It's that time again, when kids say goodbye -- and thank you -- to their teachers at the end of another school year. But how to do it? Here are some ideas for thoughtful, no-fuss parting gifts that kids can make themselves. Teachers are sure to appreciate these personalized thank-yous.
Stamps of approval
These sweet stamps let teachers say "great job" with ease, and they come together fast from cork and adhesive-backed craft foam. Packaged with an ink pad and a gift card to a craft store, the set is a great way to say thanks for a stellar year.
You will need:
• Nail file (optional) • 4 corks (1-inch diameter) • Pencil
• Adhesive-backed craft foam
1 Use the nail file to sand the wide end of the cork flat, if necessary.
2 Draw or trace a letter or shape on the back of the craft foam. Cut it out and press it onto the cork. Repeat for the other three corks.
Fun with fingerprints
Let teachers know they made a big impression with a set of (truly) hand-printed cards and envelopes. Bundled with stamps, this one-of-a-kind gift will make summer correspondence even more fun.
You will need:
Ink pad • Card stock • Envelopes • Pens or thin markers • Raffia or ribbon
1 Press ink fingerprints onto each card and envelope.
2 Using a pen or marker, embellish the fingerprints to resemble creatures. Let the ink dry, then bundle up the set with raffia or ribbon.
Photo bookmark
Thank the teacher for making reading fun with a bookmark that lists your child's new favorite titles. Tuck in a bookstore gift card, and your message will be read loud and clear.
You will need:
• Card stock or thick scrapbooking paper • White paper • Glue stick • Photograph of your child • Markers
1 Trim the card stock to the desired size (3 by 9¼ inches in the example), and cut the white paper slightly smaller. Cut the photograph into a heart shape and glue it in place on the white paper. Then use a marker to add the message and book list.
2 Turn over the white paper and run glue around the outside edge, leaving 3 1/2 inches bare on one side. Press the sheet onto the card stock, then insert a gift card.
Sweet smells to go
Stuffed with a sweet scent, this little luxury makes a great gift for a teacher hitting the road this summer. Pin on a gift card to a local car wash, and recipients will be good to go.
You will need:
• Pencil
• Paper
• Fabric (such as broadcloth)
• Felt
• Glue
• Clothespins
• Potpourri
• Pushpin
• Paper fasteners
• Thin ribbon -- 12 inches
1 Draw a car shape on paper, or print out a template (online at www.startribune.com/a412). Cut out the shape, then use the pencil to trace it twice on the fabric. Cut out both pieces, then cut out a felt window and two wheels, as shown.
2 Glue the window and wheels to one car shape. Let dry. Lay one of the car shapes wrong side up. Run a line of glue along the outside edge, leaving 2 inches bare. Press on the second car shape, right side up, then clip clothespins around the edge until the glue dries. Stuff the car with the potpourri. Glue the opening closed and let dry.
3 Use the pushpin to punch a hole in the top of the car, just below glued edge; use pencil to widen it. Make a hole in each wheel in the same way. Add hanging ribbon and hubcaps.
Painted thank-you mug
With the stroke of a paint pen made for pottery (such as a Pebeo-brand Porcelaine 150 with a bullet tip), kids can turn an ordinary mug into a useful keepsake for their teacher. For an even more robust thank you, include a gift card to a coffee shop.
You will need:
• Rubber band • Oven-safe ceramic mug • Towel • Ceramic paint pen • Cotton swab
1 To make a guide for writing evenly, place a rubber band around the mug.
2 Working on a folded towel to keep the mug from slipping, use the paint pen to write a message, moving the rubber band as needed. (Tip: Keep a damp cotton swab handy to wipe away mistakes before they dry.) When you're finished, bake the mug according to the instructions on the pen package.
