Thrifty Thursday: Cute Meet the Teacher gifts that won’t bust your budget!

My daughter starts back to school next week, but our curriculum night and meet the teacher night are this week.

If you’re looking for a cute “meet the teacher” gift for your child’s teacher, here are some ideas from across the blogosphere that won’t bust your budget! (These would also come in handy as Christmas gifts or when Teacher Appreciation week comes along)

Acrylic Post it Notes holder by Eva Kipler Designs ~ I work in education and Post it Notes are a LIFESAVER. For this cute project, all you need is acrylic photo frame, card stock, 3X3 Post it Notes (which you can get free at Walmart and Target right now), and a paper trimmer!

Back to School Apples for the Teacher by Cute as a Fox ~ I love this idea because it’s quick and easy, especially if you’re not “crafty” and every teacher likes having a little treat! All you need for this one is red candy (M&Ms, jelly beans, red hots, etc.), cupcake liners, plastic wrap, toothpicks, and some green ribbon.

Decorative Clipboard by Skip to my Lou ~ Clipboards are a must for most teachers and it’s nice to have one that’s trendy to show off! For this project, you need a clipboard, note pad, ModPodge OR Elmer’s Spray Adhesive and Krylon Matte Finish.

First Day of School Survival Kit by Bee in Our Bonnet ~ These Back to School Survival Kits are super kit and easy to make! All you need is a mini organizer, some odds and ends (erasers, paper clips, candy, etc.), cardstock to make the label, and some ribbon to tie it all together! Budget 101 has some cute ideas here for other things that you can add to your kit and catchy phrases to explain why you’re using them (ex: Band Aid for when things get a little rough) Tip Junkie also has some ideas for making a Back to School Survival kit for your kids!

Personalized Pencil Holder by Made with Love and Glue ~ This one is fairly simply although you might not be able to pull it together in time for Meet the Teacher because you need the vinyl. Super cute and easy, though, and all you need is the pencils (which you can get for next to nothing right now), a vase, the vinyl, cellophane wrap, and ribbon!

Teacher Treat Jar by Eighteen25 ~ I have yet to find a teacher who doesn’t like treats! If you can get the treat jar and the treats, you can download the labels for free here!

Water Bottle Pick me Up ~ Sometimes it’s the thought that counts and I think most teachers would be grateful for a little “pick me up” mid-day! All you need is a water bottle, a drink mix, some cardstock, and a little creativity! (I’m lacking in that department, but I think even I could pull this one off!)

Teachers are never expecting anything, but it’s always the thought that counts. You could also make some treats for them and write a little note or put together a “goody bag” of school supplies (highlighters, post it notes, pens, etc.).

Do you have other budget friendly “Meet the Teacher” ideas or another Thrifty Thursday tip to share? Feel free to link up below! For more Thrifty Thursday ideas, check out Coupon Teacher, Madame Deals, and Life as a Mom.