100 Best DIY Teacher Appreciation Gifts (2024)

FAQs

What do teachers really want for appreciation week? ›

Most Appreciated Teacher Gift: Thank-You Notes

“The heartfelt words written by students convey deep appreciation and warmth, which makes me feel truly valued and encouraged.” In fact, most teachers we surveyed say they appreciate a handwritten thank-you note over just about anything else.

It is illegal to accept a gift that could be construed as a reward for a past official action or because of the position an individual holds in the decision-making process. It may be permissible in some states to accept an item such as a gift basket valued at less than $25 or $50.

Say thank you!

Take the time to write a personal note or email expressing gratitude for their efforts and the positive impact they have on students' lives. Recognize their achievements by highlighting their accomplishments in staff newsletters or during staff meetings.

“If your child has the teacher for just one period of the day, $10 to $20 is appropriate.” Melissa Verity Baral teaches kindergarten in Los Angeles and tells SheKnows most parents give $25 to $50 gift cards.

Make sure teachers hear the value of their work from the students themselves. Have students share thank-you messages with teachers past and present through notes, artwork, videos, stories, or other means. Invite students to help decorate for Teacher Appreciation Week.

Chick-fil-A: Get a free chicken biscuit or chicken sandwich at participating locations on Teacher Appreciation Day, May 7.

Custom Mugs. Custom coffee mugs are great gift ideas for your teachers. Whether they use them as desk accessories to hold pens and pencils or sip from it every morning to get their day going — mugs make great teacher keepsakes they will cherish for years to come.

Is Dunkin Donuts doing anything for teacher appreciation week? ›

Dunkin' Donuts

Teachers can get their caffeine fix once a day, every day during Teacher Appreciation Week. Dunkin' Refreshers are only $3 through Dunkin' Rewards.

So, what do teachers really want? It's simple, really—and fits every budget: notes of appreciation, school supplies and gift cards.

And more than any physical gift, teachers appreciate your support. Whew. OK. That being said, if you're insistent about giving gifts to the teachers you care about this holiday season, there is one gift I can guarantee every teacher is happy to receive and will definitely put to good use: cash.

Thus, it is concluded that a teacher's most precious item is his Student's faith.

Homemade treats.

While the gesture is appreciated, it's risky business. With allergies, germophobes and unknown ingredients, homemade goodies often end up in the trash.

Legally, most public school teachers are not allowed to accept gifts worth more than $50, but even if a family gives me a $5 gift, I think about the time and labor that went into it… and frankly, feel uncomfortable.

A letter or card. By far, this is the best gift a student can give a teacher. Teachers live to see their students' progress and growth, and the thing they treasure the most is a handwritten letter from a student thanking them and letting them know that they made a difference.