Sweet Shoppe Designs

Paula Patrick · #1 08-16-2010, 10:37 AM

I am looking for some back to school gift ideas to give the teachers/kids, anyone have any? Thanks!

crecia27 · #2 08-16-2010, 11:02 AM

Last year both of my kids teachers had requested basic items like pens, dry erase markers and pencils. I took a $1 tin from Target, made a wrap for it with their name, added ribbon to the handle and filled it with those things. They seemed to really appreciate them. It only took about an hour because I didn't even think about it until the night before school started!

Paula Patrick · #3 08-16-2010, 05:03 PM

That's a really good idea! Unfortunately, we don't know who are teachers are until the first day this year (due to no budget and uncertainty about teachers being laid off) so I don't have a list.....but how hard can it be? I'll use my common sense. Thanks!

Misty Cato · #4 08-16-2010, 05:21 PM

When my son started preschool, I bought three ring binders and designed a cover that read Jamin's Art. I filled it with clear page protectors and a few of those protectors that hold photos. Over the course of the year we filled the notebook with Jamin's favorite papers and projects from school. Those that where too big or bulky to fit in the notebook, we photographed and put the photo in the book.

It worked so well in our house that I made notebooks for some of Jamin's friends the following year and they were a hit.

pkstew2 · #5 08-16-2010, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crecia27

Last year both of my kids teachers had requested basic items like pens, dry erase markers and pencils. I took a $1 tin from Target, made a wrap for it with their name, added ribbon to the handle and filled it with those things. They seemed to really appreciate them. It only took about an hour because I didn't even think about it until the night before school started!

Great idea especially with alot of the sales this week

pkstew2 · #6 08-16-2010, 05:38 PM

These are super easy and are big hits with teachers:

My coasters were a bulk order years ago and they are the 4x4 size. If you don't have any you could probably pick some up at a local restaurant or get some chipboard and cut them. I print out my digital paper in 4x4 squares and glue them on. Then a regular size post it pad, a medium binder clip, and ribbon is all you need.

pkstew2 · #7 08-16-2010, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misty Cato

When my son started preschool, I bought three ring binders and designed a cover that read Jamin's Art. ...It worked so well in our house that I made notebooks for some of Jamin's friends the following year and they were a hit.

Oooh I love this idea!

julifish · #8 08-16-2010, 10:15 PM

For the kids - backpack tags, lunch box notes, bookmarks, little pencil packs.

For teachers - this year I'm using a see through paint pail and stuffing it with supplies. I'm wrapping the outside with computer themed decorations - my DD's elementary school has technology as their theme this year. Last year it was go green so I made post it note holders out of acrylic picture frames and gave each teacher a big pack of post it notes.

Covered mini legal pads -

Little box filled with a Sign and Return stamp, paper clips, mini post-its, a Starbucks card and binder clips -

Heather Roselli has some really awesome templates in her shop that would make awesome containers for teacher gifts.

Misty Cato · #9 08-16-2010, 11:33 PM

These are adorable! - Travel Chalkboard Tutorial

Paula Patrick · #10 08-17-2010, 10:14 AM

So many cute ideas, thank you ladies!

On the chip board post it notes, is the binder clip supposed to be sort of a stand so that the post it is at an angle?

sari55 · #11 08-17-2010, 06:53 PM

Last year I made each of the kids teachers these Desktop Caddies. If anyone wants instructions I can e-mail them to you. they are super easy to make!

julifish · #12 08-17-2010, 08:15 PM

Sara that is adorable. I'd love the instructions!!! Please PM me.

lovely1m · #13 08-17-2010, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misty Cato

When my son started preschool, I bought three ring binders and designed a cover that read Jamin's Art. I filled it with clear page protectors and a few of those protectors that hold photos. Over the course of the year we filled the notebook with Jamin's favorite papers and projects from school. Those that where too big or bulky to fit in the notebook, we photographed and put the photo in the book.

It worked so well in our house that I made notebooks for some of Jamin's friends the following year and they were a hit.

LOVE THIS IDEA! I am so doing it. Right now all of Nicholas's are just in grocery bags.

Sarah8914 · #14 08-17-2010, 08:51 PM

Misty, I'm SO doing that, thanks for the idea!! I want it organized without having to throw away too much (I'm not opposed to throwing away, but I want to perserve some things!!)

And Sara, that is adorable!!! Can you pm me too?!?!

pkstew2 · #15 08-18-2010, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paula Patrick

On the chip board post it notes, is the binder clip supposed to be sort of a stand so that the post it is at an angle?

It just holds the post it notes on - I must have been having a hard time getting a picture?

*Celeste* · #16 08-18-2010, 08:06 AM

some ideas

this one is a survival kit...

http://montrealaise-en-californie.bl...s-gift_16.html

altered water bottle...
http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogsp...cher-gift.html

*Celeste* · #17 08-18-2010, 08:10 AM

http://testosteronetimesthree.blogsp...her-gifts.html

big jar of pencils for the classroom

*Celeste* · #18 08-18-2010, 08:19 AM

decorate a large bottle of hand sanitizer

you can find a template for the holder or simply cover one you have - buy jars at the dollar store and fill with supplies/candy, etc.

buy iron on paper - print a favorite digital element and iron it on to a canvas bag - you could even personalize with the teachers name.

sticker/stamp storage box filled with stickers

i made this perpetual calendar

Heather Roselli · #19 08-18-2010, 08:37 AM

I've got some DIY templates coming out this weekend that would make perfect teacher's gifts!

livelys · #20 08-18-2010, 09:56 AM

Trust me - you're going to love Heather's new templates

...I made some bits 'n bobs for back to school for the 'A Year In The Life' issue of the Simply Sweet magazine, if you have that issue

pkstew2 · #21 08-18-2010, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heather Roselli

I've got some DIY templates coming out this weekend that would make perfect teacher's gifts!

Oh I can't wait to see those. I used your mailbox template this week - makes that project so easy (thanks). Selfish question, any chance of getting cut files (SCAL) with your templates in the near future???

*Celeste* · #22 08-18-2010, 10:56 AM

here's a post with a bunch of ideas on one of my favorite blogs...
http://www.oneprettything.com/?p=11166

eranslow · #23 08-18-2010, 12:31 PM

Thanks for sharing that website Celeste!! I think I am going to make the mini notebooks!

Paula Patrick · #24 08-18-2010, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkstew2

It just holds the post it notes on - I must have been having a hard time getting a picture?

Actually it looks like the post it notes are stuck to the coaster, but that the binder clip is just clipped to the coaster, that is why I thought that it was sort of a way to make the post it coaster at an angle.

Heather Roselli · #25 08-19-2010, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkstew2

Selfish question, any chance of getting cut files (SCAL) with your templates in the near future???

I'm not sure how to do that...I've been asked before. I NEED to look into it.

crecia27 · #26 08-19-2010, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misty Cato

These are adorable! - Travel Chalkboard Tutorial

Those are a fun idea! I WILL be making the coaster post it holders, I've been wanting to for awhile but haven't had a great reason, I think this is it!

I bought a few things yesterday at Dollar Tree, pens, pencils and highlighters to put in as well.

crecia27 · #27 08-19-2010, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkstew2

Oh I can't wait to see those. I used your mailbox template this week - makes that project so easy (thanks). Selfish question, any chance of getting cut files (SCAL) with your templates in the near future???

I second this request!

Joana1n · #28 08-19-2010, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crecia27

I second this request!

YES YES YES, we NEED SVG cutting files for your templates!!! *NEED*!!! (and apparently you've got at least 3 people who would help you test them... ;-) )

scrapperjade · #29 08-20-2010, 03:29 PM

I'd love SVG files for hybrid projects too! And basic shapes (like scalloped circles)!

julifish · #30 08-20-2010, 04:13 PM

I have Cricut, but it's the 6" x 12" one. I would love SVG files to use!!!

scrapperjade · #31 08-22-2010, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by julifish

I have Cricut, but it's the 6" x 12" one. I would love SVG files to use!!!

That's the one I have too... so small gift boxes would be great (like pillow boxes), or projects that are broken up and glued together easily so I can make bigger ones, kwim?

Paula Patrick · #32 08-23-2010, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by julifish

I have Cricut, but it's the 6" x 12" one. I would love SVG files to use!!!

I have a gazelle so size isn't an issue, but the SVG files would be great! Would love to be a tester....the gazelle uses wpc files, but can import DXF file too.