Teacher Thank You Kit

The end of the school year is upon us. If you're looking for a fun little token of gratitude for Teacher Appreciation Week, End of School, or stocking up ideas for Christmas Presents, here's a cute gift idea to say "Thanks" to the educators in your world. They also work great for Bridal Party gifts - fill with day-of essentials and a mini champagne, or shower hostess gifts. This is a great go-to that can be tailored for any occasion!

Each of these Kits features:

• 1 Notebook

• 1 Small Makeup Bag

• 1 Mini bottle of nail polish

• 1 Emory board

• 1 Pack of gum

• 1 Pack Mentos

• 1 Nutella 'n Go

• 1 Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Candy

• 1 Lottery Ticket (not shown)

They say gift what you would love to receive...I try to follow that rule!

Sure, the items above aren't super fancy or expensive, but they work together nicely. Teachers don't have a lot of extra time in their day, so a couple little quick treats that they can grab, or a nail file on the ready are sweet things to bring a smile to their face. Choosing a brightly colored notebook or one with an inspirational message shares a little of your personal flair with them, or says you took the time to choose something fitting to their personality.

Let's talk about the loot...

Notebooks: I picked these up at TJ Maxx. I just loved the bright Florida colors as a nod to summer approaching! 2-Pack of Notebooks: $3

Makeup Pouches: I got 3 of these at Target and 1 for his main teacher at Bath & Body Works. I tried to buy their favorite colors. These bags are so versatile and can be used for so many things!

Solid Pink/Gold & Purple/Gold Makeup Pouch: $3 each at Target; Embellished Makeup Pouch: $5 at Bath & Body Works

Nail Polish & Emory Boards: I found these ADORABLE polishes in the checkout aisle of TJ Maxx. I was about to give up hope that I wouldn't find just the right thing to put in the pouches. My kids were running around, hiding in clothing racks, not listening to my pleas to behave (sound familiar anyone? I hope it's not just me!). The 2 year old kept pulling my hair when I tried holding him, so I was literally carrying him out of the store sideways, when I spotted these cuties on my way out.

Nail Polish: $6 for a 4-pack TJ Maxx; Emory Boards: $2 for a 6-pack TJ Maxx

Point being: Sometimes you find EXACTLY what you're looking for at the most inopportune time. And sometimes God places books and toys right next to what you need because he has a funny sense of humor like that.

The Good Idea:

If you're buying for multiple teachers, it can get costly to buy full size polishes and run the risk of wasting $10 each if they don't like the color. By checking stores like Marshall's and TJ Maxx for packs containing multiple bottles of polish, you save money, but if they only use it once or twice, no harm no foul. You can find lots of fun colors. I had a hard time not keeping all of these to myself. What can I say? I live in a house of boys...I'm a sucker for pretty things! I mean...ooh la la!

The details are in the packaging.

I believe this to be true of ANY gift. I could give you a grocery bag with these items in it, and it would be nice, but sort of ho hum. By taking the time to package things nicely, the recipient will feel extra special that you took the time to give it that added personal touch. See my similar 12 Days to Christmas Countdown Teacher Gift here.

How to Package:

Step 1: Gather Materials for Pouch

• Zipper Plastic Bags (to seal and prevent leaking if lid comes loose)

• Wilton Pretzel Rod Bags (Michael's craft or Walmart sells them)

• Ribbon

• Tape

• Scissors

• Gift Items (nail polish & nail files)

Place nail polish into zipper bag and seal it. Tape bag down to eliminate bulk. Place polish and nail file into the pretzel rod bag and tie it with a decorative ribbon.

Swoon over how adorable, easy, and affordable that was! How cute would these little polish bags be as a shower favor or bachelorette gift!? I keep all these little cellophane bags on hand in various sizes because I use them for stuff like this all the time. I also need stuff like this for my Etsy Shop so don't worry guys...I'm not a hoarder. I have just been able to find multiple ways like this to use all the packaging materials I use for my shop, or have purchased but can't use for some reason. But I digress. How fun are these polish packs for wedding or baby shower guests?

How cute would these little polish bags be as a shower favor or bachelorette gift!?

Place everything into the makeup bag, tie it up with a ribbon or place it all in a gift bag and you're all set!

Happy Summer!

What would you wish you got in a bag like this if you received one as a gift? I'd love to know in the comments below!

love & light,

kelly :)

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