An Easy (and Affordable!) Christmas Gift for Teachers
Oh, I’m sure you’ve got it allllll under control this last week of school before the break. Cards mailed. Packages wrapped. House decorated. Shopping complete.
I’m just positive.
But, in the off-chance that you aren’t all ready to deck the halls, here’s hoping this quick and affordable teacher gift might save you some stress – and some bucks – as we enter the homestretch. You can certainly make this for neighbors, friends, co-workers or other folks you love.
First, you must shop at Trader Joe’s. I know. I ask the big things of people. Here’s my supply list:
- Your favorite TJ items (I chose Candy Cane Joe Joe’s and dark chocolate peanut butter cups. Total cost: $3.97)
- TJ stickers (free at checkout, just ask!)
- Cardstock
- Ribbon and/or baker’s twine
- Scissors or paper cutter
- Hole punch
- Plastic bags
- Corner punch (optional)
- Prayer cards (Our children attend Catholic school, so we included these, but you might want to have your child include a handwritten note instead. Total cost: $1.50)
I had items 2-8 on hand already, but if you have sacks or different ribbon, I say make do with what you already have!
Print the “we wouldn’t trade you…” cards, cut and round corners (or leave as is!), then punch a hole in the top. You can get your very own set here and just have your kids sign their name at the bottom: Blank Teacher Christmas Gift Tags. (Please don’t make me hunt you down for selling these. They’re free and for your own personal use!)
Then, assemble the bags by adding the peanut butter cups and prayer card/handwritten note and tie the card on with baker’s twine.
Use the other ribbon to affix the bag to the Joe Joe’s box, tying it from top to bottom and then hide the tie with a TJ sticker. Voila. Finished!
Now, go drink some eggnog.
I love you. Truly. It’s the last week of school here and these are the perfect idea for our teachers! Since my kids go to public school, I’ll add in our Christmas card instead of a prayer card! Thanks for the great idea!
Those Candy Cane Joe Joe’s are one of my all-time favorite TJ’s items. I also adore the dark chocolate dipped ones. Delicious! This is such a cute idea. Thanks for the share!
The Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint Joe-Joe’s are THE BEST. The hexagonal box of four different kinds of covered specialty-flavor Joe-Joe’s is a great gift, there’s a kind for almost everyone!
I never was super creative with my kids’ teacher’s gifts when they were in school but I tried to always remember that it’s the thought that counts!
Most definitely!
Great idea! I just print the tags on cardstock in my printer? I’m kind of behind on these things.
The room mom for my daughter’s K collected $6 from everyone and used to buy slippers, a blanket, and scented candles for the teacher. Very sincere thought, but this woman has taught K for 20 years. Give her a macys gift card already!
Slippers? Nooooo. Yes, the Macy’s gift card is always a winner!
My son is in a daycare program still. The last 2 years, I’ve organized a donation for a gift card for each of the 6 classroom teachers. Out of 18 kids, we have 13 participating this year. Everyone contributes what they wish (ranges from $15-$100…just whatever they’re comfortable with), divide by 6 and viola…a gift card for each teacher. And let me tell you, it’s well received!!
Awesome! You’ve nailed it once again, Mrs. W! Now, for the question: Where in the yahoo do I get baker’s twine? Guess I’m not a baker, and certainly no feeling my inner Martha Stewart! Thanks a bunch!
lol! I got mine at Crate & Barrel for super cheap after Christmas a couple of years ago. I’m pretty sure any kitchen store (Williams-Sonoma, Sur la Table) would have it. And Amazon definitely has it!
Dang it! No TJ here in good ol’ Bama! 🙁