end of year gifts

Ways to Honor Teaching Staff at the End of the Year

‘Tis the season to give gifts!  But the hustle and bustle of December (and tight budgets) can make it challenging to find creative and effective ways to show your appreciation.  To help you along the way, we’ve reached out to Jewish Preschool directors across the country to compile a list of ways to celebrate, thank, and honor preschool teachers at the end of the year.  For budgets big or small, there’s something for everyone in this creative list of gratitude.  

FREE

• A handwritten note of thanks 
• A Kudo Board for each classroom team for families to leave messages/videos

GIFT CARDS

• Cash…in a card
• Stitch Fix 
• Target
• Amazon
• Local coffee shop

EXPERIENCES

• Paint Bar experience with lunch
• Tea party
• Group food tour of local restaurants
• Group trip to a museum
• Group trip to complete a breakout room
• Duck boat tour
• Light brunch at school with a gratitude display of thank you notes and videos from families
• Lottery tickets
• Coffee bar or hot chocolate bar on campus
• Hiring a mobile coffee barista to come and set up a coffee bar in the morning
• Make-Your-Own-Bouquet with an assortment of flowers, ribbons, and vases for staff to choose from
• Massage therapists (chair massage) at school so each teacher gets a 15-minute massage
• Challah baking class where each person takes home 1-2 challahs

GIFTS

• A relaxation package: fanny pack filled with teas, eye masks, scalp massager, scented candles
• On a school morning, every child carries a flower to their classroom and gives it to their teacher so that the teachers have a small bouquet from their class 
• Folding trail chairs for teachers with their names on the back
• Zip up sweatshirts or sweatpants (they chose) with school logo “bedazzled”
• Personalized Yeti mugs with a gift card to a local coffee shop 
• Colorful file folder flipboard with compartment to store paperwork and pens
• Canvas bags with a quote used in your school

Taking a moment to show teachers we’ve noticed their efforts, their spirit, and their dedication can relight the spark when the school year gets long.  A small token of appreciation can serve to boost morale and unite your school team.  May you enjoy surprising your staff with a symbol of your thanks this year.