Teacher Gifts

I think end of the year teacher gifts will always cause me a little anxiety.

So. much. pressure.!

Lots of critera:
1. must be something the kids enjoy making - because it's important to them.
2. must be something the teachers will actually use - because it's important to me.
(and because lots of my family members are teachers and I've heard all about some end of the year gifts!)
3. must be something that shows I really appreciate the work the teachers have put forth for my child.

This year we had 6 gifts to make because we are lucky enough for each of our kids to have a full time para in their classes. (no, I'm serious, I considered this extra person available to them at all times a HUGE blessing this year!)

So, this year here is what we went with:

1. A colored pencil holder. I saw this idea as a flower vase, but we decided not to fill it with anything because I thought it would be hard for the teachers to transport the vase with water in it in their cars on the way home. This way they can use it for anything...a pencil holder, a trinket holder, a flower vase. Whatever they dream up. The kids really enjoyed making these!

2. A coffee gift card. I found this template available online. I'm sure I found it off of a link from Pink and Green Mama, but for the life of me, I can't remember where...sorry! Anyway, I just printed off the card, went to Panara and bought gift cards, and picked up free coffee sleeves while I was there, and glued it on, tucked the gift card in, and tied some string around. I think the teachers will appreciate this...it's something they will for sure use!
3. A "Thankful" can. Hunter saw this online while I was searching for ideas and wanted to make it. Very simply, this jar can be used for ANYTHING. We just cleaned a glass jar, and hot glued a pretty bobby pin on the front. The teacher can slip a picture in there, a note, a list, or leave our thanks in and fill it with reminders of things they are thankful for. We put a "Thanks" note on the front (because we're thankful!) and we'll let them use their imagination for the rest.
I'd love to collect a whole list of ideas that we can use through the years. Anyone have any for me?!