Page Summary

The Best Teacher Gifts and Grad Gifts

If you’re thinking of teacher gifts and grad gifts, you’re not alone. The 2021 school year in Canada is drawing to a close—and what a year it has been. For many across the country, there have been periods of in-class and virtual learning. No matter where you reside, masks have become the new must-have school supply, and physical distancing, while tricky, has become essential.

Teachers have gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep Canadian students of all ages engaged throughout two tumultuous years. And students, whether graduating from middle school, high school, college, or university, have faced the monumental task of completing their studies during a highly stressful time. If there was ever a year to shower teachers and grads with love, it’s 2021. Here are teacher gift ideas and grad gift ideas that are sure to earn you top grades.

The Best Teacher Gift Ideas

Show your child’s teacher appreciation with a thoughtful gift that shows them just how much you appreciate their hard work. If you’re not sure of their interests, the best teacher gifts are pretty much universally beloved: coffee! Pair a teacher-themed expression mug with a bag of locally roasted coffee beans. For a literary-inspired present, go for Toronto-based Balzac’s Coffee Roasters’ Atwood Blend. If you know they’re more of a tea lover, choose a package of loose-leaf tea or tea bags from brands like Pluck Tea,Big Heart Tea Co., or Harney & Sons.

Another winning teacher gift? An at-home spa moment. Wrap up an Auria Body Spa Set for instant rest and relaxation. A scented candle, an at-home flower grow kit, or a guided journal are other simple ways to encourage educators to practice mindfulness and take moments for themselves. If you’re really stuck, you can never go wrong with a book. Have your child write a thank you note or include a drawing on the inside cover, and tuck in a bookmark so they never lose their place.

The Best Grad Gift Ideas

The best gifts for high school grads help them transition to adulthood, while celebrating their academic achievements. To help them commemorate this special time, and to ignite their creativity, gift an Instax Fujifilm camera, along with some film and a photo album or memory book. They can take new pictures, and add old ones from throughout their high school years, to create a keepsake they’ll cherish forever. If they prefer words to pictures, a beautiful notebook or guided journal and Lamy pen would also make a great grad gift to help them capture their feelings at this time in their life.

For post-secondary students, meaningful grad gift ideas include items to help them take on the world—and boost their confidence as they head to a new job or graduate school. Think subtle accessories, like Jenny Bird jewelry or a MVMT watch, a Love & Lore bag or work-appropriate Herschel backpack for long commutes (they’ll be back someday), or for a splurge grad gift, a Tiger of Sweden leather briefcase. You can also go for the classic grad gift: a brand-new copy of Dr. Seuss’ Oh, The Places You’ll Go!