And so, Teacher's Day is coming up next week and since it is Joey's first year in Primary School, when gift-giving on Teacher's Day becomes an official thing, I thought it would be nice and cheap to make our own gifts. Since the girls love doodling and crafting, why not turn it into an art & craft session as well? I give myself a pat on my back for coming up with such a brilliant idea - The whole activity occupied the kids for two solid hours, and at the end of it all, we were all smiles at what we've created together.

Found these notebooks at $2 for a pack of two. It was the plainest I could find so that we can minimize cover-up jobs and concentrate on decorating. The girls came up with a list of 14 teachers all in all (Thank goodness I opted for DIY - 14 gifts would not be cheap at all, hallelujah.)

The kids couldn't wait to get started.  I was glad - I couldn't deal with two grouchy and unwilling kids, and having to finish up all their 14 notebooks for them.

I decided to use washi tapes and stickers to decorate the notebooks. I have supplies of washi tapes and fabric tapes at home which I cannot find any decent use for, except to take them out from time to time to admire and grin at. Plus, washi tape is very manageable - Even four-year-old Jayne could decorate her notebooks all by herself, with me assisting with some cutting by the side.

To help the kids understand what was the look I was going for, I did a 'mock-up' for them. They took one glance and proceeded with their own creations. Gotta love the kids for their confidence and creativity. :)

The kids had so much fun crafting and decorating notebooks with specific teachers in mind. Joey only has one male teacher who teachers her PE, so she made sure she didn't use any pink washi tapes for his notebook because according to her, he wouldn't be too happy to be caught using a girly book. :P

And these are the fruits of our two hours of labour. :) I contributed by giving some ideas and tips, and also writing the 'Happy Teacher's Day' text on the front cover. Otherwise, the kids did all the work. I am so mightily proud of them! =D

I'm going to get the kids to write personalised notes to their teachers on the inside cover so that it's more meaningful. More than just giving gifts to their teachers, I want the kids to understand and realise the importance of being grateful to people who have helped them. It is possibly one of the most important life lessons I can ever teach them. Gratefulness evokes happiness, and I want them to stay happy all their lives. :)