Teacher Appreciation Ideas

As my daughter has gotten older it feels like teacher appreciation has become less of a thing. I don’t know if that’s because the school makes less of a deal about it (they do snacks and drinks and things for the teachers, so it’s not like there’s nothing, it’s just not coming from individual parents) or because it’s too overwhelming to give gifts when your kid has six or seven teachers.

If your school does theme days and you need some ideas, check out my post on teacher appreciation themes for the school.

Maybe it’s a little bit about teachers not wanting all those gifts, and I have written before about what teachers really want for teacher appreciation (spoiler alert: it’s gift cards).

But I also feel like there can be a middle ground, if you truly want to give a teacher something to acknowledge their hard work (and goodness knows they need all the acknowledgement we can give them).

The solution might be consumables, especially if you know things the teacher likes and uses like lotion or their favorite kind of coffee. Everything Pretty has some ideas for practical gifts you can give for teacher appreciation, some of which are consumables, and all of which sound thoughtful and nice, and not an apple shaped doodad among them.

The Applicious Teacher has another list of things teachers will actually appreciate, and it starts with a personalized note. If you know the teacher enough to get specific about something they’ve done for your child, or your child has said something nice about them, that’s great to include. Even better: get the kid to write or draw something special for that teacher.

I also love the idea that’s in both of these posts to get teachers personalized school supplies, whether that be a notebook, pens, sticky notes, etc. This personalized notepad that looks like notebook paper from Sophias Things on Etsy is super cute and every teacher is sure to love it. I’m not even a teacher and I always want more places to take notes!

If you’re a teacher I’d love to hear what you really like to receive for teacher appreciation gifts!

[Photo: Sophias Things]

Read These Next

I’ll admit it—I’m a sucker for vintage craft books. There’s something about flipping through the words of long-gone authors who took stitching very seriously (and often a little poetically) that makes me feel like I’ve joined a timeless club of thread-wielding women. That’s exactly how I felt diving into Chats on Needlework by Emily Leigh Lowes.

Originally published in 1906, this book is part history lesson, part opinion piece, and part how-to guide—with plenty of Victorian flair. And while some parts definitely show their age (in both language and perspective), it’s a fascinating and surprisingly enjoyable read if you’re into embroidery, textiles, or the roots of decorative arts.

Lowes doesn’t just “chat” about needlework—she lectures in a charming, tea-time sort of way. You get insight into historical stitching traditions from various cultures, plus commentary on the evolution of embroidery, tapestry, lace, and even ecclesiastical needlework. It reads like a stitched-together tour of museums and manor houses, narrated by someone who’s passionate, particular, and a bit sassy at times.

If you’ve ever wondered how medieval embroidery compares to Renaissance techniques—or what 19th-century women thought about machine-made lace—this book is your jam.

What stood out to me was how much Chats on Needlework made me think about the meaning behind the stitches. Lowes reflects on craftsmanship, aesthetics, and the cultural importance of handwork with a kind of reverence that honestly made me put down my current WIP and just appreciate it for a moment.

It’s not a how-to book, so don’t expect stitch diagrams or patterns. But it will deepen your love of needlework, especially if you’re the type who likes to pair your stitching with a strong cup of tea and a deeper sense of purpose.

Fair warning: Some references feel dated (as expected from a book written over a century ago), and the writing style is formal, with long-winded passages that take their time. But if you love reading about the why behind the craft, and if historical context inspires your creativity, you’ll enjoy this as much as I did.

I especially loved how she emphasized that needlework should be both beautiful and useful—something I’ve been trying to keep in mind as I mend old clothes or embroider reusable linens.

Chats on Needlework isn’t a flashy how-to or a Pinterest-ready pattern book. It’s more like sitting down for a fireside chat with your great-great-grandmother—one who had strong opinions on silk floss and medieval tapestries.

If you love textile history, appreciate slow crafting, and want to understand how embroidery was viewed before it became a hobby, this book is a little gem. It’s also great for anyone researching historical needlework for reenactments, costume work, or just creative inspiration.

Would I recommend it?
Absolutely—for the thoughtful, curious stitcher who wants more than just pretty stitches. It’s not for everyone, but for the right reader, it’s pure gold (or at least goldwork).

4.5 out of 5 samplers.
(Minus half a point for the occasional archaic ramble—but honestly, that’s part of the charm.)

Read These Next

Have you read?