Staff Recognition

Staff Appreciation Gifts That School Employees Actually Want

• Staff recognition , School administration , Employee appreciation

When principals ask staff members what gifts they’d most appreciate during Teacher Appreciation Week or year-end celebrations, the answers often surprise administrators expecting requests for coffee mugs or generic gift cards. The truth is that school employees—teachers, administrators, support staff, cafeteria workers, custodians, and paraprofessionals—value recognition that demonstrates genuine understanding of their contributions, respects their professional expertise, and provides lasting acknowledgment rather than token gestures that feel obligatory.