As the end of the year approaches, you may be thinking about giving your students a little something to commemorate the year. Something they can look back at years to come. If you’re searching for thoughtful yet thrifty end of the year gifts for students, this list of ideas is sure to inspire you.
1. Slide Show
Chances are you have taken quite a few pictures of your students throughout the school year. Put together a montage of pictures and add some background music. Then, post it online and share the QR code with parents or burn it onto CDs or flash drives to give to parents. This is guaranteed to be appreciated by both students and their family members.
2. Class Picture
If a slide show seems like too much work, you can take a class picture instead. Make a copy of the picture for each of your students. Have each student sign their names on the back of the picture. If you are short on time, have them sign a sheet of paper and make copies to glue or stick to the back of the picture.
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3. Signed Beach Ball
Online, I read that SO many teachers give their students a beach ball as an end of the year present. They purchase them at places like Dollar Tree. They have each student sign each one and give one to each of their students. I love the fact that kids can use them then deflate them and store them in their personal memory box.
4. Signed Class T-Shirt
If you are a Cricut user, you can make an iron-on template and put them on shirts for your students. If you aren’t, just a plain white t-shirt will work. Give students fabric pens and have them sign each shirt. Have each student take a shirt home. These make for a great keepsake.
When you think personalized items, you may think it will be costly. However, there are many thrifty options available for personalized items. They will take some time, but they can be some of the most meaningful gifts.
5. Word Art
Give each student a class list with a space or box next to each name. Have students write one to two positive adjectives they associate with each of their classmates. It could be a personality trait, something they are passionate about, etc. Then, go to www.wordart.com. Create word clouds with those words and phrases for each student. Print each one on a color card stock and present it to each of them. You can also share the file with their parents to use as they’d like.
6. Personalized Letter
Write a personalized letter to each of your students. Include a favorite memory and a positive quality about them. As an added bonus, include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Ask them to send you a letter during the summer to “stay in touch.” You may have a few nice surprises show up in your mailbox. 😉
While some of your students may have big summer plans, others may be home for a long time. Give them a gift that will help keep them busy and creative during their summer months.
7. Deck of Cards
With a deck of cards, students can play several games. It’s an inexpensive gift that is very versatile. You can take a few minutes during the last day of school to show them how to play several games such as: Solitaire, War, and Go Fish. You can even print out a little booklet with directions to several games. This will give them something to look back at should they forget how to play the games you taught them.
8. Summer Themed Puzzles
Kids LOVE to do puzzles. Whether it’s a word search, crossword puzzle, or Sudoku, puzzles keep them engaged. Purchase a Summer Themed Puzzle Pack, make copies for each of your students, staple them into a packet, and give it to them as an end of the year gift.
9. Summer Coloring Pages
Another thing kids enjoy doing is coloring. Provide them with a few Summer Themed Coloring Pages that include fun motivational puns. This will give them an activity to work on while boosting their self-esteem.
10. Happiness Journals
Give students a journal to write in during the summer. Encourage them to write down what they do each week during their summer or their thoughts. It’s a great opportunity for them to continue to write throughout the summer.
