My Mom’s Favorite Teacher Appreciation Week Gifts (After 22 Years in the Classroom!)

With Teacher Appreciation Week 2025 coming up, I decided to ask my mom (who taught for 22 years) what her all-time favorite teacher gifts were. After two decades of classroom celebrations, she's seen it all. From the heartfelt to the practical, here are her tried-and-true favorites that really made a difference.

1. Rolling Teacher Bag from JKM & Company

Most people know that teachers often take work home with them, but a lot of people don't realize that means that teachers are constantly lugging around stacks of papers to grade, heavy curriculum books, planners, school supplies, file folders, a laptop, and more. It was a game changer when my mom was gifted her roller briefcase from JKM & Company. The beautifully designed bag fit her style and helped her back pain since she didn't have to carry everything on her shoulder!

2. Gift Cards

It might seem simple, but gift cards are always a hit. Whether it’s for coffee, a bookstore, Target, or Amazon, they allow teachers to treat themselves or pick up supplies they may need for the classroom (especially since it's very true that a lot of teachers pay for school supplies out of their own pocket!).

3. Handwritten Notes from Students or Parents

There’s nothing more meaningful than a heartfelt note. Whether it’s a thank-you from a parent or a drawing with sweet words from a student, these become keepsakes we save for years. In fact, the side of my moms desk is covered in pictures that her students have given her over the years! 

4. Flowers

A fresh bouquet can brighten up the classroom and the teacher’s mood instantly. It’s a simple but beautiful gesture that adds color and warmth to our daily routine. However, my mom said that she prefers getting bouquets and not potted plants that she will have to take care of. She said the plants are always beautiful, but maybe double check if your teacher has a green thumb first! 

5. Tissues (Yes, Really!)

Ask any teacher and they'll tell you that Kleenex boxes are like gold in the classroom. Especially during cold and allergy seasons, having an extra stash helps so much. It’s a gift that’s both thoughtful and practical.

6. Dry-Erase Markers & Post-It Notes

Supplies like dry-erase markers and sticky notes are always in high demand and teachers run through them fast! Bright colors, thick markers, fun shapes; they love it all! It's a thoughtful gift that shows you understand what teachers really use every day.

7. Big Glue Sticks

Not the little ones, the BIG glue sticks! They’re classroom essentials, especially in elementary grades, and somehow they always disappear (or kiddos forget to put the caps back on!). This underrated gift is incredibly helpful and very much appreciated.

8. Homemade Treats & Chocolate

My mom has a big sweet tooth and loves getting treats! Whether it’s brownies from your family recipe or a box of See's Candies, a thoughtful treat adds a personal and sweet touch. Just be sure to check if your teacher has any dietary restrictions first and that your teacher is ok with getting homemade treats if that's what you plan on doing!

What NOT to Gift:

According to my mom, two gifts that have made her feel awkward receiving them are: cash and alcohol. Cash may come off as impersonal or transactional, and alcohol (even with the best intentions) can be inappropriate in a school setting and assumes personal preferences. It's better to give a gift card that is a bit more personal and they can choose to buy a bottle of wine with the gift card if they would like!

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to spend a lot to show appreciation. A heartfelt note, a fresh pack of markers, or even a few glue sticks can say, “We see you. We appreciate you.” As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week 2025, keep in mind that the most meaningful gifts are the ones that come from the heart!