Because the last quarter of the school year has started, that means Teacher Appreciation Week is right around the corner. The celebration of educators runs from May 2nd to May 6th every year and reminds you to take the time to share your appreciation.

We try to find ways to show our appreciation to our teachers and school staff throughout the year. With first day of school baskets, little gifts for the holidays, and just because pick me ups – we are always trying to fill their buckets.

I always want the teachers to know that they are so valuable to us. The kindness, patience, and love that our teachers pour into our kids should be reciprocated.

Our elementary school PTA put together a different theme for each day to help parents come up with ways to share the love. I’m sticking with the calendar and sharing what I put together with you!

Monday – handmade gift

The first day is definitely the most simple of the week and a great place to start. Have your child write a note, draw a picture, or make something special for their teacher. This helps to show your kids that appreciation doesn’t always have to be bought, it can be made and is just as (if not more) valuable.

Tuesday – send in a treat

Our treat basket includes chocolate chip cookies, assorted candies with a reusable Starbucks cup and gift card.

Our PTA puts together a chart with each staff members favorite drinks and snacks. That comes in handy for this theme because it helped me to put together a little goody bag of our teachers favorites. If you don’t have this information you can always ask ahead of time or simply pick up gift cards to allow them to treat themselves!

Wednesday – new or used book to donate to classroom

Dear Teacher is a favorite of ours, goes along with the kids end of year books, and we picked it up at Target.

Reading is something we have always loved in our home. For Camden’s baby shower we had all of the guests bring a book with a little note on the cover instead of a card. It has been so special for years to open the books up and see the special words. This theme is a favorite of mine because I get to do that for our teachers classroom. For years to come they will open up the books we gift, with our special note, and read them to their future students. It is also an easy (and inexpensive) way to give a gift while also clearing out some unread books in your own home library.

Thursday – school supplies

All school supplies and basket were picked up during one trip to Target

The theme for Thursday certainly has the ability to become the most costly and is where I put most of our funds. I picked up all of the necessary supplies and put them into a basket (that can be reused later) along with a gift card to grab some things on their own. Add some hand soap and sanitizer – done!

Friday – lunch

My son’s teacher is allergic to flowers so we opted for a faux arrangement with her lunch gift card on a garden stake.

Normally the room parent would coordinate getting lunch to the teacher at their standard lunch time. We have a half day at the end of the week so that isn’t going to work due to scheduling. However we will be gifting the teachers a gift card to their favorite restaurant so they can grab lunch for themselves and their family another time.

There are lots of ways to make your education staff feel supported and appreciated. You don’t have to spend a lot of money (or any money at all). The best way is just making sure they know you’re there. You appreciate their long hours, their hard work, their commitment, their patience, their love, their kindness, their care, and mostly importantly.. you see them.

Hopefully some of the ideas are helpful for you during Teacher Appreciation Week this year and years to come!