Teacher Appreciation Week – Ideas For You & The Kids

Across the USA, May marks Teacher Appreciation Week annually. In 2025, it runs from May 5 to May 9, with National Teacher Day occurring on May 6th. Read on to find out what you can do to help the kids express their appreciation.

Teaching Is A Tough Job

Teaching isn’t a doddle in the park, so each year, educational institutions and local communities unite to show their appreciation for teachers. While schools and state departments arrange various events and activities to celebrate educators, what can you do that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? 

Actually, some simple ideas might be appreciated at other times of the year as well. And, with modern technology like the internet, you don’t have to send your child to school with an apple. A simple e-card could brighten up the day of any frazzled teacher.

Gifts That Might Be Useful At Home & School

Teacher Appreciation Week gifts need not be expensive. Involve the kids and choose a nice pot plant, for example. It can stay in the classroom or at home, a sweet reminder of a thoughtful gesture. Make it fun for your child by getting them to decorate the pot with glitter or a ribbon. 

These days, you can make your own calendar or order one in. Imagine if you keep some nice photos of your child and their friends at school, and then compile a nice collage. Remember to ask the other parents if they are okay with that. It can hang at home or school, making planning a fun thing to do instead of a mundane routine. 

Healthy Snack Packs 

Schools are not big on unhealthy eating in 2025. But, a nice treat won’t go amiss. Try making a simple, healthy snack pack in a basket. You could choose some dried fruit like apples, apricots, or cranberries. If you know your teacher is not vegan, then some jerky might go down well. 

If your wallet can stretch to between $20 and $50 after the spring break, you could check out Amazon for their healthy snack packs. Alternatively, why not get the kids to help make a batch of popcorn and then design the box?

Survival Tools With Humor

As teaching can be a stressful environment, you could pick up some things and label the box as “Teacher’s Survival Kit.” The range of things that can go in it are vast. Think lip gloss, a small comb, a stress toy like a squeezy ball, and a fun olde-time style hourglass from a novelty shop. Additionally, keep your eyes peeled for the ever-popular extendable back-scratcher. 

Do you have any other ideas for a gift during Teacher Appreciation Week? Let us know in the comments below, and come back here often for all your tips about kids and parenting.