How the Main Line Can Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week

Main Line parents can celebrate favorite educators with meaningful, local ideas during Teacher Appreciation Week.

April 29, 2025

Teacher Appreciation Week is almost here, but between juggling work, sports schedules, and everything else, it’s easy for the best intentions to get lost in the shuffle. Whether a child is in public or private school, from West Chester to Bala Cynwyd and from Swarthmore to Plymouth Meeting, let’s help Main Line teachers feel valued.

Do you know an exceptional educator who is inspiring the next generation?

Whether they’re innovative classroom teachers, dedicated special education professionals, nurturing enrichment program leaders, or inspiring administrators, the influential educators in our community deserve recognition for the difference they make.

Don’t let their achievements go unnoticed. Nominate them for a Main Line Parent A+ Educator Award.

Looking for stand-out programs, educators, and stories of local families who love their teachers, schools, preschools, and enrichment programs? Check out the Main Line Parent Spring Education Guide.

Teacher Appreciation Week is a great way to acknowledge a wonderful teacher.

DIY Gifts: Try a Personal Touch

Homemade gifts are personal, budget-friendly, and easy to create. They show thought, effort, and appreciation. These simple ideas add charm and warmth to any teacher’s day.

Customized Mason Jar Treats: Fill with chocolates and other candies from DiBruno Bros. in Ardmore (great for Lower Merion teachers). Add a note that reads, “How sweet it is to have a teacher like you.”
Handwritten Notes from the Kids: A heartfelt message from a Radnor student makes any teacher’s day. Gather notes from the entire class and create a personalized scrapbook.
An Original Piece of Artwork: Children who attend art classes at Wayne Art Center or Main Line Art Center in Haverford could create a one-of-a-kind piece of art just for their teacher.
Homemade Potpourri or Candles: Add calming scents with a personal touch; great for teacher’s education (T/E) classrooms or a teacher in Lower Merion.
Plant in a Pot: Paint a small pot and plant a flower. Find supplies at local garden centers near Great Valley schools. Don’t forget to add, “Thanks for helping me grow.”

Make it extra special with a gift from the entire class.

Group Gifts from the Class: Organize with Other Parents

Pooling resources creates a bigger surprise for Main Line Teacher Appreciation Week — and spreads out the effort more evenly. These group ideas can be meaningful and affordable for everyone.

Gift Card Bouquet: Include favorites like Design Life Kids for staff.
Classroom Supply Basket: Teachers will appreciate both fun supplies and essentials. Grab some colorful stationery for T/E or Great Valley teachers at local small businesses in Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, or Wayne.
Thank You Video Montage: Kids from Lower Merion can share stories and express their gratitude in a sweet video surprise.

These simple ideas can help build a sense of community within a class. Reach out to the Homeroom Parent or Parent Teacher Association.

Support Main Line Businesses During Teacher Appreciation Week

Give a gift and support the community at the same time. The Main Line has great options for food, fun, and relaxation. Think outside the big box and shop Main Line small businesses.

Gift Cards to Local Coffee Shops: Try Char & Stave in Ardmore (a coffee shop by whiskey people), or GET Cafe in the region. For an added smile, add a note that says, “Thanks a latte for all you do.”
Farmers Market Gift Baskets: Create a basket from Ardmore Farmers Market, Berwyn Farmers Market, or Lancaster County Farmers Market in Wayne, depending on the school district.
Event Tickets or Experiences: Consider a night out at a local venue (great for Radnor or nearby teachers) or tickets to climb at Reach Climbing for the more adventurous teachers.

What other local Main Line businesses might make a great gift? Consider frequent destinations and favorite stops as potential gift ideas for Main Line Teacher Appreciation Week.

A Small Thank You, A Big Impact

Sometimes, it’s the little things that mean the most. Look for ways to make a teacher’s day easier. These small efforts can offer huge relief. Celebrate Main Line Teacher Appreciation Week and help a great teacher feel special.

Classroom Volunteer Help: Offer to prep materials or organize supplies at schools like T/E Middle or Lower Merion High School. Just remember to get volunteer clearances.
Lunch or Coffee Drop-Off: Surprise a teacher in Garnet Valley with takeout from a local favorite or a coffee from Gryphon Cafe in Bryn Mawr. And we don’t think anyone would mind desserts from Nothing Bundt Cakes. Don’t forget to add a fun note, such as, “You’ve taught me a bunch, now enjoy yourself with a free lunch.”
Recess or Duty Coverage: If permitted by schools like those in Great Valley, offer to help during recess or lunch breaks.

Sometimes, giving the gift of time is the best gift there is.

Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week in the Main Line — Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week in Bucks County with these creative ideas.

Teacher Appreciation Week Ideas in the Main Line

At the end of the (school) day, it’s not about how big or fancy the gesture is — Main LIne Teacher Appreciation Week is about showing up with heart. The Main Line is filled with incredible teachers who pour so much into the kids, and this is a chance to give a little of that love back. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a coffee drop-off, or just a simple “thank you,” it makes a big impact.

Make this week a reminder that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed—not here, not in our schools, not in our community. Discover additional ways to support teachers in the Main Line Parent Back to School Guide.

Photos courtesy of Pexels.