Local Ideas for Teacher Thank You Gifts

Thank you gifts for teachers can be a bit of a minefield – you want to get them something thoughtful that shows your family’s appreciation, without overspending or adding another ‘best teacher’ mug to their collection. Handing over a gift card can feel impersonal (though including one is always a good plan, in my opinion – it’s easy to pass along if it doesn’t suit them personally!) and baked goods or treats are not an easy solution, either.

To help you out, I’m sharing a few of MY favourite local options for gift giving! None of these endorsements are sponsored – this is all just me, sharing my love for some awesome local folks. I think these gifts would suit many interests, not break you budget, and show the thought and consideration you put into choosing a way to say thank you, all while supporting local craftspeople.

First up – lip balm!

I discovered Éclair Lips when owner Sylvie was running a special to reach a milestone number of sales toward a donation during the Christmas rush in 2016. I found myself laughing out loud at the fabulous descriptions of her products online, then quickly ordered a few gift boxes of her lip balms. Her products use natural ingredients, are preservative free, and have fantastic names (and scents!) like Chocolate Mint Macaron, Sparking Cranberry, and Chocolate Orange Truffle. (She even carries “lip balm for dudes” so these gifts are not just Mrs. Teacher friendly!)

Months later I was able to meet Sylvie and the personality on her page is just a glimmer of the fabulousness that is a real-life Éclair Lips purchase! I love browsing her pages, soaking in the colours, and finding little gems of other local makers’ works in her promotional photos. I’m also told the lip balms were such a hit as last year’s teacher gift that the teacher found Sylvie this year to purchase some herself as gifts!

Second pick:

Like most of us parents, I think most teachers are a bit dependant on their morning caffeine jolt – and these coffee bean studs, handmade by Christa at All The Pretties, would pair perfectly with a coffee gift card or some special roasts from Down East Coffee! (Not sure your teacher has pierced ears – or likes coffee? Christa has all kinds of fantastic jewelry – including diffuser bracelets, hand-crafted pins, and earrings hidden in bath bombs.)

For the teacher with a sense of humour … or a sweet tooth …

That’s my kind of snack! I’m sure any teacher would enjoy these apple cookies from Hillsborough’s Buttercup Cakes and Cookies, paired with this awesome glass for just $20. I’ve ordered several custom cookies from Kara over the last few years, and everything I’ve purchased and gifted has been beyond tasty and pretty! (Please note: She does book up pretty quick at times like Christmas, so this exact set may or may not be available when you’re looking.)

If you are looking for a holiday-themed gift, why not pick up a seasonal local book? Moncton’s Jennifer McGrath has two lovely books, The Snow Knows (great for young kids, and just won a national award!) and Gadzooks The Christmas Goose, that make lovely gifts.

And remember: it’s not just the teacher who helps your child each day. Consider whether you should be picking up a card and gift for the bus driver, cross walk guard, or anyone else. It doesn’t need to be a costly affair; a hand-made card and note from you and your child, with a small gift card for a hot beverage if you can afford it, is an amazing way to spread some kindness. We tend to pick up half a dozen or so large chocolate bars and decorate them to pass out, often slipping in a ‘charity pizza’ gift card from The Pizza Mill for local folks.

I’d love to know – what are your go-to local gifts for teachers? Teachers, what do YOU wish parents would consider when choosing a thank you gift? Thanks for sharing!