Teacher Appreciation Week 2026: 10 Heartfelt Gift Ideas to Say Thanks

Teacher Appreciation Week, held the first full week of May (May 4-8, 2026), is the perfect time to honor the educators who make a lasting difference in our children's lives. Established in 1984 to recognize those who "lend their passion and skills to educating our children," the tradition is still going strong over 40 years later.

If you're wondering what to get teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week, you're in the right place. Whether you're a student parent, administrator, or PTA volunteer, there are countless ways to celebrate—from gift giving and food prep to supply donations or even time off.

Browse our Teacher Appreciation Week gift ideas below to find the perfect way to honor the educators at your school.

1. School supplies

Because classroom budgets rarely stretch far enough, many teachers end up buying supplies out of their own pockets. The gift of extra school supplies one of the most practical and thoughtful ways to show teachers you care.

For this classic Teacher Appreciation Week gift idea, you can gather donations or assemble your own basket of supplies. Consider placing a donation box in the administrative office or sending out a wish list with suggestions that include:

• Pens and pencils
• Folders
• Notebooks
• Markers
• Tissues
• Hand sanitizer or wipes

Classroom supplies basket by Grady Elementary PTA

2. Gift cards

Gift cards are universally appreciated—they give teachers the freedom to spend on whatever they need most, whether that's classroom supplies, coffee, meals, or a treat for themselves. 

And if your school or PTA uses RaiseRight, gift cards can do double duty: every purchase earns a percentage back as fundraising dollars.

Not yet enrolled? Simply start a free program, invite participants to join, and earn up to 20% back every time someone buys a gift card, shops online, or dines at a participating restaurant, or books travel.

Here are a few top brands teachers will love for Teacher Appreciation Week:

• Michael's (earn 7.5%+)
• Walmart (earn 2%+)
• Target (earn 2.5%+)
• Starbucks (earn 4.5%+)
• Amazon (earn 1.5%+)
• Staples (earn 5%+)

3. Free meals or snacks all week

Teachers can forget about preparing their daily lunch this week! Ask staff members, administrators, or volunteers to make meals or a snack bar instead. Or, offer potluck-style foods, like casseroles or macaroni and cheese, as easy grab-and-go options.

Alternatively, you can surprise your teachers with RaiseRight gift cards to popular restaurants, including: 

• Chili's Grill & Bar (earn 10%+)
• Outback Steakhouse (earn 10%+)
• Panera Bread (earn 8%+)
• Bonefish Grill (earn 10%+)
• Domino's (earn 8%+)
• Applebee's (earn 8%+)

Superhero-themed popcorn bar by Eaton Academy

4. Spa or massage treatments

Give the gift of luxurious relaxation by sending your favorite teachers Spa & Wellness or Spafinder gift cards. 

A little well-deserved pampering may be just what they need to relieve stress, reduce tension, and enjoy their special week to the fullest. 

5. Volunteer time

Educators spend most of their day with their students (excluding lunch and their planning period), which makes it challenging to find time for other tasks, like grading or setting up activities. 

Give teachers the gift of quality time by asking volunteers to cover a period to provide extra planning time. Even if this isn't feasible, asking people to help monitor, set up or break down activities, or clean up at the end of the day can be helpful.

6. Classroom cleanups

School janitors typically visit each classroom to mop the floors and empty the trash, but a teacher rarely has the time for a full-scale, deep cleaning session. 

During Teacher Appreciation Week, give your teachers the gift of a tidy, stress-free space by offering to:

• Organize filing cabinets and folders
• Straighten and alphabetize bookshelves 
• Brighten up the walls with colorful decorations

7. Teacher's lounge upgrades 

Another space where teachers spend time is the teacher's lounge. Here, teachers can truly unwind, but there often isn't enough time or resources to make it as relaxing as possible.

For the ultimate Teacher Appreciation Week gift, transform the teacher's lounge into a workplace oasis by:

• Adding or replacing appliances, like a coffee machine or microwave
• Stocking the fridge and pantry with delicious snacks and drinks
• Adding comfy pieces of furniture or accessories, like armchairs, throw pillows, and diffusers

Teacher lounge makeover, designed by Krystle at Perkins on Parkway

8. A day off

Sometimes, what a teacher needs most is a break. Although teachers have a set number of vacation and sick days, they'll always appreciate an extra day of rest—especially during Teacher Appreciation Week! 

To that end, consider fundraising via RaiseRight to pay for a substitute on a day of the teacher's choosing. Alternatively, substitutes or volunteers can rotate throughout the day to teach lessons or read to students. Even having an aide in the classroom for a day can take some stress off the teacher.

9. Appreciation video or scrapbook

What better way to show your appreciation to teachers than in writing or video? Collect thank-you notes or video clips from students, fellow faculty, or parents, and compile them into a keepsake your teacher will treasure.

The key to conveying genuine appreciation is to be as specific as possible. Ask participants to include classroom anecdotes or detailed memories in their responses.

To get students' creative juices flowing, have them answer some of these prompts:

• What's the most interesting subject your teacher has taught? 
• Describe a time when your teacher helped you overcome a challenge.
• What's one lesson from your teacher you'll always remember?

With a handwritten message or video, teachers can read or hear your kind words whenever they need a reminder that they're deeply valued.

10. Teacher award nominations

Find ways to honor your teachers both in and out of the classroom by nominating them for awards.

Many community groups, nonprofits, or regional organizations offer awards for exceptional educators, and there are also many state and national prizes you can look into. 

For this Teacher Appreciation Week gift idea, collaborate with other parents and volunteers to write a heartfelt nomination for the teachers who deserve extra special recognition.