Here are the themes with suggested items that we let our teachers choose from for their class baskets. Some are more popular than others.

Theme --- Suggested Items
Do-It-Yourself --- How-to books, tools and gadgets, apron, paintbrushes, tool belt, cap, gift card to Lowe’s
Father, Dad, Daddy --- Things for a dad: cuff inks and tie tack set, stuff animal, socks, scented body wash and lotion, tie, slippers, cologne
I Do --- Marriage celebration: An ice bucket filled with things for an anniversary or a honeymoon: two glasses, candy, candles, silk flower in crystal vase, his and her lotions, disposable camera, picture frame,
I’m The Boss --- desk and office items: desk pad, stapler, pencil can, note pads, letter tray
Inspiring Artist (Adult) --- art supplies for adults: acrylic paints, brushes, water color paper, bristol boards, canvas boards, frames, how to books, colored pencils, pencils, color wheel, charcoal pencils, kneaded eraser, pencil sharpener
Keep In Touch --- remembering and writing to special friend: stationery, note cards, greeting cards, fancy pens, address book, picture frames, disposable camera, book of stamps
Mother, Mom, Mommy --- Things for a mom: scarf, perfume, scented body wash and lotion, slippers, stuff animal, costume jewelry
Pamper Me --- Massage & bath stuff, facials, manicures, hair products, scented soap, soothing music CD
Smell This --- things to make a person or home smell good: scented candles of varying shapes and sizes, candle holders, scented soaps, scented lotion and body wash, potpourri, sachets, scented oils, room freshers
Spa --- Candle and holder, scented oil and lotion, body wash, bath salts, loofah sponge, foot soak, slippers, soothing music CD
Stress Buster --- things that are relaxing: scented candle, soothing music CD, eye mask, aromatherapy items
A Taste Of The Bay --- Crab feast items: seafood seasoning, large pot, hammers, bibs, napkins, place mats
Afternoon Tea --- Tea pot, cups, sandwich plates, napkins, variety of teas, candy, preserves, flavored crackers, serving tray.
Asian Dinner --- wok, variety of sauces and mixes, rice and noodles, cookbook, themed table décor
Baking Fun - Cakes --- Apron, spatula, decorating kit, canned frosting, dish towel, oven mitt, cake mixes, mixing bowl, measuring spoons and cups, whip, wooden spoons, cake pan
Baking Fun - Cookies --- Apron, spatula, dish towel, oven mitt, cookie mixes, frosting mix, sprinkles, mixing bowl, measuring spoons and cups, whip, wooden spoons, cookie cutters, cookie sheet
Baking Fun - Pies --- Apron, spatula, canned pie fillings, dish towel, oven mitt, dough mixes, mixing bowl, measuring spoons and cups, rolling pin, pie pan
Chef’s Delight --- Cookbooks, kitchen gadgets, mixing bowls, spices, oils, vinegars, cutting board
Chili Night --- Large pot, spices, canned beans, rice, napkins, cookbook, bowls, themed table décor
Chocolate Lovers --- variety of chocolate candies, cookies, hot cocoa mix, chocolate syrup
Coffee Lovers --- Coffees, flavored creamers, coffee liqueurs, cups, biscotti, cookies, spoons, coffee grinder
Fiesta --- Piñata, taco kits, chips, salsa, music CD, margarita mix, margarita glasses, cookbook, themed serving pieces, themed table décor
Italian Gourmet Night --- A large pasta serving bowl with cookbooks, olive oils, pasta and sauces, olive oil pouring spout, bread sticks, small bowls, themed table décor
Pizza Night --- Pizza pan, pizza cutter, plates, jarred sauce, dough mix, napkins
Snack time --- Candies, popcorn, chips, pretzels, fruity cereal, crackers, spreads, bowls, napkins
Soup's On --- Soup serving bowl, small soup bowls, soup mixes, spoons, napkins, cookbook.
Sundae Fun --- Ice cream bowls, spoons, scoop, toppings, cones, nuts, cherries, etc.
Water Fun --- Beach towels, water games, googles, flip flops for the family, water guns
At The Grill --- yard games, red-white-blue themed picnic supplies, BBQ equipment, BBQ sauces, outdoor serving pieces, Frisbee, wicker plate holders
At the Movies --- things for a family movie night: gift certificate to video store, popcorn, candy,, family movie videos, snack bowls
Backyard Bash --- Games and things for the backyard, metal bin
Beach Fun --- Games and things for the beach, beach tote
Family Picnic --- Games and things for a picnic, picnic basket
Gardening - Indoor --- Small plants or packs of seeds, gardening tools (adults and kids), gardening gloves (adults and kids), gift certificate to garden center/store, small watering can, pots
Gardening - Outdoor --- packets of seeds, gardening tools (adults and kids), gardening gloves (adults and kids), gift certificate to garden center/store, foam kneeling pads, small watering can, pots
Arts and Crafts (Pre-schooler) --- Chalk, craft kit, scissors, paint and brushes, craft sticks, glue, construction paper, finger paint paper, supply box
Arts and Crafts (Ages 5-9) --- Stamp markers, scissors, beads, water colors, coloring books, finger paint paper, pencils, crayons, sponges, craft keeper, craft kits
Arts and Crafts (Ages 10 and up) --- craft kits, scissors, beads, jewelry maker kit, art kits, paint brush, crayons, markers, colored pencils, how-to books.
Best Friend - Girl --- Fun things a kid would give to a best friend: activity books, doll, stuffed animal, figurines, candy games, picture frame, diary, craft kit, jump rope
Best Friend- Boy --- Fun things a kid would give to a best friend: activity books, miniature cars, figurines, candy, games, picture frame, comic books, journal, craft kit, ball
Fun With Reading --- Gift certificate to book store, bookmarks, book light, books for beginning, intermediate and advanced readers, books on tape (kids)
Kid's Bath time --- Children things related to the bath: bath toys, bubble bath, flip flops, towel and washcloth, bath paints/crayons
New Baby --- Things for a baby, baby bag
Puzzles, Games & Brain Teasers - --- jigsaw, crosswords, word search, Mad Libs, board games, cards, Rubik's Cube, activity books
Traveling With Kids --- travel size games, snacks, travel books, crayons, markers, coloring/activity books, crafts for the car, books on tape, hand held electronic games, camera, first-aid kit, coolers
Birthday Wishes --- complete party package: candles, confetti, noise makers, hats and balloons, napkins, plates, cups.
Couch Potatoes --- snack foods, pillow, slippers, remote holder, can holder.
Gift Wrapping --- Gift wrapping container, variety of wrapping papers, curling ribbons, tape, scissors, gift bags, tags
Meet Me at the Car Wash --- Things related to cars: Glass cleaner wipes, Wet & Shine, tire scrubber, Armor All wipes, fresheners, windshield wiper concentrate
Picture This --- photography items: camera, album, picture frames, batteries, film
Sweetheart --- Things you would give to a person you love
Hooray for the Home Team --- ball, pennant, jersey or T-shirt, themed socks, poster, mug, other themed items for sports team
Sports Bonanza --- Balls, sweatbands, knee pads, sports related items

klh:

I sent you the forms you requested. Please let me know if you do not receive them.

JMES,

Would it be possbile to get copies of some of your fliers you send out to the parents and teachers?? The whole packet idea is GREAT!

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Thank You!

Wow, those are great ideas. Thanks alot. I think I got it now. [img]smile.gif[/img]

backhoed--I hesitate getting into details as I don't know who from my school peruses these boards. It has to do with the someone stirring a pot about what is and isn't a class parent's responsibility, and making things as difficult as possible for us. We were put in a position where if we asked classparents to help, we were overstepping our bounds by telling them what they HAD to do, and if we said we would handle it, we were overstepping our bounds by taking over the class parent's job!

You'd think it be a simple thing AND a no-brainer about the benefits of being involved, but....

tiner--I remember there being a couple of threads about the theme topic a while back. Some of ours are any age-approporiate cartoon show with lots of different merchandising items (Spongebob, Clifford, Sesame Street, Superheroes), Rainy Day Fun (coloring books, crayons, any drawing supplies, craft books/supplies, board games, playing cards etcetera), Summertime (picnic supplies, inflatable chairs, fun sprinklers, beach towels, etc.), Nike (or other name brand--hats, t-shirts, shorts, socls, balls, you name it), Play Ball! (could be baseball theme or any balls or ball games of your choice), Build-a-Bear (they have lots of inexpensive things that would make a nice basket), "Write" On (stationery, pens, pencils, stamps), The Sound of Music (age appropriate CDs, tambourines, maracas, harmonicas, etc). I could go on and on--some of our members have really clever ideas! Email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you'd like more!

[ 09-19-2004, 04:38 AM: Message edited by: kmamom ]

Help! I am having a hard time coming up with themes. Can you help with some ideas? We only have eight teachers and we were doing a basket of the month raffle last year so I need new ideas. Thanks!