Cheers to the End of the Year {Gifts and Such}

As I was planning today, I realized how little time I have left with my firsties. What teacher wouldn't be excited...AND...sad at the same time!? This is so me right now. I have an amazing group of kiddos (I'm fixing to brag) with little to zero discipline problems, yes I have been blessed this year! Thinking about putting their end of year gifts makes me sad to see such a great group of kids leave.

 

Last week, we began the "end of year venture" by beginning our process of making our gifts to each other. I have all the kids bring a new, clean, white pillow case. A mom comes up to help, and each kid gets to put their hand print on all his/her classmate's pillowcases and adds their signature underneath. I also print out a cutesy poem and iron it on.

 

They turn out oh so precious and the kids absolutely go ga-ga over them! I roll them up when dried, tie on a name tag with ribbon, and hand it to them with their award. It turns out to look like a diploma when all wrapped up. Definitely darling as can be!

 

I also purchase swirly straws (Walmart: 97 cents for pack of 6) and small kool-aid packets. I slip the packet and tag with the saying "Have a totally kool summer!" into the straw for a quick and simple addition to the pillowcase and their award.

 

I always have some special parents who help out with almost everything throughout the year. I also like to get them a little something to show them my appreciation.

 

  I purchase a bottle of hand soap from Bath and Body Works (they normally have some type of deal like 5 for $15). I wrap them up in shrink wrap, print out a tag with the saying "Thank you for your helping hands!" and tie it on with a cute ribbon.

 

Here is my end of the year gift pile, all complete. Feels so good! Now...onto that summer countdown!