In Family Fun magazine, I saw another version of the teacher appreciation group gift we’ve talked about a few times. I liked what they did, but wanted to take the idea UP a notch in thoughtfulness and DOWN a notch in effort. (Original instructions here).

Here’s what I did differently:

1. First, I simplified the crafting by creating a downloadable set of colorful flower gift card holders. All you have to do is print, cut, and glue.
2. There are three downloads available:
   • Flower Front: The flowers you see here. Cut and glue to flower backs.
   • Flower Back: The back of the flowers, needed to make a pocket.
   • Blank Flowers: I made an extra set of blank flowers so you can use this teacher appreciation idea for other occasions.
3. Second, I taped each flower pocket to a bamboo skewer. It’s a little less artistic than the wire bending recommended by Family Fun, but a lot less work.
4. Lastly, I wanted each gift card to go with a particular thought. So for example, “Thanks for beings so sweet!” should go with a gift card to the candy store, a dessert restaurant, or a local shop with the word “sweet” in it–like Bittersweet Cafe in our area. In my example, I used a gift card to See’s Candy.
5. Several ideas for each gift card are listed on the flower front paper. More good stuff like…
   • “Thanks for all your hard work” – gift card to Home Depot, Staples, etc.
   • “You’re so much fun” – gift card to the movies or video store.
   • “You’re our favorite” – gift card to her favorite place, free choice card!
   • “Thanks for keeping your cool” – gift card to the ice cream store.

I think it turned out pretty cute! This doesn’t have to be just a teacher gift. The gift card plant would make a welcome housewarming gift or starter set of gift cards for newlyweds. Have fun with it!

Gift Card tree from MomLogic.com

I saw this teacher gift on Mom Logic and just had to share. While I agree it is a perfect gift for our fabulous teachers, I think it could be used for any group gift.

As Michele Ashamalla explains, the group organizer purchases a little tree or plant and invites participants to contribute gift cards to adorn the tree.  Givers can select gift cards for any store and in any denomination.  I love this idea for several reasons:

1. Often times a group organizer can’t make the group purchase until just before the event because sttragglers invariably turn in money late or people who committed to a certain amount opt out at the last minute.
2. People feel pressured to contribute a certain dollar amount. With gift cards, the contribution is anonymous and even a $5 gift card to the right store (Jamba Juice, Coldstone, Starbucks) is still a treat.
3. Presentation. I’m all about giving gift cards in a way that the recipient gets a moment of discovery–a chance to open something. Though in this case wrapping paper isn’t part of the equation, perusing all the gift cards certainly qualifies as a “moment.”
4. Variety and Creativity. This might not seem like a creative gift, but I imagine some parents got very creative in getting gift cards to a variety of fun places, everything from office supply to restaurants and salons. For a baby shower, I’d expect to see gift cards to baby stores, video rental, take-out food, the drug store, and so forth.

Consider a group gift card tree next time you have a baby shower, wedding shower, or graduation party to attend.  This would also make a terrific thank you gift from everyone at the office.