I loved the story of the soldier and the making of the candles, it's great.
Those gifts are very original but above all meaningful, I hope the people you give it to know what's behind it... the story, that's the most beautiful thing.
When I worked as a teacher .... I used to have an end of year get together with all my students in the garden of my house, everyone brought something to eat and drink, we were about 30 people. It was held on the last Saturday of November every year.
I prepared with my hands small gifts, all handmade, and last year, in 2018, I made a personalised parchment for each student highlighting their achievements. It took me months of preparation but it was worth it to see their happy faces. ....
I also made handmade chocolates with liqueur.... but that's another story... yes I also made chocolates and with the box made by me, all handmade!!!! I made them to sell and to give as gifts.
I like to make sure the gifts I give are relevant or have some meaning and I think these will work well.
It was a nice touch with that gathering you held and I think you would have got as much from it as your students did. Nice work.
I'm sure you can do it! They're going to love it, I would love it!
Yes, the satisfaction was very great, my students and I were very happy... I think I have photographs of that...