My formula for teacher gifts has seemingly developed like this:
Gift card + inexpensive handmade gift = Perfect teacher gift
I also have a couple of qualifiers: no ornaments, nothing with apples on it, and I try not to gift food (because I know how hard it is not to eat chocolate when someone gives you chocolate.) Honestly, I just try to give gifts I would like to get (even as a non-teacher).
This year, I wanted to get Elise involved in the making part of things, so we went with simple beaded bracelets. I am not a jewelry maker, but making these bracelets require no special knowledge or tools.
All you need are beads (glass or ceramic are nicer than plastic) and clear elastic (I use a brand called Stretch Magic). Each of these bracelets priced out around $2 (with all materials procured for 40 percent off at the craft store).
You'll need enough beads to cover approximately 8.5 inches of elastic. And cut your piece of elastic a few inches longer (11-12 inches) so you'll have enough space to tie the knots.
We used glass beads with a gray pearly finish, something I think most anyone would like. I bought two different sizes of beads and instructed Elise to string them big - little - big - little. She really got into it! We worked on one a day until they were all finished. All I did was tie the knots!
A note: When you're working with elastic, it's important to seal the knots with a little dab of clear nail polish to prevent the bracelets from coming apart.
Easy on, easy off. No clasps! Bracelets like these are the extent of jewelry I wear on a daily basis because they require nearly no effort.