Tis' the season…for grading, writing report cards, creating parent gifts, making all the art, AND spreading kindness and cheer. One way teachers do this is giving a student gift. While this is not a requirement, it is fun! Below you will find several ideas for easy, last minute (and some DIY) student gift ideas from one of their favorite people, you, their teacher.
DIY Bookmarks
The first student gift we are featuring has been a keepsake for students who have received it! Teachers can choose to make the bookmarks with scrapbook paper and letter stickers (or magazine letters) OR they can make the bookmarks digitally (using powerpoint or Canva). When creating these digitally, it is fun to include a clipart image of something the student is interested in. After creating the bookmarks, write a message on the back, laminate, hole punch and thread a ribbon through the top. Great keepsake! If you don't want to design your own from scratch, try these editable ones.
Books
This student gift idea is probably the most popular one! Teachers love giving books because then their students are reading. (Hopefully during holiday break!) Scholastic has often been a favorite as they have some $1 and $2 books. Teachers can write a personalized message on the inside cover.
Another idea…blank books! Give each student a blank book and have them become the author and illustrator! Check out these great blank journals on Amazon:
Framed class picture
A lot of kids love taking, posing for, and getting pictures. Make it extra special by framing the picture. This can be a group picture, or one of teacher & student or a fun memory of the year so far.
Hey! Better put your name on it too! Check out our FREE gift tags. Just print, cut, sign and attach.
DIY Scarves
Tie blankets are a fun, functional gift to give. Why not give a tie scarf? In our Facebook group, Lucky 2nd Grade Teachers, one teacher commented they buy small fleece throw blankets and can get several scarves out of one.
How to make these great gifts?
- Cut long strips out of the fleece lengthwise.
- Fold the piece in half.
- Cut a fringe (1 inch apart and about 4-6 inches long) on both ends at once.
- You can either leave the ends as they are OR tie a knot in each.
Bonus idea: if you have access to a Cricut, apply iron-on vinyl student names.
Personalized Presents
Speaking of adding student names to gifts, here are other gifts that can be personalized. (Students LOVE when their name is on something!) Ways to add student names to gifts: sharpie, use a Cricut machine, label maker, puff paint (hello 90's) or glitter glue.
- Mini stockings
- Ornaments-make sure to get shatterproof!
- Water bottles
- Pencils/Pens
- Bead Keychains or bracelets-use letter beads for this one!
Hey! Better put your name on it too! Check out our FREE gift tags. Just print, cut, sign and attach.
Something Sweet
Who doesn't love eating sweets? Giving a candy themed gift is always appropriate if you ask your students! Want to make it extra sweet? Try creating candy sleds (candy canes as sled runners, candy bar as the sled) or reindeer (candy canes as antlers, small chocolate bar as the face and googly eyes). Definitely a winner!
Try adding a food pun gift tag to make the gift extra scrumptious.
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Class Party
Like the idea of giving experiences instead of gifts? How about a class party? This could include snacks, games, and centers. Peruse the ideas below or check out our Lucky Little Party Plan: Winter Holiday Edition to have your party completely planned out for you.
Game Ideas:
- Cake Walk Style Musical Chairs-no chairs needed! **This version of the game is perfect for this crazy school year.** Instead of chairs, print off Christmas images you find online. (Print off two sets of the images-one for students, and one for you to “draw” from.) Make sure to use enough images so that everyone in your class with have one. In this game students walk around the classroom in a circle while the music plays. When it stops, they go stand on a picture. The teacher then draws out one of the pictures from their matching set. Whoever is standing on that picture is out.
- Christmas bingo
- Pictionary
- Charades (Make it verb charades to tie in a little learning!)
Center Ideas:
Check out our favorite Christmas center ideas in our TpT store:
- 2nd grade December Math Centers
- 1st grade December Math Centers
- December Math Puzzles
2 Ways to Get These Activities
Join All Access to download everything we've ever made.
Or... Purchase the bundle in our shop.
2 Ways to Get These Activities
Join All Access to download everything we've ever made.
Or... Purchase the bundle in our shop.
Our team hopes this list helps you come up with the best gift idea for your class. Want even more ideas? Head over to our Facebook group, Lucky 2nd Grade Teachers and join our amazingly helpful crew!
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