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Before I know it, we will be back in the school year routine. I think I am ready for it, but I’ll miss being able to meet friends for playdates at any given time.
Over the past few years, I’ve enjoyed gifting fun projects to James’ teachers. Pinterest is full of great DIY ideas, but I’ve only ever used them for end of the year gifts.
When I was challenged to come up with a first day of school teacher gift, I immediately knew what I wanted to make – a Dum Dum Lollipop Tree!
DIY Dum Dum Lollipop Tree –
What You’ll Need:
1 – Terra Cotta pot (pick whatever size you want – I used a 4.3″ pot)
1 – Styrofoam ball (needs to fit in the top of the pot – I used a 5″ ball)
1 – Bottle of paint (I used acrylic)
1 – Clear sealer (I used spray)
1 – Large bag of Dum Dums (or several small bags)
1 – Sharpie marker
Here’s How:
- Place the Styrofoam ball on the terra cotta pot. Using your Sharpie, trace a thin line on the ball where it sits against the pot. (You won’t need to put Dum Dums below that line.)
- Fill the Styrofoam ball with Dum Dums. Put them together as close as you can.
- Paint the terra cotta pot (I recommend at least two layers). Let it dry overnight. Spray (or paint) with clear sealer.
- Set the Dum Dum-filled Styrofoam ball on the painted pot.
- ENJOY!
Does the Dum Dum Lollipop Tree look like something you’d send to a teacher?
You could also make this cute Box Tops for Education Collection Box:
That’s very cute, and it’s perfect for a teacher. I had a teacher in middle school that gave out Dum Dums all the time as rewards.
that’s a super adorable and super easy project! I love the color you painted the pot!
I should do this and keep it on my desk!
This is adorable, great teacher gift
That’s very cute! Everyone I know loves Dum Dums – such cool flavors. I always liked the cream soda one. Also, this is a great idea for a teacher gift.
Cream Soda has always been one of my favorites, too!
OMG!! How cute! I’m going to make one of these for my son’s teacher.
What a sweet gift. I loved how it turned out, so very cute.
We have made these as centerpieces for birthday parties. SO easy and always a hit!!
This is so cute! I saw one of the Speech Therapists carrying this into her office one day. 🙂
Now that is just adorable!
I am going to send one of these to college with my daughter.
Such a cute idea! I might have to try this!
What a super cute and easy way to bring in the new school year! love it!
Very nice.
That is soooo cute! I wonder how that would work with the organic lollipops, they aren’t a sphere. Hmmmm….I might just have to try it!
I bet you could get it to work! But it will probably take a LOT more than this one does.
I wonder if there’d be anything left on it if I sent one of these with the boys for their teacher lol 🙂
What a cute idea! This is the perfect craft for the craft-challenged like me!
I need one for my desk!
This is a great idea for a teachers gift. This would also make a great party centerpiece.
I would like to make some for Christmas can you give me some ideas
Hi Michelle! These would make a great Christmas centerpiece or gift! I would say make it as I did, but maybe paint the pot green or red with Christmas-y ribbon.
Quick question. Did you use at least 100 lollipops? I am thinking in doing this for the 100th day of school.
Hi Laura!
I think this tree would be SO much fun for the 100th day of school! I bought the BIG bag at Sam’s Club (their website says it has 360 in the bag) and I would say I used about a third of it. If you make the tree with a bigger styrofoam ball (and bigger terra cotta pot), I think you’ll definitely be over 100 lollipops.
Looks so cute. I love this idea
My students would absolutely love this! What a great idea!
This is so super cute and the kids will have a blast making this
I made one of these and love it! Do you have any tips of how to keep the dum dums from falling out of the styrofoam? Mine keep falling out.