As the school year draws to a close, many families look for meaningful ways to say “thank you” to teachers for all they’ve done in the past 9 (or so) months. Teachers do so much to educate and inspire young minds, and a thoughtful gift can mean a lot.
One gift idea is a handprint craft, which is a creative and personalized idea that’s also fun to make. Plus, it’s a frugal gift idea that costs very little!
To help you get started, here are some ideas plus FREE printable teacher appreciation handprint templates.
Why Handprint Crafts?
Handprint crafts are a wonderful way to capture a moment in time. They are personal, memorable, and create a keepsake that teachers can cherish for years. Plus, they are simple and inexpensive to make, requiring only basic supplies that are usually found around the house.
They make the perfect gift for the last day of school, teacher appreciation week, the holiday season, or anytime you want to say “thanks!”
Getting Started
Here are a few materials you’ll need:
- Printable templates (click here to download my FREE templates)
- Non-toxic paint
- Cardstock or heavy paper
- Markers or crayons
- Scissors
- Glue
- Decorative items (glitter, stickers, etc.)
About my templates
There are 7 different designs, and 3 different versions of each. This totals 21 pages. The 3 different versions for each design include:
1) how the craft will look with the handprint
2) a version with a hand image, if you want to just have your child put their hand on that (which may be easiest)
3) a version without the hand image
The designs include:
- Thank You For Making Learning Fun (Rocket Ship)
- You Make Learning Feel Like An Adventure (Magnifying Glass and Ladybug)
- You Inspire Me To Be My Best Self (Flower)
- You’re The Best Teacher Ever (Trophy)
- I Appreciate How You Care About Each Of Us (Heart)
- You’re The Reason School Is Cool (Guitar)
- Thanks For Planting The Seeds Of Knowledge In Our Minds (Plant)
If your child has a lot of teachers (think paras, special education teachers, and other teachers in their lives), you could use one of the 7 designs per teacher. For example, a teacher that taught students about astronomy could get the rocket ship design, or a teacher who taught students about nature could receive the plant-themed design. Or save some designs for future years.
Instructions for using my FREE templates:
- First, download the pdf files and print out the page or pages you want to use on white cardstock.
- Paint your child’s hand with non-toxic paint in an appropriate color for the page. (For example, yellow for the trophy, and white for the red heart.)
- Have your child dip their hand in paint and press it onto the template.
- Have your child wash their hand(s).
- Let the paint on the paper dry.
- Have your child write their name on the paper, and add anything else they want to the page.
- Present the page to the teacher. You can frame it, give with another gift or just give as is!
Print my FREE designs here!
Here are some more handprint craft ideas that are perfect for teacher appreciation.
1. “Hands Down, Best Teacher” Craft
This popular handprint craft uses the phrase “Hands Down, Best Teacher” printed on it. Children can add their handprint and decorate the page with their own drawings or messages. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Write the words “Hands Down, Best Teacher” on cardstock.
- Have your child dip their hand in paint and press it onto the template.
- Once the paint is dry, your child can write a message or decorate the template with markers, stickers, or glitter.
- Frame the finished artwork or simply present it as is.
2. Handprint Flower Bouquet
Another lovely idea is to create a handprint flower bouquet. Each handprint can represent a different flower in the bouquet, symbolizing how teachers help students grow.
- Draw a vase on a piece of paper.
- Have your child make several handprints using different colors of paint on another sheet of paper.
- Cut out the handprints once they are dry and glue them above the vase template to form a bouquet.
- Add stems and leaves with markers or cut-out paper.
- Personalize the vase with a thank-you message to the teacher.
3. “You Deserve a High Five” Handprint Card
For a fun and playful approach, the “You Deserve a High Five” handprint card is perfect.
- Write the phrase “You Deserve a High Five” on cardstock.
- Your child can place their painted handprint next to the printed hand outline on the template.
- Once dry, your child can add a personal note or drawing.
- Fold the cardstock in half to create a card and present it to the teacher.
4. Apple Handprint Craft
Apples are a classic symbol of education and knowledge, making them a fitting theme for a teacher appreciation craft.
- Draw an apple shape on a piece of paper.
- Paint your child’s hand with red paint and press it inside the apple outline to create the body of the apple.
- Use green paint to add a thumbprint leaf and brown paint for the stem.
- Once dry, your child can add a message like “Thank you for helping me grow” and sign their name.
Final Thoughts
Creating a handprint craft is a heartfelt way for kids to say “thank you” to their teachers. These crafts not only make wonderful gifts but also create lasting memories for both the students and the teachers. By combining creativity with a personal touch, these crafts are unique and frugal ways to show appreciation. So, gather your materials, get a little messy, and make a fun handprint craft for a special teacher!
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- 1 blank template poster in pastel versions of those colors
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- 1 blank template poster in pinks and purples
- 1 blank template poster in greens and yellows (perfect for Easter!)
- 1 blank template that’s black and white – kids can color this one in!
Check out these 42 ideas on the first poster. They’ll keep your kids busy for hours and away from screens!
This poster includes ideas like:
- Make something out of a cardboard box
- Build something out of LEGOS
- Read a book
- Draw, paint or color
- Make play dough models
- Design a treasure hunt
- Make an obstacle course
- Have a tea party
- Write a story
- Bake cakes
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