Somehow we’re almost to the end of the regular school year here in Canada – less than a month to go! Sorry for that terrifying reminder, folks – the end of year always feels so rushed, doesn’t it? So much to think about and sort out before the summer break, including end-of-year gifts for teachers.
Are you looking for a unique gift for a teacher in your life? Where I am, it is customary for the class as a whole and/or individual students to give the classroom teacher an end-of-year gift. Is that the case where you are? If so, I’ve got you covered!
Read to the end for information on a free delivery offer!
Don’t forget about the librarians, EAs, ECEs, and other school staff who have made a difference in your child’s life this year! Retiring educators from your child’s past too!
Something Different Upcycled has great zippered pouches, key leashes, and tote bags that are perfect end-of-year gifts! Group a few Something Different Upcycled items together, or add them individually to a larger gift basket. Everything featured here is one-of-a-kind or one-of-a-few and are handmade by me in my home workroom from thrifted and upcycled fabrics. Curious? Keep reading to learn more about them.
Key leashes
These are durable, easy to loop around a wrist or find in a bag, and useful for keys to home, school, storage sheds – whatever! They are machine washable, which makes them a great choice for outdoor activities and the gym too. There is a wide variety of colours and patterns to choose from, ranging from neutrals and solids to brightly coloured florals and geometrics.
Zippered pouches
Something Different Upcycled’s zippered pouches are available in several sizes, shapes, and, of course, fabrics. I like a fun lining fabric so there are a few of those available (much more serious on the outside than on the inside). They’re handy for storing just about anything: the smallest ones are great for charging cables and earbuds or jewelry and the medium sized ones for snacks, makeup, or a first aid kit. I use one of the largest sized to keep track of my planner, sketchbook, and writing tools.
JBE totes
I call these ‘JBE’ totes because they’re Just Big Enough to fit the essentials, like a wallet, phone, keys, library book, a reusable water bottle or travel mug, and a snack. Each one is a little different in terms of number of pockets and linings. Like all Something Different Upcycled items, they’re made to be easy to care for and feature enclosed seams for durability.
3 Ways to Make Your End-of-Year Gift Something Different
A key leash and a zippered pouch, paired with gift cards to local businesses, thank you cards, small artworks, or hand-made gifts from your kiddo would be a kind gesture.
Or consider a JBE tote filled with some tasty snacks and beverages – wonderfully useful and delicious at the same time!
I know of a teacher who’s spending a bit of this summer with their family exploring the towns near where they live: A JBE tote, zippered pouch, and a set of cloth napkins or multipurpose cloths would be thoughtful way to wish them a happy summer on their travels.
Custom Orders
See a fabric you like but want more than one or a matching set of different kinds of items, like a zippered pouch and a tote bag? Get in touch! I’m happy to accommodate these requests if I’ve got the materials to do so. Please note that the last day to order custom work for end-of-year gifts is Wednesday 19 June 2024. I work and ship as quickly as I can on custom orders but I want to be sure that it can get to where you need to go by the end of June!
Free Delivery!
This is a special offer ONLY for folks south of the south fork of the Fraser River, east of the Pacific, west of Hwy 11, and north of the US border in BC: I’m offering free delivery for any purchase over $20 for the month of June 2024! Free delivery is normally only available for very-local-to-me customers so this is a great offer! Check out the listings for each of the items featured below (or any others in the shop) and send me a message to let me know that you’d like to take advantage of this offer.
For local folks taking me up on this offer only, payment by e-transfer is possible. Contact me here to confirm that the item(s) you wish to purchase are available and to get e-transfer details. Please note that payment in full, regardless of payment method, must be received prior to any delivery attempts.
Not local to this area but want to take advantage of free shipping? We can arrange a meetup in the area mentioned above! Get in touch to get more info.
More about Something Different Upcycled
All fabrics used in Something Different Upcycled items are thrifted and/or upcycled. I use fabric remnants, upholstery samples, curtains, tablecloths…all sorts of things! All fabrics are cleaned at least twice (though sometimes more) in the production process: once before being made into an item and once after the item is finished. Care instructions for Something Different Upcycled items can be found here.
Curious about the story behind Something Different Upcycled? Click here to find out! Want to know what else is in the shop? Click here to visit the Something Different Upcycled Etsy shop.
Please get in touch or leave a comment below if you have questions, need more information, or to just to say hi! Follow Something Different on Instagram to get regular updates.