Homemade Gifts That Teachers Will Cherish

This is about the time of year when parents with kids in school start to panic. Why? It’s time to find a gift for the teachers!

With the school year about ready to break for the holidays, you will need to think fast. And if you’re like most of us, your budget is very tight, especially this time of year. You probably have two issues – you want a frugal gift AND you want a gift that is memorable.

One thing I’ve learned from my teacher friends is that there are gifts… and then there are gifts.

A teacher is a dedicated professional who works with your child because, well, they love working with children. They wouldn’t teach otherwise.  Do you really want to give this dedicated professional who takes a personal interest in your child another #1 Teacher ornament or coffee mug? Probably not. You want to show your child’s teachers that you appreciate them by giving a personal, well thought out gift.

But, it’s truly not the cost that matters here. Teachers know about financial hardship and they appreciate the fact that you and your child take the time to create a special gift. Let’s consider just a couple homemade items that your child’s teacher will cherish.

Bookmarks

Some of the sweetest bookmarks are the ones that remind your child’s teacher of your child. Take a photo of your child and glue it to a piece of card stock cut to the size of a bookmark, say about 2″ x 7″ or so. Have your child decorate both sides of the bookmark with the year, your child’s name, the teacher’s name (This Book Belongs To…), and some drawings or stickers. Then laminate the marker, punch a hole in the top, and string some ribbon through for decoration. You can embellish it as much as you want, but be sure the bookmark remains flat, so it doesn’t mark a book’s pages when used. This craft can be repeated for each teacher because any teacher is going to love it and use it often. Depending on your gift budget, you could include a gift certificate to a bookstore along with the bookmark.

Pencil Holder

Using a clean can, cover with Contac paper, construction paper, or if the can has a nice look, spray paint, and embellish as you wish. I suggest using pictures of your child, or pictures taken during the school year of the various school programs. Have your child write the school year, their name, the teacher’s name, and decorate as you please. Your child may like to glue sea shells, buttons, or other items to the pencil holder. Buy brand new pencils and pens, fill the pencil holder, and you’ve got a beautiful, personal, and appreciated gift.

Markers

School budgets are just as tight as household budgets these days. Did you know that many teachers spend their own money on supplies for classroom projects? Markers, Sharpies, colored pencils, and all the fun writing and coloring tools that we love are hard to come by in most schools. Your child’s teacher will treasure a gift of beautiful markers of any variety. You may wish to make either the pencil holder previously mentioned, or even buy a cardboard box from a craft store, decorate it, and present your teacher with their new assortment of wonderful markers in the special box.

Food and Beverages

Gift baskets from a ‘super store’ are rather impersonal and often expensive. But, when your child picks out a few food or beverage items, puts them together in their own little box or bag, the gift becomes a one-of-a-kind gift from the heart. You can actually find many relatively inexpensive ‘gourmet’ type items in your own grocery store, so you can stay within your budget. Choose a couple items that go together, like special coffee with a rich chocolate bar, or herbal tea with a nice package of little scones. If your teacher likes to cook, maybe a couple nice spices or seasonings in a lovely package. You can get pretty creative right there in your grocery store aisles. Buy simple bags and tissue paper for the packaging, and have your child decorate the bag. If your child likes to cook, perhaps a ‘gift in a jar’ would be appropriate.  These are dry mixes put together in a jar and given with preparation instructions attached. One of my favorite mixes is a Warm Herbed Mixed Nut snack.

With just a few ideas, some creativity, and a little time spent with your child, your homemade gifts will have an honored place in your teacher’s home… and heart.

Would you like to steer clear of the holiday shopping crowds? You can with this guide to Homemade Christmas Gifts and More.

Making Homemade Christmas gifts is one way to actually enjoy the process of gift-giving. Not only are homemade gifts and decorations frugal, they’re more fun!

We don’t have to rush out to the mall to shop for Christmas when we have ideas for creating gifts right at home. Take time to enjoy your holiday season. Click on and download now to start planning your frugal AND fun Christmas.

www.hillbillyhousewife.com/christmasbook