Hit a home run with these DIY coaches gifts and sports crafts

TWO-FOUR-SIX-EIGHT, who do we appreciate?
Our coaches, of course!
Coaches and instructors do more than teach kids skills and technique—they teach character. So when the season starts to wind down, it’s time to think of what you can do in return. Hit a home run with these ideas for a one-of-a-kind gift that will help the whole team say thanks.
Inspired? Create and share by tagging @hallmarkstores.
Snack attack
Cater to his or her sweet tooth with a gift that’ll soothe the savage beast…er, coach: Buy or make a batch of cookies, cupcakes or muffins, and decorate them with icing (use spray icing from the grocery store or make your own). The kids can write their names or messages like “Go Sharks.” Finish them off with team-colored sprinkles. If you want to go the extra mile, your team can even decorate a plate to serve them on.
Or go with a healthy option: Make a sports tote bag cornucopia by stuffing a large tote bag with snacks, treats, protein bars, water and sports drinks in team colors. You can buy a sports tote bag from the store, or get the instructions to make a tote bag from a team T-shirt here. Then the team can have fun filling it up.
A signature event
For a coach who’s always on the go, have your team autograph and doodle on a gift he or she can use. Grab some permanent markers (team colors, of course), and let the team sign a sports ball (football, soccer ball, etc.). Other sporting goods—orange cones, a super-sized umbrella or snack cooler—make great, useful gifts, too.
Here’s another idea: Use fabric paint or pens on a T-shirt or team jersey. Kids can add their handprints (like a pat on the back!) or fingerprints along with their signatures. You can even make the T-shirt or jersey into a pillow for Coach’s favorite chair. Get the sports-jersey pillow how-to here.
Team memorabilia
These ideas are a perfect way to say, “Thanks for the memories.” Frame a team picture with an oversized mat and add your names, favorite quotes and highlights from the season. Light-colored mats work best, but you can also use a team color for the mat and add signatures with metallic markers. If you want to forego the mat and custom frame, have the team sign their names to a T-shirt, and stretch it over a canvas frame. Get the T-shirt canvas frame instructions here.
You can also make Coach a scrapbook: Just give every kid a blank page from a photo album, and ask them to add a photo or two, mementos (ticket stubs, programs) and a message about their favorite moments from the season or year.
You may also like
See more-
Mother's Day What to Write in a Mother's Day Card
Tell her just how much she means using this guide from Hallmark writers.
-
Mother's Day How to Wrap Flowers for Mother’s Day
Flower bouquets are a favorite gift for Mother's Day—and no wonder! This time of year, you can find amazing flowers e...
-
Gift Wrapping Giftology: how to wrap a Mother's Day gift
Make Mom’s day with these simply stunning Mother’s Day gift-wrapping ideas. Watch our video tutorials ...
-
Mother's Day How to Write an Appreciation Letter for Mom
No one has loved you (or put up with you) like Mom has. Or let’s say it wasn’t “Mom”—maybe it’s been a stepmom, grand...
-
Drinks Perfect for brunch: Easy, refreshing beer cocktails
You don’t have to remind yourself it’s 5 o’clock somewhere: The red beer, beermosa, and radler are perfect beer co...
-
Valentine's Day Free Printable Valentine’s Day Coloring Pages You'll Love
Valentine’s Day is all about love. Not just the romantic kind, either. More and more, people are using Valentine’s Da...
-
Valentine's Day What to Write in a Valentine's Day Card
Hallmark writers offer up inspiration to help you find just the right loving words to add when you sign a valentine.
-
Birthday What to Write in a Birthday Card
When it comes to signing birthday cards, there are people who have no problem picking up a pen and adding a warm, per...
-
Christmas Christmas Wishes: What to Write in a Christmas Card
Get sample messages, tips and watch our new video guide to write the perfect Christmas card.
-
Anniversary What to Write in an Anniversary Card
Here’s to lasting love! From still-newlyweds toasting with wine glasses they opened on their weddin...
-
Lifestyle How to journal: 5 reasons, 3 ways, and 9+ styles
Start journaling today with our easy guide on how and why to journal
-
Christmas Baby’s First Christmas: Making it a holiday to remember
All of a sudden, you’re more than just a couple: You’re a family. Or a bigger family. Baby’s first Christmas means...
-
Anniversary Anniversary gifts by year
There are a lot of anniversary gift lists out there. Most hit the major milestones with traditional and modern the...
-
Father's Day Father's Day Without Dad: Remembering Lost Loved Ones with New Traditions
For many of us, “father” is synonymous with love, guidance and support. That love does not dissipate after our fat...
-
Family How to Support Foster Families
It’s so exciting when someone you know welcomes a child into their lives, whether by birth, adoption, or fostering...
-
Baby Gifts for New Parents: Thoughtful Things to Give and Do
We know what to get for babies: onesies and blankies and binkies. But what about the newly overwhelmed moms and da...
-
Kwanzaa What is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa, a festival of lights rich in African symbolism, takes place each year from December 26th through January ...
-
Kwanzaa Kwanzaa Wishes: Connect with a Kwanzaa Card
Kwanzaa, a festival of lights rich in African symbolism, takes place each year from December 26th through January ...
-
Hanukkah Hanukkah Wishes: What to Write in a Hanukkah Card
Hanukkah is a lighthearted festival filled with rich traditions, many of which include food, fun, family and frien...
-
Christmas What is Three Kings Day?
Each January 6th, Latinx families around the world celebrate Three Kings Day— Día de los Tres Reyes Magos...