Crafty Ideas for Teacher Gifts

If your child would like to thank his/her teacher for a wonderful year at school, you may find yourself in search of crafty ideas for teacher gifts.

Decorated Candy Jar

For very young children, the best crafty ideas for teacher gifts are simple projects that don’t take too long to complete. In this case, a decorated candy jar is a great option.

Supplies:

• Glass jar, tin can, or other container suitable for holding candy
• Paint, markers, crayons, stickers, ribbon, and other supplies for decorating the jar
• Bag of Lifesaver candies

Instructions:

1. Decorate the container as desired. Feel free to be creative! Try drawing pictures that describe the work your teacher does or writing out words that describe his/her personality.
2. Make a sign that says “You are lifesaver to our kids! Thank you for all your hard work!”
3. Attach the sign to the container and fill it with individually wrapped Lifesaver candies.

Personalized Stationary

Teachers write lots of notes, but you can make the task more fun with a unique stationary set.

Supplies:

• Computer and printer
• Rubber stamps in school themed designs
• Ink in colors of your choice
• Markers or colored pencils
• Blank letterhead, envelopes, and note cards
• Colorful ribbon

Instructions:

1. Print the teacher’s name and classroom information onto the letterhead, envelopes, and note cards using the free font of your choice.
2. Stamp a pretty border around the edges of each item.
3. Use markers or colored pencils to add extra interest to your design.
4. Tie a pretty ribbon bow around the completed items for an attractive presentation.

Decoupage Pencils

Teachers go through lots of pencils during a typical school year, so why not surprise your favorite teacher with an assortment of pretty writing utensils? To make this gift extra special, decorate a tin can or glass jar with ribbons, scrapbooking rub-ons, and other embellishments to make a customized holder for your pencils.

Supplies:

• Plain pencils
• Foam paint brush
• Mod Podge or white school glue mixed with water
• Tissue paper or decorative paper napkins
• Green florist foam block

Instructions:

1. Use a pencil to make a series of holes in your floral foam block.
2. Tear paper into one inch squares.
3. Starting at the top of the pencil, brush Mod Podge onto the pencil. Cover the entire pencil with paper squares, overlapping slightly.
4. When the entire pencil is covered, add another coat of Mod Podge to seal and protect your creation.
5. Place your decorated pencil into the floral foam block, eraser side down. Allow to dry completely before use.

Salt Dough Magnets

Magnets are a practical gift that can be used throughout the year.

Supplies:

• Two cups flour
• ½ cup salt
• ¾ cup hot water
• Cookie cutters
• Acrylic paint
• Paint brush
• Magnet strips

Instructions:

1. Make a batch of salt dough.
2. Use cookie cutters to cut your dough into the desired shapes. Letters, stars, apples, or happy faces are all good choices for a teacher.
3. Microwave for three minutes.
4. When cool to the touch, decorate with acrylic paint.
5. When paint is dry, add magnets to the back of the design.

Additional Crafty Ideas for Teacher Gifts

If you still need more crafty ideas for teacher gifts, LoveToKnow Crafts recommends visiting the following helpful Web sites:

• Family Fun, a great resource for all sorts of craft projects, has a section devoted to teacher appreciation gifts.
• Kaboose has compiled a list of simple and fairly inexpensive teacher craft projects.
• Creative Kids at Home has a few simple teacher gift projects appropriate for very young children.