Winter Break is just around the corner, and after an incredibly full fall term, there is no one more deserving of a seasonal treat than our amazing educators. With report cards and parent-teacher conferences wrapped up, the timing could not be better. In the midst of festive concerts and sing-a-longs, school movie nights, classroom celebrations, and end-of-year staff parties, Indigo’s plumTeacher program is here with meaningful perks created just for teachers, perfectly timed for a well-earned winter holiday. Teachers on Call’s online and in-person tutoring service is comprised of provincially certified teachers across Canada, so we know exactly which items are teacher approved and worthy of an A plus. Keep reading for ideas on what to take advantage of during this plumTeacher offer, thanks to Indigo.
This December, teachers can look forward to exclusive savings from December 4 to 7, 2025, along with curated recommendations from the Teachers on Call in-home and online tutoring team. And because we believe teachers should treat themselves as generously as they care for others, this edition features festive favourites and top-up winter break picks selected by our President and CEO, Joanne Sallay.
What Is plumTeacher?
If you are new to the program, plumTeacher is Indigo’s exclusive membership for Canadian educators. It is designed to celebrate and support teachers year-round with special offers, curated lists, and seasonal surprises.
Educators can sign up for free and enjoy:
- Exclusive plumTeacher discounts throughout the year
- Staff-curated booklists and recommendations
- Special appreciation events and seasonal perks
- Access to educator-focused resources and inspiration
You can sign up in-store or online here and start enjoying the perks right away.
The Winter Break plumTeacher Event: December 4–7, 2025
Just in time for the holiday rush, the plumTeacher Winter Break Event is the perfect opportunity for teachers to pick up:
- Gifts for themselves
- Festive home and classroom decor
- Organization and wellness picks to reset before January
- Games, crafts, and activities to enjoy with family or students
- Holiday gifts for loved ones
- Cozy winter reads for a chance to catch up on recreational reading
After an incredibly busy fall, this year’s theme is simple. Treat yourself to something special. You have more than earned it. For a full list of exclusions, visit here.
Joanne Sallay’s plumTeacher Picks: 12 Days of Wintertime Cheer for Teachers
Looking to treat yourself this Winter Break? Here are some festive finds perfect for cozying up at home, refreshing your classroom, or adding a joyful touch to your daily routine. You can also check out Teachers on Call’s tutoring team picks from our last blog, and as a bonus for the holiday season, our President and CEO Joanne Sallay’s festive picks have been added to inspire a little extra cheer.
1) Gingerbread Man Shaped Pillow
A fun and festive accent for home decor, and a guaranteed hit if you bring it into the classroom. This adorable gingerbread character pairs beautifully with holiday read-alouds and seasonal picture books, adding a cozy touch that students will love.
2) Book Nook Shelf Insert
A magical addition to any classroom or home library. Joanne especially loves the literary nods found in designs like Shakespeare and the Silent Corner Book Nook, which bring an enchanting storybook world to your shelves.
3) 1000 Piece Literary Jigsaw Puzzles
Winter is the perfect time to get lost in a puzzle. Literary-themed options like The World of Sherlock Holmes, which pairs perfectly with your favourite mystery books, make great collaborative classroom holiday activities. The Netflix-inspired World of Bridgerton is a fun choice but best saved for home!
4) Literary-Themed Mugs
Teachers often receive mugs as holiday gifts, but Indigo’s fun and whimsical collection is worth treating yourself to. Joanne’s current favourite is Tall Dark and Fictional. It is perfect for your desk, your staffroom lunch break, or curling up at home with a good book.
5) Advent Calendars
For teachers who love a good advent calendar, Indigo has a wonderful assortment to enjoy throughout the season. There are plenty of educational options to explore, including a fun STEM version, along with creative and book-themed calendars that add a little surprise to each day of Winter Break.
6) 12 Month Jumbo Wall Calendar
Anyone who follows our blog knows that we are big on organization and time management. This oversized wall calendar is a team must-have. It is spacious, modern, and perfect for planning school life, home life, and everything in between.
7) Plush Throws
Nothing pairs better with reading than a soft and cozy blanket. These plush throws make Winter Break feel extra comforting, whether you are enjoying fireside reading, a family movie night, or a well-deserved afternoon nap.
8) Wooden Book Board
A beautifully crafted serving piece that adds literary charm to any table. Ideal for entertaining, book clubs, holiday gatherings, or staffroom potlucks.
9) Holiday Sweaters
Indigo’s festive sweaters, especially the book club and literary-themed designs, are a cheerful way to get into the reading spirit. Great for holiday photos, themed school days, or relaxing at home.
10) Reading Socks
A long-time favourite of Joanne’s. These iconic reading socks are the perfect winter accessory. Warm, plush, and ideal for curling up with a good book. A must-have for creating the ultimate reading nook.
11) Satin Sleep Mask
Available in fun sayings like “Always Tired Club” or “Dreaming of Fictional Characters,” this satin sleep mask is a perfect little indulgence for Winter Break and all year long. Soft and comfortable, it helps teachers unwind, rest, and enjoy a well-deserved moment of calm.
12) Books
Teachers love recommending great books for their students, so Winter Break is a wonderful chance to catch up on their own recreational reading. Need inspiration? Check out our last plumTeacher blog, where our tutors picked their favourite Canadian titles inspired by our love to Read the North. Or browse Indigo’s newest titles to find your next great escape.
Not a plumTeacher Member Yet? Sign Up for Free
Teachers across Canada can join plumTeacher at no cost. You will receive educator-exclusive offers, seasonal perks, and curated recommendations throughout the year, always aligned with the school calendar and created with educators in mind.
Sign up online or at your closest Indigo location (find a store near you here) and you will be ready for the December 4 to 7 plumTeacher Event.
Winter Break is a time to rest, recharge, and enjoy a moment of celebration after giving so much to students and schools across the country. With Indigo’s plumTeacher program, and this specially curated edition from the Teachers on Call tutoring team, we hope you find something meaningful to treat yourself this season.
Just keep in mind that teacher appreciation discounts are offered in-store only. So, mark your calendars, grab your teacher identification, and head over to your local Indigo, Chapters, Coles, or Indigospirit!
Happy Winter Break, and happy shopping!
This blog has been created in partnership with Indigo, reflecting our shared mission to inspire a love of reading and our mutual appreciation for the incredible work of educators. Photography of the Teachers on Call in-home and online tutoring team by Jennifer Allison of JSHUTTER Photography, with seasonal images captured by Meg Matera Photography.
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