You're a STAR Teacher Gift with Candy Bag and Tag

A clear cellophane bag packed with bright, wrapped Starburst candies, tied with ribbon and topped by a scalloped tag that says “You’re a STAR.” It is a small, cheerful teacher appreciation gift that takes minutes to put together.

It works well for the first week of school, for teacher appreciation week, or any day you want to say thanks. Because it is so simple, you can make a whole batch for classroom teachers, aides, the librarian, the bus driver and the office staff.

Supplies

Starburst candies, enough to fill each bag
Cellophane bags
Ribbon, about 10 to 12 inches per gift
Cardstock for the tags
A scallop punch (a scalloped-edge circle or square works best)
A hole punch
Scissors
Markers or a printer, if you make your own tags

Make the tag

The wording is the whole point, so keep the design bold and uncluttered. Write or print “You’re a STAR” in large letters, and make the word STAR the biggest. A bright yellow, orange or hot pink background suits the candy colors. Add a small star doodle, a few dots or a simple border.

If you use a design app, set up a page of several tags so you can cut many at once. Print on white or colored cardstock, since it stays flat and sturdy under the weight of the ribbon. If you prefer handwriting, lettering with a thick marker looks warm and personal. A short “Thank you for all you do” on the back is a nice touch.

Steps

Cut or punch each tag with the scallop punch so the edge looks neat and even.
Use the hole punch to make a hole near the top of each tag, leaving enough space from the edge so the paper does not tear.
Fill a cellophane bag with Starburst candies. Leave a couple of inches at the top so the bag can be gathered and closed easily.
Gather the top of the bag and tie it closed with ribbon.
Thread the tag onto the ribbon before you finish the bow, so it hangs at the front.
Trim the ribbon ends and fluff the bow.

Variations

Match the school colors. Choose ribbon and cardstock in the school’s colors for a team feel.
Swap the treat. Any wrapped candy works if the tag wording fits. Keep the star theme with star-shaped or yellow candies.
Add a note. Let students write a short message to the teacher on the back of the tag.
Make it a set. Tuck the bag into a small basket with a gift card or a favorite pen.
Allergy-friendly options. If a classroom has candy restrictions, check with the school first, or choose a non-food treat such as a pen, sticky notes or a bookmark.

Tips for a neat finish

Choose a bag that is a little taller than you think you need. A tight bag crushes the bow, while a roomy one gathers into a pretty ruffle. If the ribbon is slippery, knot it twice before tying the bow.

Punch the tags before you assemble anything, and stack the finished gifts in a box so the bags do not get squashed on the way to school. Candy and cellophane keep well, so you can make these a day or two early and have them ready for the morning.

Teachers often spend their own time and money getting a classroom ready, so even a small treat with a hand-lettered thank-you lands well. A bag of colorful candy sits nicely on a desk, and the tag shows who it came from.