I saw this “handy” bouquet at the Mormon Helping Hands service project last weekend and had to snap a quick pic en route to my painting assignment.

What You Need:

• Potted plant
• Small dowels or sticks
• Disposable rubber gloves
• Ribbon

Blow the rubber gloves up like a balloon. Attach glove balloons to sticks and insert into potted plant. It’s that simple. And such an effective way to say thank you.

Thanks Teacher

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 7-11, 2012. Quickly turn this idea into a teacher appreciation gift card holder in one of the following ways:

• Tie gift cards to each “hand,” similar to our popular teacher flower bouquet.
• Collect money for a single gift card. Tie the gift card to one “hand” and attach school supplies to the others.

Thanks Coach

Thank coach in the same way. Tie gift cards to each “hand” or collect money for a single gift card and tie sports-related items to the other hands.

For example, tie sunflower seeds, Big League Chewing gum, and eye black to a baseball coach gift. Center the display with a baseball-themed mylar balloon.

Thanks Admin

If someone at the office makes your life easier, deliver a “helping hand” gift card holder to him or her as well. It’s really a simple idea that can make a big impact. Come to think of it, that’s what the Mormon Helping Hands project is all about. “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.”

Found this gift card recycling idea on Pinterest and loved it. Though you need a binding system (don’t have one…can’t imagine how much binding you do in order to buy one), I do love the idea of it. But I would make this idea with a NEW gift card instead. (Just don’t bind through the magstripe).

Source: thegreenbeanscrafterole.blogspot.com via Jocelyn on Pinterest

Two Gifts in One

Not only does the recipient get a gift card, but they get a little notebook to use as well. It’s two gifts in one. Plus, the gift card will not easily get lost or be forgotten about in the wallet. They’ll probably be carrying it in their purse anyway.

Take It A Step Further

If you’re going to make this idea, then I would take it a step further with the following suggestions:

• Make it reloadable. Use a reloadable gift card so the recipient can use the gift card more than once.
• Make it a photobook instead. Bind the gift card with wallet-size photos of the kids. Perfect for Grandma.
• Add store coupons. Get new mom a gift card to Babies R Us and fill the booklet with every diaper coupon you can find.
• Add coupons of your own. Give a gift card to the movies and include a babysitting coupon inside.
• Multiple coupons. As long as you’re binding things, why not put dinner, movie, and dessert all in one handy date night notebook?
• Group Gift. Have everyone contribute a gift card to the “book.” Imagine leaving a baby or wedding shower with a prized book of gift cards!

Great for Teachers, Coaches, Graduates…Anybody

This would make a great gift card for teachers or coaches. Deliver a gift card to the office supply store (teacher) or sporting goods store (coach). Bind with a note of thanks from each of the kids.

Send graduate to school with a book he’ll for sure want to crack open. Help new moms and newlyweds by stuffing their wallet with gifts cards in this highly manageable system.

Now, where can I get a binding thingamajig?

I love to see a gift card delivered in a fun, engaging, clever way. It doesn’t have to be crafty–just show a little thought and effort went into the gift. Well, I should have known my mom would come up with the best idea of them all.

Happy Birthday

On my husband’s birthday, Grandma showed up on our doorstep AS the GIFT CARD HOLDER. She tied a Fandango and a Coldstone gift card around her neck with a grosgrain ribbon and said, “These gift cards come with babysitting.”

Time is the Ultimate Gift

I am lucky to live so close to my mom. She comes over every Friday night after she gets off work to teach my kids how to play the piano. After the lessons, she changes into her “Grandma clothes” and watches the kids while Paul and I go on a date. She says she’s not babysitting, she’s “grandparenting.” I don’t care what she calls it. I look forward to the night out with my husband all week. The gift cards were truly icing on a generous cake.

You Be the Gift Card Holder

This is such a simple idea, but how often would your service actually be more meaningful than the gift card or gift itself? Think of those occassions when showing up might be the greatest gift of all. Deliver the gift card with a list of possible dates you’re available or a coupon for your time. Here are some ideas I thought of:

• Moving. Gift card to home depot with your offer to help pack, unpack, clean, or paint.
• New Baby. GIft card to a sandwich shop plus your babysitting (or just baby holding) while new mom gets to eat.
• Big Brother or Sister. Deliver gift card to ice cream shop and offer to take older siblings out for a treat while mom is with the little one.
• Gardening. Gift card to garden store and offer to help pull weeds.
• Teacher Thank You. Gift card to Bookstore and offer to volunteer time helping out in the classroom.

Is the Gift Card Necessary?

Of course not. The gift of time is always precious. But if you’re struggling to make a gift card more personal, consider putting your person into the gift like my mom did. So simple. So loving.

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Take advantage of Discounted gift cards for Applebees at Plastic Jungle and get a jump on end of year expenses.

On February 28th and 29th, Plastic Jungle is offering shoppers an additional 10% discount on already discounted Applebee’s gift cards. There is no promo code necessary to redeem this offer.

1 + 1 = 2 Apples for Teacher

Get Teacher an Applebee’s gift card and deliver it with another apple such as

• Scrabble Apple or Appletters
• A real apple
• A homemade apple pie or one from the bakery
• Basket of apple cinnamon muffins to start the morning
• Sour green apple lollipops or other green apple candy

Get More Ideas

Find more ways to tell teacher Thank You on our Teacher Appreciation page.

You’re standing in the check-out line and suddenly remember you need to buy a gift. Below are quick ways to grab a gift card, turn it into a thoughtful gift, and be on your way.

JoAnn Fabric and Craft

If you’re getting a gift card for a crafty gal or a seamstress, then this project is easier than a no-sew fleece blanket. Get a gift card to Jo-Ann and deliver it with:

1. Tote. A shopping tote to fill when she returns to the store.
2. Inspiration. An idea book or magazine she can flip through for inspiration.
3. Savings. The In-Store Class Schedule, the current circular with upcoming coupons, and a stack of “Sew with Jo-Ann” creativity starters.
4. Common supplies. The items every crafter goes through quicker than a kid with a candy bar. Think Aleene’s Tacky Glue, glue dots, double-sided tape, foam brushes, etc.
5. New Products! The gadgets and new designs you want to try but aren’t sure you should. Think cheetah print Duck Tape, Wilton Sugar Sheets, or Smooch Spritz.
6. Your Favorite Product. Gift her with a product that you’d love to share with her. It can be as simple as a jewelry clasp that’s easy to open, a sewing needle that’s easy to thread, or a scrapbook embellishment that makes the pages pop.

These items are so inexpensive, you could throw them all in the shopping bag with the Jo-Ann gift card and have a perfectly thoughtful gift–put together in a jiffy!

Teachers Love JoAnn Gift Cards

In addition to the friends and family you know who like to shop at craft stores, a JoAnn gift card is also a great idea for Teacher Appreciation. JoAnn even gives discounts to teachers. Tie a JoAnn gift card to a box of tissues, whiteboard markers, or other class staple and you’re all set.
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