7 Crocheted Gifts for your Child's Teacher

The school year is winding down and I'm looking for gifts that are quick, easy and useful to make for the children's teachers.

1. Potholders or hot pads -- Who doesn't need a new potholder or hot pad?  You can practice a new stitch pattern with yarn from your stash (just be sure to use a natural fiber such as cotton or wool), add a clever border and you're done!
2. Dishcloths  -- I admit I'd never used a dishcloth until recently, but now I'm hooked (I was always a sponge-kind-of-gal).  Another great way to practice stitch patterns.
3. Bookmarks -- Have you ever met a teacher who doesn't love to read?  Bookmarks can be quick to make (so make several).  They can be lacy or dense, colorful or neutral.  Crochet Pattern Central has a page of links to free bookmark patterns:  http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/bookmarks.php
4. Cell Phone Cozy -- This might sound cliche, but nonetheless, it is a useful gift that can be fun to make.  It can be felted and embellished with needle-felted flowers or a simple sc pocket crocheted in the round.
5. Amigurumi toys -- Does your school have a mascot?  Does the teacher have a special love for panda bears or penquins?  Has the teacher built in a particular theme of study for the year?  This area is wide open for ideas and the projects can be quick and fun to make.  It can also be a conversation piece or teaching device for years to come.
6. Market bags -- Whether the teacher uses this gift as a market bag, a beach bag, or a bag to carry books to and from the library, he or she will enjoy having something handmade.
7. Coasters -- Just in time for sipping a cold drink!

Enlist your child's help in selecting the project, the yarn and even in making the gifts. You might kick off a life-long (or at least a summer-long) interest in creating and giving!

I'd love to hear your ideas for teacher gifts.  Please leave a comment.