bj

As a retired teacher, the things that have survived a periodic purging have been Christmas ornaments. I've had the kids put their names on them when I opened them and I still enjoy putting them on the tree and remembering the child I got it from. I even have several that have pics of the kids in them. One year a friend came by and asked me how many grandkids did I have. I didn't have any at the time. :)

Margie

A sturdy "shopping bag" maybe from recycled jeans, or some other heavy fabric, would be great for shipping. You can even double the fabric and make reversible and more sturdy. Monogram or embroidered pic would be nice on it.

Here is a link that gives a tutorial for a purse you make in one hour:

Click here: Ric-Rac: 1 hour bag- tutorial

Margie :)

turtlefuss

thanks for the great ideas. i went to the site, but couldnt see the pictures

turtlefuss

[quote]As a retired teacher, the things that have survived a periodic purging have been Christmas ornaments.[quote]

this is by far the most often gift mentioned. i believe this is the winner. thanks.

vicki reno

Pot holders and bookmarks come to mind. I could always use both and I think most of us would agree. Or maybe simple to make shapes for fabric ornaments.

Knot Sew

I always bought a pretty jar or can at the dollar store...and made my famous choclate covered pretzels..... I buy a big bag of salt free pretzels...any kind of chips...I melt these over hot water and use toothpicks or any thing long and thin to hold the pretzel while dipping...i then drop them on wax paper and sprinkle with the colored dot sprinkles....you can do the same with salt free peanuts , mix and drop on paper......there is always a lot left for home. The teachers always say most are gone before they get home....

Margie

sorry, try this:

http://vintagericrac.blogspot.com/20...-tutorial.html

Hope this one works for you


Margie :)

turtlefuss

absolutely, i don't know anyone who couldn't use an extra pot holder!! thanks for that idea, you are the only one to think of it!!!

Feathers

We have given "certificates" for a pie of their choice whenever they want it ...they have to give mom a couple days "lead time." The kids make the "certificates" and help prepare the fruit for the pie but mom makes the pie crust.

Certificate for a dinner casserole of their choice or "pot luck" dish if mom has a special dish she likes to make....again, they must let the mom know a day or so ahead of time. The kids can make the certificates, help peel potatoes or chop up veggies and mom does the actual cooking, cutting of the meat, etc. for safety. Give the recipe with the casserole. Teachers work long hours, have PTA, parent conferences, meetings, any number of demands on their time so having a hot dish to pop in the oven on a busy day is a tremendous help. We have kids who are teachers and this is their favorite gift.

The certificates can be made with a "quilting" motif done in either colored markers, or with scraps of actual fabric glued to card stock. The kids enjoy making these masterpieces and it helps the kids learn new skills.

lucky_alf2

Well it's not a quilted gift, but we buy an Amaryllis bulb kit (aka Christmas flower) every year and give it to friends, teachers, neighbors, etc. You can usually get them for about $4-5 on sale -- I just bought a bunch yesterday at Walmart for this year. I just don't have time to bake and all that stuff. I figure it's a very pretty plant that grows for several weeks after Xmas and the flowers a big and beautiful when they bloom. One year, for a grandparent, the kids put their painted handprints on a ceramic pot to hold the bulb -- grandma gets out that pot every Xmas for her yearly bulb now. I suppose I always worry that teachers get overwhelmed with junky stuff and never know if it is liked or not liked. :)