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WATCH DIY crafty kids: "Thank you" pot plants for teachers

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Bashiera Parker

Our kids' teachers are a very important part of their lives. They help our children grow and learn and they're the parental figure that stands in for you while they're at school, especially with the younger ones.

When the year ends, kids have formed a bond with their teacher and are often getting a new one in their new grade so it's a nice touch to get them a little something to say thank you.

You can get things like spa vouchers or buy her something really nice, but we think it means so much more to them when their students have made them something from the heart.

An easy an inexpensive gift, for example, is a redecorated pot plant.

Check out our "Thank you for helping me grow" pot plant, and a few other cool ideas below.

"Thank you for helping me grow"

What you need

  • Succulent, soil and painted plant pot 
  • Old measuring tape
  • Glue
  • Brown paper/cardboard
  • Ruler
  • Pencil and pen
  • Scissors
  • Ribbon

Tips and tricks

  • Although succulents won't grow much (it's the thought that counts), they basically take care of themselves and need little water, they're cute and within your budget, and it's the perfect addition to your teacher's desk.
  • Measuring tapes can be rather pricey. It might be a good idea to use an old one. We found a paper-like tape at the hardware store that works just as well. Alternatively the kids can paint the mock tape on themselves as a fun activity.
  • You can buy wonderful inexpensive plant pots that are ready painted. However, the kids will love painting and decorating the pot with all their favourite colours.
  • We would also suggest getting blackboard paint and painting a block on the pot. Then your child can write the message with chalk across the pot!
  • While we used brown paper to write the message, you can also create a little wooden placard, attached to a wooden stick, that you can stick into the soil as you would in your garden at home.

DIY Apple Jar

Desiree from The 36th Avenue shows you how to make these super cute apple mason jars. Fill them with sweets or anything else that Teacher fancies. It's really easy to make so you can have your kids do most of it.


(Image credit: The 36th Avenue)

Herbs in pot plants

If you want to give your teacher something that will last a little longer, we suggest a pot plant with herbs that they can grown themselves. There's nothing quite like having your own herbs in your own little garden!

What you need

  • Chalkboard paint
  • Small terracotta pots
  • Paintbrush
  • Seedlings
  • A 60mm x 100mm piece of plywood
  • A 180mm stake or dowel stick
  • Wood glue

Instructions

  • Paint the pots with the chalkboard paint. Once dry, plant the seedlings. Get the kids to write the plant names on the pots with chalk.
  • Use the wood glue to attach the dowel stick to the plywood to make a miniature garden sign.
  • Once the glue has dried, paint the sign with the chalkboard paint and stick it into the soil.
  • The pots can be used on the table as a centrepiece. Write simple messages like “help yourself” on the sign or use for place names. Alternatively, kids can write birthday messages on the signs and give the plants as birthday presents.

What teachers really want

Year-end gifts seem to be a Big Thing in America so it's no surprise that Elle from What's Up Moms had her daughter's teacher over to ask what teachers really want. I think South African teachers would be pleasantly surprised with just a nice slab of Lindt chocolate but here are some great ideas of what to give or not to give! 

Also see:

Do you think teachers should get year end gifts? Send us your thoughts to chatback@parent24.com.

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