Handmade Teacher Gifts for Back to School

As you get into the groove of going back to school, remember to add, “Make teacher gift,” to your to-do list. It doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate, just a simple handmade gift you and your child can make together. Using basic craft supplies and a little creativity, these three projects are a fun and practical ways to brighten the teacher’s desk from the first day to the last.

 

 

• Make a pencil cup by washing out an empty soup can and covering it with scrapbook paper using spray adhesive.  Disney’s Family Fun showcases this unique gift. Choose designs with a school theme or with colors that match the classroom. Hide any rough edges by gluing on strips of ribbon.  Use alphabet stickers to spell out the teacher’s name. If you like, fill the cup with new pens for an extra treat.

• Craft a set of personalized stationery for all the little notes teachers send home. The blog Dannie’s Designs shares instructions for handmade note cards and cardholder using stamps, paper punches and ribbon. Choose a stamp with a school-related design, such as an apple, or the teacher’s first initial for a customized look. 
• Turn ordinary tissue boxes and hand sanitizer bottles into works of art your child’s teacher will be excited to display and use.  The blog Just a Girl shows how to create these wonderful gifts.  Simply use double-sided tape to attach decorative paper to a regular tissue box. For the hand sanitizer, peel off the label (use Goo-B-Gone for hard-to-remove bits), and stick on some stickers.

While you have the craft supplies out, go ahead and make a card to accompany the gift. Together with the present, the handmade back-to-school gift is a great way to start the year.