Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week, and if you're like me, you had no idea until it was too late to participate in a way that felt authentic. As a teacher, you'd think I would know when Teacher Appreciation Week is, but I absolutely do not know until I get the email from admin about special plans for the week -- a.k.a. the schedule of what food we'll be getting on which day.

Honestly, I think elementary teachers are the most dialed in to this Teacher Appreciation Week than their secondary counterparts. Their students, after all, are still small and cuddly and love their teachers. I, on the other hand, teach middle school where gifts are few and far between though not nonexistent.  This year I received gifts from six students - a record to be sure! High school teachers, I'm afraid, might be even more overlooked.

If you're like me and totally blanked on Teacher Appreciation Week, you still have time to recognize all the hard work your child's teacher puts in over the school year. We still have a few weeks until summer break. In my district, students have eight more days, and teachers have ten.

Not that I'm counting.

I'm definitely not counting.

Ahem. Anyway, I have rounded up more than twenty gift ideas that your child's teacher would actually appreciate.

Thank You Notes - I can guarantee you that these are hands down a teacher's favorite thing to receive from a student. The notes I've collected over the last few years are something that I will treasure for a long time. Our school system has started doing a digital appreciation program the last two years that allows students, parents, and other community members to submit notes to teachers. The notes are delivered directly to our inboxes. It's a nice little pick-me-up that shows up at unexpected times.

Food - Seriously. You cannot go wrong with this one. Find out what your teacher's favorite snack is and gift that to them. Or if you're able, treat your child's teacher(s) to lunch. One of our eighth grade families did that this past week!

Gift Cards - Starbucks, Target, Chick-fil-A, a local restaurant, Amazon...the possibilities are endless! And always appreciated.

Colorful Pens - Show me a teacher who doesn't love fun pens. I think Flair Pens are probably the most popular, but these Papermate Ink Joy Gel Pens are my personal favorites. If someone gifted me a new set of those, I would love them forever.

Sticky Notes - I use sticky notes literally every day, so I would be thrilled to receive a brand new pack. I especially love this set that is customized for teachers. There are a bunch of designs available.

Teacher Notepad - I have and love this notepad. I don't use it daily, but on days when I have a ton of things that need to be accomplished, it's a lifesaver.

Expo Markers - Show me a teacher who wouldn't appreciate a brand new pack of colorful Expo markers...although, I also wouldn't turn my nose up at a pack of plain-Jane black ones either.

Teacher Stamps - This is one of those things that I would love to have as a teacher but would never actually buy for myself. Hint, hint.

Stickers - I don't care how old they are, kids love stickers, but they aren't something that I keep in stock. I would love to be that teacher, but I'm just not. I like these run-of-the-mill motivational ones, but I love these personalized ones even more. How cool would it be to put a sticker on something you're handing back that has your name on it?!

Things My Students Said Journal - If you've ever worked with kids, then you already know that they say the craziest, funniest, most off-the-wall things ever. Having a way to document them would be such a fun way of memorializing good memories.

Hand Sanitizer - Teaching can be gross at times, making hand sanitizer a necessity. Some of my students have been recently loving these Touchland Power Mist sanitizers, and they are so cute and fun.  You can also never go wrong with Bath & Body Works' PocketBac sanitizers.

Desk Calendar - Not only does this look cool, but it's also reusable year-after-year. Of course, I would probably never remember to change it...

This Teacher Rules Desk Plaque - What a cute idea for a math teacher!

Apple Pillow - I saw this in Target the other day and almost bought it for myself.

Best Teacher Ever Trophy - This is one of those gifts that's so silly, but I would absolutely add it to my collection of desk/filing cabinet decor.

Pencil Tumbler - I'm not sure that I would use something breakable at school, but the writing teacher in me appreciates this cup a lot.

Pencil Pouch - I am a firm believer that you can never have too many pouches, and this one is such a good size.

Personalized Jumbo Paper Clips - I 1000% want these. Someone please order them for me!

Teacher Encouragement Jar - There's no doubt about it: teaching is hard. Some days more than others. This jar is filled with encouragement in five different categories.

Teacher's Last Nerve Candle - This candle is so funny to me.

Portable Cutlery - Do you know how many times I've sat down to eat lunch at my desk and realized I have nothing to eat said lunch with? This reusable set of cutlery would be so handy. I especially like that they come in their own little case, too, so I wouldn't just have silverware floating around my desk drawer.

Lightbox Sign - I feel like this could be a fun addition to any classroom.

Teacher Care Crate - I don't personally have experience with this subscription service, but it looks really promising, and the monthly price is surprisingly lower than I expected.