Teachers have a lot on their minds in December. Holiday concerts, classroom parties, parent gifts, not to mention trying to keep kids focused . . . One of the most common threads we see in our Facebook groups this time of year is teachers looking for suggestions for easy and inexpensive holiday gifts for students.
Let me start by saying you DO NOT have to give your students gifts. Gifting is not a requirement. Even if other teachers in your building give gifts, even if you’ve given gifts in the past, even if your own children often bring home gifts from their teachers, gifting is always optional. If you need or want to sit this year (or every year) out, please feel free to do so and skip the guilt.
There are many other ways to celebrate the holidays in your classroom. Check out this post for some great ideas.
But, if you enjoy gifting and want to give gifts and have the time, funds, and energy to do so, then this post is for you. Today, I am sharing 9 easy, inexpensive holiday gifts for students.
9 Easy, Inexpensive Holiday Gifts for Students
1. Growth mindset bracelets
Your students will love these silicone bracelets with phrases like Never give up” to encourage a growth mindset. You can pick up a 60-pack on Amazon for $16.99 and have extras for next year. Talk about easy, inexpensive holiday gifts for students.
2. Pop fidget keychains
Kids love these pop fidget toys, and they are great for students with anxiety, stress, and hyperactivity. These keychains can easily clip onto a book bag or be stashed inside a desk. Go festive with the holiday themes pop fidgets, try these ocean animals, or stick with traditional shapes. These are also very economical gifts.
3. Origami paper and instructions
Make your gift educational and fun. A few sheets of origami paper, a quick history of this beautiful Japanese art, and some simple instructions are all you need to make kids smile. Simply pick a design and photocopy the instructions. You can also download and print instructions online. (Just google origami instructions). Or, you can find tons of designs on this website. Origami is great for dexterity and kinesthetic learners. And who knows? You just might inspire a new hobby.
4. Mini stuffed animals
Who doesn’t love miniatures? Younger students especially will appreciate these tiny stuffed animals that fit in the palm of even the littlest hands. You can personalize each gift by selecting just the right animal for each student. And at $1.60 per gift, they won’t break the bank.
5. Deck of cards
The gift that keeps on giving. Kids can entertain themselves for hours with a deck of cards. Include printable instructions for traditional games like Go-Fish, War, or Solitaire. You can also give students instructions for fun math games. Pick a cute or colorful deck of cards to make this gift even more fun.
6. Personalized journals
Notebooks make great holiday gifts for students, and they encourage writing. Talk about a win-win. Kids can use their new notebooks for stories, journals, lists, and more. And you can easily make it extra special by writing a personalized note to each student on the inside cover. These tiny notebooks have inspiring messages on the cover. Prefer a slightly larger notebook? Kids will love these bright colors.
7. Scrabble name ornaments
If you’re feeling crafty, you can make an easy personalized gift for each student by spelling out their names with Scrabble tiles (available at most craft stores or on Amazon). Simply glue the tiles onto ribbon, cardboard pieces, or even popsicle sticks. Check out this quick tutorial, but feel free to adapt to your needs.
8. Winter pencils
One thing kids always need is pencils. Why not make them fun? These winter pencils from Oriental Trading would make a great gift. Tie a few together with a piece of ribbon, and you have a gift that is pretty and practical. You could also make personalized pencils with your name or your signature saying.
9. Fuzzy socks and a candy cane
Keep those little feet warm with a pair of fuzzy socks. Most big box stores have fun and inexpensive options this time of year. You can even check your local dollar store. Add a candy cane, and you can check holiday gifts for students off your list.
And here’s a bonus idea for you!
If you are looking for an easy way to present your gifts, I suggest stocking up on some organza bags. Most of these holiday gifts would easily slide into these drawstring organza bags for a cute, inexpensive, no-fuss presentation.
Want some ideas for gifts students can make for their parents?
Grab our FREE Ultimate Holiday Guide! Inside, you’ll find 8 more amazing ideas that students will love.
FREE Ultimate Holiday Guide for Grades 2-5
This 142-page guide is chock full of time-saving holiday tips, activities, and freebies for teachers to help you have a very merry holiday season!
Inside, you’ll find:
- Helpful holiday tips to make planning and celebrating easy
- Easy holiday resources that keep kids learning
- 6 classroom party themes with ideas for treats, crafts, and activities
- Winter-themed suggestions that work for every classroom
- Family & student gift ideas
- Our favorite holiday books and movies
- Student printables, a family holiday survey, holiday & thank you cards, and gift tags
- And so much more!
You don’t want to tackle the holidays without out. Grab yours today!
I hope that gives you some new ideas for easy, inexpensive holiday gifts for students.
Have a Not So Wimpy Day,
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