Teacher Appreciation Week Gift Ideas from Kids

The Best Teacher Appreciation Week Gifts (Chosen by Teachers!)

Teachers do so much more than teach. They inspire, encourage, and shape the future. They spend their days not just explaining math problems and guiding writing exercises, but also wiping away tears, celebrating small victories, and cheering on every student—no matter their struggles.

So when Teacher Appreciation Week rolls around, it’s more than just another school event. It’s a chance to say:

“We see you."

"We appreciate you."

"You make a difference.”

Finding the perfect gift can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Whether you're a parent, student, administrator, or fellow teacher, the best gifts are always thoughtful, useful, and personal.

Q. What is one of the most-loved gifts by teachers?

A. Of course it's a Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) gift card! 

With it, educators can purchase ready-made classroom resources, engaging lessons, and time-saving activities to help them teach even better. And to make gifting even easier, I’ve created 8 printable TPT gift card certificates, so you can add a heartfelt touch in seconds. Just print, fill in the amount, and pair it with a TPT gift card for an easy, thoughtful gift.

 Click here to download your printable TPT gift certificates!

Now, let’s dive into the top gifts teachers actually love according to teachers themselves!

1. Top Teacher-Approved Gifts

When surveyed, teachers consistently say that the best gifts are those that help them in the classroom, support their well-being, or come from the heart. Here are some of their favorites:

• Gift Cards (TPT, Coffee Shops, Bookstores, or Target): The ultimate no-fail gift. Teachers can use these however they need, whether for school supplies, self-care, or a much-needed caffeine boost.
  
• Handwritten Notes from Students or Parents: A heartfelt letter expressing how a teacher has impacted a student’s life is often treasured for years.
  
• Classroom Supplies: Think Expo markers, Post-its, flair pens, laminating sheets, or Sharpies. Teachers often spend their own money on these, so they truly appreciate them!
  
• Self-Care Items: Candles, lotion, cozy socks, or a fun book to read over the summer.
  
• A Fun Surprise: A special breakfast, a “teacher survival kit,” or a class-wide appreciation project (like a memory book or a video from students).

Want to make a teacher’s day extra special? Grab a TPT gift card and use my printable gift certificates to turn it into a thoughtful, personal gift!  Download them here!

2. What Teachers Secretly Wish They Didn’t Get

While teachers are always grateful for any appreciation, there are a few gifts they commonly receive that, let’s just say… might not be their favorites. 

❌ Mugs: Most teachers already have WAY too many sitting in their cabinets!

❌ Candles (Too Many of Them!): A nice candle is great, but when every student gives one, it becomes overwhelming.

❌ Scented Lotions & Perfumes: Some teachers have allergies or sensitivities to strong scents.

❌ Homemade Food from Families They Don't Know Well: While the thought is kind, not all teachers feel comfortable eating homemade treats from students’ homes.

Instead: Swap out these overdone gifts for something practical, like a TPT gift card with a printable gift certificate!

3. The Perfect Gift for Every Teacher

Still not sure what to get? Here’s a foolproof, teacher-approved gift idea:

1. Buy a Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) gift card.
   
2. Download my printable TPT gift card certificates.
   
3. Write in the amount and gift code, then present it to your favorite teacher with a heartfelt thank-you note! It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to be useful because teachers can choose exactly what they need most!

Click here to grab your printable gift certificates now!

Final Thoughts

Teacher Appreciation Week isn’t about how much you spend, it’s about showing gratitude in a way that feels genuine and meaningful. Whether it’s a heartfelt thank-you, a classroom necessity, or a well-deserved treat, teachers just love knowing that their hard work is valued.

And if you want an easy yet thoughtful gift that every teacher will love, grab a TPT gift card and pair it with one of my printable certificates for a personal touch.

Get your TPT gift certificates now and make your teacher feel truly appreciated!

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! ❤️

Click HERE to view our Teachers Pay Teachers Promoting Success store.

Click HERE to follow us on Instagram.

Click HERE to follow us on Pinterest.

Shelly Anton is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. ** This means there are Amazon affiliate links in these blog posts. This does not mean you pay a dime more when you purchase a product through the link. It just means I am trying to save you valuable teacher time by making it easier for you to find valuable resources for your students, and I earn a few cents for my research and time. Thank you for all you do for kids!