When it comes to teacher gift ideas, I am always at a loss. One more thing always seems like one more thing, and what if I do give gift cards and they don’t like coffee or (GASP!) shopping at all? To solve this dilemma this year, I came up with a classroom idea- perfect for kids who are in preschool or kindergarten, as kids often spill/overuse/eat school supplies and thus, teachers spend more out-of-pocket to replenish their supplies all year.
If you have nail polish and a few mugs to spare, you can easily make some great mugs (which double as pencil holders) for your child’s teacher(s). Add in about $10 in art supplies to start the year off right for your classroom.
You can follow the video for the full tutorial, or follow these steps:
You will need:
* Medium Container
* Rubbing alcohol
* Nail Polish (2-5 colors)
* Toothpick
Directions:
1. Fill a medium container with water.
2. Clean your mugs with rubbing alcohol and let dry.
3. Spill your nail polish in over the water. Don’t pour from too high, or it will splash on you! You can add as many colors as you like- I tend to stay 5 and under.
4. Slowly dip your mug in, holding the handle. Don’t worry if some gets on the inside- you can wipe it out with nail polish remover and alcohol before it totally dries.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all of your mugs are done.
6. Let dry, pack up and gift as desired.
20 Classroom Ideas:
If you’re looking for items that your child’s classroom probably needs, check out this list:
- Paper towels… in bulk, tissues
- Ziploc Bags
- Lysol wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Latex-free bandaids
- Paint Trays
- Construction paper
- Crayons
- Markers
- Playdoh
- Glue sticks
- Paint
- Paint brushes
- Clothespins
- Printer paper
- Scissors
- Cotton balls
- Smocks
- Wax paper
- Your time!
Teacher’s Gifts:
Do you give one in the beginning of the year? The end of the year? Both? I would love to hear what other parents are doing this year! Share in the comments, and be on the lookout next week for the 3 things your child needs to start school!
These mugs would absolutely make a great gift for back to school. Homemade gifts, especially from kids, are always my favs.
I love functional but homemade items, for sure!
This is such a neat craft! The mugs look really cool with those colors. I’d love to try this!
So fast and easy, Liz! It’s a really fun craft!
Such a cute gift idea for teachers! And I loved your video. I am not much of a DIY’er anymore, but I may have to try this.
You totally have to! It’s a nice simple project!
Love the creativity! This is a perfect idea for my daughter’s teachers.
Oh good! I hope they love them!
I love you idea, I love DIY gifts. I want to make some when my son is ready for school.
I am sure his teacher would love one!
It’s nice to give teacher gifts like this, especially if it contains things that they’re going to need in the classroom! I think giving them something like this at the beginning of the year is better because it will definitely help them with completing the supplies that they are going to need.
I totally agree!
That marble mug is all kinds of awesome. These would be great to make in Sunday School too!
Oh yes! For sure!
Those mugs are really cute and unique. I imagine any teacher would love to have one as a gift. I bet they are fun to make as well.
Super fun!
The mug craft is pretty cool! Kids can make these and give them out as gifts to their teachers. It is just a little token of appreciation for all the hard work and education our teachers put in to help our children reach their dreams.
Exactly!