Posts Tagged: "school"

Jumbo College Mug | Graduation Gift

Princess Diana - May 25, 2019 - Birthday, Christmas, Graduation

We’ve had several graduations in our family this year, and it reminded me of one of my favorite graduation gifts.

The funny thing is… I gave the gift to myself in celebration of earning my Master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma.

I wanted a gift with my alma mater’s logo that I would use for years and years to remind me of my college experience.

I bought myself a jumbo college mug with the OU logo and name. The size was perfect for soup, cereal and coffee!

It was thick, heavy and durable, and I knew it would last forever.

As I grew older, my OU shot glasses stopped getting used as much, and my OU shirts competed for wear time with my Oklahoma City Thunder basketball shirts.

I continued to use my beautiful crimson jumbo mug. When I brought it to work people would comment on it. Who would have thought it would make a great conversation starter?!

If you are looking for a graduation gift with a lot of staying power, give a jumbo college mug to a graduate from the school they will be attending or the school where they graduated.

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
– Dr. Seuss

School Lunchbox Love Notes for Kids

Princess Diana - August 1, 2017 - Kids

It’s back to school – meaning kids will once again spend the majority of their time at school. Although you’ll be apart, I have a simple and thoughtful way to connect with your child every day during the school week!

Use lunchbox love notes to put a smile on their face while they’re at school because you’ve let them know you’re thinking of them.

Lunchbox Love Notes

What are lunch box love notes?
They are small cards or slips of paper that share a positive, uplifting message.

Here are some examples but the possibilities are endless!

I’m your #1 fan
You are sooo AWESOME
I love you more than ________. (fill in the blank cards)
Have lots of fun today!
I can’t wait to hear about your day! XOXO
Good luck on your test today.
An extra special treat for an extra special kid. Love you!
Why fit in when you can stand out?

Personalized Luggage Tag & Handle Cover

Princess Diana - May 2, 2017 - Birthday, Business, Christmas, Going Away, Graduation, Retirement

Every time I hear of someone graduating school, I think how exciting it is they have their whole life ahead of them.

I’m also reminded of Dr. Seuss’s book “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” Such as classic and accurate description of this journey we call life.

I have a family member, Sidney, who is graduating from high school. With her graduation gift, I wanted to encourage her to take the opportunity to travel and collect experiences while she is in college.

The college years are well suited for traveling since the school year has built in Spring Break, Summer Break, Fall Break and Christmas Break. Once you’re in the workforce, you only have one or two day holidays and limited vacation days to fit in all your travel plans. Boo.

When I think back to my college years, the highlights include spring break trips to Florida and South Padre and summer trips to China and Costa Rica. I’m so glad I experienced them all!

Personalized Luggage Tag & Luggage Handle Cover

For her graduation gift, I gave Sidney a personalized luggage tag and luggage handle cover for her future travels.

Money Laundering College Gift Idea

Queen Darlene - August 4, 2016 - Graduation, Money

It’s here! You can’t believe it! It was only yesterday when your child started kindergarten. Now your son or daughter is going to college and moving on campus.

A college student will need new items for his or her dorm room, including a laundry basket and laundry soap.

Ever heard of Money Laundering? Of course you have, but this gift item is not of criminal intent. It’s a creative way to give cash as a college gift!

Believe me this “Money Laundering” gift will bring a smile to college bound students even though they know they’ll finally have to do their own laundry. Oh, the hidden pitfalls of growing up!

You will need:

A bottle or box box of laundry detergent
Quarters and $1, $5, $10, $20 bills
Glue dots

Teacher Appreciation Beach Bag Gift Set

Princess Diana - May 17, 2016 - Gift Baskets, Teacher Gifts

Just like children, teachers look forward to summer and relaxing by the pool or at the beach!

Help them get ready for some me time with this Beach Bag Teacher Appreciation Gift.

It’s easy peasy to put together, looks great, and includes stuff they’ll actually use!

BEACH BAG GIFT SET

To get started, purchase a beach bag and fill it with items for having fun under the sun such as:

beach towel
sunscreen
beach or pool toys
sun hat
bikini/swimsuit wet bag
magazines
lip balm
bug spray
snacks
candy
drinks
bottled water

A Written Letter to Your Child on Test Day

Princess Diana - April 14, 2015 - Kids

Fear. Anxiety. Stress. Pressure. Worry. Children feel some or all of these emotions on test day. These “yucky” feelings can also have a negative impact on their performance. Parents, you can do something about this.

Click to enlarge

By writing a letter to your child on test day, you can replace these emotions with confidence and positive thoughts. The letter can tell them how much you love them, believe in them and are proud of them.

When your child reads your letter, they will go into the test with a positive mindset that will encourage them to try their hardest and prepare them to succeed. In essence, you’re giving your child the invaluable gift of self-esteem!

Grandparents Day for a Child Without One

Queen Darlene - March 12, 2015 - $20 or Less, Catch All, Experiences, Kids

My friend, Jody, told me her son, Austin, was crying because he no longer had any living grandparents to take to Grandparents Day at school. He lost his grandfather earlier in the year.

grandparent's-day-gift-idea-sunburst-gifts

“Grandmother” & “Grandson”

I have known Austin since the day he was born and could not stand it that he was heartbroken. I told Jody to have him call me. I would go as his grandparent. When Austin called, I asked him, “Do you want a young grandmother or an old one?”

In my mid-forties at the time, I prepared to be a young grandmother but as luck would have it, he asked for “old!”

I told him, “Old is what you want, old is what you will get!” Continue Reading

Teacher Survival Kit | Back to School Gift

Princess Diana - August 14, 2014 - $20 or Less, Food & Drinks, Gift Baskets, Teacher Gifts

Summer = sleeping in, relaxing and hanging out. Back to School = alarms clocks, homework and regular routines.

Making the switch from summer vacation to back to school definitely takes some adjustment for all parties involved – students, parents and teachers. Don’t forget about the teachers!

My son is starting Parent’s Day Out again this fall, and I wanted to give his teacher a present to make adjusting to spending all day with a room full of kids just a little bit easier.

I started making my Back to School Teacher Survival Kit by filling it with caffeine and chocolates. Two must-haves for enduring long hours and stress of any kind.

But being the healthy living person I strive to be, I wanted to add some healthier options for the teachers that would still provide them with a good pick-me-up.

Matching Graduation Day T-Shirts

Queen Darlene - May 13, 2014 - Congratulations, Graduation

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhgrc9Xn4MQ&feature=youtu.be

My co-worker, Nikki, shared this wonderful idea that her family is doing for her son’s high school graduation this year. The family will wear matching Graduation Day T-Shirts. Just like a 5K race where a team wears matching t-shirts, friends and family attending graduation wear the same t-shirt in support of the graduate.

Graduation-Day-T-Shirt-gift-idea-sunburst-gifts

Click on the photo to enlarge it

The front of the t-shirt can have the graduate’s initials and their very own unique signature. Printed on the back of the t-shirt can be the class motto, a favorite quote or a personalized message to the graduate. Continue Reading