Students gathered at a Blue Earth Area Community Education class on Tuesday, May 9, to decorate votive holders as gifts for their caregivers ahead of Mother’s Day weekend. Above, Aspyn Johnson puts the finishing touches on a gift for her father.

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, some area children gathered together to craft gifts for treasured caregivers in their lives on Tuesday, May 9, and Thursday, May 11.

An after-school class offered by the Blue Earth Area School District’s Community Education Program guided K-2 students through the process of decorating a one-of-a-kind votive candle holder for a special someone.

Instructor Sandy Hanson helped the students adorn their votive holders with stickers and other appliques, and wrap them up with care to stow away until the big day, which is on Sunday, May 14.

In between decorating and wrapping their votive holders, the students enjoyed an after-school snack and colored handmade cards to accompany their gifts. They also listened to a few stories before the hour was up.

Between cutting, pasting and coloring cards for their caregivers, the students at Tuesday’s class took the time to tell us who their votive holder is for, and their favorite thing about that person.

Kennedy Bonin

Kennedy’s gift is for her mother, Emily.

When asked what she likes most about her mom, Kennedy replies, “That she loves me.” 

Thomas Dahl

Thomas plans to give his votive holder to his mother, Lindsey, on Sunday.

“She plays with me a lot, and she’s nice, and she’s a good cook,” he says.

Nora Gustafson

Nora will give her votive holder to her mother, Mary.

When asked what she loves about her mom, Nora replies, “That she snuggles me and she makes funny faces when she puts me to bed.”

Isac Humburg

Isac’s gift is for his mother, Marissa.

“She is a good cook,” he says.

Aspyn Johnson

Aspyn will give her votive holder to her father, Nick.

When asked what one of her favorite things about her dad is, Aspyn responds, “He buys me candy.”

Cameron Rivera

Cameron’s mother, Crystal, will receive his votive holder as a gift on Mother’s Day.

When asked what he loves about his mom, Cameron replies, “That she’s nice.” 

Evie Schultz

Evie’s votive holder is for her mother, Cara.

“She gives me candy,” Evie says with a smile. “There’s nothing wrong with candy. Candy is delicious!” 

Camden Sickler

Camden made a votive holder for his mother, Kim, on Tuesday.

When asked what he loves most about his mom, Camden replies, “She cares about me.”