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! Download 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.
Deck of Cards + Math Games
Here's a SUPER easy idea. Get a basic deck of playing cards for each student, fold a slip of paper with card game instructions inside, and slap a bow on top! Good to go!
Snowman Soup
One of the easiest last minute gifts EVER! All you need are baggies, marshmallows, candy canes and hot chocolate packets! Print our cute snowman soup tags, and you can whip up this little gift in no time.
Throw a 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!
How to prep and play:
- 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.
Holiday Bingo
You really can't beat the timeless game of BINGO! Check out our themed bingo games below.
Get Crafty
Set up a craft station at your party! Kids will love the Ugly Sweater Dice Game and making Snowflake Selfies.
We hope this list helps you come up with the best gift idea for your class. Want even more ideas? Head over to Facebook Lucky 1st & 2nd Grade Teachers and join our amazingly helpful crew!
Hello, I have a question for the card game gift idea. What numbers would the A, K, Q, and J represent? Would they be excluded and removed from the deck when playing the game?
Hello Krystal! You could use the face cards however you wish! I have done them both ways: have students remove them, or The Jack=11, and so on.
Hello,
I am having trouble locating the Snowflake Selfie item above. I located the Hallway packets on TPT, but am not sure about which pack is the correct one. Thanks so much for your help!
Hi Robyn! The snowflake selfie is an exclusive resource for our All Access members. https://luckylittlelearners.lpages.co/joinallaccess/