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The end of the school year often brings mixed emotions for students and teachers alike. While summer holidays are exciting, the year’s end also marks the culmination of months of learning, creativity and bonding between teachers and students. For students who have especially connected with a teacher over the past year, the desire to show appreciation before parting ways for the summer is strong. Read on for end of the year gift suggestions that are heartfelt, creative, and budget-friendly too.
A Card
A simple, handmade card is one of the most meaningful gifts a student can give their teacher. Along with a personal note thanking the teacher for their guidance and inspiration throughout the year, students can include one of many inspirational thank you teacher quotes that capture their sentiments. Quotes like “Aristotle said that teaching is the highest form of understanding. You always proved this and gave us the desire to understand more.” remind teachers of the immense, lasting impact they have made. Teachers cherish homemade cards and notes from students and save these special mementoes for years to come.
Art Supplies
An art teacher can never have too many art supplies! Gifting a set of your teacher’s favourite tools shows that you pay attention to the materials and techniques they love to work with. Watercolour sets, premium coloured pencils, brush marker pens, canvases and speciality papers make excellent gifts. For a more personalised touch, give art supplies in the teacher’s preferred colour palette or mediums they use most in their own work. You may need to do a bit of stealthy investigating to figure out brands and colours they like, but your detective work will be appreciated!
‘80s Punk Fashion Bracelet
If your art teacher loves the rebellious style of 80s punk fashion, they will rock a handmade bracelet inspired by the iconic decade. Make a bracelet from embroidery floss, craft cord or elastic strung with metal beads, studs, and safety pins for an edgy, punk vibe. Search terms like 80s punk accessories provide endless inspiration for picking beads and charms with skulls, lightning bolts, anarchy symbols and other punk aesthetics. Pair the bracelet with a mix CD of the teacher’s favourite 80s punk legends like the Clash, Ramones, Sex Pistols or Blondie for a wickedly cool retro gift.
Classic Art Print
Many art teachers have a passion for art history and classical art techniques. Gift them a high-quality print showcasing a favourite style, movement or artist to remind them of the masters who paved the way for contemporary approaches. Consider gifting a print featuring your teacher’s preferred medium, like a striking Katsushika Hokusai woodblock print or vivid Van Gogh landscape. Online art retailers offer prints of thousands of classic artworks at reasonable prices. For a more advanced option, find a printable file online to burn a woodblock carving of the chosen art piece. Seeing their face light up at receiving such a thoughtful, creative gift will be tremendously rewarding.
A Student Artwork Anthology
Gift your teacher a collection of artwork they can revisit and enjoy for years to come. Throughout the semester or year, request your classmates each contribute a photocopy or photo of an artwork they made under the teacher’s guidance. Compile the pieces in a photo book or neatly presented in a folder or portfolio case. Accompanying each work with a short note, quote or fun memory of the teacher will add sentimental value. Whenever the teacher needs a mood boost, they can look through the anthology and reminisce about the creativity they inspired in students.
Tools for Self-Care
Being an educator is rewarding but also highly demanding. Show your art teacher you appreciate the hard work they do by putting together a gift basket or bag that encourages self-care. Include items like cosy socks, aromatic candles, chocolate, tea, hand lotion, a yoga mat, or an adult colouring book. A gift card for a massage, manicure or coffee shop treats also promotes your teacher taking time for themselves to relax and recharge their mental energy. Teachers give so much of themselves; make sure to gift items that replenish their cup so they can keep inspiring students.
DIY Photo Keepsake Display
Capture favourite art room memories in a handmade photo keepsake project for your teacher’s desk. Collect photos taken throughout the year of your teacher working with students, engaging classroom moments, or completed student artworks. Print the photos for free online or using a self-service kiosk. Using scrapbook paper, cardboard, fabric swatches or other crafty materials, create a unique photo display collage. Add fun embellishments like favourite quotes, beads, ribbon or glitter glue to highlight the special bond your class shares with your one-of-a-kind teacher. This photo time capsule will remind your teacher of the wonderful memories you made together.
End the school year by conveying your gratitude to remarkable teachers who bring learning and creativity to life. A thoughtful, personal gift shows your teachers the impact they have made on your growth and artistic spirit.
