Teacher Appreciation Week is about recognizing the tremendous impact educators have on our children’s lives. The most meaningful celebrations acknowledge not just what teachers do, but who they are and the difference they make. As the famous saying goes: “Teachers affect eternity; no one can tell where their influence stops.”
Finding thoughtful ways to thank teachers helps children understand the value of gratitude. When kids create handmade gifts, they learn that meaningful appreciation doesn’t require expensive items—just creativity and heartfelt effort. These simple projects give children a chance to reflect on what makes their teachers special while creating keepsakes that educators will treasure.
Want to create something special with your own hands? Here are some kid-friendly craft ideas you can do—for Teacher Appreciation Week or any week—that teachers will cherish:
1. Personalized Bookmarks
Materials needed: Cardstock, markers, stickers, ribbon, hole punch
Instructions: Cut cardstock into bookmark-sized strips. Have kids decorate with drawings, stickers, and a message like “Thanks for helping me grow!” Punch a hole at the top and thread colorful ribbon through.
2. “Thanks for helping me GROW” Flowerpot
Materials needed: Small terracotta pot, acrylic paint, paintbrushes, potting soil, flower or herb seeds
Instructions: Paint the outside of the pot with colorful designs. Once dry, fill with soil and plant seeds. Attach a note saying, “Thank you for helping me grow!” Teachers can watch the plant grow just like they’ve watched their students develop.
3. Memory Jar
Materials needed: Mason jar, decorative paper, glue, ribbon, small pieces of paper
Instructions: Decorate the outside of the jar with paper and ribbon. Have your child write 20-30 short notes about favorite class memories, things they learned, or reasons they appreciate their teacher. Fold the notes and fill the jar. Teachers can pull out a note whenever they need encouragement.
4. Hand-Painted Mug
Materials needed: Plain white mug, porcelain paint pens, oven
Instructions: Using porcelain paint pens, have kids decorate a mug with drawings and messages. Follow package instructions to bake the mug so the design becomes permanent. A personalized mug gives teachers a daily reminder of their impact while enjoying their much-needed coffee!
5. Class Cookbook
Materials needed: Paper, markers, stapler or binder
Instructions: Have each student contribute their favorite recipe along with a drawing and note about why they chose it. Compile into a cookbook that represents the diversity and personality of the class. This gift combines practicality with personal connection.
6. Gratitude Tree
Materials needed: Small branch, clay or play dough, colored paper, hole punch, string
Instructions: Place a branch in clay or play dough to create a small “tree.” Cut leaf shapes from colored paper and have children write specific things they appreciate about their teacher on each leaf. Punch holes in the leaves and hang them from the branches with string. This interactive display allows teachers to read different messages of appreciation while serving as a beautiful classroom decoration that can be added to throughout the year.
Kisha DeSandies Lester is the Strategic Communications Director at National PTA.
