Teacher Appreciation Week is a way to show gratitude to all of the amazing teachers, educators and mentors in our lives. While teachers should be appreciated year-round, Teacher Appreciation Week serves as a reminder to help support, validate and encourage educators to continue doing what they do best — engaging and enriching students’ lives. Here are just a few ideas for how you can say “thank you” to teachers.
Share thoughtful gifts
According to Adopt a Classroom, teachers are spending more out of pocket on classroom supplies than ever before, contributing an average of $750 of their own money. Show them your gratitude by gifting some new school supplies they might need, or splurge on some cute decorations for their desk or room.
When it comes to gifts, it’s the thought that matters. Personalized gifts like custom name plaques or mugs can help your teacher feel special and show them you put effort into finding something just for them. Sites like Etsy and Crestline offer a myriad of personalized mementos, with gifts ranging from monogrammed pencils to engraved paperweights.
Get creative
If you’re on a tight budget, don’t fret. One of the best things you can give to your teachers is completely free: a sincere, handwritten thank you note. Reddit user and teacher Silver_Phoenix93 shared, “… letters from my students are the only thing keeping me in the field.” Another user shared that they keep every note, letter and drawing that students give them.