With the school year ending, it’s time to appreciate our co-parents. By that, I of course mean our children’s teachers. Aside from you, no one in your child’s life has more of an impact than a good teacher. The bond between parent and teacher is one of shared interest, shared responsibility, and shared love for your child. As the academic year comes to a close, show your gratitude with one of these heartfelt DIY gifts that are affordable and fun.
1. Gift Card Story Book
As your child knows from handing in posters and dioramas, it’s all about the presentation. Whether you’re presenting a DIY gift, a gift card, or a greeting card, enclosing it in a meaningful package, like this adorable fold-out book in a box, will upgrade your gift from nice to sensational.
2. Soothing Candles in Jars
Now that the year is coming to a close, it’s time for teachers everywhere to slip into relaxation mode. How better to ensure that he or she gets a soothing summer break, then with some large and luxurious homemade candles. These mason jar candles aren’t only easy and inexpensive to make, they'll last for a month’s worth of steaming soaks in the tub.
3. Class Birthday Board
For the teacher who appreciates each and every child (and shows it!), make a cute class birthday board, with chalkboard tags for her to fill in incoming students, and colorful ribbons to keep track of each child’s special day.
4. #2 Pencil Vase
Flowers are always nice, but to personalize a bouquet and add a special touch, make a quick vase out of those crowd-favorite #2 pencils. There’s no gluing involved, so that after she’s done using it as a vase, your child’s teacher will have a container of extra pencils for anyone who needs.
5. Alphabet Coasters
Not every gift has to be tailor-made for the classroom - teachers also love gifts that they can use at home, like these adorable alphabet coasters. Thank the person who spends their days caring for your child by taking care of their coffee table, with a set of sweet coasters that your kids can help you make.
6. Kind Words Potted Plant
If you know your teacher is the gardening type, why give them a bouquet they can enjoy just once? For the person who’s made a lasting impression on your child, give the gift of greenery that they can plant in their garden and enjoy for seasons to come.
7. Dotted Sharpie Mugs
For the teacher who can appreciate a good cup of coffee in the morning, make a personalized mug with some stickers, a few Sharpies, and a basic white coffee cup. Since this clever craft is so versatile, you can easily make one for every teacher, teacher’s assistant, and tutor you want to thank.
8. Succulent Flower Pot Pens
Disguise some supplies, with this sweet pen holder DIY that combines storage and decor for the teacher’s desk. Everyone loves succulents, so pick up some faux varieties from your nearest craft store and have this simple pen pot finished before nap time ends.
9. Book Page Apple
If you’ve got an old book that’s missing a few pages, this is the perfect opportunity to upcycle it into the perfect gimmick gift. Give your child’s teacher the classic gift of a juicy apple, but with an artistic twist, by making this creative book page apple to sit on the teacher’s desk.
10. Mason Jar Chalkboard Vases
More than anyone else, teachers know the importance of having an orderly desk. Because a successful lesson depends on having all your supplies on hand, give the gift of organization, with these helpful chalkboard mason jars that are perfect for pens, paper clips, extra staples, or even flowers. The chalkboard labels make these jars reusable for whatever the teacher needs.
For more great gift ideas, inspirations, and how-to’s, check out our gift page on Hometalk!
