Holiday gift guide for teachers

Looking to score an A+ on the gift for your child’s teachers this year? Here are some ideas from Lisa Aunger, a real-life high school teacher.

1. Something to savour. Remember that your child’s teacher is likely receiving gifts from more than twenty different families every season, and a few small trinkets can pile up quickly. That’s why Aunger suggests something that can be shared with friends and family over the holiday break - like Second Cup’s iconic hot chocolate, perfect for filling those #1 Teacher mugs. This year, their holiday collection includes three festive flavours — chocolate, white chocolate and candy cane white chocolate — packaged in beautiful decorative canisters.

2. Something to do. ‘Tis the season to spend quality time with people who matter the most — something teachers don’t always have time to do during the busy school year. Aunger loves experience gifts, which help teachers maximize their time off. A pair of movie tickets and popcorn is a great choice. 3. Something for the classroom. It may seem practical, but Aunger says parents can’t go wrong with classroom supplies — especially if it’s something a bit extra special. A gift card to a local art supply store will help your child’s teacher replenish her supplies at this mid-point of the year. “Fancy markers, beautiful paints — all of these add a ton of value to our class every day,” she says.

4. Something that gives back. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be a difficult time for those in need. Instead of a physical present, Aunger loves the idea of having a donation made on her behalf to a local charity. Consider an organization like First Book Canada, which provides new books to children from low-income families throughout the country. 5. Something to treasure. If the purpose of your gift is to say thank you for everything teachers do, there’s a powerful simplicity in delivering the message in a heartfelt way like a poem, picture or personal note. “One of the best gifts I ever got was a hand-written letter from a student expressing their thanks for everything I had done for them,” explains Aunger.