Teacher Appreciation Gifts: Show Them You Care With These Thoughtful Gifts

So if you are like me, Teacher Appreciation Week came out of nowhere this year. The most important time of the year went overlooked until the last minute. As I ran around the house this morning trying to think of something creative to compensate my son’s teacher for performing the hardest job all year-that being molding, teaching and, probably the hardest thing, listening to my child’s never ending stories. So what kind of mother forgets such an important week? Hello, my name is … and I am a failure of a mom.

But let’s not get bogged down in my failures or we might be here all week and miss appreciating teachers altogether! So after hours of staring out the window with the dumfounded look, I have put together some creative ideas for every budget. I thought I would share in case you were also a member of Teacher Appreciation Week Forgetters Anonymous.

Summer Tote
Summer is almost here and what better way to give your teacher hope than with the gift of a summer tote filled with all kinds of goodies. Buy some cute flip flops, sun visor, sunscreen, beach ball and a gift card for a pedicure to show off those summer feet. Put it all in a cute beach tote and she will be surprised.

For those who can’t refuse the coffee theme
As a former teacher, I can tell you that the majority of teachers are coffee mugged out. I once spoke with a teacher who after teaching for 20 years, had boxes and boxes of mugs in her attic. She did not know what to do. If you feel your child’s teacher really loves coffee, build a coffee basket. Get a cute basket and fill it with syrups, gourmet coffee beans, muffins etc. Or buy her a gift card for the local coffee shop.

Movie Night
Get a popcorn tub and Write on the side, “For a POP-u-lar teacher!" Fill the tub with microwave popcorn, movie candy and a gift card for the theater or local video store.

Fresh Flowers
Who doesn’t like getting flowers? If you are creative, let your child bring a few each day. Start the week with a big vase and one or two flowers. As the week progresses, let him bring a few each day. She will get a kick out of seeing her vase fill up throughout the week!

Cater a gourmet lunch
At the beginning of the week, send an invitation to the teacher that says, “You are invited to a gourmet lunch on Friday with (your child’s name) in the cafeteria." Then pick up a nice gourmet meal from a local restaurant. Most teachers do not even have time for lunch or are stuck with cafeteria food, so plan something nice for her for one day. Don’t forget some gourmet dessert to top off an exciting meal.

Dinners for a week
Most teachers are parents as well. We all know nothing is harder than having to come home after working all day and cook dinner for your family. Why not provide some meals for your teacher and her family. There are many places around town that offer frozen gourmet meals for sale. Buy one or five and put in a nice basket with a note that says, “Thanks for all you do, dinner is on us today (or this week)!"

Spa Package
When do teachers have time to relax? If you have time, get with other parents and chip in for a weekend getaway. Buy her a massage, facial, manicure, etc. Give her a time to just let all the stresses melt away.

Books for the classroom
Many times teachers have to pay for all their own resources used within the classroom. Why not donate books to the class library? This is also a great way to show appreciation.

Photo Album
Have each child in the class make a card for the teacher. Assemble all the cards in the photo album with a picture of each child. It serves as a great reminder to the teacher of those influenced. If you know of someone who sews, I have also seen pillows made with pictures of the whole class.

Small gifts all week
These gifts can be little gifts to remind your teacher all week that you think she is number one. It may be a candy bar one day, breakfast, gourmet cake, flowers, candles, personalized stationery, book of quotes, lotions, etc. Get creative.

The important thing to remember is that teachers are the people with your child the majority of the week. They work endless hours for little pay and do so because they want to make a difference in your child’s life. So get creative and show your child’s teacher that you appreciate him or her. Give them an opportunity to relax!