Teachers are quietly changing the lives of millions of students every day without much fanfare. They play a significant role in making a difference in a child’s world by inspiring them to learn, grow, and succeed. Great teachers are a true blessing.

As an appreciative parent, you don’t need to wait until next May during National Teacher Appreciation Week to show your gratitude. Celebrate them now during this fall semester or start thinking about a gift for them to take home over the winter break. Here are three gift ideas to wish your favorite teachers happy fall, happy winter, or just to say ‘thank you’ for all they do for your child.

Love of Learning Sculptures

The best gift ideas for teachers are heartfelt and uplifting. A personal gift of a figurative sculpture is a thoughtful selection, especially if the person is wise and a lifelong learner as well as a teacher. For the book-loving educator, choose a figure who’s reading a book. Maybe this person is an English teacher, for example. This type of gift is for the one who encourages your child to open his or her mind by reading. Children’s love of reading is often fueled at an early age. Parents and teachers are the people who instill this passion.

Angels Making a Difference

The teacher who gives the best of themselves everyday to make a difference in the lives of others is like an angel on earth. Who’s that one teacher that acts as a role model to your child? Maybe she’s the music teacher. If that’s the case, she would love to receive an angel musical as a gift. Musicals play beautiful melodies and are like sculptures in motion. Other sweet options include angel figurines that express joy and happiness through warm gestures. They make lovely pieces to display on one’s desk at school or at home.

You’re the Best Ornaments

Ornaments aren’t just for the holidays, although they do make wonderful holiday gifts for teachers. Celebrate any milestone with a touching ornament. To thank a teacher for making a difference, choose an ornament of an angel holding an apple—an unmistakable symbol of appreciation. A shiny red apple is symbolic in many ways. It represents wisdom, good health, and greatness. But it can mean whatever you want it to mean to you and the teacher. Come up with your own interpretation of the figure’s meaning. It will be well-received no matter what.

You can always buy or craft a card to accompany your gift to further express the meaning behind it and why you and your child appreciate them so much. Don’t be afraid to give thanks this fall with a small teacher gift that will no doubt leave a huge impact. If you need ideas for later in the year, consider giving the teacher a nativity set or angel ornaments for when they start decorating for the holidays.

About Willow Tree®

Willow Tree® figures are an intimate line of artwork meant to comfort and inspire. They represent the relationships we share with friends, family, pets, and ourselves. The pieces are hand-painted, and each is cast from artist Susan Lordi’s original handcrafted carvings from her Kansas City, Missouri studio. With a signature absence of facial features and simplicity of form, Willow Tree® figures use gestures such as placement of the hands, a turn of the body, or a tilt of the head to reveal emotion. This leaves the interpretation open to both the giver and receiver. Lordi’s signature work is instantly recognizable and makes memorable gifts for any occasion, including grandma gifts for Christmas, birthday, wedding and anniversary, and more.

Browse the Willow Tree® collection at Willowtree.com

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Finding out they have a baby on the way is one of the most exciting times for any couple. It’s a time worth celebrating, and a perfect occasion to give a gift. They’ll likely receive their fair share of diapers, so consider getting them something a bit more thoughtful and special instead. If you want to take a decorative approach and help them complete the new nursery or provide comforting items for once the baby arrives, here are a few fantastic gift options.

Keepsake Box

In a young child's life, nearly every day presents a new "first" worth celebrating. Whether it's their first crawl or first steps, first tooth, or first words, many of these firsts can come with a physical keepsake to save. Rather than tossing that tooth, lock of hair, or photograph, or losing track of it, with a keepsake box, the new parents can keep items safe and sound in the nursery. Seek out a keepsake box with a decorative touch that will look nice displayed on a side table or fireplace mantel. Also consider one with a touching sentiment or message that will lift their spirits.

Figurative Sculpture

Sculptural figurines like the ones from the Willow Tree® collection are hand-painted art pieces that can thoughtfully decorate any nursery. Artist Susan Lordi has a distinctive style in that she forgoes facial expressions in her pieces and allows their subtle body positioning and posture to tell the story. She creates figures depicting a variety of relationships and sentiments, and her baby- and family-themed ones are among her most touching. If you want a gift that will light up their eyes when they see it, telling a big story through small details, a figurative sculpture from the Willow Tree® collection is an excellent choice.

Decorative Swaddle

Swaddling is an art that new parents will quickly learn. While they're getting the hang of this baby-burrito technique, they'll appreciate the decorative swaddle you got them. Look for an uplifting swaddle with a touching sentiment that celebrates the magical experience of having a baby. Also, make sure that it's made of a high-quality material like cotton muslin so it will hold up through multiple washes while still being just as soft. Some of the best swaddles are even designed to be used as adorable photo backdrops.

Sonogram Frame

The first time that expecting parents get to see their child is through the sonogram. The first images of the baby inside mom’s womb are so precious. First-time parents likely make as many copies of the image as possible. Picture frames with a sentimental design or message are among the best sister gifts if you have a family member who is expecting, and a dedicated sonogram frame will light up the expecting couple and warm their hearts.

Plush Animal

As new parents will soon come to learn, a baby can never have too many toys and plush animals. Even if they have an entire toy box full of them, sometimes that one extra plush animal could be a lifesaver for them during restless nights. If you know the gender of the baby, you can take a gender-specific route with your gift, but these days there are also plenty of gender-neutral options available that are equally as adorable.

About DEMDACO

DEMDACO has been the one-stop online shop for giftable products for more than 20 years. They've made a name for themselves by offering quality artistic gifts for practically every occasion or celebration. From wedding gifts to home décor, wall art, and gifts for the holidays, if it's a giftable time, there's a DEMDACO product to match. They work with artists to design and sell products intended to "Lift the Spirit." On their site, you'll also find helpful gift guides based on occasion, recipient, or interests, which makes gift-buying super easy. They also offer an excellent wholesale program so retailers can stock their shelves with DEMDACO's thoughtfully curated gifts.

Shop DEMDACO's entire collection of gifts at Demdaco.com

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Happiness seems to come naturally for some people, or at least it appears that way because of their sunny disposition. Often, however, to cultivate feelings of happiness, we need to make an effort. How does one do this? By being grateful.

Being grateful leads to optimism and a decrease in negative thoughts. If you can actively make gratitude a daily habit, you’ll start noticing a permanent change in yourself over time. Get inspired by the following five ways to show gratitude every day.

Journal What You Are Grateful For

Buy yourself a special journal just for writing down your moments of gratefulness (big and small). Spend a few minutes on it each day or at the end of the week. Include any positive experiences you encountered throughout the day or acts of kindness you received. Did someone hold the door open for you? Did you receive a compliment? Once you get into the habit of identifying these small moments of happiness, it becomes second nature.

Lift Someone Else Up

Remember the old adage: Treat other people the way you want to be treated. If someone smiles at you, smile back! If you go to get yourself a donut in the morning, bring back donuts for your coworkers. Hold the elevator for someone. If your sister got a promotion at work, show her your support with a thoughtful card or other loving sister gifts like sculpted figures. You have the power to make someone’s day special with your kindness.

Give a Gratitude Gift

Find a little personal gift for someone that they can display and treasure, such as inspirational figurines from Willow Tree®. A gift of encouragement is an extra special way to express gratitude. The recipient will always be reminded of the positive feelings they experienced when you gave it to them.

Don’t Complain (Too Much)

We all complain about things, either out loud or to ourselves. We get annoyed for having to stand in line at the grocery store, or when we get cut off in traffic. It’s natural to balk at everyday annoyances. But try to catch yourself in the act of complaining next time and turn around your mindset when you feel yourself getting frustrated or impatient. You don’t want to reinforce a negative state of mind with complaints.

Tell Someone You Appreciate Them

If your mom or dad drove you to sports practice everyday, tell them how much you appreciated their support. Or, if your mom had dinner ready for you at night when you got home, let her know what impact that had on you. You might not have told them when you were young how much they meant to you. So be sure to show your appreciation today.

All of the above expressions of gratitude are easy to work into our daily lives. We can promote our own well-being and others’ too by simply being grateful. Another benefit of gratitude is that it creates a positive feedback loop that makes you more resistant to negativity and stress. Choose the happiness route today.

About Willow Tree®

Willow Tree® carries an intimate line of figurative sculptures created by artist Susan Lordi. Each piece is cast from her original carvings crafted in her Kansas City, Missouri studio, and then hand-painted. Willow Tree® figures are unique in that meaning is only revealed through expressive gestures with a tilt of the head, placement of the hands, and a turn of the body. The absence of facial features and simplicity of form are what Willow Tree® art pieces are all about, making them instantly recognizable. Willow Tree® offers memorable gifts, including gifts for grandma such as nativity sets, angel ornaments, keepsake boxes, and more.

Browse Lordi’s full line of artwork on Willow Tree® at Willowtree.com

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Beyond the distinct framed photos on the wall, how do you preserve your family memories? Family photos, of course, represent a wonderful timeline, but there are many ways to remember happy moments. Finding the best display method just takes a little creativity and reflection on what family means to you and how you display that bond in your home.

Instead of keeping memorable items tucked away in an attic or basement, be selective and thoughtful about how you want to display your favorite times together as a family. For some inspiration, here are a few creative ways to honor family bonds.

Treasure Box Just for Family Vacations

If you want to remember special summer family vacations, find a few items you can put into an artful memory or keepsake box to remember for years to come. Some examples of items you might want to put into a keepsake box include things like tiny shells from the Pacific Ocean, ticket stubs from Disneyland, dried flowers from Yellow stone, a key chain from Paris, or any trinket that adds sentimental value to your box. You can decide if each child needs their own keepsake box or if you want just one for the family as a whole.

Keepsake boxes also make nice presents for a sweet 16 birthday for holding jewelry, a first communion gift for a rosary, or best friend gifts for notes and photos. Choose a finely crafted, hand-painted box with a hinged lid as it will display nicely on a shelf and keep your special items safe and sound.

Christmas Ornaments and More Full of Memories

Christmas time is about family traditions—from the angel on top of the tree to the stockings hung with care. Another timeless family tradition is gifting each child an ornament (dated or not) to commemorate the year. If the ornaments are of heirloom quality and crafted by a talented artist, your children are certain to pass them down to their children when the time comes. (It’s always special to see how your traditions become theirs too.)

Decorating a Christmas tree and setting up a nativity set is also part of the season for many of us. Just like adding a new ornament every year is part of the family tradition, some also enjoy adding a new piece to their nativity each year as well. The Three Wisemen, Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus are the staples, but you could add angels, animals, trees, and a backdrop for your scene as well, as the years pass.

Figurative Sculptures Depicting Family Relationships

A family grouping of figurative sculptures is symbolic of the love you share, and it’s particularly touching when displayed and shared with others as they come into your home. Select individual figurines that reflect relationships between siblings, parents with a new baby, a newly married couple, or a family of four with a cat and dog—or whatever your family unit entails. Build upon the family grouping over the years as your love and family grows.

About Willow Tree®

Willow Tree® figurative sculptures are about the relationships we share with friends, family, our pets, and ourselves. Artist Susan Lordi captures human expression perfectly through gestures only, such as a tilt of the head, a warm embrace, and placement of the hands. Her intricately designed, hand-painted figurative sculptures provide comfort as sympathy gifts, and are also well-suited for celebratory occasions to be given as birthday gifts, holiday presents, wedding and anniversary gifts, and so much more. Lordi’s focus on form and gesture instead of facial expressions is what makes her signature work instantly recognizable and open to interpretation by the giver and receiver.

Browse the entire Willow Tree® collection at Willowtree.com

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Memorial Day is usually associated with a three-day weekend and the unofficial start to summer because it falls on the last Monday of May every year. However, we can’t forget what the true purpose of Memorial Day is about, which is to remember the U.S. military men and women who have died in the line of service. Many people spend the day putting flowers or small flags on graves, lending a hand to living veterans, and attending parades to honor our nation’s fallen heroes. If you are wondering what you can do as an individual to pay your respects, here a few more ideas to add meaning to your Memorial Day on May 27.

Fly the U.S. Flag

Some people uphold the tradition of displaying an American flag in their front yard or on their house to honor soldiers. It reminds everyone of the sacrifices that have been made for our freedoms. On Memorial Day, American flags are to be flown at half-staff until noon. After that, you may raise the flag back to the top of the pole. At day’s end, you may lower the flag slowly before removing it from the pole. As always, the flag should never touch the ground.

Give a Gift of Remembrance

Sometimes words can’t express your sympathy and support as well as flowers or memorial gifts can. If you are close to the family of a fallen soldier, it would be appropriate to give them a gift as a symbol of remembrance, comfort, peace, and healing.

A few thoughtful gift ideas include a memory box, an angel ornament, or a comfort plaque. No matter what you choose, sympathy gifts just need to come from the heart. You can also purchase those red paper poppies that are sold by VFW members around Memorial Day. The red poppy is a widely recognized symbol to memorialize passed soldiers.

Make New Memories

Honor a person who has passed by reminiscing about them and participating in activities they enjoyed. In doing so, you create new memories in the process. The nature of the day doesn’t have to be entirely somber even if it does serve a solemn purpose.Host an afternoon gathering at your home to share a meal, tell stories of the good times spent together, and enjoy the company of friends and family over the Memorial Day weekend.

Never Forget

More than a million American men and women have given their lives in service to their country. This Memorial Day, honor those who are no longer here and remember and learn from their examples of courage. The National Moment of Remembrance is at 3 p.m., so wherever you are at during that time, take a moment to pause and reflect on the sacrifices soldiers have made to provide freedom for us all.

About Willow Tree®

Willow Tree® offers the quiet beauty of artist Susan Lordi’s intimate line of figurative sculptures. Her Willow Tree® sculptural figures tenderly express love, closeness, healing, courage, and hope—all the emotions of a life well-lived. Lordi has designed and created Willow Tree® sculptures for the past 20 years in her studio in Kansas City, Missouri. You can find a variety of sculptural figures and artful products, including cake toppers, wedding presents, religious gifts, housewarming items, and much more from Willow Tree®.

Browse the entire Willow Tree® collection at Willowtree.com

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