Teacher Appreciation Week is coming soon. Here are gift ideas, offers you need to know

Everyone has that one teacher.

That person who pushed them to be better. The person who, at the time, seemed merciless only to find out later how merciful and impactful they were.

While you can't go back in time to say thanks, you can remember your child's teacher during Teacher Appreciation Week.

When is Teacher Appreciation Week?

Teacher Appreciation Week is the first full week of May. This year, it's May 6-10.

When is Teacher Appreciation Day?

The highlight of Teacher Appreciation Week is Teacher Appreciation Day on Tuesday, May 7.

Why do we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week?

According to linkedin.com, Teacher Appreciation Week allows us to acknowledge the work teachers put in daily. From teaching to lesson planning to grading papers to being a pseudo-parent, teachers fill many roles and that effort deserves recognition.

What to get a teacher for Teacher Appreciation Week?

First, check with your school's PTA. The school's PTA may have scheduled theme days like Favorite Flower Friday Gift Card Tuesday or School Supplies Thursday. The PTA might also have a program for donating to each classroom for a group present.

Here are some options:

Gift cards

There are a plethora of options for gift cards, but according to weareteachers.com, here are some of the favorites:

• Starbucks: Whether your teacher needs a jolt of caffeine to prepare for dealing with classrooms filled with children or a relaxing chai tea and a scone to calm the nerves after a long day with children, a Starbucks gift card delivers.
• Amazon and Target: School supplies, a new blouse or dress shirt for school or even a Stanley cup, Amazon and Target have everything a teacher could need.
• Teachers Pay Teachers: Teachers Pay Teachers is the world’s largest marketplace of PreK-12 resources. Teachers can purchase resources from other teachers. While not something personal, it does give a teacher a way to save time by purchasing activities. And that time is more precious than many other items.
• Restaurant gift cards: Be it Dunkin', McDonald's, Subway, KFC, Red Lobster, Applebees or Olive Garden it doesn't matter. A night without cooking or the ability to have a treat and time to themselves means a lot after a long day.

School supplies

When you drop off your school supplies at the start of the school year, it looks like your classroom has enough supplies to survive anything. Unfortunately, those supplies typically only last through the first week. OK, they last longer than that, but tissue, pencils, and glue sticks get used daily. It's not that long and teachers are typically spending out of their pocket to get pencils, disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer. According to NEA.org, teachers spend somewhere between $500 and $750 of their own money every year on supplies their students need. A basket with pencils, glue sticks, hand sanitizer and other goodies can not only help for the final month of the year but also lays a foundation for next year.

Thank you notes

Even something as simple as a heartfelt note from a parent or student can go a long way for a teacher – especially in May after a long school year.

Flowers

First, make sure your teacher doesn't have any allergies. If he or she does, a cactus or potted plant is nice. If he or she doesn't a bouquet is always a spirit lifter.

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Teacher Appreciation Week Deals

According to Teachers of Tomorrow, there were several discounts in 2023 that may comeback in 2024, but it's best to keep your eyes open for offers in your community. Here are the deals Teachers of Tomorrow listed:

• Office Depot / OfficeMax: Offering 30% back in Bonus Rewards on a qualifying in-store purchase. This is a great opportunity to stock up on classroom essentials.
• Staples: Keep an eye out for deals and promotions tailored for teachers. Staples often provides special discounts during Teachers Appreciation Week.
• Ford: Teachers who take a virtual test drive through May 7 will receive a $50 e-gift card that can be used to contribute to teacher requests on DonorsChoose.
• Burger King: Enjoy free fries with any purchase. Teachers and all other customers can indulge in this savory treat during Teachers Appreciation Week.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: Offering six boneless wings for just $1 with the purchase of any BBW Burger.

In addition, several businesses offer teachers discounts regularly. Here are a few options:

adidas: Teachers are part of their Heroes Reward. Teachers receive a 30% online and in-store discount and 15% at factory outlets.

Apple: Teachers receive special education pricing on Macs and iPads.

AT&T: Teachers receive 25% off AT&T's best wireless plans.

Blue Apron: Teachers can receive 40% off their first four weeks of a new subscription and free shipping the first week.

Bonobo: Teachers receive a 25% discount on all purchases.

Cheap Caribbean Vacations: Teachers who sign up for the Beach2Teach Club receive $150 off their next vacation and access to deals, upgrades and packages.

Crayola: Crayola offers teachers a 20% discount on all items on its Gift for Teachers page on its website.

Crocs: Teachers receive a 20% discount on full-priced styles

Reebok: Teachers receive a Thank You for Your Service discount which is a 50% discount