As a former teacher and school counselor, showing my appreciation for my children’s teachers is something I am passionate about. I know the time and energy great teachers put into their students and I know how a little love and appreciation can really brighten a teachers day. Since we’ve decided to homeschool this year I won’t be doing any teacher appreciation, but wanted to share in case you need some ideas! And just in case your wondering, I did tell my husband he’s in charge of teacher appreciation this year!
If you’ve been around for a bit you know that gifts are one of my love languages. I like to express myself through notes and gifts for all occasions. The last couple of years I tried to send something small to my son’s teacher each month. They were never expensive or elaborate, just little things to say, “Thank you” and “I see you” and “I appreciate all you do”. I’ve found that having a list of his teacher’s favorites things makes sending small surprise gifts really easy, so at the beginning of the year I send a favorite’s thing page for them to fill out. I love knowing their favorite drink, snack, color, etc. because I don’t have to worry if they like chocolate or drink coffee. It allows me to personalize a little gift, which kinda gives me more bang for my buck so to speak.
I love seasonal themes, but you definitely wouldn’t have to go that route. I think the seasonal items helped me to remember to send a little something. I try to send things that can be used or eaten. I know sometimes teachers get overloaded with coffee cups or other items.
Below are some monthly themes that you could use if you wanted. *I swapped the monthly theme during the birthday month and would send a birthday item instead.
August– Back to school Theme; school supplies like pens, post-it notes, or an emergency bag of chocolate. Or a wellness theme- hand sanitizer or mask spray.
September– Fall Theme; a mini pumpkin and coffee gift card would be cute.
October– Halloween Theme; their favorite candy and a note that says, “your faBOOlous”
November– Thanksgiving Theme or something kitchen related like a baking mix or maybe some cinnamon honey butter for their dinner.
December– Christmas; I tried to do something bigger. Usually a gift card to amazon or target paired with something personal. Some teachers really appreciate classroom supplies or books.
January– In KS a snow day theme would be fun; hot cocoa and a good book or maybe some fuzzy socks.
February– Valentine’s Day; a little box of 2-3 fun pink items- sticky notes, pens, nail polish, candy, drinks or snacks. You can add a note that says, “tickled pink to be in your class”
March– Spring Break Theme; favorite snacks or a gift card for ice cream. If your teacher is also a parent of small children items like chalk or bubbles to enjoy at home might be nice.
April– Spring Theme- maybe a small bouquet of fresh flowers, or a sunshine themed bag with 2-3 yellow items with a note that says, “you brighten our days”
May– This is teacher appreciation month, and in our area usually the end of the school year. This is another time when I might do a slightly bigger item. A lot of times the class might go together on a few items. This is a great time to have your child write a note or draw a picture for their teacher to include with the gift.
If you are crafty you can always add some personalized or homemade items here and there. Or if you are a great cook or baker and you feel like homemade items would be well received then by all means play to your strengths. And never underestimate the power of a simple handwritten thank you note.
I know school this year looks really different for a lot of us, which might require a little extra intention and creativity when it comes to teacher appreciation, but I am confident that teaching remotely or hybrid or in person with masks and social distancing is not ideal for anyone. Great teachers desperately want to see their students grow and succeed and to give them a hug, so this year they are going to need all the support that they can get to keep them going. Even if your student is remote you can send an email gift card or drop a little something off at the school every now and then to brighten their day! Who knows it might even brighten your day, too!
Blessings for a great school year!
Meg
