To make this Teacher’s Day the one that will be remembered fondly by your educators, gift them something that can’t be bought from the dozens of glitzy malls around. Hand-made gifts have that special flavour that make the receiver feel that you went an extra distance, because you made the effort to lend a customised touch to your feelings. Thank your teachers for the effort they put in you with these 10 cute and practical DIY gifts. The best part? You can make these gifts from things available in your house. So, get going and allow the artist in you to take over and create something unique. By Pallavi Shankar
Shell pen holder
How about using a sea shell as a pen holder! Yes, it’s possible. Get one from the beach area (if you stay in coastal areas) or buy one from your local knick-knack store. Get the one that has a proper holding space and accessorise it with colourful pens and pencils.
Pretty pebble paperweight
If you have collected some interesting pebbles from a visit to a river shore, they can be repurposed into paperweights. Write a nice message with fabric paints or paint a spiritual symbol on it and gift it to a nature lover teacher.
Best out of waste guitar
For your music teacher, a guitar made from a box with a hollow circle is ideal. Use elastic to make strings and hold them together with paper clips attached firmly on both sides of the box. This guitar will be much appreciated and you can also request your teacher to string a few ‘notes’ on Teacher’s Day.
Green herb planter
Make this for the eco warrior teacher. Source a wooden box, add some good quality soil and plant one or more herb plants such as tulsi, thyme, basil – and your gift is ready. You can also add this emotional note to your green gift: “Thanks for letting me grow”.
Cool cell phone pouch
Moving from one class to another is a task. Make your teachers’ life convenient by giving a pouch to keep their cell phone safe. Cut a thick jute cloth and give it a patchwork look by sewing other leftover fabrics. Add a string and button, and viola, the mobile case is ready.
Quirky coffee mug
This gifting idea never goes out of style. Get a terracotta mug and paint it in vibrant colours and nice floral designs. Personalise it with this message: “Thanks a latte.”
All season rainbow umbrella
Get a basic umbrella and paint it in different colours to give it a rainbow hue. If you are into painting, you can make a great design inspired by nature. This is one useful gift, and the hand-made factor will make it stand out in a sea of mundane umbrellas.
Colourful stationery box
A box where stationery items like pen, pencil, eraser, can be kept neatly is any teacher’s dream come true. What you need to source is just one medium-size box. Find one (with multiple sections) and give it a makeover by painting the top in a bright colour and draw some quirky art. Make sure you paint the inside, too; you can present it after stocking it up with few nice pens/pencils.
High five stamp card
Store bought cards are so last year. To impress your teachers, try this innovative idea – get a chart paper and trace your hand on it with colourful paint. Now, fold it in square to make a card or many cards, and add a personal note. Sample: “Dear ma’am/sir, a high five for always supporting me.”
Cute cake rolls
Who can resist delicious cake rolls, especially, if made with a lot of love? Look up the recipe in a website and make cute cake rolls (take help from your parents, too). Once done, fix them with long wooden picks in a cup with this message: “For making my life so sweet, here’s a sweet treat for you.”
What you need for gift making
l Scissors, l Big bottle of Fevicol, l Thick rope, l Elastic bands,
l Chart paper, l Ribbon (pick colour depending on what you are making), l White thread, l Cello tape, l Sketch pens (different colours), l Sticky notes, l Empty carton boxes, l Wooden boxes,
l Watercolours, l Paint brushes