I donated to the teacher gift fund, so my children’s classroom teachers will be getting a group gift card from the class for the holidays, but I always like to send in a little something extra and personal.
This year’s Christmas teacher sirsee is a Cocoa Kit. I am not sure why I like “kits” so much (in the past year we have given Ice Cream Sundae Kits and Teacher Emergency Kits), but this kit is something the teachers can use at school or share with family at home. I should be able to create an assembly line in my kitchen and pack them up pretty quickly. I am going to make extra to take with us as hostess gifts to holiday parties or to give as gifts to friends and co-workers. What are other festive sirsees to give this holiday season?
The Cocoa Mix: Click here for the Cocoa Mix Recipe I used. I put about two servings of cocoa mix in the plastic bag that went into the box. Alternately, you could simply buy pre-made cocoa mix.
The Chocolate Stirrers: I originally saw these candy spoons on Pinterest. I adapted the idea to make cocoa stirrers. Go to the Cocoa Mix Recipe for directions about how to make the chocolate filling for the spoons. After the chocolate is melted, turn the heat off and let cool slightly (5 min?). While the chocolate cools, rest plastic spoons on the handles of wooden spoons (or another kitchen item) to hold the spoons level. Place a gallon Ziploc bag in a large measuring cup and fold the top of the bag over the edges of the measuring cup. Pour chocolate into the Ziploc. Pull the Ziploc bag out of the measuring cup and hold it like a pastry bag. With scissors, snip off a very tiny piece of one corner and fill spoons with the chocolate. Hold your finger like a stopper over the opening of the bag as you move from spoon to spoon. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on the chocolate and let set.
The Other Contents: I added mini marshmallows and a few cookies to the kit. I used snickerdoodles because I think they are a good dipping cookie for cocoa or coffee. I think gingersnaps or a classic Christmas sugar cookie would work well too.
The Packaging: I need to buy stock in Avery labels and clear gift bags. I own almost every size possible. I wrapped the bowl of the candy spoon in a 3×4 inch clear bag and tied with raffia ribbon. I used my trusted clear bead bags for the cocoa mix, cookies, and marshmallows and printed small labels for each item. The boxes are Wilton Treat Boxes I purchased at Michael’s.
The Gift Tag: I printed a message and directions for making a mug of cocoa on cardstock and tied it to the top of the box. When we are actually getting ready to deliver, I will have my children sign their names on the tag rather than using The Room Mom!
Love the kit idea and assembling them all at once.
Wish I had your student in my class. I’d love to get one of these! Instead, I think I’ll make them for others. Great idea!
I try to be really nice to all of my kids’ teachers since I understand both sides. *sigh*
I think I will make these for the kids in my advisory. Sometimes life gets in the way of me doing those cool things. Love this idea.
The spoons are very fun. The original site with the candy spoons said that jelly beans with the chocolate was a really good combination. They were just for eating– not for stirring- done that way.
These are adorable! 🙂 Well done!!
Thank you! I think the clear bags and labels make it look very professional. I have to say I am happy with how these turned out.
Reblogged this on The Brain Gym Dublin and commented:
Great idea, this would make a great gift for anyone who doesn’t like chocolate!
Thanks so much for the reblog and for reading. 🙂
Love this idea! I always struggle with what to get teachers – they must all have a million coffee mugs and things with Red Apples printed on them!
Never give a teacher a coffee mug or apple gifts! I would also add candles and lotion to the list. Actually, one item I do like to receive from students is a small Christmas ornament. I keep them to help me remember students. I know there are some teachers who strongly dislike the ornament idea, so you never know!
Love this! Great idea- thanks for sharing! 🙂