This Is Where It All Started
Hey friends. Stacie here. Can I tell you a secret?
Momma Bears Creations didn’t start as a business idea.
It didn’t start with market research or a business plan or dreams of craft shows.
It started with teacher gifts.
Let me take you back: Maddi was in school. Every year, the same dilemma hit: What do I give her teachers to show I actually appreciate everything they do?
The usual suspects felt so… generic:
- Coffee mug #47 (how many mugs can one teacher own?)
- Gift cards (practical but impersonal)
- Another candle (see previous blog post about why candles are everyone’s default!)
- Apple-themed anything (cute but, honestly, SO overdone)
I wanted something:
- Thoughtful (shows I actually care)
- Useful (not more clutter)
- Handmade (personal touch)
- Actually NICE (not just cheap and homemade-looking)
That’s when I stumbled into soapmaking.
I researched how to make natural, gentle soap. I experimented in our Enola kitchen. I made batch after batch until they were good enough to give away without embarrassment.
And then I made soap bars for Maddi’s teachers.
What Actually Happened (The Moment That Changed Everything)
I wrapped the handmade soap bars nicely. Added little labels with ingredients. Included a note: “Thank you for everything you do for Maddi. Made with natural ingredients and lots of appreciation.”
I was nervous. What if they thought it was weird? What if they smiled politely and threw it away? What if I’d just given them something they’d never use?
Here’s what ACTUALLY happened:
Teachers came back after winter break asking if I SOLD soap. Parents asked where I bought them. People wanted MORE.
One teacher told me: “This is the first gift I’ve gotten that wasn’t a mug or gift card. It felt personal. I actually used it and my skin loved it.”
That’s when I realized: Maybe this wasn’t just a hobby. Maybe other parents struggled with the same teacher gift dilemma. Maybe there was something here.
From teacher gifts to Williams Grove Flea Market to craft shows to eight years later…
And it ALL started because I wanted to give Maddi’s teachers something that mattered.
The Teacher Gift Dilemma (Every Parent Knows This)
If you’re a parent, you KNOW this struggle:
You want to show appreciation. Teachers work SO hard. They care for your kid 6+ hours a day. They deal with behaviors, teach curriculum, answer emails at 9pm, spend their own money on classroom supplies.
They deserve to feel valued.
But what do you give?
The Budget Tension:
- Can’t afford $50 per teacher (and there might be multiple teachers!)
- But don’t want to give something cheap that screams “I grabbed this at the last minute”
- Want bang-for-your-buck: meaningful without breaking the bank
The Personal vs. Generic Balance:
- Want it to feel personal (not just gift card)
- But don’t know teacher well enough for deeply personal gift
- Need something universally appreciated
The Clutter Problem:
- Teachers already have too much stuff
- Don’t want to give more classroom decor or apple-themed items
- Need something consumable or actually useful
The “Show I Care” Factor:
- Want them to KNOW you genuinely appreciate them
- Not just fulfilling an obligation
- Actually thoughtful, not performative
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
What Teachers Actually Want (Real Talk from Teacher Friends)
Over the years, I’ve asked teacher friends and customers who are teachers: “What gifts do you actually love receiving?”
Here’s what they consistently say:
What Teachers DON’T Want:
❌ Mug #47 - “I have a whole cabinet of teacher mugs. I can’t use them all!”
❌ Apple-themed everything - “It’s sweet, but my classroom is already full of apple decor”
❌ World’s Best Teacher awards - “I appreciate the sentiment, but where do I put another plaque?”
❌ Classroom supplies as gifts - “I love supplies! But when it’s framed as MY gift, it feels like I’m being reminded I have to buy my own supplies”
❌ Scented candles (generic) - “I get 10+ candles every year. I can’t burn them fast enough!”
What Teachers ACTUALLY Want:
✅ Something for THEM, not the classroom - “A gift that’s for ME personally means you see me as a human, not just a teacher”
✅ Self-care and pampering - “Teaching is exhausting. Gifts that help me relax and take care of myself are amazing”
✅ Consumable luxury - “Things I’ll use up so there’s no guilt about storage”
✅ Thoughtful without being overly personal - “I don’t need monogrammed stuff, but something that shows you thought about ME specifically”
✅ Handmade or local - “Gifts that support small businesses or have a story behind them feel more special”
The common thread? Teachers want to feel seen as PEOPLE who deserve care, not just as classroom workers.
Why Handmade Self-Care Gifts Are Perfect for Teachers
Let me tell you why natural skincare hits differently as a teacher gift:
1. They Need It (Like, Really Need It)
Teachers are chronically stressed:
- Early mornings, late nights
- Dealing with 20-30 kids (plus parents!) every day
- Emotional labor is REAL
- Physical exhaustion is constant
- Personal time? What’s that?
Their bodies show it:
- Dry hands from constant washing (germs + hand sanitizer = destroyed skin)
- Chapped lips from talking all day
- Tired feet from standing
- Stress tension in shoulders and back
Self-care products address REAL needs. Not hypothetical, but actual daily struggles.
2. They Won’t Buy It for Themselves
Teachers are notoriously self-sacrificing. They’ll buy classroom supplies before they buy fancy body butter for themselves.
As a gift? Suddenly it’s not indulgent—it’s permission to pamper themselves. It’s YOU saying “You deserve this.”
3. It’s Personal Without Being Weird
Giving teacher jewelry or clothing feels risky (what if it’s not their style?). Giving bath products you’re basically saying: “I want you to relax and feel good.”
That’s personal in the BEST way. It shows you care about their wellbeing.
4. It’s Consumable (No Clutter Guilt)
Teachers don’t have room for more STUFF. But something they’ll use up? Perfect.
Lotion bar gets used. Body butter gets used. Lip balm gets used. Whipped soap gets used.
And every time they use it, they think of you and your kid. That gratitude lasts WAY longer than mug #48.
The Teacher Gift Formula (By Price Point)
Not all teacher gifts need to cost the same. Here’s my breakdown:
$8-12: Small but Thoughtful
Perfect for:
- Teachers you want to thank but don’t know super well
- Multiple teachers (music, art, PE, library, etc.)
- Budget-conscious appreciation
Product suggestions:
- Lip balm - Teachers talk ALL DAY. Their lips get dry. This is practical + pampering.
- Single soap bar - Choose a gentle, popular scent (Lavender, Honey Donkey)
- Small lotion bar - Desk-drawer essential for dry hands between classes
Presentation: Simple wrap + note. Example note: “Thank you for caring for [child’s name]! Made locally in Enola, PA.”
$15-20: Solid Appreciation
Perfect for:
- Main classroom teacher
- Teacher who’s gone above and beyond
- End-of-year “big thank you”
Product combo suggestions:
Combo 1: Desk Essentials
- Lotion bar (keeps by desk, uses between hand-washing)
- Lip balm (talking all day = dry lips!)
- Why it works: Addresses real teacher needs, both fit in desk drawer
Combo 2: Self-Care Starter
- Whipped soap (makes showers feel luxurious)
- Lip scrub + balm (self-care ritual)
- Why it works: Elevated everyday routine, encourages teacher to pamper themselves
Combo 3: Handmade Pampering
- Small body butter
- Lotion bar
- Why it works: Two different textures, options for different uses
Presentation: Small basket or gift bag + thoughtful note. Example: “Thank you for making [child’s name]’s year so special. Here’s something just for YOU. You deserve it!”
$25-30: Major Appreciation
Perfect for:
- Teacher who changed your kid’s life
- End-of-year for exceptional teacher
- Group gift from multiple parents
Product bundle suggestions:
The Ultimate Teacher Self-Care Kit:
- Full-size body butter (luxurious pampering)
- Lotion bar (practical daily use)
- Whipped soap OR sugar scrub (bath-time indulgence)
- Lip balm + lip scrub (complete lip care)
- Vapor Bear Balm (teachers are ALWAYS exposed to germy kids—this helps!)
Why this works:
- Addresses multiple needs (stress relief, dry hands, relaxation)
- Mix of practical + indulgent
- Shows you put real thought into it
- They’ll use everything
Presentation: Nice basket with tissue paper, ribbon, personalized note. Example: "[Child’s name] talks about you every day. Thank you for making learning joyful. You’ve made a real difference. These are handmade in Enola by a family business—we wanted to support local while showing our appreciation for you!"
Personalization Ideas (Make It Extra Special)
You don’t need to know teacher’s favorite color or personal details to personalize a gift. Here’s how:
1. Scent Selection Based on Personality
Calm, gentle teacher → Lavender products (soothing, relaxing)
Energetic, fun teacher → Tropical scents (Mango, Pineapple & Coconut)
Warm, nurturing teacher → Cozy scents (Cocoa Butter, Vanilla, Signature Scent)
Professional, sophisticated teacher → Earthy scents (Sandalwood, Rosemary Mint)
No idea? → Cocoa Butter or Honey Donkey are universally loved
2. Include a Personal Note
Generic note: “Thank you for being a great teacher!”
Personal note: “Thank you for making [child’s name] excited to come to school every day. You helped them love reading / feel confident in math / make friends / [specific thing]. That means the world to us.”
See the difference? Specific > Generic.
3. Add Context
Include a small note explaining the products:
“These are handmade in Enola, PA by a mom-daughter team using natural ingredients. The lotion bar is perfect for your desk—just swipe it on dry hands between classes. The body butter is for relaxing at home. You deserve to pamper yourself after taking care of our kids all year!”
Why this works: You’re not just handing them stuff. You’re giving them permission to USE it and explaining WHY you chose this.
Group Gifts (When Parents Pool Resources)
Class parents organizing a group gift? Here’s how to make it amazing:
$5-10 per family = $150-300 total
Instead of: Generic gift card
Do this: Epic teacher self-care basket
What to include:
- 2-3 full-size body butters (different scents!)
- 3-4 lotion bars (variety pack!)
- Whipped soap
- Full lip care set (scrub + multiple balms)
- Vapor Bear Balm
- Sugar scrub
- Maybe even Tattoo Luv if teacher has tattoos!
Presentation:
- Large, beautiful basket
- Wrapped gorgeously
- Card signed by all families
- Note: “Thank you for an incredible year. You deserve ALL the self-care. From [number] grateful families.”
Why teachers LOVE this:
- Feels truly special
- Tons of variety (months of products!)
- Clearly took thought and effort
- Makes them feel genuinely valued
Coordination tip: One parent orders through Carlisle Creative Vibes or visits in person, collects money from other parents, assembles basket. Easy!
Special Scenarios (Addressed!)
“I Have Multiple Teachers to Buy For”
Challenge: Can’t afford $20+ per teacher when there are 5 teachers!
Solution: Tier your gifts
- Main teacher: $15-20 bundle
- Specialist teachers (art, music, PE, etc.): $8-12 single items
- All teachers: Include same thoughtful note so everyone feels appreciated
Budget example: $20 (main) + $10×4 (specialists) = $60 total. Doable!
“What About Male Teachers?”
Teachers are teachers! Self-care isn’t gendered. Dry hands hurt everyone. Stress affects everyone.
Scent adjustments for traditionally masculine preferences:
- Sandalwood lotion bar (woody, earthy)
- Rosemary Mint Shampoo bar (fresh, clean)
- Unscented options (focus on function!)
- Vapor Bear Balm (practical, useful)
- Spicy Icy (muscle relief—great for coach/PE teachers!)
Framing: Instead of “pampering,” focus on “you work hard, you need this.” Same products, different angle.
“I’m Organizing End-of-Year Gifts for School Staff”
Don’t forget:
- Principal
- School secretary (SUPER important! They run the whole place!)
- Custodian (keeps school running!)
- Lunch staff
- Aides and support staff
Budget-friendly approach:
- Smaller items for each person ($8-12 range)
- Same products so it’s fair/equal
- Personalized notes for each role
Example: Lotion bar for everyone with notes like:
- “Thank you for leading our school!” (principal)
- “Thank you for keeping us organized!” (secretary)
- “Thank you for keeping us fed and smiling!” (lunch staff)
Timing: When to Give Teacher Gifts
Best times for teacher appreciation gifts:
1. Winter Break / Holiday Season (December)
- End of first semester
- Teachers are EXHAUSTED
- Self-care gifts perfect for winter break relaxation
2. Teacher Appreciation Week (May)
- Official designated week
- Often just gets a “thank you” note
- Stand out with actual gift
3. End of School Year (May/June)
- BIG thank you for full year
- Teachers need summer self-care
- Tradition for many families
4. Back to School (August/September)
- Less common, which makes it special!
- “Good luck this year, take care of yourself!”
- Sets positive tone
Pro tip: ANY time is good for thanking teachers. Random Tuesday in February? They’ll be shocked and touched!
Real Stories from Teacher Recipients
We hear these stories constantly at craft shows:
“I’m a teacher and a mom gave me…”
“A mom gave me a lotion bar three years ago for Christmas. I kept it in my desk drawer and used it between classes when my hands got dry from washing. It lasted until March! The next year, I asked her where to get more because I missed it so much. Now I buy them myself for my classroom desk, my bathroom, and my purse. Life-changing for teacher hands!”
“I gave my kid’s teacher…”
“I gave my son’s 3rd grade teacher a bundle: lotion bar, body butter, and lip balm. She cried. She told me at pickup the next day that in 15 years of teaching, parents usually gave her mugs or gift cards. This was the first time someone gave her something that said ’take care of YOURSELF.’ We’re still in touch even though my son is in 7th grade now.”
“Our class parents pooled money…”
“We did a group gift: huge basket of Momma Bears products. Our teacher posted on Facebook about it (with permission!), saying it was the most thoughtful gift she’d ever received. Three other teachers at her school saw the post and asked where to get those products. It started a whole thing!”
The Full-Circle Moment
Here’s what gets me emotional:
I started making soap as TEACHER GIFTS because I wanted to give something meaningful to the people caring for my daughter.
Eight years later, parents are giving OUR products as teacher gifts for the same reason—they want something thoughtful, handmade, and genuinely appreciated.
That’s the full circle.
From our Enola kitchen to your child’s teacher’s desk drawer. From “I hope they like this” to “teachers ask me where to buy more.”
Every time a customer tells me they’re buying our products for teacher appreciation, I think of those first soap bars I made for Maddi’s teachers.
This is why we do what we do.
Where to Get Teacher Appreciation Gifts
Shop online: Momma Bears at Carlisle Creative Vibes
Shop in person: Carlisle Creative Vibes - 152 N Hanover St, Carlisle, PA 17013 (They can help you build the perfect teacher gift bundle!)
Find us at craft shows: Follow us on Facebook for upcoming events (often before major gift-giving seasons!)
Need help choosing?
- Message us on Facebook
- Use our Contact page
- Tell us: grade level, personality, budget, and we’ll recommend perfect products!
Bulk/Group orders:
- Organizing class gift or staff appreciation?
- Contact us for bulk pricing and coordination help!
This Year, Give Teachers What They Deserve
Teachers give SO MUCH of themselves every single day.
They deserve:
- To feel seen as humans, not just classroom workers
- Permission to pamper themselves without guilt
- Gifts that address their real needs (dry hands, stress, exhaustion)
- Something consumable that won’t add to clutter
- To know they made a difference in your child’s life
You can give them all of that with thoughtful, handmade self-care from Enola, PA.
Not mug #48. Not another candle. Not an obligatory gift card.
Something that says: “Thank you for caring for my kid. Now let us care for YOU.”
— Stacie, Maddi & Scott (Momma Bears Creations, Enola, PA)
P.S. - To every teacher reading this: THANK YOU. For the early mornings and late nights. For caring about kids who aren’t yours. For spending your own money on supplies. For the emotional labor nobody sees. You deserve all the self-care. All of it. Please, please take care of yourselves too.
P.P.S. - Maddi’s teachers from all those years ago? Some of them still shop with us at craft shows. They remember those first soap bars. And that makes my heart so full.
See also
- The Perfect Gift for Someone Who Has Everything
- Beyond Candles: Unique Self-Care Gifts That Actually Get Used
- Why Stacie Creates: It's About Joy, Not Just Business
- Why We Call It 'Forever Care': The Four Ways I Explain Tattoo Luv at Craft Shows
- 5 Benefits of Handmade Soap Your Family Will Notice (From a Central PA Mom)