Whether you’re heading back to school, coming up with holiday gift idea or the school year is ending, you’ve probably found yourself trying to come up with a homemade teacher gift! Nothing says “thank you” like a small token of your affection and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s our roundup of some great homemade teacher gifts that are all under $5!
Source: TwoSistersCrafting
1. Crayon Candy Dish
Nothing says teacher like an artsy use of crayons! This is a bright and cheerful way to say thank you for your young kids teachers. All you need is a box of crayons and a candy dish roughly the height of crayons, both inexpensive items that can be found at a craft store. Using a little hot glue is all you need to create this festive teacher gift! Toss a little candy inside and you’re done!
Head over to TwoSistersCrafting to see the entire tutorial for making your own crayon candy dish.
Source: EchoesOfLaughter
2. Personalized Mini Clip Board
I have fond memories of my teachers holding their clipboards at the door to my classrooms, checking everyone in for the day. Most teachers find great uses for such a basic office supply, so why not give a personalized one as a gift? You can find mini clipboards at most dollar stores. Scour your house for a piece of cute scrapbook paper which you probably already have, or pick a few cute sheets for $.10 at a craft store. Then just Modge Podge your paper on and voila!
EchoesOfLaughter has the entire step-by-step on creating your own mini-clipboards, alone with other amazing crafts, DIY’s and recipes.
Source: Love-the-Day.com
3. Highlighters
Give a functional gift like a jar of highlighters with a cute note to make it personal. Teachers end up tossing a lot of gifts because they don’t have room on their desks for chotchkies or simply can’t use what they receive. Avoid both of those by being practical, but personal by emphasizing how important they were to your child this year.
If you like this idea, then check out Love-the-Day.com for the free printable!
4. Sugar Scrub
Most teachers love body products, and you can make them a personalized one if you know them well enough. If you plan on making this gift for multiple teachers, then you can definitely come in under $5 a piece, especially if you already have the ingredients at home. Find out their favorite fragrance and make them a homemade blend of sugar scrub in a cute jar. You can even attach a cute tag with the picture of the fragrance, like a lemon or orange, for an even better presentation. Follow our Life As Mama recipe here and give the gift of softer hands! It’s the perfect homemade teacher gift.
Source: WorkmanFamily.typepad.com
5. Monogram Crayon Art
After seeing this gift, it made me want to make one for my daughters room! This is a very inexpensive craft, as all you need are a box of crayons and a frame, which can both be found at the dollar store. Stencil out what letter you want to make and cut your crayons to size. Then just glue together!
Visit WorkmanFamily.typepad.com to see how she created this super cute gift, along with her other great crafting and photography ideas.
Source: AlaynasCreation.co
6. Quote Clipboard
This DIY clipboard made specifically to hang inspirational quotes and for display on a desk, is a classy way to thank your teacher. It serves a purpose, without being cheesy and overtly “teacher-ish.” You can even up your game by supplying a few quote carts to get your teacher started!
Check out AlaynasCreation.co for all the details on making your own.
Source: HelloBee.com
7. Bright Miniature Potted Plants
Nothing livens up a desk like little potted plants. Succulents are great plants because they require little watering in case you have a busy teacher. I honestly think this would be a great “first day of school” gift for your teacher, so they can keep on their desk all year long. Small potted plants can be found out your dollar store, and acrylic paints are usually less than $1.50 at craft stores. Simply tape off the area to be painted and get to work. You can take it one step further with a cute flag note like in the photo above.
HelloBee.com has the step-by- step for this cute gift, along with oodles of printables and other crafts you don’t want to miss.
Source: InfarrantlyCreative.net
8. Multi-Purpose Decorative Frame
Teachers love matching their classrooms to the seasons, and this gift will help them do that with style. Purchase an inexpensive frame and simply make different printables for each holiday. Your artwork can be free if you print at home, or just pennies per page if you print on a nice printer at Costco or the like. Add some cute twine and you have a creative and usable gift!
InfarrantlyCreative.net has all these printables so head over and get making your frame!
Source: TotallyTheBomb.com
9. Sharpie-Filled Water Bottle
Talking and teaching definitely takes a lot out of you, and that’s why staying hydrated makes giving a water bottle as a gift an easy choice. You can find tons of cute options at dollar stores, or when you buy in bulk on Amazon. Add in some Sharpie markers and you’ve got one happy teacher! You can find discounted packs of Sharpies around back to school time shopping, or buy a larger pack that may cost more than $5, but when split between several teacher gifts makes the price just right!
We found this easy idea at TotallyTheBomb.com.
Source: U-CreateCrafts.com
10. Wordle Cloud Hot Chocolate
Teacher gifts don’t have to be complicated or expensive to be meaningful. We love this idea of using a word cloud (which you can make for free on Wordle) involving words that remind you of your teacher and then using it as a cover on a tin of hot chocolate. It’s super simple but the words will speak volumes.
Check out more fun craft ideas at U-CreateCrafts.com.
Which one of these homemade teacher gifts did you try? Let us know in the comments below!
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