9 Unique Local Treats and Gifts to Thank Our Teachers

Teachers deal with a lot. From working with limited resources to corralling our keiki, their plates are full, and they still manage to bring out the best in their students. Let’s show our educators some love during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8 to 12 this year. And skip the generic candle, mug or Starbucks card—here’s where to find special gifts for your children’s teachers—while supporting local businesses.

1. Custom Cotton Candy

Photo: Courtesy of Daydream Sugar Co.

Created by two local moms, Daydream Sugar Co. spins all-natural, organic cotton candy in locally inspired flavors such as liliko‘i, dragon fruit, guava and matcha, to name a few. Create custom cups with your choice of flavor, color, topping and personalized “thank you” label to hand out to all your kiddo’s teachers.

$85 for one dozen. Order online for store pickup in Liliha. @daydreamsugarco

2. Dipped Apples

Photo: Courtesy of Dipped By Dee

An apple for the teacher—but make it fancy! In ʻAiea Town Square, Dipped by Dee creates candy apples that will dazzle teachers in flavors such as Circus Animal (shown above), Fruity Pebbles, Rocky Road and Ube. Plus, you can add an edible image (+$2.50) to your apples for a tasty “thank you” message.

$9.50 to $13.50 per apple. Order online and pick up in store or walk in. @dippedby_dee

3. Stuffed Cookies

Photo: Courtesy of These Stuffed Cookies

A family company that started out as a summer project, These Stuffed Cookies provide the ultimate indulgence with fillings packed inside the cookie batter before being baked. The individually wrapped cookies are HUGE and will be a big hit with teachers. Find their favorite flavors among 28 options, including Taro Mochi, Red Velvet and Ultimate Peanut Butter.

$4.50 to $5.50 per cookie. Walk in to stores in Pearlridge Center Uptown and Wahiawā Shopping Center. @these_stuffed_cookies

SEE ALSO: Find Out Which Teacher Appreciation Gifts Scored High—and Low

4. French Macarons

Photo: Courtesy of La Tour Café

Famous for its vibrant confections that are almost too pretty to eat, La Tour Café is the place to get an upscale treat to make teachers feel extra special. Choose from 14 macaron flavors, from blueberry cheesecake to red velvet, to create a custom rainbow-filled gift box.

$2.50 per macaron or $15 for a six-pack in a gift box. Order online or walk in to locations in ‘Āina Haina, Iwilei, Kapolei and Pearl City. @latourcafe

5. Homemade Treats

Photo: Courtesy of Nestlé

If you and your keiki enjoy cooking together, how about whipping up some treats at home for a personal touch teachers will melt over? Try our super simple, kid-friendly recipes like Sea-Salted Smoky Almond Bark, Sweet and Salty Popcorn Pretzel Sticks or Very Best Fudge. Then get crafty with this tutorial to make a pop-up rainbow greeting card to brighten your teacher’s day.

6. Sweet Succulents

Photo: Courtesy of Mari’s Gardens

For a sugar-free treat, gift easy-to-maintain mini plants to spruce up your teacher’s desks. With locations in Mililani and Kaka‘ako, Mari’s Garden, a family-owned and -operated farm, sells cute-as-can-be succulents ($11) and glass air plant terrariums ($16) enhanced with animal figurines and imaginative pottery.

Gifts range from $11 to $24. Order online or walk in to Mari’s Garden or Mari’s Urban Garden. @maris_gardens

7. Brilliant Bonbons

Photo: Mari Taketa

Make your teacher’s eyes light up with these gorgeous bonbons from Koho Chocolates, the luxury brand Hawaiian Host debuted in 2021. The flavors include local favorites like Kona coffee, Hawaiian sea salt and liliko‘i, and all are deliciously made with locally grown chocolate.

$18 for a box of six. Order online or visit the store in Waikīkī. @kohochocolates

SEE ALSO: Hawaiian Host Celebrates 95 Years By Entering the Luxury Chocolate Market

8. Soothing Hand Sanitizers

Photo: Courtesy of Lanikai Bath & Body

Help teachers battle the onslaught of germs they face every day with a little pampering. Receiving rave reviews from our editors, the locally made hand sanitizers at Lanikai Bath & Body will bring a spa touch to school with island scents such as plumeria, pīkake, coconut and guava. Choose between travel-size gel sanitizer or the new pocket mist sanitizer, which you can accessorize with a silicone rubber carrying case available in your teacher’s favorite shade.

Prices range from $5.50 to $12. Order online for pickup or shop at the store in Kailua.

9. Pillowy Mochi

Photo: Emily Smith

For the teachers who might have more traditional tastes or not as much of a sweet tooth, a box of mochi from Nisshodo Candy Store will put a smile on their faces. Put together a variety pack of melt-in-your-mouth chichi dango and mochi in flavors ranging from green tea and coconut to blueberry and peanut butter.

$1.25 to $2 per piece. View the selection and order at the store in Kalihi. @nisshodocandystore