Teacher Appreciation Week Gifts

Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 is the perfect time to recognize the hardworking educators shaping our communities. Whether you’re closely connected to a teacher or not, your support can go a long way—and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

In this guide, we’ll share easy ways to support teachers this week, including gift ideas that make a real impact, gifts to avoid, and ways to show appreciation even without spending money.

Why Teachers Deserve More Than Just a “Thank You”

Teacher burnout is at an all-time high. While systemic change—like higher pay and stronger classroom support—is critical, showing appreciation is still a meaningful way to help. Teachers need to feel valued today, and that’s where community support comes in.

By recognizing the vital role teachers play and showing gratitude in thoughtful ways, we create a culture that honors and retains great educators.

Gifts to Avoid During Teacher Appreciation Week

While all gifts come from a good place, some tend to be overused or impractical. Here are a few to reconsider:

1. Candles: Many people have scent sensitivities, and candles are often banned in classrooms due to fire safety.
2. Coffee Mugs: Cute, but often overgifted. Unless they’ve asked for one, it may just add to the clutter.
3. Classroom Knick-Knacks: Items like “#1 Teacher” pencil holders are well-meaning, but most teachers already have plenty.
4. Homemade Treats: Food allergies and dietary restrictions can make these tricky—and they often go uneaten during the week’s many celebrations.
5. Random Clutter: Just because you have extra supplies doesn’t mean they’re useful. Only donate what’s been requested or confirmed as needed.

Thoughtful and Impactful Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas

Here are low-cost (and even free!) ways to support the teachers in your life—or your broader community.

1. Write a Thank You Note

A heartfelt note goes further than you think. Don’t worry about writing something long or fancy—a few sincere sentences mean the world. If your child is too young to write, have them draw a picture and help write a short message.

Bonus idea: Email the school principal with your kind words and BCC the teacher so they can see the recognition too!

2. Share Your Gratitude Publicly

Use your voice to shift the narrative around education. Post a story or message on social media about a teacher who made a difference in your life or your child’s. Tag the school or district to amplify the impact.

3. Give a Gift Card

Gift cards to stores like Target, Walmart, or Amazon allow teachers to choose what they actually need, whether classroom supplies or something personal. Visa gift cards are another safe option.

4. Donate Classroom Supplies

Reach out to your child’s teacher or school to see what supplies they’re running low on. This could be tissues, dry-erase markers, snacks, or storage bins. You can also support supply drives through organizations like ScrapsKC, which donates gently used items to teachers in the Kansas City area.

5. Support Teachers Through Donations

Platforms like DonorsChoose.org let you fund classroom projects that match your interests. You can filter by subject, school, or location to directly impact your local community.

You can also donate to organizations that provide broader support. For example, The Educator Academy is raising money for a teacher support funds which supports for educators and teachers in training all year long. Through your donation to the Teacher Support Fund, The Educator Academy can cover costs that might otherwise keep individuals from entering and being in the profession full-time.

A Note on Food and Personalized Gifts

Personalized gifts can be powerful—but always check with the teacher or school first. For example, surprising a teacher with lunch is kind, but if they’re fasting or have food allergies, it could miss the mark. A little communication ensures your effort matches your intention.

Support Educators this Teacher Appreciation Week

At The Educator Academy, we believe teachers deserve more than appreciation—they deserve support.

This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re raising money for our Teacher Support Fund, which provides emergency financial assistance to educators and teachers-in-training across Kansas City. From unexpected car repairs to medical bills, these funds help teachers stay focused on the classroom—not their financial stress.

Your donation can make a difference.
When we show up for teachers, we strengthen the entire education system.

Donate to the Teacher Support Fund

There’s no one-size-fits-all gift for every teacher—but thoughtful actions go a long way. Whether you write a note, send a small donation, or simply say thank you, your efforts matter.

Let’s make Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 a celebration of the incredible people shaping our future—one student at a time.