Student Gift Idea (Perfect for End of Year!)
Isn’t it amazing how quickly the school year always flies by? I am already planning the last few weeks of school! One thing I love to do during the last week is give my students a small gift from me. I originally saw this idea on Instagram— and I’m not sure who was the original creator– but you can find some another example here. Please note: Any amazon links are affiliate links.
First thing I did was check my local Dollar Tree for plastic water bottles. I was in luck! They had enough for my 24 students– and a nice variety of colors left.
If you cannot find them in store– try online. You can order a case of 30 for $1 per bottle– and they have many more style options online. Be sure to order early enough to allow for shipping time.
Now, if you do not own a Cricut or Silhouette machine, the next step will be a bit tricky. You could always invest in letter stickers from a craft store or Amazon– but it will definitely take a lot longer. You could also get a paint pen and write student names! Using my Cricut was cheap since I already had white vinyl– and it was speedy. The entire process only took me 1.5 hours.
I measured my bottles. I could make the names about 1.25 inches wide and 6 inches long. Next, I typed up all my students name using the font called “KG Shake It Off Chunky”. This font is free for download on TPT— but you cannot use it for commercial use unless you purchase the license. I made sure the names fit the size parameter– and then I hit “cut”.
After the name were cut out, I took some time to cut them apart and weed them (take out all the extra pieces). Next, I cut some pieces of Walmart contact paper. I love this stuff because you get a huge roll for a great price– and it isn’t too sticky.
I used the contact paper to transfer to names from the vinyl sheets to the water bottles:
Then I pressed down firmly and peeled the contact paper away. The names stuck perfectly!
I will have to tell the students to try and limit how wet the letters get– and to never put them in the dishwasher. Although the vinyl I used is “permanent”– nothing will last forever. If you don’t have a Cricut or Silhouette, I highly recommend investing in one. They can be pricey, but I have found it so useful for my classroom!
There you have it! Easy gifts that are personalized– and they only cost $1 per student! If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments below. I hope you have a blessed day!
Just went to the dollar store and got my bottles! Exactly the type of idea I was looking for. Thanks for sharing!
You're very welcome!
So excited to try this! Any suggestion on what vinyl to get?
Just make sure it is a permanent brand. I think the cricut vinyl is not permanent 🙂
Where or what did you use to type their names? Word?
I used cricut design space– as the cricut machine will only cut the letters through that program
Is there like an app for it on the computer? I'm sorry I'm new to this Cricut world
No– it is run through the cricut website– I usually just search google for "cricut design space" when I want to make something in their program.
Did you use vinyl paper? Also, did the letter print out individually?
I would love to gift these bottles to my students! Which contact paper, EXACTLY, did you use from WalMart? They have soooo many to choose from…
I'm not sure– It was a large roll and the most basic kind. I think any type would work– I know a lot of crafters even use the type from Dollar Tree.