Teachers are hard to buy for since you don’t want to spend too much and seem like your child is begging for a good grade. (Although it may work. A teacher doesn’t make that much and a new big-screen TV may be just the item to get a passing grade for Johnny. That is a joke, by the way.) Getting something that is nice, but small is a challenge.
When I taught, I loved the homemade items that showed time was taken. I am easily swayed by sugar products, so those that gave homemade food, were really on the top of the list. Our cafeteria lady had a child in my class and at Christmas she made me the absolute best miniature fruitcakes. They were stuffed with pecans and limited amounts of the candied fruit. I wish I could give the recipe but I even threatened to hold her child back and she refused. I wouldn’t have done that and she knew it. She did compensate by bringing me a dozen of the delights every year for the next 5 years. I think I loved her.
So, sugary food products are one item on the list. If you have a delightful recipe that is the rage at family get-togethers, bake a little extra for the teacher. If you want a treat that is labor intensive but yummy, try the kefflie recipe.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/433968/homemade_christmas_nobake_delicacies.html
There are other recipes that make simple yet wonderful gifts for the teacher. Use the recipes in this article to spice up some pecans.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/432432/pecan_recipes_for_the_perfect_christmas.html
Once they are made, you can purchase inexpensive cookie cutters from the dollar store. Make certain that they are ones that have a deep side. Lay the cookie cutters on clear plastic wrap, fill it with pecans, and wrap the plastic wrap securely around. If you have made several different types of nuts, fill a couple. One, however, is a good gift. Two would be great.
A simply great idea for the teacher is a personalized etched tree ornament. You can either get a clear glass ornament and etch her/his name on it using the directions from:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/449851/make_etched_glass_and_painted_glass.html or use a colored ornament and craft paint pens.
If you are making these types of ornaments, use the paint pen to write the name. Glue on flat backed jewels or flock it with Epsom salts.
To do the flocking on the ornament you will need 3 glasses of white wine and 1/2 cup of Epsom salt. Pour just enough wine in the Epsom salt to make it slushy, drink the rest; it will steady your hand. (Again, this is a joke. Bear with me guys, I have a limited social life. You won’t need much wine.) Paint the ornament by using a medium bristle paintbrush. Do one side and sit it in an egg carton to dry. Once it is dry you can do the other side.
You can use the Epsom salt mixture to decorate the most inexpensive of items to create a thing of beauty. Tip, the Epsom salt will wash off, so you might want to include a note.
A Snow-Covered Candle Holder.
Shop for a larger pedestal clear glass bowl. Candy dishes are great. If you can’t find one that has a stem, use a regular clear glass bowl. Get another clear glass votive holder. Buy a colored votive candle and matching beads or aquarium stone. Red or purple are my choices because they are high contrast against the snow. Put the Epsom salt snow over both the outside of the bowl and the votive holder. Put the candle in the holder, the holder in the bowl, and surround it with the stones or beads. You now have a simple inexpensive gift for the teacher. Do include the note that the snow washes off in warm water.
Just as an aside, don’t eat any of the Epsom salt mixture. Epsom salt is a laxative, and I don’t know what wine does to you, but I wouldn’t attend a formal function if I ate the combination.
