Affordable End of Year Gifts for Students That Reinforce Kindness
Do you buy or make end of year gifts for students?
The elementary 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 year gifts for 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.
The last day of school can be emotional for both you and your students, especially if you’ve formed some special bonds. A meaningful parting gift can remind them of the important lessons you taught and the beautiful spirit of kindness you fostered in 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 home with their family.
Here are some affordable end of year gifts centered around kindness and giving to reinforce the values you fostered throughout the year:
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:
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:
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.
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 "Be Kind" 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:
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.
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.
Have your made or seen inexpensive end of year gifts for students from teachers that help to reinforce your character building lessons? I'd love to add them to this post so please let me know!
A Whole Year of Engaging Kindness Activities
Students thrive when they build connections and what better way to encourage a positive community in your classroom than teaching them to be kind! Kindness is an essential character trait that will stay with and help them succeed throughout their lives.
Save $40
on this big value bundle
with a year's worth of SEL activities
This comprehensive back-to-school kindness bundle is your ultimate toolkit for promoting confidence, caring, respect, and positive behavior in your classroom.
These fun activities and lessons reinforce essential character traits and create an inclusive, kind classroom culture.
Students enjoy exciting challenges where they feel like they're on a secret mission, work together to create beautiful bulletin boards, hone their writing skills, relax with coloring pages, reinforce concepts with posters, engage in exciting games, and so much more.
This versatile back-to-school kindness bundle includes: