End of Year Teacher Gifts

My boys recently celebrated their last day of their first year of preschool.  We wanted to do a little something for the staff, but needed to be budget friendly.  Additionally, this had to be quick since I waited until the very last day to throw it together.

Between the two boys, there are 2 teachers, 3 aides, 1 bus driver, and and aid for the driver. 

Here's what we came up with:

I was inspired by:

http://www.nothingbutcountry.com/

with their clever "Mint to Teach" gifts

along with "fortunate to be my teacher"

I was able to pick up vinyl paint cans and take out boxes at my local Michaels on the cheap.  I also grabbed a hand full of ribbon in fun, primary colors.  I then headed to Target for goodies.  I needed something mint for the teacher pails.  When I discovered the Wint-o-greens were sold out, I went with York Peppermint Patties.  For the take out boxes, I just used a general chocolate mix.  My boys helped me stuff all the containers.

To jazz up the boxes, I made a quick graphic in Photoshop {I use Elements} very similar as is available to download HERE.  The polka dot is a digital scrapbook paper freebie available HERE. My circles were about 4" in diameter, so I used my creative memories circle template system because I lack the skills to be a neat cutter.  I wanted to personalize the tops so at the end of the day we got all the credit we deserved for such cute packaging.  I simply made a smaller version of the circle as shown here.

Here they are, all together:

For less than $40 {including ribbon}, we have personalized, thoughful, edible gifts for seven special people that keep my kiddos safe and happy 4 days a week.

If you want to read more about my boys, visit our family blog here.