Giving an end of year keepsake to children is a sweet and meaningful way to say Thank You and Goodbye to each child that you have watched grow, develop and love over the past year. The following article provides ideas for easy DIY gifts that are creative and thoughtful.
- Handmade Ornaments: Use salt dough or air-dry clay to create personalized ornaments. Let the kids paint and decorate them.
- Story Stones: Paint small stones with different characters, animals, and objects. These can be used for storytelling and imaginative play.
- Friendship Bracelets: Simple and colorful, these can be made with beads or embroidery floss.
- Personalized Tote Bags: Let the kids decorate plain tote bags with fabric markers or paint.
- Photo Frames: Craft frames from popsicle sticks and let the kids decorate them. Add a photo of the child for a personal touch.
- Homemade Playdough: Package homemade playdough in small containers with a note.
- Decorated Plant Pots: Let the kids paint small terracotta pots and plant a seedling inside.
- DIY Crayons: Melt old crayons into fun shapes using silicone molds.
- Memory Books: Create small scrapbooks with photos and drawings from the year.
- Painted Rocks: Kids can paint rocks with fun designs or messages.
Heartfelt Notes
- Handmade Ornaments: "This ornament is as unique as you are! Hang it up and remember all the fun we had this year."
- Story Stones: "These stones are for your stories. Let your imagination run wild and create new adventures!"
- Friendship Bracelets: "A bracelet for a special friend. Wear it and think of all the friends you've made this year."
- Personalized Tote Bags: "Carry your dreams and memories in this bag. You’ve had an amazing year!"
- Photo Frames: "A frame for your favorite memories. Keep smiling and making new ones!"
- Homemade Playdough: "Squish, shape, and create! This playdough is just for you to have fun with."
- Decorated Plant Pots: "Watch your plant grow just like you did this year. Keep nurturing it with love!"
- DIY Crayons: "Color your world with these crayons. You’ve brightened up our days!"
- Memory Books: "A book of memories for a wonderful year. Keep adding to it with all your new adventures."
- Painted Rocks: "These rocks are as special as you. Keep them as a reminder of all the fun we had!"
More Ideas
- Emoji Pins: Pair them with a note saying "I'm all smiles because we had a great year!"
- Bookworms: Package gummy worms with a cute note for a quick and easy DIY.
- STEAM Challenge Kits: Assemble a rocket challenge in a baggie with a straw, sticky notes, and a sheet of paper
- Play-Doh Treat Bags: Tiny tubs of Play-Doh are always a hit.
- Sunglasses: Inexpensive sunglasses with a note saying "Your future looks bright!".
- Beach Balls: Have each child sign a beach ball for a fun keepsake.
- Coloring Bookmarks: Educational and fun, these can keep kids busy and encourage reading.
- Mini Plant Pots: Let kids decorate their own pots and plant a seedling.
- DIY Craft Kits: Assemble small kits with materials for a simple craft project.
- Personalized Pencils: Have each child's name printed on a pencil.
- Stickers and Coloring Books: Always a hit with kids.
- Mini Puzzle Sets: Fun and educational.
- Bubble Wands: Perfect for outdoor play.
- Reusable Snack Bags: Eco-friendly and practical.
- Miniature Board Games: Compact and fun for travel.
- Storybooks: Look for deals on children's books.
- Character Socks: Fun and useful.
- Mini Flashlights: Great for little adventurers.
Further Reading
From Me To You
Celebrating My Achievements
Moments to Remember
I Play I Grow I Achieve
Thank you for the Memories
Parent Letter
In My Heart
References:
43 End-of-Year Student Gifts That Won’t Break the Bank, We Are Teachers
15 Inexpensive Gifts for Students from Teachers, Teach Past The Potholes
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