Valentines is coming up, so that is the inspiration for this post, but whether is V-day, Christmas, Teacher Appreciation Day, the end of the year or the beginning of a new school year… offering a small token of gratitude to our kids teachers, for the hours, work and dedication they pour into growing our kids, is so important. While I’m sure every gift is appreciated, I’m guessing teachers get their fill of candles, Bath and Body works lotions, and soaps, and boxes of candy.
If you’re looking for some great, unique ideas of gifts to give your teachers, check out these 20 amazing gift ideas, created – or rather upcycled – from some every day items, to make some pretty awesome gifts that you’re teachers likely have NEVER gotten from another student before.
1. My absolute favorite – Straw Dispenser Turned Pencil Dispenser
2. Flower Vase Made from Rulers
3. Framed Crayon Monogram
4. Marker/Pencil Holder Make From… Pencils!
5. DIY Apple Jars – so cute!!
source: the36thavenue.com
6. Apple Trinket Holders Made From the Bottoms of Soda Bottles!
7. Candy/Trinket Holder – Made From a Clay Pot!
8. “100 Reasons Why I Love My Teacher” – Booklet of favorite notes and memories from the kids, mixed in with 100 crisp $1 bills. Not exactly an Upcycle, but could be one of the coolest, most heart-warming Teacher Gifts I’ve seen. This would be a “from the class” gift, so if you have time to arrange it with the other kids, this would be an AMAZING gift. Click the images below for detailed instructions/tutorial.
9. Personalized Coffee and Drink Koozies
10. Upcycled Painted and Personalized Fence Post
11. Upcycled Sheet Music Apple Crafts
12. Upcycled Hand Stamped Garden Marker Spoon
13. Math Geek Bobby Pins Made from Old Math Textbooks and Clear Glass Cabochons
14. Painted and Upcycled Clipboard
15. Upcycled Light Bulb Candy/Trinket Holder
16. Notebook Paper T-shirt
17. Upcycled Sewing Spools Made Into Apple Styled Thank You Notes
18. Upcycled Clothespin and Scrabble Tile Magnets – Personalized with your teachers name!
19. Ball Mason Jar Vase/Pencil Holder
20. “Stamp of Approval” Stamp box kit
21. Chalkboard Magnets Made From Cookie Sheets
PIN IT LATER
where can I find/purchase the straw dispenser?
Many schools won’t let a teacher receive a gift that is worth more than a set amount. Some are limited to $25 while I’ve seen some limited to $5. Some schools make teachers report a gift worth more than a set amount and then it’s decided by the principal if they’re allowed to keep. Part of the reason for the restrictions is because it can be seen as bribery. So while the money one is cute, that amount could be questionable depending on the school. I would suggest if a parent is wanting to do such a gift (even as a class gift), they clear it with the principal first. Personally, I feel uncomfortable when students spend more than $5, but a lot of my students are low socio economic students. I really love when they write thank you notes.
Hello! Can you please tell me how you made the Upcycled Light Bulb Candy/Trinket Holder
Jenna, I have seen the light bulbs at Hobby Lobby for a couple of dollars at most. Maybe try there? I don’t know where the originator purchased them, but thought I would share where I have seen them. Good luck.
It actually isn’t a “recycled / upcycled” project. Our church used these lightbulbs as a project for the kids. You can purchase them online or (I am assuming) a local store. I personally didn’t purchase them. I did help fill 30 or so of them. They are flat on the bottom (as pictured) and the “socket” twists off. Just Google lightbulb jar or light bulb jar. You will see tons of them filled with candy.
Hey Jenna – I hope my comment makes it through this time. Just google Light Bulb Candy and you can find it. Not upcycled at all. Just a cute jar!!
Where can I order those “fill-able with candy” lightbulbs??? thanks, Katahy
I also would like to know how you made the Upcycled Light Bulb holder. Thank you.
How do you make the pencil holder at the top of this sight with the polka dots
thank you for letting me look. you have some real cute projects and ill be returning to this site often. do you know where i can buy the light bulbs?
Where did you get your up-cycled straw dispenser? I have only been able to find clear plastic ones…
check ebay, I’ve seen them on there…
Hi love the light bulb gift . Did you just use a normal light bulb x