Teacher Appreciation Week: 5 Gifts Elementary Teachers Actually Want (From a Teacher!)
As an elementary teacher, I can tell you—Teacher Appreciation Week is a wonderful chance to let educators know how much you value their hard work, creativity, and big hearts. But what do teachers really want? Here’s a list of five gifts that always make our week (plus one that’s extra special!).
As third grade teacher, I have experienced a few teacher appreciation weeks. My absolute favorite are the thoughtful gifts. Not the $1.99 notepad from Walmart or the ‘Best Teacher’ cup, but the handmade notes from students or the giftcard to my favorite coffee shop (Seven Brew FYI). Think about a teacher in your life, what would actually mean something to them? When you’ve got that in mind, pair one of our handmade cards with the gift, and you are guaranteed to convey ‘you are appreciated’.
Photo by Bunly Hort on Unsplash
1. Gift Card to Local Coffee Shops
There’s nothing like a fresh cup of iced coffee to kick off a busy school day. A gift card to a neighborhood coffee shop is a practical treat that supports local businesses, and provides that necessary caffeine boost teachers need to get through the day of herding cats.
2. Positive Notes from Families and Students
Heartfelt, handwritten notes or cards from students and families are the gifts we treasure most. These reminders of our impact get tucked into desk drawers and saved for years. I have a binder for each school year that I use to store student artwork and notes. I have every piece signed by the artist, so I can always remember where each came from. This ranges from coloring pages to cut-up paper snowflakes. Each one is a treasure I keep and show future students.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
3. Classroom Supplies—Especially Clorox Wipes & Whiteboard Markers
Teachers regularly buy their own classroom supplies, and practical gifts like Clorox wipes and colorful markers help keep our classrooms clean, organized, and fun for everyone. A clean classroom is a germ-reduced classroom! We have to fight those germs and keep the kids healthy. Clorox wipes, facial tissues, and whiteboard markers are almost always running low.
Photo by amirali mirhashemian on Unsplash
4. Chocolate—Especially Ghirardelli Waffle Cone Caramels
A little sweetness goes a long way! Thoughtful treats, especially favorite chocolates like Ghirardelli waffle cone caramels, are always appreciated. One of my students brought in the Ghirardelli Waffle Cone Caramels that her family sent in for MAP testing (Missouri’s standardized testing), and I have discovered a new favorite chocolate treat.
Photo by Allison Astorga on Unsplash
5. Flair Pens!
Colorful flair pens are a teacher’s best friend—for grading, planning, and adding a splash of fun to each day. I have one attached to my lanyard, so I am never without a pen. My first two years, I would change the color daily to match my outfit. This year, I am just happy to have a working pen!
Top It Off: A Handmade Card
Pair any of these gifts with a handmade card, and you have the perfect way to say thank you. At Leaf and Vine Card Design, we believe a card adds the personal touch teachers remember long after the week is over. As a teacher/card maker, I make cards that I would want to receive.
Bring the beauty of nature indoors with our "Playful Paws Among Plants Card." This delightful card features an array of stunning botanical images, showcasing various plants, each with its unique charm. An adorable grey kitten can be found nestled among the greenery attempting to bat a frond.
The front of the card is adorned with beautifully detailed images of popular plants, including succulents, ferns, and vines, perfect for any plant lover. Whether you’re sending a note to a friend or want to share your love for plants, the "Playful Paws Among Plants Card" is the purrfect way to connect with nature and those you care about.
Playful Paws Among Plants Card
-1 card and 1 white envelope
-folded card
-Blank on the inside
-Size: 4.25X5.5 inches
DETAILS: This botanical card is stamped onto a white background. The design is heat embossed onto the card base. Each image is hand-colored with care and detail. Inside is intentionally left blank for your personal message. Card comes with an envelope.
CARD PAPER WEIGHT: Sturdy 110 lb cardstock. Super smooth and nice and heavy.
HANDMADE: All cards are handmade by Ashley.
USE: Use blank card for any occasion. Use for thank you cards, birthday cards, just a note cards, sympathy cards, hello notes, celebrations, or anything else!
PACKAGING: Card/envelope will be in a sealed, clear package with a label.
SHIPPING: Leaf and Vine Card Design offers free shipping on qualifying orders. When you purchase $35 in product(s) your order ships for free! All orders are carefully packaged and shipped via USPS.
MORE OPTIONS: See the entire shop for handmade cards for every occasion as well as blank card sets.
Let’s make this Teacher Appreciation Week extra special for the educators who give so much!
