- Collect supplies related to the specific handmade gift you want to help your children make. Craft shops, dollar stores, garage sales and thrift shops are excellent sources for inexpensive materials. Even decorator and home supply stores often offer free expired wallpaper sample books for the asking. These contain pretty textured papers in different themes. Parents can collect clear plastic hand dispenser bottles to decorate (use acrylic paint or attach decorations with hot glue) for lotion or soap. Assorted card stock, decorative paper and embellishments are perfect for greeting cards or a personal thank you note from the student.
- Gift ideas for a teacher can include a personalized and decorated tote bag, a small tray with decoupaged photos taken during the school year, a pack of notecards and envelopes with school-themed rubber stamps tied in a ribbon, a handmade Teacher Appreciation Certificate and a pretty fabric heart on a ribbon filled with lavender or potpourri with a gift tag made by a child. Even homemade fudge, cookies or a small gift pack of coffee or tea make nice gifts teachers will enjoy.
- Prepare well in advance for making teacher gift projects. Purchase themed supplies on sale or clearance whenever possible, or use discount coupons. Some are seasonal. For example, make a note of certain subjects studied in class that might be used as a theme for your teacher gifts, and collect related materials in a craft box. Art frame shops are also good for mat board pieces (sometimes free) for stamping and enhancing cards, boxes or small journals.
