Friday, December 9, 2011

Teacher Gifts & Brown Bag Wrapping

I got the gifts ready to go for Firecracker's teachers and a few other people at her school last night.  Besides her teachers, I try to choose a few other staff members who have done something special for her during the year.  Many times the support staff go unrecognized and I want to make sure they know that someone notices when they go above an beyond.

At the same time, it's always a little hard for me to choose gifts for people I don't know all that well.    I had all the supplies on hand, but if I added it up, everything probably cost about 50 cents to $1 for each gift.  Here's what I came up with for this year.:
  • A Letter to the Principal about the awesome job each teacher/staff member is doing. This is the most important part of the gift, so DON'T LEAVE IT OUT.  It was the letters that the teachers and principal thanked me for last year, much more than the gifts.  You can see my tips about how to write a good letter here.
  • Goodies...We went for easy by making Rice Krispies and topping them with holiday sprinkles.
  • A cute mini-book ornament (tutorial here)... I let Firecracker choose which book.  I wrote the teacher's name and the year inside on the first page and she wrote her name on the inside on the next page.
  • A card made by Firecracker with a note from her and short note from me with a copy of the letter to the principal tucked inside.
  • The librarian who has been SUPER EXTRA nice to Firecracker this year got a set of 9 or 10 book ornaments to use decorating the library.  (We're lucky to be live in a community that has no problem with Christmas decorations at the school.)



And if you're curious what we used for our teacher gifts last year, you can see those here.

I'm also on a bit of a mission to wrap gifts more creatively and attractively.  Usually I put all my thought into the gift and the wrapping is an afterthought...well, it's still and after thought...but I'm trying to do a better job with it.  (I was famous in high school for putting gifts in a grocery sack and stapling it shut...I guess this isn't so different...but at least these bags don't have ads stamped on the sides and there are no staples involved.)  The presentation can add a lot to a gift, so here is my most recent attempt.  If I can do this...so can you.

I tucked the goodies, copy of the letter, and the card inside the bag.  (This one went to the librarian, so it had the extra book ornaments inside.)

Fold the top over.

Punch two holes in the top.

String your fabric scrap or ribbon through.  I wrapped it around twice.

Tie a bow with the book ornament or other gift tag.

And they're ready to send off with your child to school. 

Or in our case, you send them with dad to drop off at school because Firecracker is home sick with a fever and headache...and those rice krispies wouldn't taste as good after the weekend.

We gave something entirely different to the ladies who help Firecracker cross the street to school...but those will come in an upcoming post.

What do you like to use as teacher gifts?


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7 comments:

  1. I love it! Hmm our teachers just might be getting mini book ornaments this year...To cute!

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  2. Speaking as a teacher...those are PERFECT gifts. Much better than a cute little doo-dad that you have to figure out what to do with it...

    Sending love and hugs to Firecracker - hope she's feeling better soon, and that the other kids (and YOU!) don't come down with it.

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  3. We used to give cards to our teachers. We may have done other things, but it's so long ago now I can't remember!

    Feel better soon Firecracker! Love you :)

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  4. I love the idea of the letters. And rice krispie treats are always amazing.:)

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  5. This is such a cute idea! My husband is a teacher and he is always so touched when students give him gifts. It's truly is the thought that counts. I'd love for you to come link up at DIY Thrifty Thursday @ www.thrifty101.blogspot.com

    Michelle @ Thrifty 101

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  6. So thoughtful to write a letter to the principal. Great idea!

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  7. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the letter to the principal idea. I might steal that one for next Christmas!! Love the blog and am now a Follower!! Would love for you to drop by www.twotinytyrants.blogspot.com and follow back!!

    ReplyDelete

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