We Know Stuff

5 Great Ideas for End-of-the-Year Teacher Gifts

2013-05-23T07:45:00-05:00

As the school year comes to a close and the summer is about to begin, now is a great time to thank the people who have been instrumental in your child’s development. As a teacher, I have never expected my students to bring me a gift at the end of the year. After all, I was only doing my job and to me just being a teacher was reward enough. However, as a parent, I think it is important for my kids to recognize and to say thank you to the people who have given so much of themselves throughout the school year.

But when you think of all of the people that have had a hand in making your child’s year great, it can be overwhelming to come up with genuine ways to express your thanks. So to help you out, I’ve compiled a list of 5 great ideas for end-of-the-year gifts that any teacher would love!

Photo: Ned Horton

1.) Write a note. Throughout my years teaching, the most memorable and touching gifts that I have ever received have been the hand written pictures and cards from my students. It sounds so simple, but to a teacher, having a parent or child thank you personally means the world. I once even had a student write an essay about how I was his favorite teacher and he sighted specific things that I did to help him grow. I had a parent write a letter to the Superintendent about me and the impact I had on her daughter. That was far better than any store bought gift.

2.) Make a theme bag. Teachers appreciate creativity so why not throw together a theme gift? A beach bag is always appreciated. Fill a small tote with a beach towel, sun block and a magazine. Or how about a sweet treat theme? Fill a gift bag with an ice cream scooper, sprinkles, chocolate syrup and a $5.00 gift card to an ice cream shop. A movie night bag is another great idea. Simply buy a DVD of a romantic comedy and pair it with some microwavable popcorn and candy. With so many people to thank, theme bags are nice because you can find most of these items at discount stores to keep costs low.

Photo: Miss Fran

3.) Go green. One year, I gave all of my kids’ teachers potted plants for their houses. I bought a flat of flowers from the nursery and some basic hanging planters. I made a colorful arrangement for each teacher and included a note that said, “Thanks for helping me grow!”

4.) Stock up the classroom. Many people are surprised to learn that teachers use their own money to stock up their classrooms with supplies. When I look around my children’s classrooms, I see all of the money that came out of their pockets. Most schools provide the basics like books, desks and paper, but most of the extras are not included. As a teacher, I have purchased on my own book shelves, posters, games, books and even a rocking chair for my classroom. One great way to express you thanks is to ask your child’s teacher if there is something they really need for their classroom. I once had a student give me a globe as an end of the year gift and I think of him every time I use it. You can also fill a basket with pencils, reward stickers, post-its, and magic markers.

Photo: Lea Csontos

5.) When in doubt, gift card it! If you are pressed for time and want something quick, you can always send a gift card in any amount. Teachers typically love learning, so book stores or museums are great gift card ideas. They are also in need of some much earned rest and relaxation, so gift cards to nail salons, movie theaters or restaurants are all well appreciated.

Whatever you decide, remember: It is not the dollar amount that matters. A little bit of thanks goes a long way and your child’s teacher will appreciate knowing that you cared enough to say thank you. Want an added bonus? Your child will feel so much excitement when he hands that special person his special gift.

~ Anne Davis ~

Gluten-Free Fruity Pebble Treats

2013-05-21T08:03:00-05:00

My daughter has recently fallen in love with fruity pebble cereal bars. She loves taking them to school for snack and I am happy she is bringing something she will actually eat. The problem is, I can't find them any more. I have been searching high and low in my three local grocery stores - but no luck. So instead of completely stressing out, I figured that I could make them at home.

I'm fairly confident that unless I make them from scratch, she may actually starve without them. You see, I am one of those moms that are convinced that every single day that my child might actually starve at school. I know it sounds ridiculous, but there is a reason for it: I was that kid who would starve with a lunch box full of food in front of them.

As a child, I was a dreamer. With that said, I didn't always pay attention to things - especially if my mom happened to be saying something as I was walking out the door on my way to the school bus. For instance, one particular morning I half-heard my mom say, "Don't open the top."

It should have been so easy, but for me...it wasn't. As my mom packed my lunch that morning, she packed me a juice box - for the first time. As she did this, she pointed to the top of the juice box and said "Don't open the top, it will make a big mess."

Ok, check. Don't open the top. Unfortunately, I did not see her point to the top of the box itself, I saw her point to the straw. That translated to: Don't open the top of the plastic from the straw. When lunch time began, I opened my box and began decoding the meaning of: don't open the top.

I pulled the straw off the box, making sure not to rip the plastic and began poking my plastic covered straw into the hole. I tried and tried, but I simply could not get the straw in. Never did I get past the point of thinking how I would actually DRINK from a plastic covered straw, I just knew that things would work out as long as I didn't open the top.

Finally, a nice lunch aide noticed the bizarre scene I was creating and came over to help. As she took the straw from me, she said something to the effect of "Sweetie, you have to take the wrapper off the straw."

My brain screamed, "Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo!"

All I could squeak out was "My mom told me not to open the top."

She looked at me, nodded her head, and expertly popped the straw into the juice box.

I was waiting on the edge of my seat for something to explode and make a "big mess". But, nothing happened. I found myself inspecting the box and couldn't quite piece together where I went wrong.

When I got home that afternoon, I frantically told my mom that the lunch aide OPENED THE TOP.

"It wasn't me," I exclaimed, "I couldn't get the straw in, and she opened the top and put the straw in."

To which my mom replied, "Why didn't she just put the straw in the hole?"

"She DID!," I yelled, "But she opened the top!"

My mom sensed that she was missing something and had me tell her the story from beginning to end. By the time I was done, I could see her physically trying to prevent a smile from taking over her face.

She silently took out a new box and showed me the top of the juice box....and how you could pull up the wings on the side and open the whole top. There was even a little scissor and dots showing you exactly where to cut.

"I meant this top," she smiled.

Seriously, I have no idea how I survived Kindergarten.

With that, I bring you some super easy, gluten-free, fruity pebble treats that your children will have no trouble opening! This recipe for Marshmallow Crispy Treats was found over at PostFoods.com.

GLUTEN-FREE FRUITY PEBBLE TREATS:

Ingredients:
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
* 1 pkg. (10-1/2 oz.) miniature marshmallows (6 cups)
* 1 pkg. (13 oz.) Fruity Pebbles Cereal (about 8-1/2 cups)

Directions:

Step 1: Microwave butter in 4-qt. microwavable bowl on HIGH 45 seconds or until melted. Add marshmallows; toss to coat. Microwave 1-1/2 minutes or until marshmallows are completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after 45 seconds.

Step 2: Add cereal; mix well.

Step 3: Press firmly into greased foil-lined 13x9-inch pan. Cool. Cut into 24 squares.

* This is the original recipe, however, I halved the recipe for less squares.

Thanks for Reading!
Daniele

Mom Talk Radio & We Know Stuff Chat About Crafting With Kids

2013-05-15T07:30:00-05:00

Every so often, Daniele and I get asked to do a radio show and talk about our experiences as parents. Each time, we're very humbled and are surprised at the request because in our minds, we're just two ordinary moms trying to do the best we can, by our kids, and by our families.

So what does "doing the best we can" mean? Well, sometimes, it means that we craft all day long. But other times, it means that we just turn the tv on and tell the kids to give us five minutes of peace. Sometimes, it means that we're baking up fantabulous dishes in the kitchen with our kids. But more often than not, it means that we're simply trying to shove something semi-healthy into their bellies before we run out the door to baseball, dancing, swimming, or gymnastics practice.

Because in our world, good parenting is all about moderation -
and has nothing to do with perfection.

So this past April (04/28/13), when we were asked to be on The Mom’s Roundtable to discuss crafting with your kids with Michelle from Mom Talk Radio, we were honored. I mean, who would have thought that two "Irish twins" from Long Island would be on the same radio segment as such heavy weights as:

Dr. Robert Sears, member of the Colief Colic Council, a board-certified pediatrician and co-author of the Sears Parenting Library.
Jonelle Krier, Huggies MomInspired and creator of Assessables® – a new bodysuit meeting the needs of today’s newborn.
Kyle Richards, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, mom of four talks about Clorox’s Ick-tionary.
Renowned parenting expert, Dr. Michele Borba.

Well, truth be told, we didn't expect it, but we're thrilled that we had the opportunity to share our real selves with a wider audience. And, we're happy to report that we didn't sound overly dorky - even though we are really dorky together - and that the show went really well.

And I must say that Michelle was also very cool and receptive to the fact that I was hiding in Daniele's basement stairwell, while Daniele was sitting on the kitchen counter answering questions. If you get a few minutes, and want to hear what we had to say about crafting with kids, our show can be heard here.

Thanks for always supporting us,

Denine & Daniele