Teacher Appreciation Gifts Archives

Dollar Tree Christmas Gifts

November 14, 2022 by Cyn Gagen Leave a Comment

Think that making your own DIY Christmas gifts is just too expensive? Think again! We’re going to show you some amazing Dollar Tree Christmas Gift Ideas that you are going to love.

With the help of your die cutting machine, you can make so many fun handmade gifts to give someone special for Christmas or to sell in your craft business. Let’s start planning our gift ideas today!

Dollar Tree Christmas Gifts

We have gift ideas for everyone on your list including your neighbors, the grandparents, the kids’ stocking stuffers, and so much more. Let’s go through them so you can start making your list. We even have gifts for those elusive people on your list you have NO idea what to give!

USING PIZZA PANS

There are so many ways you can upcycle a pizza pan and turn it into an adorable sign.

Christmas countdown sign –

This could easily be adapted to a perpetual calendar.

Interchangeable seasonal sign –

This is such a fun idea that allows you to decorate for a holiday or season without having to store a bunch of bulky items

Welcome sign –

Add some simple paper, adhesive shelf liner, or even some shims or other small pieces of wood to give the sign a different look. You could even put a family name on it to customize it for the recipient

USING PHOTO FRAMES

Frames from Dollar Tree can be fixed up in so many ways. Whitewash them, paint them, stain them to make them look more expensive, and then turn them into something special.

Word search sign –

This word search style sign makes a great gift for a proud grandparent! Use this same sort of idea of making a clear sign to make a menu board, To Do list, one of those family signs with the established date on it, or one of those signs showing the locations of where the couple met and got married.

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

There are so many different kinds of Christmas ornaments you can make with Dollar Tree supplies and your Cricut machine. We even have some amazing packaging ideas for presenting the ornaments as gifts!

There are many different types of Christmas ornaments you can make with your Cricut. Here at Makers Gonna Learn, we have made some really cute Print then Cut ornaments as well as some from felt, vinyl applied to glass and plastic, iron-on vinyl applied to wood, glitter ornaments, and more.

STOCKING STUFFERS

Don’t overlook the stocking stuffers you can grab at the dollar store and then add your own custom designs to. For example, these headphones can be personalized by adding some fun designs or monograms to them. It’s such an easy way to take a basic inexpensive stocking stuffer from Dollar Tree and turn it into something special.

The earbud holders and pop sockets are additional great ideas we love!

Monogram added to pop socket from Dollar Tree

And be sure to check out this combination mousepad/phone charger! What a fantastic idea and your design on it will just take it right to the next level.

dollar tree combination mousepad and phone charger with Go Be Great custom text added

GREAT NEIGHBOR AND TEACHER GIFT IDEAS

baking gift with customized pot holder kitchen utensils and baking mix

Baking sets

These baking sets are a perfect gift idea for neighbors, teachers, coworkers, and more! And they’re oh so easy to make. Simply customize the pot holder with some HTV and tie it all up with some kitchen utensils and a baking mix.

Mugs and tumblers

You can find some really great plain mugs and tumblers at Dollar Tree that you can use to apply vinyl to and create custom designs. Leave them as is or fill with hot cocoa mix and marshmallows for an extra fun gift.

Or how about etching stainless steel tumblers and mugs? You can grab a really nice stainless steel tumbler for $5 at Dollar Tree and turn it into a really lovely, expensive-looking gift.

You can also sublimate on Dollar Tree products! Make sure to check the polyester content of it to ensure that it will work well for sublimation projects but you can often pillows, throws, dishtowels, socks, slippers, and more that are perfect for sublimating.

These Dollar Tree sublimation socks are one of our favorite projects ever!

Remember, even if you don’t have a Dollar Tree in your area, check out your local dollar stores to see what similar items they might have for you to use.

Teacher Canvas Basket

September 18, 2022 by Paula W

We can all use a little help with teacher appreciation gift ideas, and this little teacher canvas basket can be used in a couple of different ways! Give to a teacher AS the gift, fill it with your teacher’s favorite things and gift cards, or use it as an adorable basket to place a potted plant!

No matter what way you decide to gift this layered HTV basket, your teachers will feel SO loved and appreciated.

Teacher Canvas Basket

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links provided for your convenience. This means, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Cut File Used:

Home Sweet Classroom

Supply Links:

Step-by-step Instructions:

Measure the canvas basket tote you will be using to determine the surface area you’ll be sizing your cut file to fit
Import cut file
Add a rectangle from basic shapes that will “fill” the ruler area of the cut file
Change file colors to desired colors
Select both layers and size to desired dimensions
Click make it
Choose iron-on as the material setting for both mats and mirror both mats
Follow the Cricut prompts
Once cuts are complete, weed excess vinyl from both mats
Insert small easy press mat into the basket and use the mini easy press to layer HTV on canvas basket
Use a glue gun with a precision tip to apply pom trimming to the canvas basket

DIY Teacher Lanyard

September 18, 2022 by Paula W

Looking for a quick teacher appreciation gift to personalize for your kiddo’s teacher? This teacher lanyard is a cute idea, and is a fantastic beginner project to learn about layering vinyl! In addition to layering vinyl, we also teach you a quick and easy way to seal paint on acrylic blanks!

DIY Teacher Lanyard

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links provided for your convenience. This means, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Cut File Used:

Apple Frame

Supply Links:

Step-by-step Instructions:

Using acrylic paint and a paintbrush, paint two coats of paint on the back of a clear acrylic disc. (Allow some dry time between layers)
Insert the cut file into the design space and size accordingly. Insert text box and type in desired name or initials. Place on top of apple design and size. Use the die-cut machine to cut vinyls. Weed and apply a transfer tape.
Once the paint is completely dry, flip acrylic round front side up and layer vinyl on round.
Flip acrylic round paint side up and spray two coats of Mod Podge over the entire back of the acrylic round. (Allow first coat to dry before applying second coat) Let dry completely.
Cut paracord to desired lanyard length and string silicone beads on paracord.
Install jump ring to lanyard and acrylic round.
Install jump ring to acrylic round and key ring.
Knot lanyard at the top using sliding knots

Classroom Birthday Sign

September 15, 2022 by Paula W

This is an adorable multi-layer vinyl project for beginners! If you are a teacher or know a teacher, this is a great idea for any classroom. Cricut teacher project ideas like these are fun and easy to make. Learn how to make a Classroom Birthday Sign with your Cricut in this fun video.

Classroom Birthday Sign

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links provided for your convenience. This means, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Cut File Used:

Sweet Birthdays!

Supply Links:

Step-by-step Instructions:

Measure, cut, sand, paint, and seal your wood. We cut ours at 22” by 7.25”. We painted ours with 2 coats of white paint.
Upload cut file and manipulate until desired designs are achieved. See the video for a detailed tutorial on how we created our project.
Cut, weed, and add transfer tape to all of your mats.
Measure, line up, and apply your vinyl layers down. First the “sweet birthdays” sentiment, then the lollipop stick layer, then the months of the year, then the top of the lollipops, then the white lollipop accents.
Cut your ribbon to your desired length, add hot glue, and glue each one to the back of your wood board centered at each month.

Infusible Ink Marker Mug

September 14, 2022 by Paula W

You all are sure to love this fun Cricut project. We’re breaking out the Mug Press and creating a personalized mug with Infusible Ink Pens that you have to see to believe.

This is a great project if you’re looking to learn how to use the Cricut Mug press or if you’re just a Cricut beginner. This is also a great Cricut kids craft because they can draw and create their own designs to be transferred on a mug, permanently!

Infusible Ink Marker Mug

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links provided for your convenience. This means, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Cut Files/Fonts Used:

Spring Flower Drawings

Supply Links:

Infusible Ink Marker Mug Design 300x200 1

Step-by-step Instructions:

Add a basic shape in Design Space that reflects the wrap size for your mug.
Manipulate the fonts and files until your desired design is achieved.
Set all of your designs besides the square to “pen” and select the black Infusible Ink Pen.
Place your designs where you want them on the square and attach them all together. Mirror the design.
Allow the Cricut to draw and cut on laser printer paper.
Use colored Infusible Ink Markers to decorate your design
Clean your mug. Align and tape your design onto the mug.
Heat in the mug press, allow to cool and remove the paper.

3D Paper Mug

September 14, 2022 by Paula W

This 3D paper mug is so easy to make with the help of your Cricut machine. Create a mug from cardstock that you can then use to present a small gift or gift card to someone special.

With our simple step-by-step tutorial, even novice paper crafters will be able to easily make this paper box shaped like a coffee mug.

More 3D craft projects here.

3D Paper Mug

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links provided for your convenience. This means, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Cut Files/Fonts Used:

3D Mug: https://makersgonnalearn.com/cut_files/3d-mug/
American Story: https://makersgonnalearn.com/fonts/american-story-3/

Supply Links:

Step-by-step Instructions:

Due to the complex nature and visual components of 3D files, we recommend following along with the video as you assemble your project. You can always pause the video and re-wind as needed.

DIY Glitter Epoxy Pen

September 14, 2022 by Paula W

If you love making epoxy tumblers with your Cricut, you’re sure to love this tutorial as well. This is a fun tutorial on how to make a Glitter Epoxy Pen You will love the Cricut hacks and craft tips revealed in this video.

DIY Glitter Epoxy Pen

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links provided for your convenience. This means, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Font Used:

Possessions

Supply Links:

Diy Epoxy Glitter Pen For Teachers2 300x200 1

Step-by-step Instructions:

Remove pen parts and pull off the pen clip. Sand the entire pen.
Spray paint the pen white.
Paint and glitter the different parts of your pen in your chosen design. Refer to the video for a detailed tutorial on how we painted ours to look like a classic pencil.
Once dry, spray polyurethane on the pen and allow it to dry.
Mix and apply epoxy on your pen once attached to the tumbler turner, and allow it to turn for 6-8 hours. Allow to spin or set to dry for an additional 6-8 hours.
Sand, clean, and apply vinyl to the pen. Repeat step 5.
Re-assemble your pen and enjoy!

Personalized Clay Tea Bag

September 13, 2022 by Paula W

This is such a fantastic idea for a gift! Grab a plain, boring mug and give it some pizazz with these personalized clay tea bags. You’re going to want to make one for every tea lover on your list!

Personalized Clay Tea Bag

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links provided for your convenience. This means, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Font Used:

Rosie Posie: https://makersgonnalearn.com/fonts/rosie-posie/

Supply Links:

Easy Cricut Project Clay Tea Bag Personalized Cricut Gift 300x292 1

Step-by-step Instructions:

Download the font from the Makers Gonna Learn website and unzip the file. Install on your computer.
In Design Space, open a text box and type in the text/letter you want. Change to your chosen font. Size your font according to the dimensions desired.
Click Make It and set the material to Printable Vinyl. Load it on your cutting mat and then into your machine and cut. When they are done cutting, weed your design and apply transfer tape.
Grab the clay and make a tea bag. You can warm the clay up so it is soft and easier to mold by squishing, pinching, stretching, flatting, twisting, and rolling. Once you are satisfied with the softness of the clay, you can start molding and make the tea bag. You can make your tea bag any size you’d like as long as your vinyl text will fit.
Next, you can also make the strings.You might want to position it all on the mug to be sure you’re happy with the size and the shape of it all. When you are satisfied with what you have made, you can bake them in the oven at 275 degrees for 15 – 20 minutes. Note: once it has cooled, you can paint it if you’d like.
Apply your design to the baked and cooled clay shape.
Lastly, clean the mug with alcohol to ensure that you have a spotless surface to work on. Glue on the molded tea bag and string using the E6000 adhesive.
Apply Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge over the entire mug including the clay parts you made. Follow Mod Podge instructions for drying and curing time.

How to Apply Vinyl Inside a Mug

September 13, 2022 by Paula W

This is such a great tutorial for how to apply vinyl inside a mug- we loved making this special mug and think you’re going to love it too! With this mug, not only is there vinyl text on the outside, but we’ve added some to the inside as well to continue the messaging.

These mugs are a fun way to add your personality to your daily cup of coffee or tea. They make fantastic custom-made gifts too.

How to Apply Vinyl Inside a Mug

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links provided for your convenience. This means, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Fonts Used:

Funky Disco

Supply Links:

Step-by-step Instructions:

Type out your phrases in Design Space using your chosen font, then manipulate and size them to fit well onto the side and bottom of your mug.
Select your material setting. Once cut, weed your image and apply transfer tape to your designs.
Clean the bottom of the mug with alcohol then remove the backing from your vinyl and using both pairs of reverse tweezers, one on each side of the transfer tape, slowly and carefully lower the design down to the bottom of your mug. Burnish and remove the transfer tape.
Clean the outside of your mug then remove the backing from the vinyl design and position and apply it down where you want it on the outside of your mug. Burnish and remove the transfer tape.
Mix equal parts of the resin in your cups. Pour one cup into the other and stir well for 3 minutes.
Pour the mixed resin into the bottom of the mug and allow it to settle. 15-20 minutes later, using your lighter, heat the top of the resin to pop any air bubbles. Allow it to cure for 24 hours.

3D Christmas Stocking Box

September 8, 2022 by Paula W

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links provided for your convenience. This means, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

We just love this 3D Christmas stocking box! It’s an adorable way to decorate your home for the holidays or to tuck a little something special inside and give as a Christmas gift.

Try personalizing them and using them as table favors for your Christmas dinner place settings. Or use them as vases for paper flowers. Our Christmas stocking cut file is perfect to use in so many ways!

Find more 3D paper projects here.

3D Christmas Stocking Box

Cut Files Used:

Stocking Box

Supply Links:

Step-by-step Instructions:

Due to the complex nature and visual components of 3D files, we recommend following along with the video as you assemble your project. You can always pause the video and re-wind as needed.