Teacher-Approved Holiday Gift Guide: Top Picks from Brands That Give Back to Teachers!

With the holidays just around the corner, it's the perfect time to start thinking about how to show your child’s teacher some extra appreciation. Finding a meaningful gift can feel like a challenge, but don't worry—we’ve got you covered! Teachers on Call’s online and in-person tutoring team is comprised of professional certified teachers, so we know exactly what makes a thoughtful yet practical gift for educators. As winter's chill sets in and teachers bundle up for outdoor recess duties, we've curated a list of teacher-approved gift ideas to not only keep your child’s teacher toasty but also to warm their hearts throughout the season. Whether you're gifting solo or organizing a class collection, these ideas are sure to brighten their holiday season. Keep reading for our top picks!

Whether you’re in the market for a solo or group gift, teachers truly appreciate gifts that go beyond the typical and show thoughtfulness. One great way to show your appreciation is by supporting organizations and businesses that offer teacher loyalty programs or school giving initiatives. These programs often provide discounts, rewards, or donations to schools, making your gift not only meaningful to the teacher but also beneficial to their classroom. It’s a wonderful way to give back while supporting the educators who do so much for our students! We hope this list provides you with some helpful ideas to keep your favourite teacher feeling warm, relaxed, and appreciated all season long.

Solo Gifts

Personalized School Supplies: Mabel’s Labels Teacher Stamp

Help the teachers in your life leave a mark with a personalized wooden teacher stamp from Mabel’s Labels. This is a company that truly cares about giving back. Mabel’s Labels is known for their school fundraiser campaigns, donating funds directly back to student programs. Our in-person and online tutoring team appreciates this affordable luxury which makes a great individual gift. Not only will you be providing your child’s teacher with a versatile classroom tool, but you'll also be gifting them something even more valuable—time. Choose from a collection of charming designs to add a special touch to anything they create. We love that there are 5 options en Français to choose from for educators who support students in core, extended, and Immersion French programs. Whether it’s used for labeling books, stamping assignments, or adding a personalized flair to classroom decor, it’s a gift that keeps on giving. Help your child’s teacher ‘leave their mark’, stay organized and add a little joy to their daily routine this holiday season with a gift that leaves a lasting impression!

Cozy, Canadian-Made Comfort from Redwood Classics

Looking for the perfect combination of comfort, style, and practicality for the teacher in your life? Look no further than Redwood Classics! Proudly made in Canada by a woman- and minority-owned business, their collection includes everything from gender-neutral to women’s and family options—perfect for every teacher’s wardrobe. For those long winter days filled with indoor lessons and chilly outdoor recess duty, the cozy staples are sure to impress. These classic pieces are not only comfortable but also ideal for layering, keeping teachers warm and chic while braving the cold.

For eco-conscious educators—especially those teaching at EcoSchools or passionate about environmental education—our president, Joanne Sallay, highly recommends the Redwood Classics x Preloved collection. Made from upcycled vintage sweater materials, these one-of-a-kind, sustainable pieces (including cozy mittens!) make a thoughtful gift that’s as good for the planet as it is for the teacher. A perfect way to show appreciation for the hardworking educators who are keeping students safe, engaged, and warm throughout the long Canadian winter ahead! 

A Sipology Treat for the Taste Buds and Teachers' Lounge 

This was a favourite from our list and holiday teacher giveaway last year - so we had to include it again. Sipology.com offers a full collection of flavoured teas and hot chocolates, drink ware, and individual functional latte packs. This thoughtful gift will have teachers leveling up their daily latte! Functional Lattes come in all your favourite café flavours, like apple pie, cherry danish, and peppermint fudge, with the added benefit of superfoods lucuma and maca root. With individual packs, this is a treat that is perfect for sharing in the staff room lounge.

A Decadent Gift for a Dedicated Teacher with Purdys Chocolatier

Chocolate is always a sweet way to show appreciation, and it makes the perfect teacher gift! Whether it’s a luxurious bar, a box of artisanal truffles, or a fun holiday-themed treat, chocolate is a universally loved indulgence that’s sure to bring a smile to any teacher’s face. It’s a simple, yet thoughtful way to say "thank you" for all their hard work—plus, it’s a delightful way to add a little sweetness to their busy day. Because every teacher deserves a little chocolate break!

Purdys is a Canadian chocolatier who has curated a gift list just for the teachers in your life. They also have a seasonal fundraising program which is a favourite from many school councils across Canada. The delightful and fun packaging will be sure to bring a smile to your child’s teacher!

Baskin Robbins Ice Cream that Takes Sweet to New Levels 

A gift certificate for ice cream is the perfect way to say "thank you" to a teacher during the holidays—because who doesn’t love a sweet treat? After a hectic semester of grading and lesson planning, teachers deserve a break— and a Baskin-Robbins gift certificate is the perfect way to treat them and bring a smile to their face! Whether they’re treating themselves, sharing with family, or grabbing a cone with friends, it’s a fun and simple way to show appreciation. Plus, let’s face it—ice cream always makes everything a little bit better!

Did you know that Baskin Robbins offers a sponsorship of four scholarships through BGC Canada helping eligible Canadian students invest in their post-secondary education? So, you’re not just giving a treat—you’re helping make dreams a little sweeter!

The Gift of Reading with Indigo's plumTeacher

Looking for the perfect teacher holiday gift? Consider an Indigo Gift Card! It’s the ideal choice for busy educators who could use a little extra flexibility. Whether they’re stocking up on classroom supplies, treating themselves to a good book, or picking out cozy winter essentials, an Indigo Gift Card lets them choose exactly what they need or want. Plus, with endless options for books, stationery, and gifts, it’s a thoughtful and versatile present that’s sure to be appreciated.

Indigo is committed to teacher appreciation with the introduction of their plumTeacher program that offers additional perks to teachers all year-round. Remind the teachers in your life to sign up in store to take advantage of special offers. Learn more about plumTeacher and check out the Teacher on Call team’s “teacher picks” from Indigo in our blog Welcome to plumTeacher: Where Educators are Celebrated All Year Round.

If gift cards aren’t your thing, Indigo has a beloved line of reading socks that help keep you cozy and warm all winter long.

Group Gifts

It’s becoming more popular to have "group gifts” for teachers. Not everyone has time to shop this time of year, so parents opt-in to be part of a gift from the whole class.

Kobo eReader, the Ultimate Teacher STEM Gift

A Kobo eReader, like the Kobo Clara Colour or the Kobo Libra Colour with stylus for note taking, makes an excellent teacher gift because it combines convenience with the joy of reading. Kobo is easy on the eyes for reading and now comes in colour which is perfect for reading graphic novels with students. Teachers often have little time to carry around multiple books, but with an eReader, they can access thousands of titles in one lightweight device—perfect for unwinding during downtime or reading on the go. Whether it's for indulging in their favourite novels, staying up to date with professional development books, or unwinding with audiobooks, an eReader offers endless options for both relaxation and learning. The Teachers on Call online and in-person tutoring team knows the value of reading and helps to encourage that love of reading in their students - so we love that Kobo helps make that easier.  Did you know that through Kobo, you can download electronic books directly from local public libraries? It's a thoughtful, practical gift that keeps on giving - the ultimate teacher STEM tool!

Giveaway Alert - In partnership with our “reading buddies” at Kobo, we’re hosting a giveaway on Teachers on Call’s Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts. Check it out and enter for a chance to win a Kobo Clara Colour for a teacher you appreciate.

Experiential Gift of Theatre and Mirvish Teachers' Night Out

This holiday season, why not treat the teacher in your life to something they’ll truly remember—a gift of experience! Instead of another physical gift, consider giving tickets to a local theatre performance or a live event. It’s a thoughtful and unique way to show appreciation while giving them the chance to unwind and enjoy some entertainment.

For an experience that’s both easy and versatile, gift cards for local venues are a safe bet. For example, Mirvish Gift Cards have no expiration date, they offer flexibility and can be redeemed for an array of theatrical options, including  subscription packages.  Better yet, teachers can stretch the value even further thanks to Mirvish’s “Teachers' Night Out” program that provides special offers for teachers, including 20% off many shows. Ready to give the gift of culture?

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We hope you find our teacher appreciation suggestions helpful. While it’s always lovely to give a gift, there’s no pressure to spend money this holiday season. Teachers appreciate thoughtfulness more than anything, and simple gestures can go a long way in showing your gratitude individually or as an entire class. A handmade card or gift is a heartfelt and personal way to say "thank you." Have extra Swiftie-style bracelet making materials at home? Thank the teacher in your life for being in their “Teacher Era” with a homemade bracelet. Whether it’s a little creative craft or a kind note, it’s the sentiment that truly counts—and teachers will always cherish the effort you put into making them feel appreciated!

Photography by Jennifer Allison from JSHUTTER Photography