{Teacher Gift Ideas} Back to School Brainstorm

Back to school. Those words that fill parents with glee and students a sense of dread that summer is coming to an end. In all honesty, I’ll admit that I don’t want school to start so soon!  I’m really enjoying this summer with my kids, the more relaxed schedule, more time spent together, trying to soak up the happy moments and memories we’ve made the last few months (although there are plenty of days I’m ready to ship myself off to the looney bin). But now is the time to prepare for the Back to School craziness that is soon upon us. We’re here to help! Over the next two weeks we will be having our first annual Back to School Brainstorm—sharing lots of ideas and projects as well as some free downloads and printables to help get you and your kids ready for that school bell to ring!

We’ll start with some fun Teacher Gift Ideas today! First, some projects that I have made for my kids’ teachers:

Teacher Treats (in a small, clear plastic craft paint can)

You can get these small, clear plastic paint cans at various craft stores, I use these for gifts and holidays all the time! I like to make an insert in Photoshop with digital scrapbooking supplies, print it out and stick it inside the paint can. Fill the can with teacher’s favorite treats, and maybe some small school supplies or a gift card. Add coordinating ribbon and you’re good to go! The dimensions for the small paint can inserts are 13.5 in. x 4.25 in. (Scroll down my Mother’s Day post for more paint can insert ideas.)

(Credits: GG Digital Designs)

Cute Treat Box and Candy Bar Cover

For this project I used a template to create a cute version of a french fry box! I added digital papers and embellishments to personalize it, printed it out and folded it, and filled it with some yummies. You could include gift cards and small school supplies in here as well. Here is the link if you want to download the french fry box template and try it out!

French Fry box template

For the candy bar cover, I used one of my own templates that I created awhile back. I love how these turned out! You can totally use your creative brains and completely personalize these gifts for your teachers. I used a Hershey bar for the candy bar, which is the size my template fits. (Credits: Shabby Princess)

If you would like to download this free candy bar wrapper template so you can make your own wrapper in your photo editing program, please feel free!

Download Link: Candy Bar Wrapper Layered Template

Decorative Magnet Board with Matching Magnets

A fun little magnet board for your teacher to put favorite photos or quotes or even their “to do” list! You might be surprised but I used actual PAPER for this project! Hee hee. Yes, this digital girl does have some fun scrapbooking paper in her craft closet! I just had a small sheet of metal and a wood block with a slit cut into the top (i bought it at a wood craft shop last year). I covered it with paper (you could use Mod Podge) and used spray paint to paint the wood block. Then I used the extra coordinating scrapbook paper to make little matching magnets with round glass pebbles, Mod Podge, and strong magnets secured with E6000 adhesive. You can read this magnet tutorial by Jamie for more detailed instructions. You could also add vinyl lettering to the wood block to personalize it with your teacher’s name or your favorite quote.

Now I want to share some creative and fun ideas I’ve bookmarked from around the internet:

Scrapping Is Life: Candle

Nichole Heady of Papertrey Ink: Teacher Gift Basket

Bakerella: Candy Apple Cake Pops

Mishmash: Clipboard Message Center

Emily Giovanni: Cute Popcorn Teacher Gift

Eighteen25: Teacher Goody Box

Eighteen25: Teacher’s Treats Jar

The Creative Crate: Personalized Necklaces

Shabby Princess: Teacher’s Pet Gift Collection

Family Fun: Giving Plant (This might be a good one for the end of the school year or Teacher Appreciation Week)

Martha Stewart: Monogram Teacher Tote

Skip to My Lou: Teacher Appreciation Flowers and tags (free printables)

Little Birdie Secrets: Schultute Gift Cone for Teacher

Then here are a few more teacher gift ideas for the end of the school year:

Bake at 350: “POPular Teacher” cookies

Everything Is Pink: $100 “note” pad ($1 bills and personal notes from students–a combined class gift for teacher)

Beneath My Heart: Teacher Assort-MINT goody bag

Whew! I think I need a nap now! I hope I’ve shared some fun ideas that will help you with your quest for a creative gift for those special teachers in your life! Feel free to share your own ideas with us too!