Friend Gifts and Teacher Gifts



Things have changed since I was a kid.

I don't remember taking teacher gifts to school at Christmastime.
And I don't really remember exchanging Christmas gifts with friends, either.
But maybe I have a weak memory.

My 10-year-old-helper does not exchange friend gifts because he is a boy. (At least, I guess that is why.)



Here are the teacher gifts I sent with him, this year.



From Crate and Barrel ($3.50). (Certainly hope their teachers don't read this blog and find out how cheap inexpensive these silver birds were!)


(Precious - I love 5th grade handwriting! )


Sent the same ornaments with my clone. (aka: middle kid)

The problem with middle kid is that she has lots and lots and lots of friends. I hear this is typical of middle kids. And, thankfully, she is also quite sensitive....and doesn't want to distribute any gifts in front of others who may not receive any.... and doesn't want to NOT have a gift for someone that gives her one (I am thankful God gave her such a heart for others).

Is this town crazy, or do other kids, in other states, exchange little gifts, too?????

Middle kid is crafty.

One year she sewed owl pillows for her friends.

Another year she made ornaments out of sticks, buttons, and hot glue for her friends.

This year she is sewing pouches like these........



From craft-closet fabric remnants and leftover halloween ribbon.

She is putting a lip gloss and candy in each.



My eldest (11th grade) is very much a "no nonsense" type of person. You will not find her sewing. She took teacher gifts this year for the first time in years because "Mom, my teachers don't seem to like me very much, anymore. Can we get them Christmas gifts this year?"

hmmm......
"Maybe you should be more polite at school."

I sent the gifts.

Here is this year's family card:


Here is last year's card:



God is good.

I hope you have your family together, this Christmas.


This post is linked to The Inspired Room's holiday party! and Frugalicious Friday! AND the Shabby Nest Frugal Friday Linky Party! What fun!

Comments

I remember when my middle daughter was in junior high she was very creative with her gift giving and had a lot of friends! Your daughter had a great idea -- very clever!

Special memories! And yes, we do teacher's gifts here too!

Merry Christmas!
Terry said…
Nothing says Christmas like your children in the right kind of sweatshirts. P.S. Men wouldn't remember that teacher gift thing anyway.
Susan said…
The bird ornament is precious. So great of your one daughter to make all those gifts!! Isn't it amazing how different each child is. God makes us unique!!!
Susan
Middle kid has quite the talent already! I love her bags and her gift idea! We did teacher gifts in elementary school and I'd also have gifts for the bus drivers. Unfortunately, that seemed to change once they got to middle school. Love the bird ornament ~ great price, too!
Y'all are TECH fans! How funny [since you live in the heart of red and black].

I always loved giving teacher gifts. My mom was super creative and made gifts that were loved. As a teacher's wife, I am so glad for the parents who give nice gifts [like that ornament, maybe we will get one!].

Love Middle's gifts! Sounds like things I did minus the sewing.
Hootin Anni said…
Great gifts...and I LOVE your family photo.

My Show n Tell is a gift to me from years ago...ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH
What a handsome family and I love the little pouches! Merry Christmas!
Decor To Adore said…
Oh those birds are lovely! I help out in my sons class on a regular basis so I made up little bags of pencil, etc from the dollar store for everyone. I just love the spirit of giving at Christmas time.