DIY: Disney-Inspired Teacher Appreciation Gifts

It’s back-to-school season, which means it’s the perfect time to express your appreciation for some of the most important people in your child’s life: their teachers! We’ve all had special teachers who helped us learn, grow and harness the magic inside of us, so this year, show your gratitude to your little one’s teachers with some fun DIY Disney crafts. We’ve got step-by-step instructions for three great gifts you can give on their own or pair with themed items from shopDisney.com, where you can save 10% on select purchases with the Disney® Visa® Credit Card.¹

Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse Coasters

Brighten a teacher’s day with these felt coasters in abstract Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse shapes. Not only will they add a splash of cheerful color to the teacher’s desk, but they’ll also make sure cups of coffee or tea have a soft place to land. Looking for extra credit? Find out the teacher’s favorite Disney Character and couple their coaster with a matching mug from shopDisney.com!

Materials

• Black felt balls
• Red felt balls
• Yellow felt balls
• Pink felt balls
• White felt balls
• Pink glitter felt balls
• Hot glue gun

Directions

1. Lay out the felt balls into a Minnie Mouse- or Mickey Mouse-shaped head and ears. Use red, black and yellow for Mickey Mouse; use pink, white and pink glitter for Minnie Mouse.
2. One by one, use hot glue to attach the felt balls together. (When using a hot glue gun, make sure to have an adult present.)
3. Allow the coasters to set for a few hours before gifting or using.

Finding Nemo-Inspired Mr. Ray Pen Holder

Teachers have enough to keep track of without having to worry about where they put their stuff. Your child’s teacher will never misplace a pencil again after you’ve gifted them this handy pen and pencil holder, designed to look like the friendly underwater instructor Mr. Ray from Finding Nemo. A custom pen or other stationery from shopDisney.com will go with it just swimmingly.

Materials

• Mason jar
• White spray paint
• Navy acrylic paint
• Paint brush
• White paint marker
• Black paint marker
• Navy foam sheet
• Googly eyes
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun

Directions

1. Paint the entire mason jar with white spray paint.
2. Allow the paint to dry, then sketch an arc in the middle of the mason jar a few inches from the top. Paint the upper portion above the arc and the back half of the jar navy.
3. While the paint is drying, trace Mr. Ray’s wings on a sheet of foam. Use the height of the jar to help determine their size.
4. Once completely dry, use the white paint marker to add dots to the navy portion of the jar and the foam wings.
5. Using the hot glue gun, attach the googly eyes and allow the glue to set. (When using a hot glue gun, make sure to have an adult present.)
6. Finally, use the black paint marker to add a mouth and gills to Mr. Ray.

Turning Red-Inspired Friendship Bracelets

Brace yourself for how cute these friendship bracelets are! Inspired by the bracelets that Mei swapped with her friends in Turning Red, they’re a great way to show a teacher just how much their support means and to give a gift that’s truly special. If your child’s teacher is a Disney fan like you, try pairing their friendship bracelet with a complementary piece of jewelry from shopDisney.com.

Materials

• Clear elastic string cord
• Pony beads
• Letter beads
• Specialty shape beads
• Scissors

Directions

1. Cut a length of cord to fit the intended wearer’s wrist, leaving a few extra inches of cord for the bracelet to be tied off at the end.
2. Lay out the beads for your desired design. Try a song title such as 4*TOWN’s “Nobody Like U” with red pony beads and shapes inspired by Turning Red. Or channel Woody from Toy Story with his “reach for the sky” quote. Show some love for Timon and Pumbaa from The Lion King with their catchphrase “Hakuna Matata.” Use your imagination and create a bracelet in honor of your favorite Disney Character!
3. Add all of the beads to your elastic cord.
4. Once all your beads are added, tie off your bracelet using a double overhand knot so it is super secure. (To tie a double overhand knot: bring both ends of the string cord together. Form a loop
   with both pieces of the cord and bring the ends of the cords through the loop. Before tightening, bring the ends through the loop again. Tighten the knot to secure it.)
5. Trim the excess string cord with scissors. (And when using scissors or other sharp objects, be sure to have an adult present.)

We wish you a happy back-to-school season and a fun-filled school year! If you need extra school supplies or gifts for teachers, be sure to check out the selection at shopDisney.com, where you can redeem Disney Rewards Dollars toward your purchase.²