So, every year I have to come up with a cheap, creative recognition gift for my volunteers. I usually have around 30, so it needs to be cost effective. Depending on what I come up with, it may be a project I have the children in RE create... but it's gotta be pretty darn cool to be a gift.
Here's a short list of projects I have made over the years. Maybe you'll find one that works for your organization...
Seashell Candles
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| The warm glow of thanks. |
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| Steady... steady! |
This takes a bit of pre-planning, but it's quick to execute.
Not for kids to get their craft on with since you are dealing with hot wax. You can buy shells, or get the ideal size for "free" with your dinner. In my household, we enjoy those frozen stuffed scallop and clam shells from the grocery for quick meals (and they're cheap... something like 2 for $5). After the meal, I'll throw them into the dishwasher to clean off the residue, and add them to a bag. For later. :)
Then, about a year later (see what I meant about pre-planning?) I place some tea lights (use the ones in the little aluminum cups) onto a cookie sheet and place in an oven at 200°F/95°C for approximately 30 minutes to melt. Once they are all melted, I remove the wick and place it in the center of each shell. Then I pour the wax into the shell. I use hemostats to hold onto the cup to pour, but needle nose would also work.
Alternately, if you have tea lights that are not in a cup, you can just place them (centered) directly into the sea shell and place the shell in the oven for same temp and time. Then you don't have to mess with pouring!
Beaded Suncatchers
I already posted this in another post, so I'll just
link to that gift!
