Teacher Gift Ideas

Teacher Appreciation Day is May 7, 2013.

Here are some gifts I have made for Lily’s teachers in the past – just in case you are still looking for ideas!

Alphabet Teacher Vase

Bunch of “Smarties” candy gift with free printable label

DIY sugar scrub gift with free printable jar labels

Cake pop “flower” pot gift

Thirst Quencher gift (cup and drink mix… my theme is Valentine’s Day, could very easily be adapted for teacher appreciated or end of year gift)

MOST POPULAR –> Thanks a “latte” coffee shop gift card holder with free printable card templates

Easter is just around the corner which prompted me to dig through my post archives and find some of my favorite how-to posts.  Enjoy!

:: How to Hard Boil an Egg (something so simple, yet I frequently need a reminder!)

:: Chocolate Covered Oreos and Pretzels

:: DIY Chocolate Bunnies (we made these for Lily’s teachers last year – fun frugal gift!)

:: Peeps and Jellybeans Floral Centerpiece

:: Easy Jellybean Candle Holder

:: Natural Easter Egg Dye Recipes (no chemicals!)

And of course, you can keep up with all of my Easter crafts and inspirations on my Pinterest Easter Board.

Another freebie!

Download the FREE craft eBook St. Patrick’s Day Crafts & Recipes featuring St. Patrick’s Day kids’ crafts, DIY decorations, homemade gifts, recipes and more.

Download the Free Craft eBook: 21 Valentine Craft Ideas for Kids featuring 21 projects to make with your kids, from homemade Valentines and decorations to gifts and school party crafts

Download the Free Craft eBook: 21 Valentine Craft Ideas for Kids featuring 21 projects to make with your kids, from homemade Valentines and decorations to gifts and school party crafts

This post was written by our site contributor, Amy. When she’s not herding her Elmo-loving soon, Mason, she’s blogging over at her site, Chasing Tiny Feet!

I have recently come across some interesting information regarding the chemicals in household products we use everyday. I will be discussing this in another post. But, I have been inspired to become more green conscious in my home. OK, I have all said I am going to do it, but do I ever really? Is it worth the time, hassel, and money? I am here to say it is and it is so easy that I am sorry I never did this before.

Recently, my husband and I remodeled out kitchen. With that remodel came the decision between a granite counter top, another natural stone or formica. In the end, we chose the granite. For us, the benefits of granite out weighed the other natural stones or formica.

On the day of installation, the counter top was so shiny and perfect. Then the reality of keeping it clean set in. I only use a soft cloth with mild dish soap and water as suggested, but I find that it leaves water marks and that drives me crazy! I decided to go to the local hardware store and purchase granite cleaner. On the tune of $9.00 per bottle, decided that I needed to find a better solution to cleaning my counter tops and fast.

I completed my research of what to use and what not to use on granite counter tops. Here is my summary:

Like marble, granite, and most natural stones, using acidic cleaners, citrus based cleansers (such as lemon) or vinegar will dull and etch the counter top. Check. Warm water and mild detergent or alcohol seem to be the best cleansers. Check. Using Windex will take the sealing agent off sooner that it would normally wear. Check. Granite cleaning cloth or chamois are recommended because of the ultra smooth nap, it will make for a streak free finish. Check. If you do not have a chamois or cloth, paper towels will work just fine and leave a streak free finish as well. Check.

Ok, now that I am armed with the proper knowledge and feel like I am back in chemistry class, I was ready to mix the solution. Below is the receipe I liked best:

1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (you may also use vodka)

3 drops of dish detergent

1 cup water

A few drops of essential oil (to help mask alcohol smell). I used Caramel Apple.

Add the ingredients to a spray bottle, gently mix, and you are done!

I tested this new concoction and could not believe how pleased I was with the results. An added bonus I noted was that the counter top was not prone to fingerprint marks after cleaning with this solution. This is so easy, cheap and the greenest way I know how to clean a counter top. You can also use this natural cleanser on appliances. But, most importantly, it is effective. The alcohol will kill bacteria and this is safe to use around children and pets, as long as they do not drink the mixture. So go ahead, save some money AND make a green cleaning product for your home!

Disclaimer: ALWAYS check a small spot for effectiveness before you clean any surface.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. That means that I will be making some Candy Candle Centerpieces! These are as frugal as they come and just so FUN to look at!

(You could easily substitute real candles for the battery operated flickering tea lights if you’d rather not have an open flame.)