When to Give Teachers Gifts: 10 Best Time to Show Appreciation

Teachers are some of the hardest-working professionals around, and we've all experienced the impact of great instructors. Whether you work with teachers, manage teachers, or have a child who is in school, there are plenty of moments throughout the year when giving teacher appreciation gifts is fitting.

The first full week of May every year, is an ideal time to show gratitude with gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week, but there are so many more times throughout the year when gifts for teachers are appropriate. Here are 10 teacher appreciation gifts ideas for when giving a gift can make a teacher feel special:

1. Beginning of the School Year

Kick off the school year on a positive note with a gift for a teacher. School administrators can give useful teacher gifts like tote organizers before school starts. Parents of students might send their children off with a thoughtful token of appreciation, like a highlighter set, to show investment in the student-teacher relationship. Beginning of the year staff meetings with a gift can help to reinforce great expectations and keep teachers motivated throughout the year.

2. Work Anniversary

Every year a teacher dedicates to instilling knowledge and mentorship in new generations, it's a reason to celebrate. When the school you're connected with retains stellar educators, giving teachers gifts for work anniversaries provides many benefits. Teachers look forward to the following year when they'll be recognized. Other teachers see that the school values loyal teachers. Students and parents see the appeal your school has that enables it to retain top teachers.

3. Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher Appreciation Week, and Teacher Appreciation Day on the Tuesday of the first full week of May,is a time that teachers look forward to as they're recognized and celebrated with their peers. This time is a great one for teachers to recognize each other, for parents and students to show support,and for administrators to use Teacher Appreciation Week ideas to show gratitude. Giving gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week that have positive messages for teachers makes the gifts even more special.

4. Last Day of School

Celebrate the end of a great school year with staff appreciation gifts. Pair a gift you give with a personalized note that acknowledges specific accomplishments of teachers, staff, and admins that helped run the school successfully all year long. Gifts at the end of the year are great for students to give teachers because the family may have that teacher again in the future. Administrators can send teachers off for the summer happy with their job and school. Teachers can get ready for the following year with a great attitude and effort.

5. Community Recognition

Sometimes teachers receive recognition as an outstanding instructor in their community or even at anational level. When this type of accomplishment happens, those at the school can show thanks with agift. Recognition beyond one's school benefits the school because it helps improve the school'sreputation, can attract talented students to the school, and can improve the school's likelihood toreceive grants or educational support. Giving an additional gift with that type of recognition mayinspire other teachers to perform at similarly high levels.

6. Extracurricular Achievement

Many teachers don't just spend time in a classroom. They also coach sports teams, supervise studentclubs, or volunteer for weekend events. These are all important functions that help to enhance aschool atmosphere. Teachers who achieve accomplishments outside of a classroom through these typesof extracurricular organizations deserve recognition. This can make participating inoutside-the-classroom groups attractive for other instructors, or help to strengthen the quality ofteacher participation to make it better for students and the community.

7. Retirement

Whenever a great teacher is retiring, giving teacher appreciation gifts makes sense. A gift canincrease the likelihood the teacher will remember the school fondly and recommend it to others.Teachers often give so much more of themselves than they are required or paid to do. A teacher giftfor retirement helps school administrators, parents, and other teachers recognize all the effortthat goes into a teaching career.

8. Life Event

Juggling teaching responsibilities with a significant life event like a wedding or birth of a childmakes support in the form of teacher gifts extra-thoughtful. Acknowledging that teachers have livesoutside of school can help to show that you support them as thriving, well-rounded individuals. Whenthey're trying to manage life events beyond school, a gift can help keep them focused and motivatedin both their teaching roles and personal lives.

9. Challenging Time

Teachers often encounter highly challenging times, whether it's through helping a student who isexperiencing bullying or depression, or when they experience a personal event such as a death in thefamily. Being present and engaged with students is important, and giving a gift to a teacher who hasexperienced something difficult can help them to work through the adversity and continue to be apositive role model for students.

10. School Gathering

At many schools, student of the month ceremonies or annual recognition for students is common.Schools can use this time to recognize teachers, too. This helps students understand all the hardwork teachers put into their schools. Teachers who enjoy public recognition will appreciate beingpraised in front of peers and students. Other teachers will strive to do great work themselves, sothat they might be recognized at a school gathering, as well.

Shop Successories for Teacher Appreciation Gifts Ideas

These are just a few of the many times when teacher appreciation gifts are great to give to teachers.Successories is the best place to shop for gifts for teachers that they'll love. We have dozens ofteacher-themed gifts to choose from, plus customizable teacher gifts, teacher awards, and more. Browse the Successories teacher gifts selection to recognize impactful teachers in your life.