Next week we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. As parents, we know better than ever, right now, how important the teachers in our kiddos' lives are. We have been "schooling at home" in some way for an entire school year or more, and I have wanted to pull my hair out multiple times. God love teachers who do this EVERY DAY and with about 17-25 kids at one time! Next week is a great time to shower some love on our teachers and give them an end-of-the-year gift. and I did this post a couple of years ago trying to identify gifts teachers really want.
I mean let's get real and serious right now. Teachers are underpaid, under-praised, and under-appreciated. Parents, we understand that better now than ever! Don't get me wrong, I love my son Jackson. I don't envy his teachers who spend 8, yes, I said 8 hours every day for 5 days, for 9 months straight trying to teach him how to read, do math, write his name and do it neatly, and oh, yeah follow the rules, be respectful to others, and wash your hands after he pees. Oh yeah, and times that by 20 in many the classes at his school with NO assistant or aide. So, no I don't think it's asking a lot for us parents to get a little creative and go above and beyond to spend a little effort in rewarding our teacher superheroes that make such an impact on our kiddos' lives! Grace is now 12 and I have absolutely no doubt that the teachers she has had in her life and positively impacted her in so many ways to become the amazing, smart young woman she is and wants to be!
Last year I posted an article with some great, unique ideas on what teachers really want. I have listed my top 10 from my search, but if you have a suggestion or gift idea PLEASE post below or go to our Facebook page and post under my Teacher Appreciation post.
This year, gift cards are definitely going to be the go-to gift but you can still put your personal, creative touch on it! One year, I did the gift card book handmade by each of my kids and the "Orange You Glad It's Summer" bucket and "Tickled Pink You were My Teacher" bucket. One year, I did the Dunkin Donut idea and it was a big hit. I bought a box of 25 count munchkin donut holes, a refill DD cup, and a $15 DD gift card! The Internet is full of free printables for teacher appreciation gifts.
A group of moms got together last year and made this Quarantine Survival Kit for our sons' teacher. I had so much fun making it and it's all LOCAL supported. It was so fun making, supporting local businesses and giving the kiddos' teacher a gift she can use!
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Made Me One Smart Cookie with Mimi's Cookies- Here's a cute printable I made. You can attached some local made donut holes and cookies (Peggy Ann Baker) or purchase a dozen from Mimi's Cookies and Creamery/The Cookie Crate Co.
So-da Bomb- Grace is in the middle school, so she has six teachers now and Jackson always remembers his "special" teachers as well like computer, music, PE, library, counselor, and of course Ms. Ann who feeds him breakfast and lunch! So, we try to still be as creative and special with our gifts, but keep them on a budget. I love this idea and combining a favorite beverage with a bath bomb!
Gift Card Bouquet- We made a gift card book, and let Jackson get creative with his artwork! You can support local and/or find your teacher's favorite things!
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Thirty-One Bag or Tote: You can make this a gift by itself or use it to hold your other small gifts.
Orange You Glad It’s Summer - Fill with fun Orange-colored/flavored goodies! Kids had a blast picking out everything orange!
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Tickled Pink You Were My Teacher - Fill with fun Pink-colored/flavored goodies! Kids had a blast picking out everything pink!
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