Minion Christmas Gift Boxes

 

Every year, I make a special gift for my family to help make the holiday even more special. Last year I saw this Minion Christmas Gift Box idea. I loved it, but I had already done my special family gifts. I decided then that it would be the gift for this year. My only problem was that I had no clue how to make it. The only thing I found was a picture. There were no directions, patterns, or anything else to help me accomplish my goal. I had to figure it out myself. To help others, I decided to share my process. 

There are a couple of things to keep in mind. For one thing, I bought the boxes and paper in bulk because I was creating nine of these boxes. This might be more than you need, but I will provide the links so that you can at least reference them. The other thing is that the measurements that I give are based on the size of the box I used. This means that if you use a different size box then you will have to modify the measurements to fit your box, but again it gives you a reference point. 

Material

• Box 18" L x 14" W x 12" H (Boxes Set of 10)
• Roll of yellow paper (Yellow Wrapping Paper Roll 17.5"x963")
• Roll of green paper (Green Wrapping Paper Roll 17.5"x963")
• Felt black, gray, red, green, white, and yellow
• Black construction paper
• Tape, glue, ruler, measuring tape, scissors, and glue gun
• Pattern for eyes, goggles, buttons, arms, hands, holly, and letters

 

Cut paper

• 1 Yellow 38” (front, top, back) = head
• 2 Yellow 12"x12" = sides
• 1 Green 26” (front, bottom, back) = bottom of overalls
• 2 Green 6” H x 12” W = sides
• 1 Green 5” H x 11” W = front bib of overall
• 2 Green 5” H x 1” W = overall straps
• 4 Black Strips 2” H x 12” W glued together to make one long strip = headband
• 1 Black Strip 2” H x 9” W glued to close the headband

 

Cut felt

I have provided a link to the Pattern Pieces that I used. Some pieces you may notice in the pictures are just modified or free-hand versions that I made. I have also included letters for you to use. 

• 2 Yellow 1” H x 12” W = arms
• 2 Gray large circles = goggles
• 2 White medium circles = eyeballs
• 2 Black small circles = pupils
• 2 Black hands
• 2 Black buttons
• 8 White tiny button whole pieces
• 3 Green Holly leaves
• 4 Red berries
• 1 Blue Letter
• 5+ Black hair strips

 

Gift Packet

I spent time gathering different minion gifts for these boxes. It wasn't easy. I found pretty much everything at Walmart and on Amazon. These gifts included shirts, mugs, toys, pillows, PJ bottoms, hoodies, socks, pins, a brush, and more. I also included snacks in blue wrappers, such as Oreos, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Jerkey, nuts, Ranch Chips, etc. I put the gifts in a plastic tote that I purchased from Dollar Tree. I also added minion stickers to the tote, which I purchased on Amazon. My plan was to put everything in a large gift bag, but the bag was too small. I cut the bag and made it work by taping it to the tote. Not great, but it worked. 

Note: You will want a plastic gift bag or tall gifts to take up some of the space in your box to make it look nicer. 

Assembly Directions - Putting the Paper on the Box

1. Box - Assemble the box. Then place the gift package inside the box and tape it closed. I keep track of the front of the box so that it can be opened correctly (probably doesn’t matter).
2. Head - Tape the 12”x12” yellow pieces to the sides. Then tape on the 38” yellow piece to cover the head (top part of the front, the top, and the top part of the back). The bottoms of the paper (front, sides, and back) should line up. Fold and tape the sides.
3. Overalls - Tape the 6”x12” green pieces to the side. It should overlap the yellow by about an inch. Then tape on the 26” green piece to cover the pants (bottom part of the front, the bottom, and the bottom part of the back). The tops of the paper (front, sides, and back) should line up. Fold and tape the sides.
4. Bib - (The top part of overall) Tape the 5”x11” green piece centered and about 11” from the bottom. Tape a 5”x1” green piece diagonally to each side of the top of the bib for straps.
5. Headband - Glue the four 2”x12” black strips together making one long strip. Tape and/or glue the headband around the top of the box about an inch from the top. This strip does not go completely around the back of the box. I found this to be the best way to center and tape the strip in place. Glue on the 2”x9” piece to close the headband up.

Adding Felt Pieces

1. Precut your felt pieces. Use my pattern pieces (Click the link- Pattern Pieces) or you can draw your own. I have found that using freezer paper (not waxed paper or parchment paper) makes cutting the felt much easier. Here are the steps: Trace or draw the felt pieces on the dull side of the paper. Turn your iron to medium heat (wool setting). Roughly cut around each piece and place them onto the correct color of felt. Next, place your iron on each piece for 30sec-1min ensuring that the paper is sticking to the felt. Cut apart the pieces when you are done. The freezer paper can be reused a few times, but I find it easier to retrace and use fresh paper because cutting the felt with paper is easier than cutting the felt without it.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
   
   
   
   
                               
2. Heat your hot glue gun. Preassemble eyes onto goggles, hands onto arms, button holes onto buttons, and berries onto the holy. Then glue all of the pieces onto the box. Be sure to glue your hands in a cute or funny position to give your minion more character.    
3. Next, add the hair. I’ve done this several different ways. I’ve added five short pieces standing up on the forehead; I’ve glued eight strips (four on each side) to the top of the head; I’ve glued four pieces together and hung them in a slanted position for a come-over effect; and I’ve even done braids.
4. Lastly, add a Christmas hat to finish off your Christmas Minion. I purchased mine from Dollar Tree. I folded paper to make a cone. Then I put the hat over it to help it stand.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
   
                                         

Additional Tips

• Use an empty box to test the paper out. This will allow you to check your measurements and give you a sense of how you are going to do it when the box is full. 
• Using a smaller box is always an option. I recommend keeping the rectangular shape vs a square for cuteness purposes. 
• Don't be afraid to play around with your felt pieces. I wanted all my minions to look a little different so I added special traits: one eye, braids, bows, headbands, different hairstyles, a banana, teeth, a round mouth, and different hand positions. 
• I like using the felt, but this could be done simply using construction paper.

I've tried to explain how to make the Minion Gift Boxes the best I can. Please forgive me for any confusion or error. I kind of went on auto-pilot after making a couple of them, but I have tried to include all of the steps. If nothing else, I'm sure you will find the pattern pieces and pictures helpful. Have fun creating your minion and don't feel rushed. And while this is a great Christmas gift, I think it would also make for a wonderful birthday or other special gift. I'd just change the color of the overalls back to blue. 

Merry Christmas!

Christian Resources for Kids

I find myself creating more and more Christian resources for children. This is because I believe that it is important, especially in this day and age, for children to learn about God, His Son Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God's promises. 

I have an overwhelming desire to create and share my resources. Fortunately, I have been able to share my resources through my TPT Store. Unfortunately, I have no way of organizing them in an easy-to-find way. They are listed by title with helpful tags, but that is not really a good at-a-glance of what I have available. With that said, I decided to post a blog that shows my resources along with the links that will allow you to get a more in-depth view of the product. 

Books of the Bible Cards for Kid

This is a resource for providing kids with a hands-on interactive approach to learning the books of the Bible. 

The Ten Commandments Packet

This packet is a resource for helping kids learn the Ten Commandments. Children are actively engaged as they complete the practice activities. 

The Lord's Prayer Activities

This is one of my most popular resources. It provides children with opportunities to practice the Lord's Prayer and understand it. 

Jesus' Greatest Commandments

This packet is a helpful resource for teaching children about Jesus' commandments. Unfortunately, many children no little or nothing about these commandments. They have only heard of the Ten Commandments.

Teaching about Communion Resource Packet

Teaching children about communion is one that is rarely taught, but important for kids to understand. This packet includes resources to help teach about communion. 

Sunday School Resource Bundle

This packet includes the five resources mentioned above. You can save money by purchasing the bundled set. 

My Book of Bible Verses

This book of 30 different Bible verses is a great way to get children into the Word of God. 

Bible Verse Practice

This resource is an interactive PowerPoint which is another fun way for children to practice scripture and learn the Word of God. 

Bible Jeopardy Cards

This Jeopardy game is one of my Sunday School class favorites. The game is a fun way for children to learn more about the people in the Bible. 

This Little Light of Mine Resource Packet

This packet is a resource that focuses on the "light of the world" using Bible verses Matthew 5:14-15 and John 8:12, along with the song "This Little Light of Mine." 

The Story of Creation

This packet includes 18 pages to help teach the story of creation. The focus is on Genesis 1-2:1-3, which details God's work for the first seven days. 

The Story of Adam and Eve

This packet places an emphasis on Genesis 2:4-25,3, which details the story of Adam and Eve, the fall, and the curse. 

The Story of Noah's Ark

The emphasis of this packet is on Genesis 6-8, which details God's unhappiness and actions over a disobedient and sinful world. It also tells us about God's grace and faithfulness.

The Story of Jonah and the Whale

This is a 17 page resource to help teach children the story of Jonah and the Whale (Jonah 1-4). It tells how Jonah tried to flee from God; was swallowed by a whale; and eventually carried God's message to Nineveh. 

David and Goliath Resource Packet

This is a fun resource for teaching children both the story and the message in 1 Samuel 17. The activities in this packet are interactive and engaging. 

Bible Stories Resource Bundle

This packet includes the five previously mentioned Bible stories. Purchasing the resources in a bundle is a good way to save. 

True or False Bible Cup Sort

This is a simple sorting activity that students can play. They read a card and then determine if the statement is true or false. Then they sort it into the correct cup. It is a fun way to learn and discuss Bible facts. 

Bible Trivia Game

This game works well as a team or partner activity. It is an interactive PowerPoint that is played like Jeopardy. 

The Story of Noah's Ark PP

This audio PowerPoint resource tells the Story of Noah's Ark. 

The Story of Job Resource Packet

This packet helps to teach the story of Job. While a little long, the Book of Job has some important messages for children to learn. The summarized story helps to make it easier to understand. 

The Story of Daniel in the Lions' Den  

This packet is a helpful resource for teaching the story of Daniel in the Lions' Den. The emphasis is on Daniel 2-3, 6. The summarized chapters provide information about Daniel and his friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 

Whole Armor of God Resource Packet

The Whole Armor of God packet helps to teach children about the tools that God has equipped us with to protect ourselves against the attacks of Satan. 

The Story of Ruth

Students learn about Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi. With guidance, students can begin to understand the message of God in this story: God is faithful, we can trust God, God helps ordinary people, and God uses bad things for good. 

John 3:16 Resource Packet

Students practice and learn John 3:16 Bible verse. They also begin to understand it and learn how it can be applied to our lives. 

St. Patrick's Day Roll and Cover Addition

I have probably said this several times before, but I love using holidays in the classroom. I especially love using them as a theme. I use books and videos to make sure students understand the holiday, but to make the holiday fun I use games and other activities. 

St. Patrick's Day is one of those holidays I use. I spend the week focused on activities using the St. Patrick's Day theme. On the actual day that we celebrate St. Patrick's Day, I love setting my classroom desks in the shape of a shamrock, adding green construction paper, and providing students with a fun gift bag. 

During the week, I use several games. One of the games I like to use is my St. Patrick's Roll and Cover Addition Boards game. Every time I use this game, my students have so much fun with it, which is the reason I decided to share this game with you. 

This game is an interactive game in which students focus on addition. I place a huge emphasis on using doubles, so it is really exciting to see my students adding two and even three numbers using doubles and other addition strategies.

This game is so easy to prep that I am able to have my whole class play at the same time. I have them play as partners giving everyone a game board and a page of shamrocks. I cut up a pot of gold page for each group to share. As I mentioned, it is a fun game that my class always enjoys playing. 

If you are interested, you can check out this St. Patrick's Day Roll and Cover Addition game in my TPT Store. 

St. Patrick's Day Roll and Cover Addition

You can also visit my TPT Store to view my other resources. 

Mrs. Navarre's TPT Store

Teaching Groundhog's Day in the Classroom

 

Groundhog’s Day (Feb. 2) is an easily overlooked holiday. It is one of those holidays that kind of sneaks up on you, and even if you do decide to teach it, it is almost too late. Well, this packet is perfect for that last minute decision to include this holiday in your already busy schedule.

It is important to me to make the classroom experience unique and exciting for my students. I know that that is not always possible, but holidays are a perfect chance for me to step it up for them. I love when students say, "This was the best day ever!" Okay, so maybe they don't exactly say that about Groundhog's Day, but they do enjoy it. If I took it a step further I know that it would be one of their favorites. Instead, I keep it kind of simple, yet different from the normal daily routine. 

I like to start the day off by having a big sign displayed that says, “Happy Groundhog’s Day.” I usually just write it on the whiteboard in different color markers. I have some posters from Weekly Reader that I like to have hanging up as well.

Once my students are settled, I explain that it is Groundhog’s Day and then I tell them a little about this holiday. You can easily Google it, but here are a couple of easy-to-use websites that you might like:

Britannica - https://www.britannica.com/topic/Groundhog-Day

National Today - https://nationaltoday.com/groundhog-day/

Once they have a quick idea of what Groundhog’s Day is, I show a YouTube video that shows whether Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow or not.

As the day progresses, I use other resources that I have collected over the years along with my Groundhog's Day packet in order to keep with the Groundhog's Day theme. This packet includes a simple art project in which students learn to read a poem and use their groundhog to pop out of its hole. There is also a making words activity, a word search, and a finger puppet retell with facts.  

The puppet retell is a fun activity that allows students to learn some facts about the groundhog and then use their finger puppets to share the facts with a friend. They can use their puppets to share other facts that they have learned as well. 

These activities are a great way to keep students engaged as they learn about this holiday. The wonderful part about it is that they are still growing in various academic areas. 

Click on the link if you are interested in checking out this resource. 

Groundhog's Day Resource Packet

Happy Groundhog's Day!

Christmas Pillow Boxes and Santa Bag Gift Idea

This year I wanted to do something a little different for Christmas. My children and grandchildren are all getting older, so it is getting more difficult to choose gifts for them. I wanted to find a way to have fun with the gifts, so I decided on Christmas pillow boxes and Santa bags. 

I came up with this idea after seeing some Christmas pillow boxes on Amazon. These boxes are small envelopes that kind of puff up when you push them together and fold in the ends. I went ahead and ordered them. They came in a set of 60 with 12 different designs. They were a great price at $7.99. I got them in about six days. I bought some candy, little gifts, and some Santa Christmas bags. Originally, I wasn't sure of the size bag I needed, so I bought two different sizes. The bag you need will really depend on how much you want to put in them. 

The next thing I did, was I went to the bank and got some bills in different denominations. This is going to be the main gift for my family, so I got enough $1's, $5's, $10s, and $20's. I already had some coins. 

It was important to me that my family not forget the true reason for Christmas, so I also wanted to include Christmas (Christian) messages. I typed some up and had planned on putting them in the pillow boxes on their own, but they kind of stuck to the inside of the box, so I decided to fold them in with the money. I've included the link below in case you are interested in using my Christmas messages, but you can probably think of some good ones on your own. You could also just handwrite a message or a special note. 

After I filled the Christmas Pillow Boxes with different items, I put them in a bag. I decided on the Santa bag because it was so cute. I was only able to fill it with eight pillow boxes, but that was enough. Each envelope had a fun surprise, so I'm sure my family will enjoy it. 

For this post, I only put together one gift bag, which is for my son. I want to pick up a couple more little things for my grandkids before I do their bags. I will need to remember to write their names on Santa's hat, or beard for the rest of my family. I had fun filling the Christmas pillow boxes and putting the Santa bag together. I am really happy that I was able to include a Christmas message.

I hope that you like this special gift idea. I wish you and your family a very Merry and Safe Christmas. May God bless you always! 

Here is the Google Link to Christmas Messages (PDF)

Christmas Messages PDF

Update: This is a post from a couple of years ago. The bags were a hit! This year I am doing Christmas Eve Pajama Boxes. I have a YouTube video that you can view if you are interested. 

Christmas Eve Pajama Boxes

Another cute idea that I did a few years ago is the Snowman Tower Boxes. They were really a fun project. Of course, my family loved them. I have included the link to the blog post and a couple others that you might like. 

Snowman Tower Boxes

Holiday Gift Idea for Co-workers, Friends, Teachers, Ect.

Cozy Christmas Gift Idea

Snowy Owl Art Project

If you are looking for a cute owl art project for the classroom, this one is great. It is easy and fun. I like teaching about bats, spiders, and owls during this time of the year so this got me thinking about this project. This is one of the art projects that I like to use, especially as we start moving into colder weather. The funny thing is that I have been planning on doing this post for a long time, but have never got around to it. I looked at the date of this picture and it is dated 2015. Well, today is the day! Here are the directions for making this super cute art project. 

Material:

Black construction paper for the canvas

Orange, white, and black construction paper for the eyes and beak

Brown paper bag or other brown/tan paper

White paint (yellow is optional)

Black Sharpie and white crayon

Cut up sponge pieces

Clothes pins (optional)

Directions:

1. I like to have the pieces for the eyes and beak already pre-cut. Recruit a parent volunteer for this if possible. 

2. Pour paint on a plate and set out the sponge pieces. If you want it to be less messy, I recommend attaching clothes pins to the sponges. 

3. Have students write their names on the back of their papers. Using a white crayon is a good idea. 

4. Have students begin their art project by tearing a strip of brown paper or a paper bag to look like a small tree branch. They can crumple it up and then flatten it for special effects. Then have students glue it onto their paper towards the bottom so that they have room for their owls. Once they have their branch on their paper they can use a Sharpie to draw the lines and tree knots (circular spots)on the branch. 

5. Now students are ready to start their sponge painting. Have them use the sponge pieces to make a circular body and head. I like to put three owls on the branch, but two or even one is fine. If you are using yellow paint you can also have students add the moon.

6. After the owls have dried for a bit, students can glue on the eyes and the beak. If you didn't have time to cut up the pieces ahead of time you could have students do this on their own. It adds to the uniqueness and cuteness. You could also have them paint the eyes and beak on if you prefer to do it that way. This can be done with a Q-tip, but make sure the sponge paint is pretty much dry or students will have a mess. 

I hope that you and your students have fun with this project. Art is such a great way to get kids thinking. I love it!

I have another owl art project that you might also be interested in. You can click on the link to read that blog post. 

Owl Art Project

If you are teaching about owls you might be interested in this science reader that I have on owls. It is available on my TPT Store. 

Science Reader - Owls

Art projects are always part of the unit I am teaching. It just seems to bring everything together. I'm sure that there are plenty of owl art projects out there, but these two have always been my favorites. I know that you will love them. They are both super cute. Enjoy!

The Story of Max the Scarecrow

Well, I’m happy to say that I have just published my first book. Wow! I can officially say that I am an author. For those of you who are interested, it is really not that difficult and I suggest learning more about self-publishing on Amazon.
 

Writing a book really wasn’t part of my plan when writing the Story of Max the Scarecrow. I was just thinking about fall themes and decided that I wanted to do a PowerPoint video for YouTube. I decided it would be about a scarecrow.

As I was thinking about my story, I decided that I wanted to write a story that supported Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). After I finished my story, I decided that I actually liked it enough to try and publish it. I was especially motivated by this since I would like to see more stories for young learners directed towards SEL.

In the story, about Max the scarecrow, we learn that he is a hard worker, but he is sometimes kind of lonely. We are able to see how Max explores his feelings, solves problems, and makes good decisions. Max also meets some friends that show empathy and work together as a team.

As part of the book/video, there is a “Think and Discuss” section. You are able to use the questions to more directly focus on SEL. In the video, you are asked to pause the video to give students time to respond to the questions. In the book, you have both the questions and possible answers. I say possible because I really wouldn’t want to limit students in how they interpret and respond to the story.

You have probably figured out after reading this post that I followed through with making a video of Max the Scarecrow. I am providing the link for you to view and use in your classroom.

YouTube - The Story of Max the Scarecrow

Also, I am providing the link to my book in case you are interested. It is available in both paperback and Kindle versions, but of course, the paperback is more suitable for the classroom. 

The Story of Max the Scarecrow - Book

Please feel free to check out both of these resources. I hope that you find them helpful.