10 Creative Preschool Student Gifts from Teacher Ideas for Every Holiday & Season
Hi everyone! I’m so excited to share with you this curated list of preschool student gifts from teacher ideas. Over the years, while teaching young children, I’ve learned that it's often the simplest, cutest, and most thoughtful presents that leave the biggest impressions. I still remember the sparkle in a child’s eyes when they got bubbles on the first day of school, or a handmade goodie bag at a graduation ceremony from preschool—that’s what inspiried me to gather these 10 gift ideas that work all year round: birthday, holiday, Valentines, end of year, and even goodbye moments. Many are cheap or handmade, yet more meaningful than anything fancy.
1. Back-to-School & First Day Surprises
🎒 Gift Idea #1: DIY Welcome Goodie Bags
On that first day of school, every preschooler deserves to feel special. Gather small treats like stickers, mini crayons, a fun eraser—all tucked into a colorful goodie bag labeled with their name. It’s a wonderful way to break the ice. You don’t have to spend much; the charm is in the presentation and thought.
🎈 Gift Idea #2: Bubbles for First-Day Fun
I once handed out little bottles of bubbles on the first morning, with tags saying, “Blow a bubble, make a friend!” The laughter and shared bubble chasing instantly built smiles. Bubbles are cheap, cute, and perfect for preschool kids who love movement and magic in simple forms.
2. Birthday Cheer for Every Child
🎁 Gift Idea #3: Cute Birthday Party Packs
When it’s a child’s birthday, I like to have a collection of small gifts ready: a themed mini toy, a sweet, a balloon, a small notebook—assemble them in a themed goodie bag. These party-style packs feel like a mini party present for the birthday kid, and something small but fun for the classmates if you want to share the joy.
🎨 Gift Idea #4: DIY Bubble Wands
This is one of my favorites. Make bubble wands (or buy plain ones and decorate with ribbons and mini charms) as birthday gifts. For preschoolers, seeing something homemade—even simple—is often more exciting than store-bought. Plus, you can tie in a theme or color that the birthday child loves.
3. Holiday & Seasonal Gifts
🎄 Gift Idea #5: Stocking Stuffers
During the holiday season, miniatures shine. Fill a small stocking with items like flavored pencils, character stickers, small plushies, or candy canes (if allowed). It makes for a wonderfully festive surprise. Students love a “stocking” to hang—even just on a hook or classroom wall.
❤️ Gift Idea #6: Valentine’s Day Handmade Cards
For Valentines, I encourage preschoolers to make cards for each other—but I also prepare a small present from me: maybe a small heart-shaped eraser or a pack of fun shaped conversation hearts. Handmade cards + a tiny present = lots of heart (literally!).
🌸 Gift Idea #7: Spring Bubbles Party
At the approach of spring—or when the weather warms up—a spontaneous bubble-blowing party is perfect. Hand out bubbles, maybe a chalk, and let kids draw on sidewalks. It’s cute, free (mostly), joyful, and brings a sense of seasonal celebration even without a formal holiday.
4. Graduation & End-of-Year Farewells
🎓 Gift Idea #8: Personalized Goodbye Goodie Bags
When preschoolers are moving on—to kinder or just to a new group—I always prepare goodie bags saying “Goodbye” and “We’ll Miss You.” I add a small keepsake: a class photo, a little handmade keychain with their name, or a stamped charm. It’s a touching way to mark the end of year or graduation.
📖 Gift Idea #9: DIY Memory Book
This is labor-intensive, but always worth it. Each child contributes something—a drawing, a signature, maybe a note about their favorite moment of the year. I bind all pages into a class memory book and give everyone a copy. It’s one of the most heartfelt presents I’ve given or received.
5. Anytime Fun & Budget-Friendly Extras
🖍️ Gift Idea #10: Simple DIY Craft Kits
I keep a stash of craft kit supplies: colored paper, glue sticks, pom-poms, googly eyes, foam shapes. When I see an opportunity (rainy day, holiday prep, etc.), I assemble them into DIY kits. They serve double duty as fun gifts and learning tools. Cheap, cute, and endlessly useful.
📦 Mid-Article Product Recommendations
As I was writing this article, I kept thinking: “If I had more time, I’d order these three Amazon finds to use in my classroom right now.” Here are three concrete, ready-to-buy options that line up with these preschool student gifts from teacher ideas. Each comes with its own spin and a call to action if you want to grab them for your next gift moment.
🔹 Product #1: Play-Doh Modeling Compound 42-Pack (1-ounce cans)
This bulk pack of mini Play-Doh tubs is ideal for goodie bags, party favors, or even stocking stuffers. Preschoolers love squishing and molding, and these cans are small enough to tuck into little bags, or hand out individually. They’re bright, non-toxic, and endlessly entertaining.
Why it’s great: cheap per piece if you buy in bulk; easy to portion; usable across many holidays and birthdays. Perfect for bubbles & craft kits complements or as a standalone gift.
Check out the Play-Doh 42-Pack on Amazon and stock up for your next batch of party favors or goodie bags—you’ll be glad you did when birthdays and holiday time come around.
🔹 Product #2: LEGO DUPLO My First Daily Routines Bath Time Playset
Small Lego sets like this DUPLO bath time set are perfect for stocking stuffers or birthday gifts. Kids get to build, play, and imagine bath and bedtime stories with characters. It’s sturdy, safe, appealing, and brings learning + fun together.
Why it’s great: It works for birthdays, an end-of-year “you’ve grown so much” gift, or even a special present at graduation. Also, something to cherish beyond a few days of excitement.
Grab the LEGO DUPLO Bath Time Playset on Amazon and make someone’s birthday or holiday extra memorable this season.
🔹 Product #3: Mini Bubble Wands with Ribbons (bulk set)
These little bubble wands, especially those with ribbons or cute charms, are ideal for “just because” gifts, party favors, or first-day surprises. Preschoolers adore the way bubbles shine in the sun and the act of waving a wand—pure joy in a tiny package.
Why it’s great: Very cheap, very cute, works for nearly any occasion: first day, goodbye, Valentines, or spring fun. Plus, you can add a handmade tag for extra sweetness.
Order the Mini Bubble Wands set on Amazon and have some on hand for all those classroom “celebrations without a reason”—because sometimes those are the best.
6. Tips for Teachers on Choosing the Perfect Gift
- Budget first: Good gifts don’t have to cost a lot. I’ve made dozens of handmade keychains or goodie bags that cost less than $2 per student. The impact is in the thought, personalization, and fun.
- Personal touch: Even a little label with the child’s name or a short note makes something simple feel special. I save my handwriting for tags—it’s something kids remember.
- Mix store-bought + handmade/DIY: A bulk pack of bubbles + a handmade tag = twice the meaning. Or store-bought toy + class photo = memory included.
- Plan ahead: For birthdays, holidays, and end of year, small items like bubbles, stickers, or crayons are easiest to collect over time so you’re ready when the moment comes.
- Keep things cute & age-appropriate: Preschoolers love color, texture, and simple shapes. Avoid choking hazards; always check safety labels.
Conclusion
Reflecting back, I realize that many of my most cherished moments as a preschool teacher were not about lavish gifts—but about connection, surprise, and joy. A cute bubble wand, a handmade card, or a goodie bag at the end of the year can build memories that last far beyond the moment.
So whether you’re looking for a birthday gift, a way to celebrate graduation, marking the first day of school, saying goodbye, or just adding sparkle to an ordinary holiday or season—these 10 preschool student gifts from teacher ideas are here to help. Mix in some DIY, some handmade, keep it cheap when needed, and always make it a present from the heart.
Here’s to many smiles, bubbles in the air, and classrooms full of happy kids!