I’ve been sharing this idea I took from Do Say Give lately!   I first organized one at the end of the school year in May.   This time of year though, I thought it would be fun to do a festive gift card wreath.  A follower on instagram mentioned they were going to make a wreath instead of a tree, and I stole that idea too.  Gotta give credit where credit is due!   For the end of the year class gifts, I did the pot and coordinating envelopes in their favorite color.  But I did kraft/white/red/green envelopes this time since it’s Christmas time!  I know this is too late to do this year, but wanted to get it out there for next year … or birthdays, end of year gifts.  It’s a nice way to give a gift card without feeling like you “just gave a gift card”.  And it’s true – 99% of teachers want a gift card.  I think if you really get to know a teacher, you can give thoughtful gifts.  But that can be hard to gauge unless you’ve spent quite a bit of time with them.

Back to the wreath….

What you need:

• a wreath – I’ve used fresh ones, and I’ve used a preserved boxwood for this project.  Lots to choose from on amazon.
• Envelope cards – I used these from amazon both in May and this Christmas.  They aren’t a tiny size so if you wanted to add notes in there you could too!  I think that may be something I do if I do this again.
• small clothespins
• a little flag or you can use another envelope card to do their name (my sister made the flags for me – I wish she had an etsy shop!  )
• Good handwriting!  enlist a calligrapher – we had my talented bff Shannon Kirsten do ours!  If that’s not in the budget, enlist the person in the group with the best handwriting.  Or honestly, it really is the thought that counts.  Good handwriting or not, I’m sure the teachers just love to know a sweet thing the kids think about them!
• A google doc – I used a spreadsheet since there were 6 wreaths to keep track of.  columns for teacher / adjective + childs name and their type of gift card (amount and what kind of gc)

What to do:

• Send out an email to all parents.  Make sure to reiterate that it is optional!  and you’d love everyones participation, but it’s completely optional.  They also don’t have to contribute $ – they can contribute a sweet note.  or adjective from their child!
• Use a google survey to record teacher/adjective.
• Set a final date for adjectives/gift cards a few days before you assemble.
• Send out a last call … we are all so busy and I know I miss emails!

Ways to make it all inclusive:

• Open it up to EVERYONE.  If someone doesn’t want to give a gift card, they can still participate.  Have them, or their parents, write a note to go in the envelope.  I was a teacher a looooong time ago, and I know this would be appreciated just as much as a gift card!
• If there are a lot of teachers co-teaching, parents can arrange for the head teacher to get a higher amount gift card.   Or just give to the teachers in their classroom.
• If they choose to do a gift card – they choose what amount and from which store/restaurant/service.  It’s also great if someone owns a business.  Say they own a car wash – they can gift some gift certificates from there.

Hope this is helpful… maybe not now but down the road.  You could also do this on a much smaller scale with a mother/mother in law … have your children come up with adjectives about them.  Put gift cards or earrings or a necklace in the little envelopes.