I can almost hear the choirs of angels singing…only a day and a half left of the 2011-2012 school year! Since we’re from Florida, we are used to being out for the summer by now, so this extra week of school is cutting into our pool time!

The end of the school year comes with many expenses.  Teachers request donations for the seemingly endless class parties,  in our case, we have to renew our car registrations, pass inspections, etc.  We are planning a road trip to Florida to visit family, and this year the last day of school is just two days before Father’s Day!  Funds are spread quite thin–like breath strip thin.  One extra drop and our budget will disintegrate.

Even so, my daughter’s teacher has worked so hard for her this year, from the classroom, to being her home bound instructor when my daughter was in a wheelchair with a broken leg, that she deserved a token of our appreciation.

I let my daughter choose a charm necklace and a keyring from my shop, but I wanted to make a fun little gift that incorporated on of Ms. R’s favorite things…CHOCOLATE!

I was inspired by Lisa Storms‘s blog.  So many great ideas!

Here’s my easy-peasy end-of-the-year teacher’s gift:

I bought this fun lidded cup with a straw at Walmart and filled it with Hershey’s Kisses.  I designed and printed a little flag to attach to the straw and VOILA!  All for about $7.

I love to use practical and useful containers.  I can already see Ms. R sipping a frapuccino or some lemonade while reading a good book by the pool this summer.

These are definitely going to be my go-to teacher appreciation gifts for years to come!

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