Teachers play a vital role in a child’s development and are worthy of recognition for their efforts and sacrifices. During May 8-12, 2023, American students will celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week with gifts and tokens of respect. However, there are presents they ask people not to buy and those they love.
Jamie Sears is one of 300,000 members of a Facebook teacher’s group that conducted an informal survey about the kind of gifts they enjoy receiving and those they do not. According to Sears, “What not to get teachers might surprise non-educators; coffee mugs because every teacher has too many already. Stay away from cutesy decor with the word “teacher” on it, anything with an apple on it, and homemade food.”
According to San Diego Family Magazine, author Lisa Gipson added mugs to the “what not to give” list. She also suggests avoiding candy, homemade treats, trinkets, and pets. Moreover, please do not gift “clothing, jewelry, or other items featuring apples or school themes.”
Instead, here are some ideas for more meaningful gifts from their students.
Gifts to Warm a Teacher’s Heart
Educators often say they feel underappreciated and exhausted. Therefore, the best gift choice is one that will warm a teacher’s heart.
The FB group suggests books and gift cards if buying something is preferred. If purchasing a book, the subject matter should be something the teacher would read, not a children’s book.
While some gift cards may seem impersonal, teachers might not treat themselves often. Instead, the FB group suggests cards from Target or a local department store, Amazon, and DoorDash. This type of gift is “a super fun way for us to treat ourselves,” Sears added.
The best tribute is free. For example: “A heartfelt note from you and your child.” Sears continued: “There is literally no better gift than a heartfelt thank you and letting us know we are making a difference in your student’s life.”
Finally, “ask the teacher if they have an Amazon wish list or a Donors Choose project for their classroom.”
Written by Cathy Milne-Ware
Sources:
San Diego Family Magazine: Gifts for Teachers: What They REALLY Want; by Lisa Gipson
Indy With Kids: 50 Great Teacher Gift Ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week
Tidy Lady Printables: 10 Things Teachers Really Want During Teacher Appreciation Week
Featured and Top Image by Kenny Eliason Courtesy of Unsplash
Inset Image by Manuel Cosentino Courtesy of Unsplash
