Affordable End of Year Gifts for Students That Reinforce Kindness
Inside: Struggling to find inexpensive end of year gifts for students? This post will be your best friend with beautiful gift ideas and free kindness coloring pages to reinforce the SEL lessons you taught this year.
Do you buy or make gifts for your students at the end of year?
The school year finishes at different times throughout the world. But one thing that’s the same for teachers everywhere is the challenge of finding meaningful end of the year gifts for elementary students.
You’ve helped your students develop academically, but it’s the unique connections that they'll remember most. Contributing to their emotional growth and wellbeing is perhaps the most rewarding and memorable.
The last day of school can be emotional for both you and your kids, especially if you’ve formed some special bonds. Giving a meaningful kindness gift for students reminds them of the important lessons you taught and the beautiful spirit of community you fostered in your class.
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I have put together some fun educational gifts to keep students occupied during the summer break, but also keep kindness front of mind while they're home with their family.
Here are some affordable kindness gifts for kids that will be treasure for the right reasons:
1. Kindness Journals
Kindness journals are a special gift that'll keep the kindness flowing long after students leave your classroom. Imagine what a beautiful keepsake their journal could become as they capture the beauty of kindness in all its forms.
Here's how to make it extra special:
Paper Junkie Be Kind Notebook Bulk - 12 Pack, A6 5.75 x 4 In, Brown Kraft Cover, 80 Lined Pages - Pocket Mini Set, Kraft Paper Notebook - Inspirational Pocket Quotes 2. Kindness Rocks
A kindness rocks project is a lovely idea for students over the break. They'll feel like they're on a secret mission hiding their rocks in public places for others to find.
Here's how to get them on board with your kindness rocks project:
Simetufy 45 Pcs Painting Rocks Bulk, 2″-3″ River Rocks for Painting, Flat Smooth Rocks for DIY Painting, Natural River Stones for Arts & Crafting, Kindness Stones
280 Pcs Washable Acrylic Paint for Kids Arts and Crafts, 20 Gouache Watercolor Paint Sets of 12 Colors for Party Classroom Painting Supplies, 20 Flat and 20 Pointed Brushes Print or Make a Personalized Compliment Bookmark for Your Students!
3. Kindness Book
There's really nothing quite as nice as a book. With a personal message inside, it becomes a gift that students keep for many years.
A Little Spot of Kindness by Diane Alber is a well-loved favorite. This beautiful book is available in a mini version that's a perfect gift for your students. You can grab a pack of 30 books for a really great price.
4. Kindness Bookmark Challenge
Teachers love these bookmarks. They're a huge hit in their classrooms but they're also a wonderful way to keep kindness alive during the break.
All you have to do is print a selection of the outlined bookmarks and explain the challenge. Allow about 6-8 for each student to hide or for multiple trips to the library over the break. They're one of the most inexpensive end of year gifts for students!
Here's How the Challenge Works:
5. Kindness Fortune Teller
You can't get a more engaging and educational activity than fortune tellers or cootie catchers as they're often called.
Kids love paper crafts and these fun old-fashioned kindness fortune tellers won't disappoint. This version of an old favorite is all about teaching kids to be kind in a hands-on way.
This is a fun activity for you to throw in your end of year gift pack. Just print out the templates and kindness ideas for a time-saving and economical gift. And the great thing about this one is you can use it in class with new students for years to come!
Why You Need to Include a Kindness Fortune Teller:
â–º FREE Kindness Coloring Pages!

6. Kindness Cards
Kindness cards can be impactful and make a meaningful end of year gift for students. They are tangible reminders of the power of kindness and the importance of spreading positivity in their daily lives.
Tell your students you’re gifting them some kindness cards because you believe they’re ready to take kindness to the next level. They'll feel important and like they're part of an exclusive club with their classmates and be reminded to practice empathy, gratitude, and compassion outside of your classroom.
Ways to get your students excited about kindness cards and how to use them:
Random Acts of Crochet Kindness Gifts Tags | 50 pk 2 x 3.5 Cards to Give Away Colorful Pay it Forward Crochet Patterns Animals Rainbow RAOCK 7. Kindness Stickers
These are just the cutest. Students can stick them on their notebooks, water bottle, or even share them with friends to brighten their day. Each sticker is a reminder of the kindness they bring into the world, and every time they use one, they're making someone smile.
50Pcs Be Kind Stickers Pack, Inspirational Quote, Kindness Aesthetic Decal | Vinyl Waterproof Kindness Stickers for Water Bottle,Laptop,Phone,Scrapbook,Journal Gifts for Kids Teens Adults(Be Kind) 8. Other End of Year Gifts to Reinforce Kindness
There are lots of other great kindness gift ideas to inspire positivity and joy beyond your classroom. These are terrific to add to a card or personalized bookmark.
Global Printed Products Motivational Cards: 100 Inspirational, Kindness, Motivational and Quote Cards. Business Card Size 2.5 3.5 inches (Pack of 100)
Roowest 120 Pcs Motivational Wristbands Bulk for Student Inspirational Rubber Bands Stretch Affirmation Silicone Bracelet Back to School Class Prizes Teacher Gifts for Kids(Fresh Color)
Leinuosen 48 Pcs Scented Pencils for Kids Cute Motivational Colorful Fun Wood HB Pencils Bulk with Erasers Fruit Elements for School Office Classroom Student Have you made or seen inexpensive end of year gifts for students that help to reinforce your character-building lessons? I'd love to add them to this post so please let me know!
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