Surprise your new teacher with this easy Back to School Teacher Gift. This upcycled desk organizer is inexpensive and easy!
Today, I am excited to share with you a back to school teacher gift that we made for the upcoming school year. Can you believe it's time for school already?
By using some simple and inexpensive items, you can create a heartfelt back to school teacher gift. This back to school gift is simple to create and it doesn't break the bank either, which is great for busy parents.
Related: Back to School Subway Art Printable
You can put this together in under an hour, using items you may already have at home. Even better, I've also created a back to school printable just for you. A perfect addition for any teacher gift.
Teachers can use these pencil vases in so many different ways, storing rulers, pencils and pens, or for flowers. This teacher gift is so adorable and it's simple to create. Are you ready to create a super cute and unique gift for your child's teacher? Then let's get started.

Materials
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- 16 oz canister - an old oatmeal container works, or even a coffee canister that is 16 oz size. We used an old oatmeal canister.
- At least 4 dozen wooden pencils. You may not use them all, but better to have a few extra. Back to school sales are all over the place right now, perfect spot to pick some up pencils for a good price.
- A few pieces of raffia.
- hole punch
- Our free back to school printable. You can download here
- Hot glue gun
- Scissors
- Flowers (optional). You could even fill your canister with markers, pens, or rulers. (Anything your teacher might enjoy.)
Be sure to check out my Juggling Act Mama Storefront on Amazon where you'll find all kinds of great products to make your life easier! Thanks so much for being a part of Juggling Act Mama ❤

Back to School Teacher Gift
Here's how to make an upcycled desk organizer to hold all kinds of school supplies!
STEP 1: Peel your 16z. canister, clean it out, and dry.
STEP 2: Add a line of glue from top to bottom, then glue the pencils one by one, onto the canister. Making sure to cover the whole canister with pencils.

3. Measure your raffia, then cut the piece you need that is going to be wrapped around the canister a few times. Next just wrap your raffia around the canister at least 3 - 4 times.

4. Now you can grab your free printable, and cut out one apple shape for your gift. You can download and save your printable here.

5. Stamp a hole at the top of the apple, using a hole punch.
6. Now you can attach the apple printable to the raffia by pulling it through the hole you just punched, and tying a knot to hold it into place. If the raffia looks too long, you can just trim it down to size.

Back to School Teacher Gift...Completed!
This is a simple, yet unique gift to create for any teacher, guaranteed to put a smile on their faces. We can't wait to bring ours to our favorite teachers in just a few weeks.

I hope you enjoyed learning how to create a unique gift for your child's teacher. Who wouldn't enjoy a nice heartfelt gift, especially from a student at the beginning of the school year.
I'm really looking forward to stopping by next month to share more crafts and activities for the kids. Thanks for having me today. Enjoy your week!

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More Back to School Ideas
- 25 Back to School DIY Organization Ideas
- First Day of School Interview Printable
- Mobile Homework Station: Supply Caddy
About the Author: This post was originally written by Heather from Krafts and Kiddos when she was a contributor for Juggling Act Mama.
Maureen says
This is a fabulous idea for back to school or an "ANYTIME" gift. Almost too cute to give away!!! Thanks for sharing and blog on!!!!
Heather Acampora says
Thanks Maureen, it's a fun back to school gift. You're right... this could be given out anytime throughout the year, any teacher would love! We can't wait to give ours out next week.
Heidi says
Love this idea, Heather! My favorite part is that pencils are something you'd be giving to the class anyway. Why not make it fun? Pinned.
Heather Acampora says
Thanks Heidi, I'm glad you like it! Very easy to make + it's the perfect addition for any classroom 🙂
Susen @ Dabbling Momma says
super cute and something that every teacher can truly make use of!!
Heather Acampora says
Back to school is so fun, I'm glad you like this gift idea Susen! Simple yet something any teacher could enjoy.
Sinea Pies says
So cute! Teachers would love to receive this gift! Hey, would you please share this at my Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop? My readers will love it.
PINNED!!!
Heather Acampora says
Thank you so much! I'm glad you like this teacher gift Sinea, it's simple to make too! Thank you for pinning and sharing 🙂
Cathy @ Our Mini Family says
Woohoo!! So glad you linked this up the best from your blog this week at our Bewitchin Projects block party! Be sure to come back again on Sunday starting at 6am EST over at OurMiniFamily.com to link up your projects again--the linky party runs from Sunday to Thursday each week :D
~Cathy Mini~
Heather Acampora says
Thank you Cathy, any teacher would love a handmade gift from a student, plus this one is a fun one to create - so it's a win/win. Enjoy your week!
Raquel says
Love this cute idea Heather! Pinning!
Heather Acampora says
Thank you Raquel! We are excited to give ours out next week. Have a great week 🙂
Molly Young says
Love this idea! I taught third grade for 4 years and I loooved getting sweet simple things like this!
Heather Acampora says
Thanks Molly! I'm glad to know it will be loved so much by our teachers! They work so hard, it's always nice to let them know how much they are appreciated 🙂
Kim @ The Cookie Puzzle says
What a totally cute idea! I missing having a little one in school...maybe I should just make some of these up and take them to the school for the fun of it! Thank you so much for sharing at Party in Your PJs!
Heather says
Thanks Kim, we love ours so much it's going to be hard to actually give to our teachers tomorrow at back to school.
Adrian says
Thanks for sharing such a cute and inexpensive teacher gift idea with us over at the Teach Me Tuesday Linky Party:)
Heather says
Hi Adrian! Thanks for stopping by I'm glad you like our easy to make + inexpensive teacher gift. Adds a lot of color to any teachers desk for the whole school year.
brenda says
I love this! What a totally cute idea, Heather!
Heather says
Thanks Brenda! Super easy and something any teacher would love from a student too!
Bonnie @ The Pin Junkie says
This is a great teacher gift! It's being featured in a back to school roundup at The Pin Junkie today at http://www.thepinjunkie.com/2014/08/back-to-school-ideas.html
Heather Acampora says
Thank you so much Bonnie for including us in your features this week! I loved all the ideas being shared for back to school, great roundup!!!
Carrie says
Such a fun gift!! Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!
Heather Acampora says
Hi Carrie, thank you so much! This is an easy yet unique back to school gift for any teacher. Enjoy your week!
olla says
definitely pinning
Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Very cute! Love the rhyming poem. Visiting from Creative Collection party.