Cute and Affordable End of the Year Gift Ideas

How is it possible that we only have a few more weeks of school?  Where in the world did the year go?!?!  Since the end of the year is approaching very quickly I'm putting together our gifts for teachers, aides, buddies and other staff members.  I am so appreciative of how hard school staff works to take care of our little ones and I think they deserve a small token to show how thankful we are.

You can find hundreds of adorable gift ideas on Pinterest and I've used several of them but then I started thinking about what teachers and staff would really like.  Is a flower really cute with an adorable gift tag about growth?  Yes, but is it something a teacher really needs? NO!  Let's be real teachers want gift cards for something useful.  I think you literally can't go wrong with a Target gift card because who can't find something at Target???  I also think restaurant gift cards, Starbucks, movies, etc. are pretty good as well.  

Here are what my girls are giving this year:

A Day of Pampering at The Spa at Fig Garden Village

Self care is super important to me because as a working mom I have to take time to take care of myself or I will never survive.  Giving myself a break or pampering myself helps me to be a better wife and mama.  I have always loved The Spa at Fig Garden Village for a massage but today I tried a Soothing Professional Facial for the first time.  The Spa is always my go-to spot for relaxation because of all of their amenities.  You will find everything from a steam room to a relaxation room and soon you will find yourself escaping from reality.

How to Make Easter Bunny Chow

I have the SWEETEST tooth around and so you'll frequently find me creating a sweet treat to share.  Ok let's be real I end up consuming 90% of the desserts I make.  This is a super easy recipe and oh so yummy.  It's great for a holiday gathering to just leave out and you'll find in only a few minutes it's all gone!

Ingredients:

• 4 Cups Rice Chex
• 1/2 Cup White Melting Chocolate
• 1/4 Cup Peanut Butter
• 1/8 Cup Butter
• 1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
• 1 Cup of Powdered Sugar
• 1 Cup Easter M & M's or Mini Cadbury Eggs

Directions:

Melt chocolate, peanut butter and butter in a microwavable bowl for 45 seconds.  Remove and stir and microwave in 15 second increments until melted.  Once smooth stir in vanilla and pour over rice Chex in a gallon ziplock bag.  Add half of the powdered sugar, seal and shake.  Once dispersed add the other half of the powdered sugar and shake until well coated.  Throw in Easter chocolates and refrigerate.