Michaels Makes Memorable Teacher Gifts Easy and Affordable

    IRVING, TX, April 29, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- With Teacher Appreciation Week (May 3 - 9) and the end of the school year coming, many parents and kids are wondering what to get the special teacher in their lives. According to a new teacher survey from Michaels, North America's largest arts and crafts specialty retailer, teachers favor handmade gifts and cards over the three most common gifts - coffee mugs, bath products and candles.

In the April survey of more than 1,000 teachers, 73 percent said the gifts that meant the most to them involve handmade and creative elements that also included pictures and highlighted memories from the school year. More than half said they already have too many coffee mugs, candles and bath products.

Michaels has created projects and coloring pages so kids can create easy and affordable gifts teachers will treasure, such as the "Bouquet of Friends" made out of construction paper with pictures of classmates on each petal, a picture frame with personality that features a collage of pictures, and handmade teacher cards. More project ideas with complete instructions and materials lists can be found at www.michaels.com/theknack.

"Kids get a sense of accomplishment when they make something unique and personal for their teachers, and their teachers like to see the skill and creativity of their students" said Michaels' Chief Marketing Officer Stuart Aitken. "A handmade gift is a thoughtful way to thank a teacher for all they have done throughout the school year."

One-third of teachers also said they enjoyed receiving gift cards to a favorite retail store. Michaels gift cards are available at all Michaels stores and online at www.michaels.com/gift-cards.

In addition to teacher gift ideas, parents can find fun and entertaining projects to keep kids active and busy throughout the summer at The KnackSM, Michaels' unique program designed specifically for children to discover their creativity. For more information, go to www.michaels.com/theknack.

About Michaels
Michaels Stores, Inc. is North America's largest specialty retailer of arts, crafts, framing, floral, wall decor, and seasonal merchandise for the hobbyist and do-it-yourself home decorator. The company currently owns and operates over 1000 Michaels stores in 49 states and Canada and over 150 Aaron Brothers stores.

Media Contact:

Alexandra Elliott
[email protected]
817-329-3257

Suzanne Miller
[email protected]
817-329-3257

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