With Mother’s Day coming up, and the end of school on the horizon, gifts for mom and teacher gifts are definitely on the mind. I’ve got a really fun solution for you–for both of them! More than ten years ago, we made my mom personalized notepaper for Mother’s Day. It was a huge hit, and from that point on, it has been highly requested time and time again. It is one of my favorite gifts to give for so many occasions and people–it makes an awesome teacher gift and it’s perfect for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, and even wedding and hostess gifts. My sister served as a missionary for our church several years ago, and we made a set for her for one of her birthdays while she was gone. It’s just so fun to make and give!
It’s very easy to make, and can be designed specifically for the person you’re giving it to. My favorite way to make it is using my kids’ artwork and/or text, especially when giving to my parents, family members, and teachers. It’s a gift that easily be given more than once, because the design can be different each time, and it’s something that can be replenished. It’s very easy to make, but anyone who receives it will love it!
Here’s how you do it!
1. Open up Word (or similar program), and type desired text at the top, leaving regular margins. We have put things like: “From the desk of….”, and “_______’s Desk”. If you’re doing it for a teacher, you could just put the teacher’s name at the top (that’s what I’m making this year for my girls’ teachers). Whatever you like! Print onto a piece of 8×5 x 11 white copy paper.
2. Design time! Whatever design you choose to do at the bottom, make sure it’s only the bottom 2 inches or so. If not, they won’t have much space to actually take notes. I squished all six of my kids onto one piece, but you could have each child design their own page. It will be more expensive when it comes to printing, but it’s definitely an option. I just have them use a pen, and draw or write whatever they like! You can also use the computer to design that space as well, with different fonts and graphics.
3. Take the designed paper into your local printing store and ask them to make it into a notepad. You will be able to choose how many sheets are in one pad, how many pads you want, and the size of the sheets. I always have them reduce our design and make it so four fit on one page, so I get four notebook sheets per piece of paper printed. This time I did 200 sheets of notebook paper, 100 per pad. I did four different colors, so 50 copies (with four to a page). The choice is really up to you–I’ve done it many different ways.
I would definitely call around to some different printing stores, because their prices can really vary. I can usually spend around $15 for 2 notepads, 200 total sheets.
That’s it!! Seriously! Just pick them up, and you’re ready to mail or hand deliver your cute, DIY personalized notepaper!
Jessica says
so great! I had no idea you could have something like that made!
Simply Kierste says
Yes! It’s SO fun, and I love it for myself too. :)
Janina says
This is such a cute idea, thanks for sharing!
Simply Kierste says
You are so welcome!!! xoxo
Vickie Munton says
So cute! Simple but personal gifts are the best! <3
Simply Kierste says
Thank you, Vickie, and I totally agree!!! xoxo
Children Of America says
I LOVE THIS! I’m totally going to make these for my fellow teachers for the holidays :) Thank you!
Also, I saw that you recently moved to upstate NY, I hope you like it! I grew up there and it’s amazing.
-Michelle
Children Of America
Simply Kierste says
Yay! I’m so glad you found them and love them! They really are so fun to make and to give! :) And yes, we love upstate NY. It’s so beautiful, and there’s so much to do. We can’t wait for fall–it’s stunning, as I’m sure you know!! Thanks so much for stopping by! xoxo
Children Of America says
Oh yes, fall is priceless! Some of my favorite memories are of apple picking and bike riding in the fall. Enjoy!!
Simply Kierste says
Apple picking is high on our list! My parents are here visiting, and we actually went today to get apple cider and doughnuts! It was still in the 80’s, but it was already feeling like fall. :)
Simply Kierste says
Yay! I’m so glad you found me, and that you love them too! They really are so fun to make and to give. And yes, we love upstate NY, so much! We are anxiously awaiting fall, because it’s just so stunning. Thanks so much for stopping by!! xoxo
Melissa Gordon says
I’ve always tried to come up with ideas for my parents. It’s very difficult when you’re on a budget and they have everything they have ever wanted and need. What do you buy for someone who has everything right?? So this is spectacular! Giving a personalized gift with my 2 little girls’ artwork is PERFECT!!!! These notepads are going to be a hit and probably the best gift they’ve ever gotten from me so far since it truly comes from the heart! Thanks so much!
Simply Kierste says
Melissa, you are SO welcome!! I think your parents will absolutely love the notepaper–my mom actually requests it every single year! Merry Christmas!! xoxo