It’s National Teacher Appreciation Week, meaning free pedicures and lattes should be raining down on all those lovely people who take care of our kids’ precious minds throughout the school year. So, don’t hold back: Tell a teacher how much you appreciate all the hard work they do.

And while you’re thinking about the teachers in your life, it’s a great time to pick up something special for those end-of-year teacher gifts. Something easier to wrap than pedicures and lattes. -Christina

Sweet Treats

I have two words for you: School Lunches. I think our teachers deserve a little something wonderful, like the artisan and handmade treats from CMP fave Foodzie. Grab the 25-piece p.o.p. Butter Crunch Candy Tasters, and your teacher will be the hit of the lounge. ($25)

Khaya Cookies are sweet, delicious, support local growers and workers, and come so prettily packaged, you don’t even need to wrap them. If the teachers will forgive the saying: It’s a no-brainer. ($5 each)

With three Divine Chocolate bars, a pound of Mexican roasted coffee and three recycled paper bookmarks from Nepal, Divine Chocolate’s Blissful Gift Set just needs a book and a hammock for some serious summertime relaxing. ($21)

For the teacher who begs “No Sweets!”

After a year with my angel, I bet those teachers could use a good laugh, like the funny and poignant summertime read: Close Encounters of the Third-Grade Kind. ($15.63)

Give your teacher a place to record all of this summer’s adventures, even if every day starts with, Summer! Whoo! Love the Cruelty-free leather Travel Journal from handmade Expressions with its globe design and the 100% tree-free paper inside. ($25.95 at Celery Street)

With seeds to grow flowers representing everything from friendship (sweet pea) to happiness (lavender), The Growing Wishes Seed Kit will remind your favorite teacher of his or her special gift long after the classrooms empty out for the summer. ($20 at Uncommon Goods)

Personalized gifts for a favorite teacher

Even if the school building is more “modern cinder block” than “little red schoolhouse,” my son’s preschool teachers would love these personalized notecards from Sweet Bella Cards. ($15 for set of 8)

For the teachers who are generous with their classroom’s books, help them get those hardcovers back with a set of Personalized Teacher Bookplates by Lockettte. I love the modern-style fabric apple that is affixed to each one. ($10 for set of 8)

Even though my son thinks his teachers live in the school building, I know better. Getting them a Hand-Embroidered Monogrammed Tea Towel from Chez Sucre Chez is a personal (but not too personal) way to bring a little lovely thank you into their home. ($18, in many color combinations)

top photo: Plantine Cookies’ Thank You Tin at Foodzie ($50)