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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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!