Bell Ringers

Need to educate yourself in the fine art of the teacher gift? These locally available suggestions should earn you some extra credit, alone or as a group, with added marks for creativity.

Teaching may be a ‘calling’, but we bet the call of a lake, a beach or backyard is getting irresistible for any teacher this time of year. Midtown’s recent retail addition, Oddjects, has beautiful multi-coloured raffia bags which cover the ABCs: attractive, big (easily contain towels, flip-flops, food, even a bottle or two), and crafted out of durable raffia. Perfect as a stand-alone item, or make it a class gift and fill it with accessories. ($85, available at Oddjects)

We did the math. A spa gift is great, but add up travel time plus parking, and there are subtractions to the benefits of a spa experience. The simple solution lies in Wright Spa, a mobile spa service in Toronto that will travel right to you. Wright Spa offers a full line of spa services including aesthetics, massage, manicures and pedicures, hair styling and makeup. The company uses all-natural products and provides fresh wraps, robes, and slippers for all their services. A spa at your doorstep? Any tired teacher will give that a high grade. (Various price points, information at www.wrightspa.com)

They dole them out all day, so give a teachable moment in return. The Big Carrot is the place to go for a Rainshow’r Crystal Bath Ball which will help relax a tired mind and body (so pick one up for yourself, too). But the benefits go even further. The ball removes up to 100% of all chloride from bathwater, relieves dry skin, and helps enhance suds for a more luxurious bath. ($59.99, available at The Big Carrot)

Anyone who regularly observes the lunchroom habits of kids may crave culinary inspiration. Toronto offers cooking classes that range from general to advanced. A gift certificate from the class for your favourite foodie-slash-educator will earn you high praise (and thanks). Find out what they enjoy cooking—and eating—and a class or session at Viva Tastings, Arvinda’s Healthy Gourmet Indian or The Healthy Butcher, to name a few, will definitely spice up their summer.

Planning ahead is wise, teachers will tell you that. Artistry Cards, found along Dundas West’s busy storefront strip, is an eco-conscious papery (and gift) store that celebrates Canada’s home-grown appeal. This set of beautiful note cards is a great way for ‘teach’ to say thanks. ($4.50, available at Artistry Cards)

We’re giving an A+ to these teacher gifts they’ll celebrate and appreciate. Tested by Alison R., Toronto