and personal use. The Tech & Teach subscription box is filled with teacher-inspired tech gadgets and apparel. It's the perfect subscription, you did not know you needed, but can't live without.
Was this list helpful? Let me know what you are gifting your teacher in the comments below.