14+ Free Teacher Appreciation Ideas
Showing your teachers how much they're appreciated doesn't have to cost a thing (seriously!). We highlight 14+ free ways to celebrate teachers and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week - or any time of the year.
Teacher Appreciation Week is kind of a big deal, but amid ongoing economic uncertainty and tightening budgets, FREE is everyone's favorite four letter word these days. The good news is your PTO doesn't have to break the bank to show your teachers and staff how much they're appreciated. Below, we highlight a few free ways to wow your teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week.
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Set up an outdoor patio for teachers
Ask volunteers to bring in patio furniture and plants from their own yards for the week to set up an outdoor patio for teachers to enjoy.
Teacher appreciation station
Encourage families to send in pre-written notes or cards for teachers. Or, set up an "appreciation station" with pencils and paper for kids and parents to write a note to their favorite staff member.
Bring your teacher a joke
Ask each student to bring in a joke for their teacher. Students take turns sharing jokes with the teachers.
Chalk the walk
Invite families to come to the school after hours to draw and write words of thanks around the school in sidewalk chalk. Ask them to bring their own chalk, if possible.
Cookie bar
Invite families to make a batch of their favorite cookie and set up a cookie bar in the teachers' lounge.
Door decorating
Have a parent volunteer decorate the classroom door as an empty "vase". Ask each student to draw or color a paper flower. The class can then give the teacher a bouquet of paper flowers to fill the vase on her door.
Social media shout outs
Create a Google Form and ask families to write a gratitude note for staff members for your PTO to share on social media throughout the week.
Theme days for students
Encourage students to dress like their teacher, wear hats for “hats off to my teacher” day, sunglasses for a "because my teacher is cool" day, or to wear their teacher's favorite color.
High five parade or clap out
Have students line up in the hallway to give high fives (or clap) as teachers parade down the hall.
Send in a stem or "flower shower"
Ask students to bring in a picture of a flower they drew, a paper flower they made, or a real flower.
Jeans day passes for teachers
Ask your principal for permission to give each teacher a jeans day pass. Use our free editable coupon book to make jeans passes for your teachers!!
Staff shout out wall
Hang a large banner or long piece of paper in the hallway. Encourage students to write notes on Post It Notes to stick to the banner.
Stress relief bubble wrap
Cut bubble wrap into 4”x6” pieces and staple a paper note to the top for a much needed laugh! Use Canva to make notes and use this copy/paste text: "Stress Relief: Directions - pop 3 capsules every 2-3 hours or as needed. If symptoms persist, grab some chocolate!"
Handmade books from students
During library time, have volunteers encourage students to write letters, draw pictures, or fill out papers about their teachers. Then, make into books for teachers.
What I love about my teacher
Ask students to write and draw what they appreciate most about their teachers.
Donations from local businesses
It never hurts to ask local businesses for donations! Reach out to local chiropractor’s offices to see if they'd be willing to bring in massage chairs for 10-minute chair massages. Or, get coffee donated from a local coffee shop for a Coffee Cart Day and encourage teachers to BYOM (Bring Your Own Mug) and surprise them with a fresh pour of hot coffee at their door. Check with your local florist for donations of single stem carnations. Many restaurants will offer coupons for free items if you ask (like Wendy's), or free food or beverages (like Chick-fil-A, Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, etc.). Check with local cosmetology schools, too - some will send cosmetology students (and instructor to supervise) to give manicures, facials, and eyebrow waxing to get needed hours towards their licenses - and your staff gets pampered at the same time!
🎉 Download our free 2025-2026 calendar of special days to celebrate at school - school appreciation days and fun national holidays (like National Pretzel Day), and more!
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