How to Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week

As a parent of a young child, you know firsthand how much your child's teacher does every day to support their growth and development. From planning engaging lessons to creating a nurturing environment, teachers play a vital role in shaping the minds and hearts of our children. That’s why Teacher Appreciation Week is the perfect opportunity to celebrate and recognize the incredible impact teachers have every day.

Teacher Appreciation Week is celebrated annually during the first full week of May. Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 takes place from Monday, May 5 to Friday, May 9, with National Teacher Day on Tuesday, May 6. It’s a time to honor teachers’ dedication and thank them for the critical role they play in our children’s lives.

A Brief History of Teacher Appreciation Week

The origins of Teacher Appreciation Week can be traced back to 1953, when Eleanor Roosevelt convinced Congress to set aside a day to honor teachers. That initial effort eventually led to the full week of celebrations we recognize today. In 1980, the National Education Association (NEA) and the National PTA declared the first full week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week, and it has been celebrated every year since then.

Why is it important to show appreciation for teachers? For starters, teaching can be a challenging and often thankless job. Many teachers spend countless hours outside of their regular workday preparing lessons, grading papers, and attending meetings. They often spend their own money on classroom supplies and materials. By showing our appreciation, we let them know that their hard work does not go unnoticed.

Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Your Child’s Teacher

So, what unique gifts can you give your child's teacher during Teacher Appreciation Week? Here are five ideas that will make them feel loved and appreciated.

Gift cards are always welcome, allowing teachers to choose what they need or want. Consider a gift card to a local restaurant, coffee shop, bookstore, or store that sells classroom supplies. You could also organize a group gift from all the parents in the class to make the gift card even more substantial.

Plants can brighten up any space, and they also have air-purifying benefits. Consider gifting your child’s teacher a small potted plant they can enjoy in their classroom. Low-maintenance options like succulents, spider plants, or pothos are easy to care for and add life to any space.

Teachers often have a lot to carry back and forth between home and school, so a personalized tote bag can be a practical and thoughtful gift. You could have the bag embroidered with the teacher's name or have your child decorate it with fabric paint. 

Teachers always need stationery and note cards to send home to parents, write notes to students, and jot down important reminders. A set of personalized stationery with their name or initials is a practical gift they'll use all year.

Sometimes the best gift is a thank you note. Take the time to write a heartfelt message to your child's teacher, expressing your gratitude for all they do. Be specific about how they have helped your child grow and learn, and include a personal anecdote or two. This will be a keepsake that your child's teacher will cherish for years to come.

Whole-Class Gift Ideas That Will Make a Big Impact

If you're someone who likes to organize (or just really loves your kid's teacher) you might consider getting the whole class to collaborate on something. This would involve the other parents in the classroom putting some effort in, so advanced planning is probably a good idea. 

Create a banner with a message of gratitude for your child's teacher, using colorful paper, markers, and stickers. Each student can contribute a section of the banner with a personalized message or drawing. 

Create a memory book filled with photos and memories from the school year. Each student can contribute a page with a photo and a short message or drawing. The book can be bound and presented to the teacher as a keepsake.

Collaborate on a group art project, such as a mural or a painted canvas. Each child can contribute a section of the piece with their own design or drawing. The final product can be framed and hung in the classroom or given to the teacher as a gift.

Have each child record a short video message sharing something they love about their teacher. One parent can compile the clips into a heartfelt tribute video to share with the teacher and class.

Create a gift basket filled with items from each child and their families. Each child can contribute a small item, such as a homemade treat, a small gift card, or a handwritten note. The basket can be presented to the teacher as a gift, filled with love and appreciation from the entire class.