Brainstorming: End of Year Gifts for Teachers

I like to give something small and unique to my boys' teachers at the end of the school year. In the past, they have given little handy desk kits (post-it notes, paper clips, pen, etc all done up in a decorative tin), pens, home-made cards for all occasions, crocheted bookmarks with a gift card.... something useful with a personal touch has been the goal.

So, I am starting to think about what to do for the teachers this year... a few of the ideas I am considering are:

• a door-knob reminder pouch - something to hang on the door knob where they stash those things thay must. not. forget. on the way out the door! 
• i-tunes gift card - could be for personal or school use as the teachers are all getting i-pads for their classrooms
• crocheted pencil jar for their desk
• Something from Discovery Toys, to spread the joy... like one of these options, all available here:

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Wiz Kids game could easily be played in the classroom (and everyone can participate at the same time!)....

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Mosaic Mysteries and Playful Patterns would both have many uses in the classroom for play as well as for math and art classes....

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Games on the Go offers a slew of games in one box (and, as each game is on a separate card, Games on the Go would also make a great classmate gift - one card/game per child with a little note and my child's phone number, to stay in touch over the summer!)....

... Decisions, decisions ;-)

Earth Day Fun Ideas!

Hello Everybody!

Tomorrow is Earth Day!!!!! I was looking online for some things to do with my boys to celebrate, and thought I would share what I found with you :-)

This is gorgeous! Makes a great gift for Mom or Grandma (Mother's Day is just around the corner!).

I love the simplicity of this one - easy to find the supplies and time!

Another one that is easy to find the materials for....
...And who couldn't use some colouring book storage?

Cupcakes!
I will definitely be doing this after school tomorrow! The PERFECT Earth Day Dessert!!!!

ENJOY YOUR EARTH DAY!!! 

REDUCE. REUSE. RECYCLE... EVERYDAY :-)

A Perfect Bouquet!

How CUTE is this idea???? I simply must do one for me, and for each of the grandmas.... I may even jazz it up a notch, and do them on a plate at Clay Cafe instead of just paper.... though even on paper, framed, it would make one helluva Mother's Day Gift ;-)

I got it here. 

Lalaloopsy Paper Bag Puppets

Sometimes, I come across something uber-fun, like these cute little Lalaloopsy Paper Bag Puppets and I wish I had more kids!. Scratch that - it happens often, not sometimes, LOL. These are unlikely to spark interest with my two pre-tween boys....but maybe you have a kid or two who would like them ;-)

find the print outs here

You can find a ton of Nick Jr. inspired crafts on their website here.