Apple Basket and Books: School Teacher Gifts Keep Giving

Back-to-School Snack Gift for Classroom:
During the first month of school I’ve started a tradition to send a basket full of apples along with an apple slicer (wedger) to the teacher for class snacks.  The teacher can keep the basket and slicer and I write a little note explaining I will bring in more apples each month throughout the school year (the gift that keeps on giving).

Apple Basket with Slicer: Refilled monthly for class snacks

APPLE SLICER:  I love my apple wedger from Pampered Chef.  I’ve tried another generic store version but it wasn’t as sharp or durable. The teacher can reuse it throughout the year so the kids have a quick healthy snack.

Free Apple Card Printable by obSEUSSed, for non-commercial use only. Click on picture, then copy and paste into your document program to print as many as you need.

You can use this card to attach to your gift or make your own. Make sure to let the teacher know if you plan to bring in apples throughout the year so they’ll keep the slicer at school.

Other blogs with cute apple printables:

Lil Luna: Shindig Parties to Go- Apple Thank You Card Printables

Rebecca Cooper has more teacher ideas and printable apple cards

Catch My Party: Apple themed Back-to-School printables

BASKET: You could just take the apples and slicer in the cute paper apple bag from the grocery store but I found this basket at the thrift store for $1. I see them there all the time and they are in great condition to be re-used.

I found this cute apple metal bell at the dollar store this summer. I’m throwing that in the basket as well.

MORE TEACHER GIFT IDEAS:
I also made this pencil vase filled with flower pens at the end of school last year. I found the idea on Pinterest from Shindig Parties to Go.
Click to see how I made it. I also created this tutu hanging flower basket as a thank you for a dance teacher. I came up with this one on my own. See how I made it here.

GIVE BOOKS:
Most teachers love getting books as gifts too. You may want to scope out their classroom stash before buying one. You could also ask the teacher for a classroom book wish list to distribute to the parents for Christmas or teacher appreciation week gift ideas.

APPLE BOOKS:
Make sure your read Ten Apples Up on Top! to your child. You need to have a copy of this book at home but it would also make a great gift. It is by Theo LeSieg (also known as Dr. Seuss!)

 

Check out this fun apple activity to go along with the book by Jenae at I Can Teach My Child.

My other favorite apple book is the ABC book A Apple Pie by Gennady Spirin. Or try the original version, A Apple Pie by Kate Greenaway. Each letter tells you what they do to the pie (B: bit it), and has lovely early American illustrations. This is a great classic to have.

A Few More Apple Books: (Click on any book pictures for more details)

Disclosure: Check these books out at your library, if you like them you can purchase from clicking the link and I receive a very small percentage from Amazon.

I shared this project at these amazing blogs with more great ideas:

Pencil Vase: Teacher Thank You Gift Craft

Create this simple and beautiful pencil vase to thank your child’s teacher. Your child can help.

Teacher Appreciation Gift: Pencil Vase
I initially saw this idea on Pinterest. Check out another version on Shindig Parties To Go (made with a tin food can and filled with Oreo Apple Pops). I’m not sure who created it first and I’ve seen a few variations on how to make it or what you put inside.
My kids helped line up all the pencils, tie the ribbon and make the flower pens (keep them away from hot glue guns).

PENCIL VASE:
I found a bamboo cup at the dollar store that looked strong. An empty soup can would work too. I hot glued each pencil on one at a time. (I got a case of pencils at Sam’s Club because I made two vases. Depending on the size of cup/can I used 39 pencils.) Turn words facing inward and all lined up so the bottom can sit flat.  Then wrap a ribbon around it.  I filled mine with brown beans so the pens would sit inside better.

FLOWER PENS
Items needed: Silk floral bunch (a variety can be found at the dollar store) green floral tape and a package of pens can also be found at the dollar store. Scissors, Hot glue gun.
How to: Move leaves up to base of flowers. Cut flowers stem about 3-4 inches long. Put a dab of hot glue on the bottom end of the pen. Stick the flower on top and start wrapping the green floral tap around to cover and stabilize the pen. Wrap half way down the pen then end with another dab of glue to keep the tape on.
I loved this view of the vase.

I spotted the vase on the teacher’s desk on the last day of school. I love that she can look at flowers that she doesn’t have to water.
I also love the list of Teacher Appreciation Ideas found at Kidz.
More Teacher Gift Ideas from ObSEUSSed:
Apple Basket with apple slicer refilled throughout the school year for classroom snacks.

Tutu hanging flower basket for a dance teacher.
Silly Eagle Books featured a great Pencil Craft and book (pencil magnets).

Great Back to School / Teacher Book:
Make sure you check out Hooray for Diffendoofer Day!, a Dr. Seuss Book about School and Teachers. I've owned this book as part of my Dr. Seuss collection but I'll admit I haven't read it until this past month.  Dr. Seuss wrote the text but other authors/illustrators finished the pictures and put it together after Dr. Seuss passed away. It has a different look to it but the crazy rhymes are still fun and I love the school and teacher messages.


More Great Teacher Books: (Click on Book picture for more details)

Disclosure: Check these books out at your library, if you like them you can purchase from clicking the link and I receive a very small percentage from Amazon.




I shared this project here: Click to see more great back to school ideas.