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If you’re like me, procrastination is pretty much the only way you get things done… #procrastinatorsunite. Teacher Appreciation Week should really be all year but since it’s only a week, teacher appreciation gifts are a must!
But getting something that teachers will actually love and use can be kind of tricky… unless you REALLY know your child’s teacher, getting tangible items is kind of a gamble.
I took a poll from my Instagram audience and the verdict was pretty split between getting teachers GIFTS vs GIFT CARDS.
There are a couple arguments for both:
GIFTS for Teacher Appreciation week
PRO:
Small gifts from each family feels more personal.
CON:
When a teacher has been teaching for a long time and they receive so many mugs/lotions/ornaments/bags etc, they just have too much stuff.
I say that with the caveat that every single teacher I asked said that ANYTHING is appreciated, but I want a gift I give to be USED. So, my recommendation is to only give a GIFT if you really know the teacher and his/her preferences.
For instance, maybe she’s sensitive to smells so won’t love a candle or body lotion that you love. Or maybe she is trying to cut back on chocolate or coffee.
GIFT CARDS for Teacher Appreciation week
PRO
Almost everyone can use/spend a gift card if it’s to a place he/she frequents.
CON
Giving a gift card feels boring and less personal. I get it.
But, in defense of giving gift cards, a lot of teachers pay for things out-of-pocket, so a great gift card to Target or Amazon is helpful for that but also for anything she wants to buy with it.
THe Most Recommended Gift for Teacher Appreciation WEek
Hands down the most recommended, thoughtful, appreciated gift idea was simply a hand-written note or picture. Many teachers said these are treasured for many years, so keeping it simple and heartfelt is definitely a solid option as well.
Some sound bites that just warmed my heart… teachers are SAINTS!
“teachers really just love that parents think of them”
“it’s the thought that counts”
“I keep all the handwritten cards my students give me!”
“any token of appreciation should be welcomed and appreciated!”
‘we appreciate literally anything”
So, I’m team gift cards & personalized letters but whatever your gift-giving preference, here are some tried-and-true last minute teacher appreciation gifts your kids’ teachers will love separated by GIFTS vs GIFT CARDS.
GIFT CARDS FOR TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
- Target
- Amazon
- Visa
- Restaurants – especially to a favorite happy hour location
- Movies
- Starbucks
- Trader Joe’s
- Mani/pedi
- Hair cut & color
- Massage
- Sports team tickets
- Book gift card / Scholastic dollars (virtual gift cards from scholastic.com)
- Spa/hotel gift card
GROUP GIFT IDEAS FOR TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
- Money tree
- Cash pool
- Class coordinated lunches for the week
- Gift Card Tree
FOOD GIFT IDEAS FOR TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Have lunch brought in – coordinate a day & take their order and drop it off
- Drop off their fave soda in the middle of the day
SENTIMENTAL GIFT IDEAS FOR TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
- Handwritten note, picture, card from you or your child
- Maybe a nice box for these nice pictures/notes/cards?
GOODIES GIFT IDEAS FOR TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
- Potted plants/succulents with a card saying “thanks for helping me grow!”
- Tervis or Yeti filled with lip balms, sunscreen, summer essentials
- Candle holder/candle
- Soap
- Lip balm
- Amazon wishlist items
- Booze/Wine if you know what she likes 🙂
- Nice pens
- Large tote
- Flowers
- Personalized beach towels
- Slippers
- Monogrammed tote
- Small utility tote
- Personalized doormat
- Basket of school supplies
- Notepads
Ultimately, it sounds like your child’s teacher will be happy with ANY Teacher Appreciation gift! What’s your favorite gift to give for Teacher Appreciation Week?
