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54 Teacher Appreciation Ideas

Finding new ideas for teacher appreciation can be a challenge, even for the most creative among us. Our collection of 50-plus teacher appreciation ideas has something for everyone, whether you consider yourself crafty or all thumbs!

We’ve rounded up our favorite ideas, both grand and simple, for easy browsing. You’ll find links to lots of free printables, like certificates and gift tags, as well as tools to help you plan your teacher appreciation efforts, like a checklist for a staff breakfast or luncheon.

Inside the Ultimate Teacher Appreciation Guide:

Teacher Appreciation Planning Tools

Forms for organizing your efforts: teacher and staff survey, staff appreciation supplies list, volunteer recruitment flyer, and meal checklist.

Projects To Make With Students

Ask students to help create gifts their teachers will treasure.

Gifts for the Classroom

Many teachers spend hundreds of dollars of their own money each year on classroom supplies, so these items are always welcome gifts. Add a heartfelt message and the gift will be appreciated even more.

Free or Cheap Teacher Appreciation Ideas

No-cost appreciation ideas and inspirational quotes about teaching to share online or post around the school.

Gifts for Personal Use

Make them feel pampered with gifts to use for themselves, either in the classroom or at home.

Snack Ideas

Both healthy snacks and sweet treats are well-loved for teacher appreciation. Our collection of printables includes the popular Candy Poem, as well as punny or touching gift tags that can be attached to small treats like cupcakes or crackers.

Meal Ideas

Work with the principal to arrange a teacher breakfast or an extended lunch break. (Hint: Use the meal checklist from the planning tools to help organize.)

Help Teachers Out

Give staff members more time by asking parent volunteers to cover school-day duties or to help with routine personal tasks.

Gift Cards

When you’re not sure what to get, a gift card is a safe bet. You can create a crafty gift card bouquet or print out one of our clever gift card holders.

Say Thanks All Year Long

Ways to show appreciation from August to June.

Appreciating the “T” in “PTO”

When it comes to showing teachers you care, it truly is the thought that counts. Showing appreciation throughout the school year can lift spirits and enhance your PTO’s relations with staff members.
While a lot of parent groups plan the bulk of their appreciation efforts for Teacher Appreciation Week (the first full week of May), it’s even better to find smaller ways to appreciate staff members throughout the whole school year. If your PTO doesn’t have a committee chair overseeing teacher appreciation, recruit someone to take on that role specifically.
Brainstorm ways you can recognize teachers’ efforts at different times of year. You might give them some classroom supplies before the first day of school, ask parents to bake cookies before the winter holidays, or present them with gifts to help relax during summer break.
Teacher appreciation doesn’t have to be a big item in your budget; it just has to be a sincere expression of gratitude.

Still have questions?
Call us at 800-644-3561; we’re here to help.