12 end-of-year teacher gifts (that they actually want!)
Say "thank you" with a thoughtful gift your kid's teacher will actually use. Hint: It's not a mug.
Photo: iStockphoto
End-of-year teacher gifts (that they actually want!)
Fancy candles
It’s. Finally. Summer! A nice candle goes well with that bottle of wine that someone else’s mom is picking up for teacher. These soy-based candles are made in Canada and come in a variety of scents like french lavender and freshly cut grass. They’re all so good, buy one for yourself, too. Starting at $16, redskycandles.com
Gourmet candy
Hi, have you met Squish candies yet? Wth vegan and gluten-free options, these soft little gummies are a real good time. Thank You mix, $14, squishcandies.com
Artisanal bath salts
A long year of teaching is worthy of a good soak. We love the pretty packaging, chunky salts and amazing scents of Alberta-based Rocky Mountain Soap Company. Starting at $6, rockymountainsoap.com
Movie passes
Gift your teacher some movie passes so he can live his best life outside of school in an air-conditioned auditorium catching the summer’s hottest flicks. Prices vary, cineplex.com
Terrarium
A DIY terrarium is an easy way to enlist your tiny pupil in the gift-making process. Our version has cute little gnomes, yours doesn’t have to. Get the instructions here.
Books! All the books!
It’s no secret that many teachers spend their hard-earned money on classroom supplies. Donate books to the class library. Go one step further to personalize the gift by having your child hand-pick the book (based on what the classroom lacks) and then write a sweet dedication on the inside flap. Get inspired with our list of the 100 best Canadian kids’ books of all time
Summery tea
If you notice your tot’s teacher swigging a hot cup of tea regularly, a packet of fancy leaves fit for summer sipping will be a welcome gift. Coffee drinker? Grab a bag of beans from your local coffee shop. The Splash Collection Tea singles, $25, davidstea.com
Emoji post-it notes
Help your kid’s teacher take his marking into the 21st century with these post-it notes. You’ll know your little one got an A+ if she comes home with a heart eyes post-it note.
Gift Cards
We suggest bestowing teachers with a gift card to places they can buy themselves a treat, or pick up school supplies for the classroom. A card to Starbucks or Tim Hortons is great for the caffeine-obsessed. If you feel comfortable, a gift card to the LCBO can make for a much appreciated end-of-year gift for those tired teachers!
Make a donation
Look for a charity that’s close to the teacher’s heart or one that provides supplies to low-income schools. Sometimes the need is close to home; ask your child’s teacher if there’s a family in the class that’s in need of a helping hand.
School supplies
Many teachers love gifts they can share with future classes. Plus, they won’t have to worry about stocking up come September.
Handmade Card
You don’t have to get fancy, just write something heartfelt. Teachers love feeling appreciated. Have your little one construct a card and write something special. You can add your own blurb of thanks, too.
Read more: How to get the teacher you want Teacher confessionals: 5 things parents do (but shouldn't...ever!) Teacher gifts: Why it's OK to give alcohol
SPONSORED: Show your kid's teacher appreciation with a custom "thank you" card from Merci. Download it here.
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Amy is a freelance writer and editor based in Toronto, Ontario. Her work can also be found in publications like Chatelaine, Toronto Life and The Globe and Mail.
Simone Olivero is a Toronto-based writer and editor specializing in lifestyle editorial including travel, home décor, beauty and food. Her work has also been published in print and online publications like Toronto Life, Chatelaine, The Toronto Star, CBC Travel, Yahoo! Canada and more. She was previously a senior editor at Today’s Parent and is currently the managing editor at House & Home.