Student Christmas Gifts for Parents

The holidays have arrived and many teachers are busy searching the internet and the Not So Wimpy Teacher Facebook groups for unique and easy presents that their students can make for their parents.
I thought I'd gather and share a few of my favorite ideas I have seen in the groups. They are all simple and don't cost a lot of money. There is even a freebie at the end!!!
Plus, none of these ideas require glitter. That's important. #sanitysaver

Canvas Art

I love this idea shown on Pinterest by Ragzz Custom Apparel and Gifts.

Many teachers purchase 5x7 canvas panels from Amazon for this project. Students use a sharpie to write out their message and make fingerprints for the lightbulbs.

You could also do the same project on white ceramic tiles that you purchase from Home Depot (use ceramic paint for the lightbulbs and felt-tip marker for the string).

You could even complete the same project on a plastic ornament as well.

Students could have a choice what to write. They could write love, peace, faith, or even Noel. There are many varieties of words or phrases that would make this gift unique.

Laminated Photo Snow Globe Ornaments

These ornaments by Crafty Morning, would be fun for your students to make! Parents will love seeing their kiddo's picture on the tree year after year.
I suggest taking pictures of your students as they arrive in the morning, while they are bundled up already in warm clothes. It will make the picture look realistic.
You will also need laminating pages, card stock, a snow globe template, white acrylic paint, glitter (TOTALLY OPTIONAL), double-sided tape, and twine or ribbon.
Check out this post for a list of detailed directions.

Reindeer Ornaments

These reindeer ornaments done by Crystal, at littlebitfunky.com, are super cute and very simple to make. All you need is a little acrylic paint, bulbs (matte-finish bulbs are suggested), and a black sharpie. Check out this blog for a list of easy directions.

Mason Jar Lid Ornaments

I have seen many ornaments made with the lids from Mason jars, such as painted snowmen and fingerprint reindeer. My favorite, however, is this project that was shared in the Not So Wimpy Fourth Grade Teachers' Facebook group by Wanda Roberts.

I love the fine-motor practice students get from making this ornament.

All you need to prep is red and green yarn cut into about 5 inch pieces and pictures of your students. The students get to complete the task of tying the yarn around the ring of the lid in alternating colors. After glueing their picture to the bottom of the seal, push the seal into the ring and your ornament is complete!

Time Capsule Ornaments

I love this idea so much from The Chaos and The Clutter blog, that I plan on doing it with my own children this year.!

All you need to complete this project is holiday scrapbook paper, ribbon, clear ornaments, and a permanent paint pen.

Cut the scrapbook paper into strips and have your students write their favorite memories from the year across the strips in pen. They will be so fun to open up and read in future years!

You can find detailed directions here.

Snowman Wood Slice Ornaments

This snowman ornament made by the Easy Peasy and Fun blog, is so easy and very inexpensive.

For this project you will need wood slices, white acrylic paint, permanent markers, and a string to hang it with.

One year, I went to my local tree stand and asked them if they would donate wood slices to my classroom. If you can't get any from a tree stand, you can likely find these at craft stores with the hole already drilled.

You can find detailed directions here.

Calendars

Student drawing are always a favorite of parents. This calendar can be the perfect keepsake with drawings done by your students.

All you need is the calendar template and some crayons or color pencils. You will need access to some sort of binding machine.

Best news? It's a FREE template from Not So Wimpy Teacher. Click HERE to grab it.

I hope these ideas have been helpful for you and saved you time during this busy time of year!

Have a Not So Wimpy day!