.
In a few days it will be Memorial Day, two words that are, of course, code for: white pants, grilling, and holy-sh*t-there's-so-much-to-do-before-school-ends! If you're like me, one of the things that inevitably falls through the cracks until the very last minute is teacher gift ordering. Not this year! To pre-empt the angst, I'm figuring it all out now. Or at least after I take care of the other dozen things on my falls-through-the-cracks list. (See: immunization records to camp.) Herewith, some go-to ideas (both storebought and DIY) from a star-studded panel of teachers, friends, and bloggers: Marcie Cuff of Mossy, Joanna Goddard of Cup of Jo, Yolanda Edwards of Momfilter, Alana Chernila of Eating From the Ground Up, Caroline Fennessy Campion of Devil & Egg, Donna Duarte of Motherburg and one or two from yours truly. First gift up (above) from Joanna: Silk Peonies ( Terrain, $24).
.
Totes McGotes! Because it's so much more exciting than the ABCs! Click on your teacher's initial to see your options. If you're feeling ambitious fill it with a beach read. (Alphabet Bags, $12-21. They are UK-based and ship worldwide with delivery options that seem reasonably priced, but I would order like RIGHT NOW to be safe.) --via Donna
.
Homemade Dulce De Leche A sugary, milky, gooey sauce that's takes ice cream, coffee, and waffles to new levels. To make: Pour 1 can sweetened condensed milk into a double boiler. Bring water in the bottom pan to a boil and then lower to a simmer. Cover the pan and continue to simmer for about an hour. (You will need to add more water to the bottom of the pan if it simmers off.) Check on the milk occasionally and stir--it should thicken and gradually change colors from milk-white to butterscotch to a light caramel color--then you know it's done. Let the dulce cool and then place in a jar. (Chalkboard Labels: Martha Stewart for Staples.) Keeps in the fridge for 2 months. --via Caroline
Gift Cards Much as I'm sure they hold their class photo mugs near and dear to their hearts, most of the teachers canvassed for fave gifts had no problem stating their preference for Gift Cards. For a Blow-Out, a spa, a mani-pedi, the coffee shop where she gets her lattes, any place where pampering is on the menu. One teacher, who preferred to remain anonymous, said his favorite gift is credit at the local gourmet store where they sell alcohol. "Because what I really need at the end of the year is a drink." (Above: Drybar gift card, $35 - $40; select cities only) --via Joanna and Yolanda
PB&J Candy Bars. Sharing not allowed! (Three to a pack, Sweet Lydias, $15) -- via Joanna
.
Seed Bombs No, those are not meatballs. They're mudballs made of compost, native seeds, and clay, and packed by human hands, then placed in a little handmade bag. "Just throw and they will grow," as Marcie says. See her site for the how-to. (Mossy, $DIY) -- via Marcie
Customized Address Stamp To make her correspondences even prettier. (Ampersandity on Etsy, $28 to $36) -- via Joanna
.
Perpetual Calendar to offer a welcome grown-up moment on a desk cluttered with lots of un-grown-up moments. PS: The kids will get into it, too. (MOMA, $15)
.
Homemade Iced Tea. Include with a note about relaxing summer mornings. To make: Combine 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers, 2 tablespoons dried rose hips, 1/2 cup dried spearmint leaves in a 2-cup jar. Seal with a lid and shake. (All ingredients available in the bulk section of Whole Foods.) To make Iced Tea: Steep 3 tablespoons tea mix in 2 cups boiling water for 15 minutes. Sweeten with a bit of honey or sugar, let cool, and combine with 2 cups water. Serve over ice. -- via Alana
.
Classroom Prints Affordable art to make the classroom...classier. (Gallery Nucleus, $25-30; above: print from Jon Klassen Print Collection) -- via Alana
.
.
Dinner: A Love Story I hear the writer's super nice and will mail personalized messages that you can stick on the inside cover if you get in touch with her before June 10. ($19)
.
PS: Three years ago, this is what I did for the girls' teachers. If you are looking for labels, Brooke from inchmark took care of that.