Budget-Friendly DIY Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Teachers do so much more than teach - they inspire, guide, and support us through the complexities of knowledge with dedication - and a lot of patience. It’s only fitting to give back to them with gestures that show you and your child’s gratitude. What better way to do this than with a DIY teacher appreciation gift? Here are some ideas that are not only DIY but also won’t put a dent in your wallet.

Handcrafted Thank You Cards

A thank you card may sound like a simple keepsake, but when it’s handcrafted and personalized by a student, that extra work takes the card to a new level and provides a memorable way of saying “thanks.”

Supplies:

• Colorful cardstock or other heavy-duty paper

• Art supplies: paints, stamps, stickers, crayons, markers, glitter, etc.

• Glue

• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Fold a piece of cardstock in half to create the card base.

2. Inside the card, have your child write a sincere message expressing their gratitude. If your child is struggling to think of something, have them write about instances where the teacher helped them or made a significant impact. Adding a personal story adds a special touch teachers often treasure.

3. Now, the fun part: get decorating! Is this for a science teacher? Go space themed. Or use fingerprints to make a colorful balloon scene. Your child’s creativity can really soar!

Potted Plants

Plants not only represent growth but are a great way for teachers to add some flair to their desks.

Supplies:

• A small succulent or plant

• A small pot or upcycled container

• Acrylic paints or markers

• String

Instructions:

1. Small, low maintenance plants like succulents are perfect for busy teachers.

2. Have your kids decorate the pot using paints or markers.

3. Add a small tag with the message “Thanks for helping me grow, Name of Teacher” and tie it to the pot.

DIY Bookmarks

Small and practical, crafting a bookmark is an easy, cost-effective gift. Your kids can customize it to suit their teacher’s style and interests with a heartfelt message, inspiring quote, or a hand-drawn illustration.

Supplies:

• Cardstock or other heavy-duty paper

• Decorative elements: stamps, stickers, crayons, markers, glitter, etc.

• Laminating sheets or large packing tape

• Hole punch

• Ribbon

Instructions:

1. Cut the cardstock into strips (about two to three inches wide and about six inches long).

2. Your kids can decorate each bookmark with a motivational quote, one-of-a-kind drawings, or a simple “Thank you.”

3. Laminate the bookmarks to make them durable.

4. Using the hole punch, make a hole in the top middle of the bookmark and add a ribbon for a finishing touch.

A Jar of Sunshine

Filled with pieces that symbolize a ray of light (typically yellow-colored items), a jar of sunshine is sure to light up a teacher’s day.

Supplies:

• A mason jar or any clear jar with a lid

• A variety of small, sunshine-colored items (think lemon-flavored candies, yellow paperclips, yellow crayons, a yellow stress ball, yellow highlighters, yellow sticky notes, etc.)

• Yellow ribbon or twine

• A tag or small notecard

Instructions:

1. Gather sunshine-colored items (these should be small enough to fit in the jar) and remove the lid from the jar.

2. Arrange items inside the jar to make everything visible and appealing.

3. Put the lid back onto the jar.

4. Attach a tag or small notecard to the jar with ribbon or twine. Ideas for message on the tag: “A little jar of sunshine to brighten your day” or “Thanks for helping me shine.”

Sweet Candy Card

A candy card is a lighthearted way to say “Thanks” with just the right amount of humor. And a collection of sweet treats and a thoughtful message is sure to bring smiles and “Snickers” to teachers (See what we did there?).

Supplies:

• Posterboard

• Markers

• Hot glue gun and glue sticks

• A variety of candy bars (full-size works best on large poster board; choose ones that you can use in a sentence like “You’re the best teacher in the whole Milky Way,” “You’re a Lifesaver,” or “I hope you Take 5 this summer and relax.”)

Instructions:

1. Start by planning the message. Lay out the candy bars and think about how each name can fit into a sentence. For example, “Dear [Teacher’s Name], You are a Lifesaver. Thanks for the Mounds of knowledge you’ve given us. We Skor-ed this year with a teacher like you. Take 5 and relax this summer.”

2. Write or place the planned message on the posterboard, leaving space to add the candy bars where the words would be.

3. Secure each candy bar to its spot with glue.

4. Add any additional decorations for a more personal touch.

Remember, the best gifts come from the heart, not the wallet. Each of these DIY teacher appreciation gifts is not only budget-friendly, but they also offer that personal touch that store-bought gifts simply can’t match. So, roll up those sleeves and craft a gift that is truly one-of-a-kind. After all, a few thoughtful words can mean the world.

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