This post is all about End of Year Gifts for Students From Teachers

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As the school year starts to come to an end I would find myself searching for thoughtful (and inexpensive) end of year gifts for students that are both meaningful, budget-friendly and don’t take up a lot of time. These small tokens of appreciation are a nice way to celebrate your student’s achievements and leave them with a lasting memory of their time in your classroom.

Whether you’re looking for creative DIY options or quick-to-buy items, finding something that’s affordable and easy to prepare is key. In this post, we’ll share 15 inspiring ideas for end of year gifts for students that your class will love, and you’ll love how simple they are to put together!

15 End of Year Gifts for Students

1. Personalised Bookmarks

Create or buy simple bookmarks and personalise them with each student’s name or a motivational quote. I made mine on canva and designed them with each student in mind. I picked the background based on their favourite colours, what they enjoyed etc. Then I printed and laminated them.

These were made on Canva. There are so many templates you can use or you can make your own from scratch. The whole process from start to finish took me 30 minutes. Making personalized bookmarks such a quick and easy end of year gift for your students.

2. Miniature Plant or Seed Packet

Give students a small plant or a packet of seeds with a note like, “Thank you for helping our class grow this year!”

This is a lovely gift for students that symbolises how much they have grown and changed this year.

Seed Packets Envelopes

3. Handwritten Notes or Certificates

Write a personal note to each student, highlighting their strengths and achievements. Alternatively, create fun certificates celebrating each child’s qualities, such as “Class Comedian” or “Most Helpful.”

I made mine on Canva. Again there are so many wonderful and free templates to use on Canva. Alternatively, I have linked my favourite end of year certificates to buy.

End of Year Class Certificates

4. DIY Kindness Rocks

Decorate small rocks with positive words or phrases like “Believe in yourself” or “You’re amazing.” These are a meaningful and creative keepsake for students to treasure. You could choose to do this as an art lesson and ask the students to decorate the rocks for each other.

5. Summer Reading Starter Kit

Give each student a gently used or inexpensive book with a note encouraging summer reading. Pair it with their personalized bookmark or a small bag of popcorn for a “reading snack.”

There are many second-hand shops basically handing old books out for free. Definitely worth looking into.

6. Class Playlist or Favourite Memory List

Compile a playlist of the class’s favourite songs or create a list of the best memories and inside jokes from the year. Share it digitally or as a printed handout. This one might take a little bit more time but it’s a lovely thing for the students to look back on.

7. Small Treat Bags

Fill small bags with sweets, a granola bar, or a small toy. Tie them with a ribbon and include a cheerful thank-you tag.

8. Memory Photo or Class Keepsake

If possible, print a group photo or create a simple class memory book with notes or pictures from the year. Digital versions work well too!

9. DIY Stress Balls

Use balloons and flour (or a similar filler) to make easy stress balls. These can be a fun and practical gift, especially for younger students.

10. Homemade Keychains or Trinkets

Purchase inexpensive keychains or trinkets with inspirational sayings or make your own using shrink film sheets.

11) Mini Journal or Notebook

Provide each student with a small notebook for summer journaling or doodling.

12) Bubble Wand or Mini Bubbles

Give each student a small bubble wand or bottle of bubbles with a tag that says, “You blew me away this year!” It’s a playful and inexpensive way to end the year on a fun note.

13) Class Recipe Cards

If your class has shared a special snack or treat during the year, print out the recipe on a colourful card and tie it with ribbon or string.

I used a recipe that we used to make chocolate chip cookies at the start of the year. The students loved the cookies and it was really easy to follow for them to follow. I made mine on canva. It was super quick and easy and I know the students would appreciate it

14) Miniature Mason Jar Treats

Fill small mason jars with sweets, erasers, or small toys. Add a tag that says, “Thanks for making this year sweet!”

15) Stickers

It goes without saying that students love stickers. Whether they are used as a reward or as an end of year gift, the students will appreciate it.

Make End of Year Gifts for Students Meaningful

Choosing the perfect end of year gifts for students doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. With these 15 thoughtful and creative ideas, you can celebrate your student’s hard work and make their final days in your classroom extra special. From personalised keepsakes to fun DIY crafts, there’s something for every teacher’s budget and schedule. The best part? These gifts are meaningful, affordable, time saving and guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on your students

Are you looking for inspiration? Or are you ready to start crafting? These end of year gifts for students are the perfect way to show your appreciation and send them off into summer on a really positive note.