Fun Homemade Gifts for Moms and Teachers

I love homemade gifts, so I was thrilled to collaborate with Kim of Live Over C’s to create QR code activity books that make great homemade gifts for moms and teachers. Kim collected our ideas and made them into a free printable book that you can download, laminate, and give as a gift. Each activity has an image, a list of materials needed, and a QR code. Scan the QR code with your phone or tablet, and you are taken the the post with the instructions for the activity. The activities are divided into two different books – one more focused on crafts and the other education-focused.

To assemble the book:

• Print the two pages with the activity cards.
• Laminate for extra durability (optional).
• Cut out the activity cards.
• Punch a hole in the upper left corner of each card.
• Put the cards on a book ring.

QR Code Craft Activity Book

This craft book contains 8 crafts that most kids can do – most with minimal supervision (depending on the child). You can easily find the materials for these activities at a craft store or grocery store.

If you want an extra-special homemade gift, include the materials needed to make the crafts in your kit! Here are the materials you need for the activities in the craft kit:

List of materials to create the craft kit:

• Rocks
• Acrylic Paint
• Paintbrushes
• Googly Eyes
• Black colored rice (or black beans)
• Glittery stars
• Gold beads
• Gold Pipe Cleaners
• Baking Soda
• Vinegar
• Small Bottle
• Glue Gun
• Sequins
• Scrapbook Paper
• Clear Tape
• Buttons
• Business Card Magnets
• Plastic Bag
• Small Toy
• String
• Zip top bag
• Hair Gel
• Butterfly Beads

You do not need a lot of any of these items, so you can buy a package and separate the items to create multiple gifts. To use the QR Code craft book the recipient will scan the code to go to a (kid-friendly) blog post with the complete directions. If you have never used a QR Code before, simply do a search for “QR Code Reader” in the app store on your smart phone or tablet. There are several great, free options. After downloading the app, open it and position your phone or tablet so that the QR code (the square with the funky dots) is in the center of the viewing area. Just like the checkout at the grocery store, your phone will automatically scan the code. Then it will take you to the original craft directions.

Download the QR Code Craft Book for free here.

Teacher Gift QR Code Book

If you have a teacher in your life, whether a homeschool mom or your child’s classroom teacher, this is a time of year where they could use a little extra appreciation, and a little help getting school activities together. Plus, it’s always a challenge to find activities that are hands-on without spending a lot of money. So we’ve put together printable QR code book for teachers that you can give to any early elementary teacher to show your appreciation for their hard work. This book contains learning activities for preschoolers and early elementary. As with the other QR code, book, none of these activities require specialty materials.

To assemble the book:

• Print the pages with the activity cards.
• Laminate for extra durability (optional).
• Cut out the activity cards.
• Punch a hole in the upper left corner of each card.
• Put the cards on a book ring.

List of materials to create the learning activitiesÊkit:

• Paper Laminating sheets (optional)
• Clothespins
• String
• U.S. Map
• Quarters
• Salt Dough
• Dinosaur figurines
• Chocolate Cake Mix
• Plastic container
• Brush
• Small Shovel
• Quilting Hoop
• Felt
• Popsicle Sticks
• Foam Number Stickers
• File Folder
• Paint Chips
• Tape
• Play Dough

As with the other book, you do not need a large amount of any of these items, so you can buy a package and separate the items to create multiple gifts. To use the QR Code craft book the recipient will scan the code to go to a blog post with the complete directions and the free printables for them to download. If you have never used a QR Code before, simply search for “QR Code Reader” in the app store on your smart phone. There are several great free options. After downloading the app, open it and position your phone so that the QR code (the square with the funky dots) is in the center of the viewing area. Just like the checkout at the grocery store, your phone will automatically scan the code. Then it will take you to the original craft directions (written on a kid-friendly blog).

Download the QR Code Book for Teachers for free here.

What handmade gifts are you giving this year?

MaryAnne Kochenderfer

Website

MaryAnne lives is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.