By May, most teachers aren’t thinking about what they might get—they’re thinking about making it to the last bell. But as the school year wraps up, Teacher Appreciation Week offers a welcome pause. It’s a chance to say something that often gets missed: thank you!
We asked educators what gifts mean the most, and their answers were honest, funny, and surprisingly consistent. If you’re a parent, student, or school leader trying to figure out how to show appreciation, here’s what teachers had to say.
1. Gift Cards (or Cash!)
Gift cards are always a safe bet! Not just coffee chains (looking at you, Starbucks and Dunkin’), but anything teachers could actually use—Amazon, Target, grocery stores, or even gas stations. One teacher put it plainly, “Gift cards! Do not buy me one more mug or I might use it on you.”
Local options are great too, especially when they’re places the teacher already shops. If you’re not sure, a generic Visa is usually a safe bet.
Giving cash may feel awkward, but several teachers said it’s actually their favorite option. It’s practical and flexible, and it saves them from juggling expiration dates, tracking balances, or remembering to bring the gift card with them—something we can all relate to! A card with a kind note and a little cash inside feels personal and thoughtful. Some families who feel weird giving cash opt for a check instead, which is just as welcome.
2. Handwritten Notes
Don’t underestimate the power of a handwritten note, a student drawing, or a nice card! A sincere thank-you from a student or family member stands out more than anything mass-produced. Our teachers mentioned keeping their favorite notes in their desks to re-read on tough days, and others frame them as a reminder that they’re doing a good job.
If your child is old enough to write their own note, encourage them to share a favorite memory or something they’re proud of. Younger students can draw a picture or sign their name at the bottom of a message from home. If you’re encouraging your child to write a card, try prompts like:
- “My favorite thing you taught me was…”
- “One thing I’ll never forget from this year is…”
- “Thanks for helping me with…”
Even a few sentences can mean more than a #1 Teacher mug ever could.
Bonus idea: Consider sending a note or email to the teacher’s principal and copy the teacher. That kind of recognition is invaluable!
3. Treats and Snacks
Treats are always welcome, but they don’t have to be fancy. Teachers mentioned chocolate, popcorn, and small snack baskets as welcome gifts. That said, skip homemade baked goods unless you’re close with the teacher, and if you decide to go the snack route, shelf-stable options are a safer bet.
4. Supplies
Teachers often pay out of pocket for basics—so gifts that stock the classroom are always appreciated. Think dry-erase markers, tissues, fun pens, hand sanitizer, or notepads. One teacher said they loved getting “cool pens, a cute notebook, or nut-free candy I could use as student rewards.”
If you know the teacher has a public wishlist, consider checking it out. Even a single item crossed off that list is one less thing they have to buy!
5. Your Time
One of the most thoughtful gifts mentioned wasn’t a product at all, it was time. One retired teacher recalled a parent who offered classroom teardown help and another teacher shared how much it meant when a family member stepped in to organize classroom materials at the end of the year. It wasn’t just the assistance that mattered—it was being seen and valued.
If you’re crafty, artistic, or organized, offer your skills. Ask what’s needed. Sometimes, showing up is the greatest gift of all!
What Not to Get
Every gift is appreciated for the thought behind it—but some things just tend to pile up, get re-gifted, or quietly make their way to the donation bin. If you’re trying to choose something meaningful and practical, here’s what teachers told us they receive often but rarely use:
- Scented items
Candles, lotions, bath bombs, and anything with strong fragrances are risky. Not everyone likes the same scents, and allergies or sensitivities are common. Even when the smell is nice, many teachers already have drawers full of unused bath products. - Mugs
We’ve said it before, and teachers keep saying it too. The mug shelf is full. Unless it’s something truly personal and thoughtful, skip it. One teacher said they had so many mugs they could start a side business. - Alcohol
Even if you know a teacher enjoys a glass of wine, it’s best to avoid gifting alcohol. Many teachers don’t drink, some are in recovery, and others just prefer to keep professional boundaries clear. It’s thoughtful to want to treat someone, but this one tends to land awkwardly. - Themed merch, or “#1 Teacher” gear
These items often feel more like filler than appreciation. Cute plaques, wall hangings, or Christmas ornaments with apples or chalkboard motifs rarely get used. Teachers appreciate the gesture, but these things usually end up tucked away or donated.
Teachers aren’t expecting gifts, but they do notice when someone takes time to say thank you. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a helpful gesture, or a small gift they’ll actually use, it’s the thought and intention that matter most.
If it feels personal, it’s probably the right choice!
