To know me is to know I love celebrating and although gifting is not my ministry, I love to show appreciation. This year my two most precious gifts have been loved,prayed over, protected and taught by some amazing people and I am so glad to show our appreciation to them.
As always, budget was a concern. nWhile teachers are worth all the dollars, I am not rich. I also needed to find a gift that would work for both genders and/or those not specifically identifying as female. I also really wanted my kids involved. They loved putting together the Christmas gifts for teachers and coaches so I knew they would love this too.
Once we narrowed down a theme, with lots of guidance, we decided on some items to help make summer time at the beach or pool more enjoyable. I ordered drink floats, cookies, hair ties and chair clips from amazon. You can find everything here.
Then, with my silhouette, I quickly the names of their teachers and applied them to the cookies.
Next, I designed these cute gift tags to to add.
After combing all the items in a Dollar tree cellophane bag and finishing with ribbon and tags, my kids and I wrote quick thank-you notes.
That’s it! To see how I put it together, check it out here.
You ready for the easiest DIY ever? This one is for the parent over the lego “disagreements”. This is also for those who have spent entirely too much time for one very specific lego brick. Enter, lego trays.
How goes it? I can’t believe it’s April and this is my first organic blog of the year. That should be an indicator of how this year is going. I’ve been doing lots of investment in “me” and the benefits have been great but unfortunately, I have gotten the time balance quite right. All that said, let’s jump into Easter baskets.
Last year’s baskets were for outside fun and faith building. This year, I took their interest and made some very inexpensive yet incredibly intentional purchases.
A note on the actual baskets: I don’t purchase baskets specifically for Easter. I tend to use ones I have one hand. They can be wire, woven, wicker, trays, rain boots or galvanized buckets.
Clothing, Accessories, Summer Styling and Swim-wear
In January, we were traveling and went to a Carter’s outlet. There I found 3-piece short-set pajamas for $4.99 each. I grabbed like 6 sets for each kid and saved one for easter baskets. With the sun shining longer and brighter, sensory sensitive dudes needed a hat to block the sun. I grabbed these from amazon and I might have ordered similar ones for myself because I adore a hat. In the past, I’ve added swimsuits and sunglasses too! The thing for me is not buying excess, just meeting needs.
Books- Activity, Discovery and Faith Building
If you are new here, please know I am fully-aware that I am addicted to books. They are in every basket and I have several book-only wishlists. I stumbled upon DK Star Wars discovery books for only $3.99. I also happened upon these cute and fun Highlights activity books for $.99. They were purchased from Ollie’s but I linked similar. Last year, James got his first personal devotional. Usborne lift-a-flap books have also been a hit.
Crafts, Something To Do/Use Right Away, Outdoor Play
These are honestly the most important to me. Baskets are definitely an eye catcher but can be a let down if everything is for “later”. It is also an added stressor if the recipient can’t do something independently. I made lego trays with items I had on hand. They can use legos they already own and have their own try to continue to work. I also split a box of twistable crayons to add to our nearly non-existent crayons on the art cart. For other inexpensive smaller outdoor play items, you could add hula-hoops, jump ropes or any sort of balls. A new interest my 2 have is fishing and since we joined an awesome Cub Scout troop and will be doing more, I grabbed these sets.
Everyday Essentials
It must be the childhood wonder and innocence that make new “fun” toothbrushes and band-aids or bubble bath a welcomed experience but I am going to ride this until I no longer can. I kept the Star Wars theme going with these electric spin brushes. I may have gone a little crazy and bought an insane amount of band-aids so I didn’t add any this around but they are ALWAYS a hit.
Personalized Items
My kids and I can’t get enough of the personalized tags from Grace and Grain Studio. You can see the intention and attention to detail in each one. They really seal the deal and “finish” the baskets. You could also add something made just for them. I’ve done brother t-shirts, hats and even bath towels. Personalization really does make a difference.
Treats
For us, we do our best to not add candy. Between birthdays, Valentine’s Day and other Easter activities, candy is rampant. So, I’ve opted for the most scrumptious cookies from Pink Turtle Cookies. You could get any other low sugar or organic snack that is seasonal or rare too.
Eggs
We love to hate the amount of plastic eggs we seem to drown in by easter but they can round out an Easter basket if stuffed properly! We’ve done coupons before and that was a hit.You can find tons of free printables or create your own. We also add to their “give, save,spend jars” by adding loose change to eggs as well. I found Lego Brick adjacent eggs this year and seriously considered one coupon for each, a money egg and maybe some legos. I haven’t decided.
Whatever you do, do it because you actually want to, not because you feel pressured to do so. Hope this helps.
So, really, how is your 2021 treating you? If I’m being honest, there’s still a lot of 2020 energy floating around and lots more Pandemic-style birthdays and celebrations are happening. So, on the with the show, right?
What isn’t changing is how I do any type of celebration or gifts to my kids- NO JUNK!!! I’m the mom that does needs and practical fun items and if you looking for some ideas that are my favorite things-easy, inexpensive and cute- you’re reading the right blog. Leggo!
Something to wear: Seriously, seasons are changing and wardrobes are changing too. If your kids are like mine, they definitely need some additions. I take this opportunity to do something I couldn’t find at consignment and they would enjoy. However, I stay under $15 and have high-hopes for reselling and hand-me-downs.
This category also includes shoes. For some reason, my kids’ feet feel the need to grow entire sizes in a matter of months. For spring/summer shoes, we keep them easy and light. I also keep them low on cost because why not? This year I went with some Vans to coordinate with their dad and I. These were $25 which is a good deal for this brand.
April Showers Ready: It rains everywhere, some places more than others. I also know kids enjoy kid size umbrellas and throwing on rain jackets and rain boots. These make great additions or can even be the easter basket.
Books: If you know me at all, you know I have a problem when it comes to books. Simply put, I can’t say no. I am always on the hunt for quality books and my kids are budding book-a-holics. Books as gifts are always a hit here.
Crafts: This can be anything from crayons to a craft kit. My kids are getting personalized crayons to keep those hands busy when streaming church and a wooden box they can paint to store their watches and necklaces
Something they can do/use right away and/or Outdoor play: This is a biggie for me. There is no greater annoyance than having to drop everything to assemble something or deal with the emotions because it can’t be used. So, I get something they can use inside or out, rain or shine that doesnt require batteries or an exorbitant amount of my patience. I am pretty sure jump ropes will be a staple for the next couple years and this year I found kid-sized hoola hoops. I would also suggest skates, scooters, sidewalk chalk or card games.
Personalized Items: I mean, why not throw a monogram on a shirt ot bow? You can also add some personalized touches to items that doesnt include their name. I added these “biggie” and “smalls” caps to their easter baskets.
Summer Styling: Sunglasses, caps, swim suits,beach towels, you name it! Let’s get ready for summer fun and look cute while at it.
Everyday Essentials: Because band-aids, body wash, sponges, character toothbrushes and toothpaste are essential and will be used!
Discipleship tools: This one is near to my heart. James accepted Chtist as his savior on Easter of 2020 and I gotto be there for it and walk hum through it. I will never forget that. I marked that occasion by getting him a cross necklace but I knew then I wanted him to have tools to grow his faith and deepen his relationship. I decided on this devotional for James and this book for Jude.
I want to wrap this up by saying your easter basket will not be pinterest perfect and that is what makes it beautiful.
Day 8 is GREAT! I love a keepsake gift and these are what we give to our parents for Christmas every year. Each one of them have been loved and appreciated by grandparents and each house guest of theirs admires them as well.
Silhouette Portrait- I mean, is there anything more classic?!?!? I need to update my kids’ silhouette portraits. You can purchase these or do them yourself and pair them with a nice frame.
Photo Ornament- These may be a dime a dozen but they are so cute and it is the gift that keeps on giving! Every Christmas after, you get to remember that little angel’s face!
Digital Photo Frame- This has actually been on my list for a while but I never pull the trigger. I always marvel at them when I see one though! You can sync to your phone just upload them from a USB. I do love how you can update them though
Recordable Story Book- Wanna read a loved one a story but they are far away? What about wanting to hear a story from someone faraway? Well, you can! Recordable stories can be found online or in some stores but the treasure of this gift stays in your heart.
Gift Certificate for Family Photos- I’m not sure who won’t love this gift honestly! It is a winner all around!
Personalized Mug- Ok, so it may seem basic but go with me on this one-parents, grandparents, aunties and dog parents alike are all about a loved one’s picture on something they drink out of. It is a proven fact.
To quote (and then add in to quote) the incomparable artist, Prince, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate a thing called” GRATITUDE.
Note; This blog will be presented in two parts.
Part 1: Here’s the thing, teachers, especially in this country, deserve all the things. I mean, I know after the last year some of you have decided to co to use to homeschool so you get it. You only have to educate your child(ren) and all that encompasses. You rightfully deserve your gratitude in verbal and physical gift form. As do teacher.
I also know the last 1.5 years has been hard on everyone and there aren’t extra funds. You are trying to figure out how to get the essentials, and anything else is simply inconceivable.
I GET IT!!!
As most of you know, my kids will be attending a full-day at our local homeschool program one weekly. As a homeschool mom, I know we are used to doing everything without any thanks. I’m not saying that’s right, just saying I sympathize.
So, using $.50 markers, $.25 wooden key chains, old vinyl, a free printable and ribbon I had on hand, I put these together. I’ll be adding a little treat and BOOM! First day gifts completed for literally $1 each.
You can substitute these fine tip markers for dry-erase markers, colored pencils, flair pens, etc.
You know what you can also do?
Part 2:
Again, the focus is gratitude here. It’s also great to practice a little empathy.
Wouldn’t you want to feel seen and supported, especially after the last 18 months?
Instead of buying things, take the time to write this teacher a thank you note and include the days/times you are available to help.
After the first week, kindly asks what it is they could use in her classroom and asses what you provide.
Y’all, I was convicted putting these gifts together. As simple as they were for and as economical as they were for me, both could be way out of reach for another family but our gratitude and empathy remain the same.
If you are going to give anything, my top suggestion is it needs to be useful. If you are unsure, your time is an amazing gift!
For future gift ideas, I put together these info sheets to really get all the deets on their likes, allergies, and needs. Hope this helps.
To know me is to know I love a board and a basket. Honestly, I adore them and I love how easy it is to make common necessities and/or some cute festive additions so much more grande and special. That’s my goal, the memories. I want, I guess I need my kids to feel so incredibly treasured it is foreign to them to not love themselves or others well.
Anywho, here’s the rundown for all the things in their ‘Back To School” baskets. I think I will present them the week before with a special doughnut breakfast. Thoughts?
You should know these freaking adorable labels are hand painted and personalized from Grace and Grain Studio. Seriously, the BEST customer service ever.
Both boys are getting the following:
Navy Backpack– I spent like 7 hours trying to find the best backpack for their needs as they will spend Tuesdays learning at a local homeschool program. These fit the bill and the budget. My prayer is they will last 2 years too. I also snagged lunch totes on clearance and personalized them myself. (Mine sold out so linking similar, check their clearance though!)
Speaking of personalization, I personalized two shirts for them; a polo with our homeschool name (state requirements as I have to register this year) and grade level t-shirts. I was on a roll so I personalized a crayon holder as well.
Not personalized but awesome, they got a primary composition book that leaves room for illustrations as we want him to practice writing short stories this year. I’m planning to have them dictate lots to me!
Acrylic Numbers: This was not a need. I couldn’t resist and can see us using these manipulatives for so many things.
Crayola Band-aids (BullsEye Playground unconscious purchase. No idea how it happened.)
Here is where they differ…
Books: Jude got a signed copy of The King of Kindergarten and James got The Day You Begin (a gift from Grandma). They also got a “what’s different” activity book for the car or trips that are based on their level. (No link because I have no idea where I got them, I’ve hoarded them for a few years.)
One of my absolute favorite things about the culture of our house is that Black History and the celebration of Black people isn’t a day or a month. It’s literally every day.
So, I wanted to be sure to “kick it up a notch” for Juneteenth for a few reasons.
To know me is to know I love celebrating-the big, small and everything on between. I’m also big on traditions. It’s very VERY important that my kids see celebrations of Juneteenth just like they celebrations of Valentine’s Day or Halloween.
One of my favorite quotes is, “traditions make you remember” and I need them to remember the culture of home. Juneteenth helps by being tradition.
As my kids are getting older, they can absorb and comprehend so SO much I am so glad to educate, commemorate and celebrate all month long with these baskets.
DIY shirts: Using shirts from target, I added some vinyl to remind them that their joy is their birthright.
Craft kits- grabbing supplies from home and a craft store with some beads from our favorite jewelry designer, I put together a couple crafts. You can see the deets here.
