Thanks a Mint!

The school year is winding down and the wonderful (student) teacher's aides assisting in the boys' classrooms are preparing for their final week at the school followed by their final exams at college.  In effort to recognize their energetic and compassionate contributions to the class for my sometimes (too) energetic boys and their classmates I thought it appropriate to give them a little appreciation gift.  Here's the step-by-step on how to create these little goodies: an appreciation gift / gift card holder stuffed with a Starbuck's gift card.  (Which college student couldn't use that during finals?!?)

Teacher's Aide Thank You Gift

Appreciation Gift / Gift Card Holder

Supplies you will need:

Scrapbook paper (I used 12" x 12")

Double-sided tape

Mint boxes (I used Altoids)

Scissors

Glue stick 

Thank you notes (printed on computer)

Gift card (optional)

Step 1: Cut scrapbook paper into 7-1/4" x 3" strips to be used as the box wrap.

Step 2: Adhere 2" strip of double-sided tape onto the backside of the mint box.

Step 3: Center the strip of scrapbook paper onto the back of the mint box and ensure that it is straight and centered. (I used the lines found in the Nutrition Information as a guide.)

Step 4: Wrap the box.

Step 5: Adhere another 2" strip of double-sided tape onto the top part of the scrapbook paper on the backside of the mint box.  Remove backing of double-sided tape if there is any.

Step 6:  Continue wrapping the box completely and press the end of the paper firmly onto the double sided tape.

Completed boxes (choose whatever scrapbook paper color/pattern you desire, my son's room is named the Blue Room so I chose blue scrapbook paper.)

Step 7 (Optional): Using leftover scrapbook paper cut out small rectangular pieces (just a smudge larger than the "Thank you" notes to attach to the wrap beneath the note.

Step 8: Using a glue stick adhere the rectangular pieces (if applicable) and "Thank you" notes (I made mine in MS Word) to the wrap located on the mint boxes.  See image below.

Step 9 (Optional): The mint boxes are a fine and appropriate gift all on their own or, if you so desire, these little packages are the perfect size to slip a gift card in-between the wrap and the mint box.

Step 10:  Place the appreciation gifts in a basket with a note (unless you plan on hand delivering them) and set in the classroom, teacher's lounge, etc.

"Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone."  ~G.B. Stern