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    Home » Printables

    Back to School Teacher Gift

    [published_or_updated] · by Angela Paris · 15 Comments[affiliate_disclosure]

    Surprise your new teacher with this easy Back to School Teacher Gift. This upcycled desk organizer is inexpensive and easy!

    Pencil holder made of pencils with printable gift tag attached.

    Find more teacher appreciation gifts here.

    Jump to:
    • Materials
    • Back to School Teacher Gift
    • Copy Right Notice
    • More Back to School Ideas
    • 💬 Comments

    Today, I am excited to share with you a back to school teacher gift that we made for the upcoming school year. Can you believe it's time for school already? 

    By using some simple and inexpensive items, you can create a heartfelt back to school teacher gift. This back to school gift is simple to create and it doesn't break the bank either, which is great for busy parents.

    Related: Back to School Subway Art Printable

    You can put this together in under an hour, using items you may already have at home. Even better, I've also created a back to school printable just for you. A perfect addition for any teacher gift.  

    Teachers can use these pencil vases in so many different ways, storing rulers, pencils and pens, or for flowers. This teacher gift is so adorable  and it's simple to create. Are you ready to create a super cute and unique gift for your child's teacher? Then let's get started.

    Materials needed to make a Upcycled Desk Organizer.

    Materials

    Some of the following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    • 16 oz canister - an old oatmeal container works, or even a coffee canister that is 16 oz size. We used an old oatmeal canister.
    • At least 4 dozen wooden pencils. You may not use them all, but better to have a few extra. Back to school sales are all over the place right now, perfect spot to pick some up pencils for a good price.
    • A few pieces of raffia.
    • hole punch
    • Our free back to school printable. You can download here
    • Hot glue gun
    • Scissors
    • Flowers (optional). You could even fill your canister with markers, pens, or rulers. (Anything your teacher might enjoy.)

    Be sure to check out my Juggling Act Mama Storefront on Amazon where you'll find all kinds of great products to make your life easier! Thanks so much for being a part of Juggling Act Mama ❤

    Back to School Teacher Gift collage image.

    Back to School Teacher Gift

    Here's how to make an upcycled desk organizer to hold all kinds of school supplies!

    STEP 1: Peel your 16z. canister, clean it out, and dry.

    STEP 2: Add a line of glue from top to bottom, then glue the pencils one by one, onto the canister. Making sure to cover the whole canister with pencils.

    How to make a desk organizer step by step image.

    3. Measure your raffia, then cut the piece you need that is going to be wrapped around the canister a few times. Next just wrap your raffia around the canister at least 3 - 4 times.

    Hands tying rafia around a pencil canister.

    4. Now you can grab your free printable, and cut out one apple shape for your gift. You can download and save your printable here.

    Close up of a hand holding an apple-shaped gift tag.

    5. Stamp a hole at the top of the apple, using a hole punch. 

    6. Now you can attach the apple printable to the raffia by pulling it through the hole you just punched, and tying a knot to hold it into place. If the raffia looks too long, you can just trim it down to size. 

    Close up of hand tying rafia on a back to school gift with gift tag.e gift tag attached.

    Back to School Teacher Gift...Completed!

    This is a simple, yet unique gift to create for any teacher, guaranteed to put a smile on their faces. We can't wait to bring ours to our favorite teachers in just a few weeks. 

    Pencil holder made of pencils with printable gift tag attached with text overlay.

    I hope you enjoyed learning how to create a unique gift for your child's teacher. Who wouldn't enjoy a nice heartfelt gift, especially from a student at the beginning of the school year.

    I'm really looking forward to stopping by next month to share more crafts and activities for the kids. Thanks for having me today. Enjoy your week!

    Pencil holder made of pencils with printable gift tag attached.

    Copy Right Notice

    You may print and download these files solely for your own non-commercial use provided that you agree not to change or delete any copyright or proprietary notices from the materials. For more information, please see our Copy Right Notice.

    More Back to School Ideas

    • 25 Back to School DIY Organization Ideas
    • First Day of School Interview Printable
    • Mobile Homework Station: Supply Caddy
    • Book Name Tag Printables
    • Back to School Snacks

    About the Author: This post was originally written by Heather from Krafts and Kiddos when she was a contributor for Juggling Act Mama.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Maureen says

      August 11, 2014 at 12:49 pm

      This is a fabulous idea for back to school or an "ANYTIME" gift. Almost too cute to give away!!! Thanks for sharing and blog on!!!!

      Reply
      • Heather Acampora says

        August 11, 2014 at 7:59 pm

        Thanks Maureen, it's a fun back to school gift. You're right... this could be given out anytime throughout the year, any teacher would love! We can't wait to give ours out next week.

        Reply
    2. Heidi says

      August 11, 2014 at 1:23 pm

      Love this idea, Heather! My favorite part is that pencils are something you'd be giving to the class anyway. Why not make it fun? Pinned.

      Reply
      • Heather Acampora says

        August 11, 2014 at 7:57 pm

        Thanks Heidi, I'm glad you like it! Very easy to make + it's the perfect addition for any classroom 🙂

        Reply
    3. Susen @ Dabbling Momma says

      August 11, 2014 at 10:30 pm

      super cute and something that every teacher can truly make use of!!

      Reply
      • Heather Acampora says

        August 12, 2014 at 10:13 am

        Back to school is so fun, I'm glad you like this gift idea Susen! Simple yet something any teacher could enjoy.

        Reply
    4. Heather Acampora says

      August 13, 2014 at 5:35 pm

      Thank you so much! I'm glad you like this teacher gift Sinea, it's simple to make too! Thank you for pinning and sharing 🙂

      Reply
    5. Heather Acampora says

      August 13, 2014 at 11:12 pm

      Thank you Cathy, any teacher would love a handmade gift from a student, plus this one is a fun one to create - so it's a win/win. Enjoy your week!

      Reply
    6. Raquel says

      August 13, 2014 at 11:39 pm

      Love this cute idea Heather! Pinning!

      Reply
      • Heather Acampora says

        August 14, 2014 at 10:34 am

        Thank you Raquel! We are excited to give ours out next week. Have a great week 🙂

        Reply
    7. Molly Young says

      August 14, 2014 at 1:32 pm

      Love this idea! I taught third grade for 4 years and I loooved getting sweet simple things like this!

      Reply
      • Heather Acampora says

        August 14, 2014 at 4:03 pm

        Thanks Molly! I'm glad to know it will be loved so much by our teachers! They work so hard, it's always nice to let them know how much they are appreciated 🙂

        Reply
    8. olla says

      August 26, 2014 at 3:37 pm

      definitely pinning

      Reply
    9. Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled says

      October 01, 2017 at 7:12 pm

      Very cute! Love the rhyming poem.

      Reply
    10. brenda says

      August 30, 2019 at 12:57 pm

      I love this! What a totally cute idea, Heather!

      Reply

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