Teacher’s Pet

We confess: we’re normally the ones who are buying last-minute gift cards to thank the teachers in our lives.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but this is the year we’re giving ourselves a bit of extra time to consider what our children’s teachers would like best. We’re going to put on our thinking caps (if we don’t know them well enough already) and find out what kind of gift they’d truly like to receive.

For the Gardener
Lee Valley has a ton of great high-quality gear for outdoorsy types—lightweight work gloves for those planting summer projects and (looking ahead to science class) how about an extreme close-up monocular?

For the Foodie
We know they’d love some assorted truffles or Turkish delight from Truffle Treasures. Also of note, they just introduced a pre-paid gelato card (we’ll be buying more than one of those). We love the Bodum mini-coffee press (for those who could use a quick hit during the day), or how about some specialty olive oil or exotic spice from Grace in the Kitchen? (They’re moving in September, so check out the store for deals.)

For the Teacher Who Has Everything
We love shopping at Ten Thousand Villages. They have a lot of great gift ideas in store: fair-trade coffee and chocolate, pretty bird houses, jewellery (check out these earrings), home décor items (love this teapot) and other fair-trade items. It’s very hard not to leave empty handed.

Whatever you choose, take a moment to write a really nice thank-you card with your child. Showing your gratitude (and teaching that gratitude to your kids) is perhaps the greatest gift you can give. Tested by Andrea T., Ottawa

Comments