Cheap, Yet Chic Teacher Gifts

In case you hadn't noticed...I really like to paper craft. No, wrong word. I LOVE to paper craft! And since I haven't scrapbooked in over 3 years, it's a good thing I have a way to use all those supplies I keep buying. Seriously, my girls have not even been born yet in our family scrapbook...sorry girls. Anyhoo, I thought I'd share a few ideas I like to give as gifts. There is just something extra special about a handmade gift from the heart. One of my most favorite things to make and give are handmade, personalized cards. I know you could just go to Target and get a set of cards that are equally cute or cuter, but I prefer the "real deal" unique, one of a kind ones.

I have been wanting to try my hand at these clipboards for a while, and finally got around to it. I experienced some difficulties, but I'm gonna chalk it up to trial and error. I have two more to make, so next time I will be performing at expert level (ha, ha). A quick tip for you, if you want to make one. Don't use double stick tape or a glue stick to adhere the paper. Spray adhesive is your best bet. It won't make the paper bubble when you mod podge it. Be sure and put a good coat on the board and the paper to make for good adhesion (is that even a word?). Then you'll be ready to give it a first coat of mod podge. You might want to put on 2 or 3 coats to make sure the paper is sealed and protected.

Now, some of you might like a kitty motif, but I prefer to jazz it up a bit. You can find these calendars and address books just about anywhere. If you're lucky, you'll find them at the dollar store or the Dollar Spot at Target. I slip the plastic cover off, open the book up, measure your paper to fit around it, double stick tape it, add a cute rub on initial to the front...and WHALA! You've got yourself a personalized pocket planner or address book. Every girl needs one of these in her handbag....it's a great little happy to give!

Now, these journals I've been making for years. I LOVE them. And they make a great gift. I look for composition books in all different sizes. They are very inexpensive, and sometimes Walgreens will have the minis 4/$1 (I buy them in bulk when I find a good deal). I usually cover the front and back with the same pattern and then cover the inside cover and back with a coordinating pattern. Add a fun ribbon to match and a rub-on initial and you have another perfect gift. If you're giving this alone, wrap it up real perty like to make it extra special. I personally love to use brown craft paper to wrap mine and tie it up with a luxurious ribbon. Tuck a little handmade card under the ribbon and call it done!

I love to give gifts that are personal and unique. Some people think "homemade" is tacky. I, on the other hand, think "homemade" is what makes a gift really special and meaningful. Plus, it is truly a gift from the heart that is made with love. You can't go wrong with that!