Are you looking for the perfect parent Christmas gift that is simple enough for your little ones to make at school?! Well, look no further! These handmade DIY tile coasters are easy to create, budget-friendly, and turn out super adorable. With seven templates to choose from, students can easily make a tile coaster for a parent, guardian, or any special loved one.

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Supplies for DIY Tile Coasters Parent Christmas Gift

To create these DIY tile coasters for a parent Christmas gift, you’ll first need to gather a few simple supplies.

I recommend using the Daltile 4.25 x 4.25 ceramic tiles from Home Depot, but any white ceramic tiles will work. For the most cost-effective option, consider buying in bulk. We purchased a case of 100 tiles and split them between four classrooms.

You’ll also need a few ultra fine black Sharpie markers, along with some colored pencils and Mod Podge.

There’s also a fun “print & paint” option, where students use their fingerprints to create a festive design. If you choose this version, you’ll just need to add some paint to your supply list.

I always opt to add felt pads to the bottom of our DIY tile coasters to prevent scratching surfaces, but this step is completely optional.

The total estimated cost per student is about 40¢ with the felt pads, or just under 20¢ without them, meaning an entire class set of DIY tile coasters cost less than $10!

Directions for DIY Tile Coasters Parent Christmas Gift

Step 1

There are three options to choose from for the parent Christmas gift: “print & color,” “print & design,” and “print & fingerprint” (using paint). Each option includes seven tile templates with and without pictures, giving you plenty of variety. Simply choose the template(s) that work best for your students:

• I (heart) You Snow Much!
• I (heart) You Beary Much!
• I’ll Owlways Love You!
• You’re WonDEERful!
• I Love You Deerly!
• You Light Up My Life!
• Merry & Bright

For the “print & color” option and “print & design” option, print the templates on regular, white copy paper. For the “print & paint” option, you will need to print the template on white card stock to avoid bubbling with the paint.

Once the templates are printed, use a paper cutter to trim around each template leaving a small, white border around the edge.

Step 2

This step will vary slightly depending on the option you chose. Regardless of the version, I like to work with two to three students at a time at my table so I can guide them through their drawings or fingerprint designs.

For the “print & design” option, students will start by using an Ultra Fine Sharpie Marker to draw a picture of themselves with their special loved one(s), or they can draw a holiday character that matches the saying on the template.

For all three options, the students will then color the word(s), border, and background with colored pencils. If they went with the “print & color” option, they will also need to color in the holiday picture.

With the “print & paint” option, the students will then add their fingerprints using paint. This version will need to completely dry overnight before adhering the templates to the tiles.

Step 3

Once the designs are complete, use Mod Podge and a foam brush to glue the templates onto the ceramic tiles.

Be sure to line up the top two corners first, then gently smooth the paper down to avoid any bubbles on your DIY tile coasters.

You will want to wait a bit for the Mod Podge to dry before covering the DIY tile coasters again.

Step 4

After the Mod Podge has dried, spray the top of the DIY tile coasters with a sealer. You could totally skip this step if you know that there won’t be anything wet touching this parent Christmas gift.

Step 5

Before sending the DIY tile coasters home, I recommend adding felt pads to the bottom of each tile. While this step isn’t required, it helps protect surfaces from getting scratched.

Wrapping the DIY Tile Coasters Parent Christmas Gift

Easily wrap the tile coasters with these matching gift tags.

Simply place the completed parent Christmas gift inside a small box or paper sack. Address the gift tag, color the picture, and attach it to the DIY tile coasters.

DIY Tile Coasters Parent Christmas Gift

Grab the tile coaster templates and gift tags for this adorable parent Christmas gift, HERE!

More Christmas Activities

Need a Christmas gift for students that also serves as a great fine motor activity? Checkout these Christmas play dough kits!

Travel all around the world learning about the many Christmas and holiday traditions with these holidays around the world activities!

Solve the case of the missing cookie with these Gingerbread Man Escape Room centers!

DON’T FORGET IT… PIN IT!