The Savvy Five: Teachers’ Gifts

We know you don’t want to get caught holding the bag—but when June comes, it’s worse to get caught without a bag. Especially on the last day of school, you’ll want one filled with a nice gift and a thank-you note in hand (that goes for nursery school, too). For their unlimited patience and fun way with our kids, teachers deserve our thanks for a great school year. So to help you with that, here’s this month’s SavvyFive, our favourite teacher’s gifts you can make or buy (no need to thank us).
Tuffo Water-Resistant Outdoor Blanket
Good for: The outdoorsy teacher
Why It Made the List: This innovative, water-resistant and durable picnic blanket includes a carrying bag with storage pocket, comes in a variety of colourful and durable fabrics and is machine washable. At 54” x 84”, it offers the promise of time away from the classroom and a lazy, hazy summer filled with relaxing picnics and beach days. It’s big enough for a whole family to enjoy and the interior batting makes it super-comfy, too (in fact you may want one yourself for soccer tournaments and family reunions). ($49.95, available at mountainbaby.com)

Homemade Herb Garden
Good for: The green-thumbed or gourmet-chef teacher
Why It Made the List: Teachers will appreciate their own living herb garden in time for summer, and the kids will love helping create it. Have the kids hand-paint ceramic pots (you may want to help with the glazing). Then take a trip to the garden centre to pick out a variety of herb plants and pot them up in your decorated pots for the gift that keeps on giving all summer long (assuming it gets watered on a regular basis). (Thanks to reader Lisa Henderson for this savvy idea.)

Personalized Stainless-Steel Travel Mug
Good for: The coffee loving teacher
Why It Made the List: These stainless-steel travel mugs are totally customizable, making it easy to acknowledge your teacher’s name, favourite colours or quote. We’re partial to the simplicity of the Initial Mugs but regardless of which customization you choose, it will definitely help your teacher start the morning off right every day this summer and beyond. ($28, available from kathyandkimoriginals.com)