Is there a teacher your child just adores? Since May is National Teacher Appreciation Month, why not brainstorm some creative gifts your child can make to let his teachers know just how much he cares! This roundup of homemade teacher gifts gives southeast Michigan families a few fun project ideas to get you started.
Flower Pails
Brighten your teacher’s desk with some of her favorite flowers – planted in a colorful sand pail with this crafty creation from Bren Did. Use a free printable pattern and a Sharpie to decorate the pail. Pop a plant in and present it to your favorite teacher.
Grill Gift
Got a teacher who loves to grill in the spring and summer? Treat him or her to this basket of grilling goodies – like this one from Zucchini Summer. Purchase a kitchen towel, A1 sauce, Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce, napkins and a lighter to throw into a basket. It’s a bit less crafty, but still super cute – plus kids can decorate a card to go along with it.
Sweet Surprise
For that sweet teacher, throw some baking goodies in an oven mitt and attach a note – just like this one from Feed the Puzzle. It doesn’t take much to put this creative gift together – and for any sweet-loving person, it’s the perfect treat.
Homemade Bath Bombs
Homemade bath bombs – like these from A Beautiful Mess – take a bit more effort but the end result is beautiful, and fun to use, of course. Get the step-by-step details from A Beautiful Mess.
Decorated Decoupage Clock
It’s time for to express some gratitude! Your child can show her teacher she’s grateful for her every second in class by creating a personalized clock from the Spruce. Use strips of fabric and colorful buttons to dress-up a clock kit you can buy at a local craft store. Your child could even write a special message with fabric pens or permanent markers.
Teacher Tote
What teacher doesn’t need an extra tote bag to carry those supplies to school? Let your child pick clip-art shapes to print and use iron-on transfer paper to create a unique tote bag his teacher will love. Follow the directions from queen crafting Martha Stewart, to make this project. You can also iron-on a class picture.
Mug Candles
Turn an ordinary mug into something extraordinary by making these candles. Purchase candle-making supplies at a craft store – you’ll need a wick, microwaveable candle wax and a mug. Place glue on the bottom of the wick and have your child press it into the bottom of the mug (careful, it’s hot!), pour the candle wax and let it cool to harden. You might find a fun “World’s Best Teacher” mug for the candle. Find step-by-step instructions at Design Sponge.
Handy Apron
From Craftown.com, this handy gift is perfect for teachers who love cooking. Let your child use acrylic paints on his hand to make prints on a fabric apron. You might even encourage him to either write his name or a special message with permanent marker next to his handprint (just make sure to wait till it’s dry!). You can also involve your child’s classmates in this project – maybe every student can add a message.
Photo courtesy of A Beautiful Mess.
This post was originally published in 2012 and is updated regularly.
