I thought I’d post this idea just quickly and you might file it away for a little summer hostess gift or party favor idea. I actually did these as end of year Teacher gifts this year. Here in California we seem to get out of school much later then the rest of the country so I actually have one child that is still in school until next week.
I typically give a larger gift for Teacher Appreciation Week and then something small for the last day of school, just so the teachers know how much they are appreciated.
This year I was initially planning to make a Strawberry Shortcake basket with a wrapped lemon pound cake, fresh whipped cream in a jar and some delicious Farmer’s Market Strawberries and then maybe a small bottle of Prosecco…. But well it was so danged hot in California and I was worried my lovely fresh basket would be a mess by the end of the day so I switched to S’Mores instead. After all what screams summer louder then S’Mores?
So I picked up these cute little Market Baskets at Michael’s for $5.99 each (use a coupon of course) and then I bought a length of fabric from Joann’s. I like this fun red plaid because it reminds me of camping and picnic blankets…. I think that was $8 or so for 2 yards and I do have some leftover.
Then I bought some large chocolate bars in assorted flavors- Reese’s, Kit Kat, Hershey’s and my favorite is Symphony Bars with Toffee and Almonds.
I wrapped those in plain kraft paper, wrapped some graham crackers in kraft paper and then put some large marshmallows in a mason jar. (Side note: I intended to use homemade marshmallows but I never did find the time… next year 😉 ! )
Oh and I looked for sticks or fun skewers at Walmart and Target and everything was way oversized for this basket. Finally I found a set of 6 wire skewers at World Market for $6.99). I just divided those up- 2 skewers per basket and tied with twine.
The last touch was the cute little greeting cards the girls and I made and that was it! There are some cute sayings you can use- “Have S’More fun this summer” or whatever but I decided to just go with a simple name on the tag on the basket and that was it.
During teacher appreciation week I saw about 8 zillion “Thanks a Latte” and “We are Smart Cookies” and such so I thought I’d just go very simple with my basket.
And that is it! I think these were about $12 each or so to make and I think they turned out pretty cute. The teachers all have children so they can reuse those baskets at U-Pick Farms this summer or to hold the zillions of supplies in the classroom.
And you might also be interested in these posts:
Easy Presentation Ideas for Starbucks Gift Cards
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Dara says
What a wonderful idea! I bet the teachers were thrilled. So
thoughtful, creative, and delicious!
Charlene says
Thanks Dara!
Janel says
I love this!! I wish I would have seen it last week, before my kids got out of school for the summer! ( I have to remember this for next year) Thanks for sharing!
Charlene says
Thanks Janel– I thought it turned out really cute too and I think those baskets will be so cute for the farmer’s market and such this summer.
Kathy says
As a teacher, I thank you for thinking of us! These gifts really do mean a lot. Too many are ‘against’ us these days, so it’s nice to get a little recognition from our students and families! I don’t live in your area, but do live in California. Just a thank you from ALL teachers!
Charlene says
Ack against you? How sad. Our teachers are lovely. Anyone with a gripe needs to sit at home and try doing homework with the kids without heavy drinking or screaming and see how they like it 😀
Stephanie says
What a super cute idea! I especially love the cute little skewers. I will definitely be using this for a gift
katie says
thanks for this idea! I made a picnic basket themed basket as prizes for a bridal brunch shower, and I was able to find cute baskets from Michaels because of your suggestion!