Ready for Summer? {+ Promo Code!}

We can't believe it's almost the end of May, which means there are only a few more weeks of school before summer break. Ahhh... where does the time go?

To help all you Moms and Dads wrap up the school year with ease, and prepare for the fun summer months ahead, we've got a few tips that might help!

Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Don't stress over end-of-year teacher gifts. Try these DIY ideas that are useful, relatively inexpensive and so easy the kids can help make them too!

1. DIY terrariums are beautiful gifts that will be appreciated for a long time. Our favorites are mason jar terrariums... so chic!  Check out this tutorial on the Clean Slate blog.

2. This (free)  Thank You Teacher Printable from The Suburban Mom is a heartfelt gift that any educator would love.

3. Summer Relaxation Buckets are always a hit. The ones from Coffee Cups & Crayons are fabulous examples and will give you some inspiration when creating your own!

Summer Prep

It's never too early (or too late!) to plan summer activities for your kids; just be sure to label all their gear so it all comes home. ;)

1. This awesome Lemonade Recipe from The Idea Room will come in handy when your kids ask to set up a lemonade stand. What a great way for them to learn about finances and responsibility with their own little business-for-a-day!

2. This Summer Camp Guide (with packing checklists) will help you plan ahead for both day and overnight camp stays.

3. Our Camp Package will keep you organized and help your child's stuff stay out of the lost and found pile. The best part? We're offering $20 off until June 4th! 

That's 151 labels & tags starting at only $38.99! Order at www.oliverslabels.com and use code CAMP2015 at checkout. :)

We'd love to hear your tips and tricks for making the end of the school year (and the start of summer) stress-free, so feel free to post them on any of our social media pages, using the hashtag #OliversLabelsTips.

Happy summer!

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DIY Holiday Gifts Round-up

There's nothing quite like getting crafty at the holidays. It's the perfect way to spend time with your kids (or grandkids) and strike a few gifts off your list!

We've scoured the internet for some of the best wallet-friendly DIY holiday gift ideas - we hope you enjoy them!

1. Oreo Snowman Treats from The Idea Room - these are a fantastic gift for teachers or treats for end-of-year class parties
   
   

   

   Image: The Idea Room

   
   
2. 10-Minute Peppermint Soap from Happiness Is Homemade - don't know what to get Aunt Elizabeth? Try this...
   
   

   

   Image: Happiness Is Homemade

   
   
3. Reindeer Cocoa Cones from Mommy's Kitchen - everyone loves hot chocolate on a cold day, so make it extra special with this cute DIY kit
   
   

   

   Image: Mommy's Kitchen

   
   
4. Holiday Coffee Sleeves from Better Homes & Gardens - great for any hot drinks, they'd make a fun complement to the Reindeer Cocoa Cones!
   
   

   

   Image: Better Homes & Gardens

   
   
5. Custom Pebble Magnets from a.steed's.life - you can use pictures of the kids, printed papers or bits of comic books - the options are limitless!
   
   

   

   Image: a.steed's.life

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School Bells

I don't know if it's the nice weather or the start of a busy work period, but the end of the school year tends to creep up quickly and catch me unprepared. The last few days before summer break I'm usually racing around trying to find the perfect presents, all the while staying within a reasonable budget. In the past, my choices have ranged from uninspired (coffee shop gift cards) to downright boring (coffee mugs).

There was that *one* year, when I had a great idea for a group gift and it was a lovely surprise for the teacher... but those "wins" are rare.

So this year, instead of pulling out my hair trying to find last-minute gifts, I'm going to start ahead of time...and get the kids involved. But, don't worry, these aren't your typical homemade gifts. These tokens of appreciation will be high on style, functional and made with love!

• Give teacher an elegant flowerpot filled with blooms or herbs. You can decorate it (to maintain the elegant factor) and the kids can help by choosing the type of flower and helping plant it. After all, it's springtime... who doesn't love flowers? Even if your child's teacher doesn't have a green thumb (if this is the case, I suggest planting pretty cactus), this present will be a lasting reminder of your little angel. I especially love this chalkboard version from The Robin's Nest... so easy and economical too!

Photo: The Robin's Nest

• Personalize a handy tote bag with teacher's initial, like this one shown on MarthaStewart.com. It's a chic, yet useful gift - and there's no sewing required! 

• Homemade cookies in a classic, reusable glass jar. If you're that Mom - the one with the killer chocolate chip (or oatmeal raisin?) cookie recipe that all of the students and educators LOVE - why not have your child help you make a batch for their teacher and package it in a classic, yet heartfelt way? I found this sweet version over at Home Is Where They Love You.

Photo: Home Is Where They Love You

The perfect addition to any of these presents is one of our new Loot Bag Packages. At only $5 each, they are a wonderful way to personalize your gift and give teacher something he or she will find useful. Or, if teacher loves to cook, you could include Date Labels or Pantry Labels.

These are a few of my favorites; I hope you find your perfect gift, too!