The List: 12 Thoughtful Teachers’ Gifts

Sure, there are many ways to say thank you, but nothing says it better than a thoughtful gift. Pair one of these 12 Thoughtful Teachers' Gifts with a homemade card from the student and a handwritten note from you—and you're sure to be class mom next fall.

The best teachers keep our children inspired and excited about learning. (Not to be discounted, they keep our kids occupied while we work/grocery shop/run errands/hit a yoga class.) Give espresso or coffee drinkers this cup with a gift certificate tucked inside to their favourite coffee spot. It'll definitely perk ‘em up at the end of the year.

Don't thumb your nose at this gift idea. Enjoying a good book down at the dock or back deck may seem like a simple endeavour, but the Thumb Thing takes relaxation to the next level. It allows one thumb to tackle page turning while the other hand holds a tumbler of coffee (or a summer cocktail). Wrap this up with a recommended book for an even better end-of-the-year gift.

If your target is to make the top ‘teach' in your life feel appreciated, wouldn't it be fitting to give a completely apropos gift from the store of the same name? Since ‘Tarjay' can still be considered a novelty in this country, it's a great gift idea—allowing a teacher of your choice to pick up next years' school supplies or, ideally, something for themselves.

Instructing classes of kids who keep passing the same sickness around (all year long) is an added challenge when it comes to championing young minds. A personalized tissue box is both unique and useful, making it nothing to sneeze at from a gift perspective.

Available in dozens of designs and colours, slip this leather page holder, created with Canadian pride, into a card—along with a certificate to their favourite book store for a summer of uninterrupted reading.

Pencils, paint and chalk may be their tools of choice by day, but by night, your child's phenomenal teacher is most likely an iPhone addict as well. A personalized cover promoting their special skill or simply their name will protect their phone while providing them with a proprietary keepsake.

Heard enough about collective bargaining this year? Make way for collective ‘basketing.' When a group gift from the whole class is called for, fill a fantastic reusable shopping basket (like this eco-version) full of their favourite things and proudly present it to your preferred educator. We bargain they'll love it.

Sometimes it's the little things, like that extra one-on-one time they spent teaching your youngster how to trace their ABCs or tackle their 123s. It's kind of a big deal to mould little minds—so let them know with a button that will bring out a smile when attached to the top of any gift wrap.

Most men have some sort of ‘system' (bank card in gym sock) for keeping cards and cash tucked away safe while out exercising or exploring in the great outdoors. So, for the teacher who tends to bike or be active outside of school, an essentials-only holder will safely keep it all altogether.

There's nothing rotten about this apple. Create a keepsake (filled with candies) and have your kids—or the entire class—preserve their name on a porcelain apple. Hand it over as a show of thanks to your/their favourite teacher, ready to be reused on their desk for years to come.

Kids' minds are like sponges—constantly soaking in the world around them. Thankfully from September to June, they were in the presence of an inspired educator who helped satisfy this thirst for knowledge. But kids aren't the only ones who like to drink in the world around them, so hand over a personalized letter cup to that great teacher, perfect for coffee or cold drinks.

Looking for some inspiration on how to show your teacher appreciation? Check out these very savvy ideas we rounded up on Pinterest.

Now it's your chance to be the editor and share your savvy gift ideas—leave a comment below with your suggestion for a great teacher's gift and enter for a chance to win a Soap & Glory prize pack filled with beauty items, valued at $66.

Want more gift ideas? Show your child's teacher how grateful you are with one of these 13 Creative Ways to Say Thank You.