Over the past few years, several parents in my daughter’s classes have contributed money to purchase the teacher a gift certificate.
It’s a thoughtful gesture, and I know the teachers are appreciative. Thus far, I haven’t participated in that, opting instead to do something on my own. Since I do interact with my daughter’s schoolteachers, by volunteering, throughout the school year. It gives me helpful information when it comes to giving gifts.
This year I’m crocheting a tote bag, for Mrs. M, my daughter’s third grade teacher.
For some, it might not sound like much, but they don’t know my daughter’s teacher. I do. 🙂 Therefore, I know it’s something she’d like. About a week ago, I sketched a few designs I’d know she’d like, and this morning, I’ve settled on crocheting her this paperless grocery bag by Coats and Clark. The crochet pattern is free, it just requires me to purchase yarn, and set aside time to craft the item.
Although the bag isn’t exactly like the sketch I created, it can easily be modified to compliment my design.
I’ll be making the crocheted bag sturdy, and it’ll be completed in earth tones; which she loves. For embellishments, I’ll add a few crocheted and knitted flowers to the bag. Nothing too extravagant, but just enough to add some pizazz!
As much as I’d love to make her something bright and colorful, I won’t. I know the colors she likes, and although I’m sure she’d wear the colorful bag occasionally, she would do that because I’d made it; not because she enjoyed it.
Sometimes it’s best to put other peoples wants ahead of our own, shocking I know! 😉 This is one of those times.
I want her to use something that she truly enjoys.
Photo Source: Coats and Clark
That bag is so cute! Having been a teacher, I always loved getting personalized gifts from kids and parents. They were the things that were so precious to me. Gift cards were fun, but I always thoughts they were a bit impersonal (I also usually turned around and used them on my classroom).
Susan Bewley recently posted..Vegetarian Recipes: Marscarpone Spinach Delight
Hi @Susan Bewley,
That’s what I didn’t like about the gift card, it’s a bit too impersonal. But they don’t have the chance to interact with her like I have, and so they’re settling on something they consider “safe”.
The gift certificate is too a restaurant, when I heard about it. I couldn’t help but hope that she liked to eat out. A gift like that, although thoughtful, I admit it would be wasted on me. I love to cook, and sometimes I have to hunt for vegan friendly restaurants. I would most likely give the certificate to someone else. 😉
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@Opal,
I would have done the same thing. I rarely eat out since I love to cook at home. I still have cards and handmade gifts from seven years ago when I was teaching. They are the things that are just so precious to a teacher and remind us why we are there everyday. Its not the gift itself that matters, but the emotions that go into that gift 🙂
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Hi @Susan Bewley, My daughter’s teacher has already told my daughter that, about some of the cards she made her earlier this school year. And I truly believe that she will cherish them forever, as she told my daughter. I like the personal touches too. 🙂
Aynaria recently posted..Crochet: Scraptastic hat update; pattern test complete
I love the bag for a gift. It’s re-usable, practical and handy. Plus, it’s so nice that you are considering her tastes. I know it will be lovely but I’m looking forward to seeing how you embellish it because it’s those personal touches that you put your heart into.
Hi @Teeni, This should be fun to create, I already looked at the crochet pattern design; it’s not complicated, which explains why I haven’t started on it yet. 😉 After I drop off my daughter at school, I’ll purchase some cotton from AC.Moore and get to work. 😉 I like reusable bags too. She carries a tote bag, similar to this to school. It’s a bit worn out, and it’s overflowing, I figured if that has no sentimental value, she could replace it with this one.
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That bag looks pretty cool! I want it! I really like these kind of sustainable design with a fresh and cool look!
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Hi @Sindi, I like them too, I enjoy using reusable items. I’m looking forward to creating this bag. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Aynaria recently posted..Scraptastic crocheted hat: Test pattern almost complete
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The bag sure looks good. Would love to see a photo of the end product when you’ve finished…
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It’s so sweet and thoughtful of you to crochet a tote bag for your daughter’s teacher. Nothing should be more fulfilling to a teacher than knowing that the parents of her pupil has that kind of appreciation.
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