Thoughtful Teacher Gifts Under $30

Personal Teacher Gifts Under $30

There are two times a year when I get lots of requests for teacher gifts - the holiday season and the end of the school year. Often times, I will get an e-mail from a past customer who wants a special gift for their child's teacher and needs a suggestion. Here are my top 8 picks for gifts, each in a different price category.

I do also take special requests so if you see something you like but want it changed up a bit, please don't hesitate to contact me.


Gifts Under $10
Many times, it's the child themselves that is purchasing the gift and so budget is usually a little tighter. Here are very popular items that I suggest.

Tiny Antique Silver Hammered Earrings  - $6.00
These earrings are one of my top sellers. They are very small which makes them appropriate for anyone. Many times it is difficult to judge a person's taste when buying jewelry. These are simple and versatile.

Blue Sea Opal Quartz and Silver Earrings - $8.00
Another big seller are these blue sea opal quartz silver earrings. Everyone loves this color, it's so tranquil and soft, but without being too pastel.

Gifts from $10 to $15
I have so many jewelry pieces in this prices range, that it was difficult to select just two to display here. But, these both are nice choices and appeal to many.

African Turquoise and Gold Bar Bracelet - $12
I have this bracelet in both gold and silver, and both sell equally well. Bracelets are always a good selection for gifts and my friendship style bar bracelets come with a 1" extender for an easier fit.

Tiny Sterling Silver Nugget Earrings - $10.00
These earrings are a very new addition to my shop and I cannot keep them in stock. They sell as quickly as I list them. They are sterling silver, which is always a good choice for a gift. The sterling silver nugget is very small and lightweight, again very appropriate because they are versatile and fit anyone's style.

Gifts from $16 - $20
This category is probably the most popular price point for teacher gifts and my silver bangles are definitely the biggest seller for gifts.

Sterling Silver Bangles - $16 - $19
I have a wide variety of bangles available, but the birthstone bangles are, by far, the most popular. I offer each bangle in every birthstone color. These are great gifts because they have a personal touch.

Personalized Sterling Silver Bracelet - $20
This is one of my personal favorites. It's sterling silver and the chain is a bit chunky so it fits really well. Sterling silver is always a great choice and the personalized stamp makes it extra special.

Gifts from $21 to $25

Personalized Silver Necklace with Birthstone - $22
If you like the idea of the birthstone bangle, but are worried about sizing or not sure if your recipient wears bracelets, then the personalized silver necklace with choice of birthstone is a good alternative

Long Layered Antique Silver Necklace with Antique Discs - $25
If you notice your recipient wears a lot of jewelry, then long necklaces are definitely something to consider. This necklace layers very well with other jewelry and is so versatile, can be worn casually to work and out in the evening.

I hope this list helps! If you have any favorites of your own, please share in the comment section below.

Letting Go.... Moving Forward....

It's been a long time since I've looked at my blog. Over 2 years in fact. In those two years, our family has endured cancer, our daughter going off to college, and a whole lot of other changes. But, the biggest change came last week - we sent our 20 year old daughter to Florence, Italy for a semester in a study abroad program. While she is dining on pizza, pasta, tiramasu, and having the time of her life, I sit here and am simultaneously proud, jealous, and very weepy. This is so different from sending her off to college. SDSU is only 20 minutes away. I could hop in a car or pick up a phone and be instantly connected to her. Now she is half way around the world and a 9 hour time zone difference. She's also, for the first time, completely on her own. During her first two years at school she lived in the dorms and then her sorority house. There was an adult on the premises at all times - a comforting thought for any parent. Now she lives in an apartment in the 'city center' (to quote House Hunters International) with 5 other college students. They are completely responsible for the cooking (iffy), cleaning (yeah, right), and locking the door (praying). She is now a grown-up. Gulp!

However, this change has also brought another surprising emotion - excitement. I, for the first time in 20 years, am on my own to pursue my passions. Yes, I'm still married to a wonderful man and still have to clean the house, cook dinner, pay bills, etc. But, I have a new sense of freedom in how I spend my days to pursue my jewelry business. I have to admit that it feels very liberating. I literally jump out of bed in the morning, my mind filled with new ideas and inspiration! It feels great!

Hence, this is what brought me back to my blog. I expect to post at least 2-3 times a week. It will give me the opportunity to reconnect with my customers, let people get to know me a bit better, and give me another avenue for communication. I'm somewhat limited in how I post photos and information on my Etsy site, so I hope this also allows me to showcase my jewelry, answer questions, and post tutorials on the creative process that I go through.

I leave this first post with a favorite photo of mine. This is a picture of my daughter and I on the morning she left for Italy. While I'm so excited for her and look forward to hearing about her adventures in Europe, I do still get teary from time to time. But, it's time to let go and move forward to a new, and equally, exciting chapter in our lives.

San Diego and Etsy - a Perfect Match!

Wedding season is upon us, and Etsy is the perfect place to find everything you need for your special day! I've been making jewelry for brides and their wedding parties all spring. In fact, I'm designing 8 pairs of earrings this week for a customer in the UK! There are some wonderful Etsy shops based here in San Diego and I've put together a small sampling here.

• Ivory Flower Clutch - www.Shakuyaku.etsy.com
• The RIKKI ANN Bracelet - www.TZTUDIO.etsy.com
• Sterling Silver and Pearl Earrings - www.TheresaRose.etsy.com
• Grand Series - Silk Flower Hairpiece - www.ClarkandDiversey.etsy.com

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