Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Homemade Teacher Gifts

I'll admit that it's been a rough time getting in the Christmas spirit and getting everything done.  I always start in November so that I have plenty of time to enjoy and not stress.  But the three family funerals that I attended last month put me way behind.  I appreciate your prayers so very much!  I know they helped me and my families cope with losing our loved ones.

The decorating is finally done as of today, four days before Christmas.  I really don't like that because we don't have much time to enjoy.  I was going to minimize this year but Rich said that he really likes to see the home decked out in holiday cheer... so it happened.

I have really enjoyed looking at your beautiful homes full of Christmas.  It has honestly gotten me in the spirit and I thank each of you dearly for that, I needed it!  =]

I thought I would share some homemade gifts that the kids and I worked on this past week.  I made some Cinnamon Apple Jelly a couple weeks back.  It is so delicious and so easy to make.  I am not a jelly maker, but I can make this so anyone can do it!  Here is the recipe link if you care to try it: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Cinnamon-Apple-Jelly

A lovely idea that I gleaned from Pinterest: wrap a freshly baked loaf of bread in a coffee filter and tie it off.  Of course I had to use baker's twine because I'm addicted to that stuff, haha.  Quick, cheap, and cute!

The kid's five Sunday School teachers received a jar of Cinnamon Apple Jelly and 2 mini loaves of Brown Sugar-Oatmeal Bread that came from Gooseberry Patch's Gifts For Giving cookbook.  They turned out to be cute little gifts.


Amariah has always had a giving heart.  She wanted to gift each of her 7 school teachers, even the ones that she really doesn't care too much for, lol.  So we made up some hot cocoa packets with candy canes, another Pinterest idea.  I buy the big boxes of hot cocoa packets from Sam's so we already had that on hand.

Our teacher gift to the little guy's Kindergarten teacher was also a Pinterest idea.  I like to give practical gifts.  I know... no fun, right?  But this is practical and FUN!  I've had the paint can for awhile because I just had to have it, but haven't even used it so this was perfect.  I wrapped it in some cute school scrapbook paper and added some matching stickers.

Of course Mrs. Baker's treat can had to have some fun treats!  So we used a cute idea from yep... Pinterest.  So quick and easy.  I used the mini Creative Memories circle punch which was the perfect size for the bottom of the kiss.  The gingerbread/heart theme will carry over to Valentine's Day so that worked out great. 

Robbie signing his Christmas card to Mrs. Baker, with a back view of the treat can.

This was just a cute little idea that I saw on Pinterest.  I bought a Jenga knock-off game at Dollar General for $3.50.  We picked out some colorful scrapbook paper and some school theme paper then mod podged them on to one side of the blocks.  Now the kids can build things with them or use them as a matching game because we made 2 of each design.  Robbie really enjoyed this and played with it all weekend so I know that his classmates will enjoy it.  Another practical gift...

Amongst the hustle and bustle that society has created around the birth of our Savior, my kids and I were able to have some fun creating and crafting gifts to present to their teachers.  13 gifts later and I am so thankful for the quality time we spent together, memories that were made, and all the $$ that I saved.

Now on to some cookie baking and candy making for 17 of Rich's co-workers... Chocolate Crackles, Snickerdoodles, and our favorite to make... Chocolate Stars!

I wish for you all to have a most delightful Christmas surrounded by loved ones with many wonderful memories being made!  May you find time this joyous season to remember and celebrate Jesus Christ's birth.  Hold on to His promises of a full life, an abundant life that only He can give you.  

Merry Christmas~

20 comments:

  1. Wonderful Ideas.I love Pinterest but having been on for about two weeks.Was a daily thing but life gets busy..smile..Sweet gifts and the time spent with the kids will be such a special memory.Hope you and your family have the Merriest of Christmas! ~Amy

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  2. Hi Angie,
    So nice to see you here.
    I'm so glad you are getting things back to normal. Having that many sad times in such a short time does do one in.
    What fun projects and gifts! And the kids undoubtedly had a great time too.
    Thanks for sharing Angie...and we've missed you!
    MERRY CHRISTMAS
    Karen

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  3. Hi Angie!It is wonderful to see you post.Love the gifts that you and the kids created.So much fun and just think of the memories that you all will have to treasure in the years to come.My condolences to you and your family on your loss. The cookies that you are planning to make sound delicious. Merry Christmas to you and yours!Hugs,Jen

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  4. Such wonderful gifts you and the kids created!!! The Teachers that will receive them are really going to enjoy them!!!
    Merry Christmas to you all!!!
    Prim Blessings
    Robin

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  5. Too cute...I love this gift ideas ;) :) So cute and extra sweet because personal thought was put into the gifts :) :) Happy CHRISTmas to you and your family. Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather ;)

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  6. Great ideas and I know that their teachers will love their gifts! Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas!

    Bear Hugs & Blessings~Karen

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  7. Angie you are so creative!!! I sure did enjoy this post....so many great ideas!! :) Don't you just LOVE Pinterest?!! I'm so addictive till it's not even funny. Post some pictures of your finished holiday home I would LOVE to see them. OH!!! by the way your blog looks awesome...so festive. I hope you and your family have a Very Merry Christmas!!!

    Christmas Blessings,
    Dana

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  8. How thoughtful of you! What wonderful gifts for the children's teachers, and sharing the lesson of giving.Such special memories you are making with with the children. Wishing you a blessed Christmas season with your family. ~Sara

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  9. What great gift ideas Angie! Thank you for sharing them with us. So sorry for your losses this year....so hard with so many so quick. I can't imagine.

    I hope you all have a wonderful family filled Christmas...Love is the most precious gift of all.

    Hugs,
    Connie

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  10. All of the teacher gifts are wonderful and thoughtful! Pinterest is great for ideas.

    I'll be baking soon too. We have over 2 ft of snow today, hubby is having a snow day. Plenty of time to bake today! lol.

    I wanted to send you a Christmas card, but I don't have your address. I was unsure of asking with everything going on in your life. Of course God is nudging me right now with the thought that that was probably the best time to ask! Hindsight. I have lots of that.

    Merry Christmas Angie!! I hope you and the kids and Rich have a blessed Christmas. I'm so glad he and your blogger friends helped get you into decorating. That can be such a mood booster. :)
    hugs!!

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  11. Oh my gosh lady, you have been so busy. I admire you. This year our teachers got candles and hot chocolate. No homemade cute things this year. Somehow time flew by to fast and I couldn't get it done. Glad you got your home decked and ready. Merry Christmas. -Steph-

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  12. What adorable ideas you gave us Angie! I'm so glad you finally got in the Christmas spirit. Some yrs. it does take awhile.

    Hope you have a most wonderful Christmas Day celebrating our Lord's birthday w/your family!

    Merry Christmas!
    Tanya

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  13. Great ideas for year round! Wishing you a wonderful and Happy New Year!

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  14. PS thank you so much for your sweet comments! They mean the world to me!

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  15. Hi Angie, such wonderful ideas, I love gifts that are handmade, they are made from the heart! You have such a lovely family. Wishing you a very Happy New Year! Hugs, Lecia

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  16. These are all wonderful gifts the kids & you made. All made with TLC. I started canning this past summer but no jelly in my stash. Thanks for the recipe link. Blessings!
    Lara

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  17. I wanted to thank you for your sweet comments and wish you and your family A Happy New Year from my family with love.

    Prim Hugs to you my friend,
    Tricia dnFamily XO

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  18. I am waaaayyy behind on my blog reading, but I popped over here to wish you a Happy New Year full of blessings for you and yours.
    These teacher gifts are really lovely!

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  19. What great gifts those are! Pinterest is just the BEST thing EVER for ideas!

    Cathy

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  20. Here I am lol! Ah yes, I recall r e a l l y enjoying this post very much, adored your coffee filters/ butchers twine tip. Sorry for your loss of loved ones, wishing you gentle peace and strength in the coming days. Seems many of us are more than happy to bid 2011 adieu...

    Happy New Year and welcome 2012!

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