Searching for ideas for student end of year gifts? Below you’ll find ten student end of year gift ideas that your upper elementary students are sure to be excited about. Finding something that they love, without breaking the bank, can be tricky!
Now, it’s important to say that teachers should in no way shape, or form feel obligated to buy their students end of year gifts. Read on only if you feel like it’s something you want to do, not something you have to do. You’ve already given your students the real gift this year… you. 🎁
In all seriousness, though, gift-giving should be optional, not expected.
OK, on to the gift ideas!
Easy Amazon Student End of Year Gifts
1. Invisible Ink Pens
Can you envision your students writing fun secret messages or drawings in invisible ink? They are sure to have a ton of fun with these and for a lot of students, it would probably be their first experience with invisible ink. Fun!
2. Slinkies
Did you know that slinkies are “in” again? I was surprised when I was filled in by my grade four students last year when one of them brought one to school and everyone else was so excited to take a turn with it. It’s interesting how these fad items often come back around.
3. Multi Colour Pens
These pens are giving retro vibes! They were a hit for 90s kids and your students are bound to find them fun too! As a bonus, consider letting students use their new pens for a specific assignment or two. A lot of the time, students don’t have the opportunity to use pens very often in class so that will be extra fun for them.
4. Squishies
Somehow, the squishy trend is still alive and well. With this 40 pack of squishies, you will have some extras so you can allow students to choose their own as one of their student end of year gifts! Students love it when they have some choice in which they’d like.
5. Sunglasses
I’ve given these sunglasses as student end of year gifts for a few years in a row and they are a hit! Have students wear them for a fun end of year class picture. Another idea is to print the picture off for students as a special keepsake, too!
6. Scratch Rainbow Bookmarks
These scratch-off bookmarks would make a great end of year gift for students. Consider giving students time in class to create their bookmarks by scratching to reveal the rainbow design underneath. Although a bit messy, students are sure to enjoy the experience of creating their own bookmarks!
7. Stickers
Trust me, even the “big kids” like stickers. These water bottle stickers are a hit! This Kawaii animal sticker pack is loved by upper elementary students! There are a ton of stickers included, for a great price, so you could consider having students select a few stickers each! As a heads up, make sure you go over the stickers first to ensure they are all appropriate for students.
For Added Flair
Consider adding a student gift tag to these Amazon student end of year gifts to add a little something extra. You can edit these gift tags to include your name and a special message to your students.
DIY Student End of Year Gifts
8. Class Memories & Messages Keepsake
These class memories keepsake books are a twist on the traditional memory books. In traditional memory books, students fill in memories and details about the year into their books and may have their classmates sign a page of their books.
In this version of the Class Memories Keepsake Books, students classmates’ create a book for them filled with personalized messages. That means that each student receives a book that contains a special message from each of their classmates and their teacher.
These books are well-loved by students (and their parents) and are kept as a special memory for years to come. That’s why they are the best student end of year gifts!
Grab the templates here to make Class Memories Keepsakes in your class at the end of the year.
9. Class Tee Shirts
Have students make class tee shirts to celebrate the end of the year is a super fun DIY gift idea! Ask students to bring in a tee shirt (can be old or new) and you can supply the fabric markers or ask student parents for donations. These fabric markers work great (aff. link) and aren’t as messy as fabric paint.
Designate a day for tee shirt decorating to happen in class and students can get to work being creative! They will love this end of year activity and will get a special keepsake out of it! For added fun, pick a day for all students to wear their tee shirts and take a class picture.
10. End of Year Class Photo & Message from Teacher
Take an end of year photo (or two) together as a class. A photo on the park outside makes for a “fun photo” where students can climb up on the park, sit on the swings, and hang from the monkey bars. Just make sure all students are visible! Then, print and laminate a photo for each student.
You can add an end of year message from you, their teacher. You could even write a personalized message for each student including a memory you have with them and aknowledging their strengths as an individual.
On the last day of school, students can get their classmates to sign the back of their photo, too!
There you have it! An assortment of ideas for student end of year gifts. A few DIY gift ideas to save some money and flex your (or your students’) creative muscles and ideas that are as simple as hitting checkout on Amazon and adding a gift tag. As your school year comes to an end, I wish you the very best summer break ahead!
Try a Class Talent Show
Interested in other end of year ideas? Try hosting a class talent show! Read all the details on the blog post, Everything You Need To Know To Host a Class Talent Show, and make sure to grab the class talent show freebie.
