A few years ago my daughter’s school sent home a letter asking for donations to local charities instead of teacher gifts, and it got me thinking. I always have a hard time choosing fabrics and sewing for teachers. I’m never sure if they will use what I’ve made, or even if they will like it. So this year we did things a little differently. Still, with some sewing – because I HAVE to sew them something!
We gave each teacher a fabric envelope filled with a painted salt-dough ornament, a handmade card and a certificate saying we bought a World Vision gift in their name. The fabric envelopes are part of my Fabric Gift Bag Pattern, and I modified them by adding a button and leaving off the strap closure. The girls picked the fabric from my stash of fat quarters and I sewed them up yesterday – as per my “regular” last-minute rule!
The girls were already painting ornaments to give as gifts at the retirement home where we will be singing carols this year. So we made a few extras for their teachers as well. And they worked hard to make some cards for their teachers after school yesterday. My oldest is in French Immersion and I’m so amazed at how quickly she picked up another language! She made a card in each language – one for each teacher.
The World Vision gift we chose to give will donate books and literacy support to kids in need. It made me tear up when I bought it – but maybe it’s just a product of multiple late nights I’ve stayed up sewing? My kids love stories and reading. To think that we have a (small) part in helping other children to have that ability as well – it’s a great feeling! I printed each graphic straight from the e-card. Easy Peasy (and thankfully fast!)
Now we are almost ready for the holidays, I’ve just got to tackle the gift wrapping!
This is just wonderful. When I was a teacher I was inundated with boxes of chocolates every year, I love chocolate but a girl only needs so much. I would have loved to receive such a thoughtful present, and hand made is always the best in my opinion. My go to gift is to make fabric baskets using the tutorial on the Pink Penguin blog an drill them with something nice.
I’m glad you like it Kay! The fabric basket is so cute – that one is a great tutorial.
I love your idea!! imagine if each child made an ornament the teacher could fill up a special tree. I love the donation gift too, it makes everyone feel good and helps children around the world. I knew this organization did the education and gift of food animals but I didnt’ know they did a program for the children too.
My go to this year is the bowl holder/pot holders for the microwave (great for a bowl of icecream too)
Thanks Debbie. I love the microwave bowl holder – it looks amazing!
I love these! Definitely on my list of things to make after the holidays.