Alternate Apples

We’re not so sure we agree with Aristotle when he said that ‘Those who educate children well are more to be honored than parents’ but as parents, we are certainly grateful for the role that teachers play in our lives and more importantly, our children’s lives. That’s why we like to pay special attention to the thank you gift at the end of the year. But how do we find a gift that represents our gratitude, delivers a thoughtful message and won’t break the bank?

We asked a teacher and got the thumbs up on the following gift ideas:

Honouring the Tree of Knowledge
Stay on theme with a beautiful tree of knowledge print—it’s the most original gift we found. These lovely water colour prints of an apple tree are made by Canadian artist, Angela Vandenbogaard. Teachers can hang it in the classroom or their own wall at home. Pick up a simple black frame, ask your child to sign the back and you are ready to go. (Available at www.Saplings.ca, $18)

Planting Seeds
Give the gift that represents growth, life and beauty with the simple act of planting seeds. These wonderfully wrapped Garden in a Bag gift bags transform into beautiful flowers that grow in a bag on your windowsill. There is a wide selection of flowers and herbs to choose from (yes, even an apple tree). Kid can personalize their gift by colouring the picture on the front and printing a message or their name. (Available at www.LavishandLime.com, $12)

Being an Adventurer
If your teach is planning on spending the summer in the great outdoors, this all natural kit with skin and hair products from Burt’s Bees will get straight A’s. It’s the Natural Remedy Outdoor Survival Kit, and it’s great whether you’re in the backyard or on a mountain-top. (Available at Shoppers’ Drugmart, $19.99)

Getting Personal
There is nothing like personalizing an item to make a gift more personal. These thoughtful and unique notepads come two in a pack and are printed on high quality 4.5 X 5.5 paper. They are packaged ready for giving in a clear cello sleeve for the teacher in your life. Just make sure you spell the name right! (Available at www.honey-bunch.com, $25)

Staying Hot and Cold
Teachers just can’t get lose their voices, so they need to drink a lot. This trendy gift is the latest in glass technology—it’s the Bodum Canteen Double Wall glass and it’s made of heat resistant, mouth-blown borosilicate glass. The double-walls keep hot drinks hot without burning your fingers and cold drinks cold without that messy condensation. Perfect for coffee, tea, beer and cold drinks. (Available at www.goneshopping.ca, $24 for a set of 2)

Now, cross that teacher’s gift off your list and start thinking about what the kids need for summer camp!

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