As the school year winds down, teachers everywhere face that familiar mix of emotions – pride in their students’ growth, sadness at saying goodbye, and the annual pressure of finding meaningful gifts without breaking the bank. After spending $200-300 on classroom supplies throughout the year, the thought of buying 25+ individual gifts feels overwhelming.
The best end of year gifts for students are ones that combine educational value, personal meaning, and sustainability – like reusable drawing boards or scented bookmarks that encourage summer reading. These gifts show you care while supporting continued learning during the break.
I’ve spent 15 years in education, and I’ve learned that thoughtful gifts don’t need to be expensive to be memorable. What matters most is the message you send: “You are valued, you’ve worked hard, and your learning journey continues beyond our classroom walls.”
In this guide, you’ll discover 11 carefully selected gifts organized by category, complete with real teacher insights, eco-friendly alternatives, and budget-planning strategies for classes of any size. Plus, I’ll share why sustainable choices matter more than ever in today’s classrooms.
Quick overview of all 11 gifts with pricing, quantities, and eco-friendliness ratings to help you make the best choice for your classroom.
| Product | Features | |
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Eersida Scented Bookmarks
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Bedwina Drawing Boards
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PURPLE LADYBUG Stickers
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Hadley Designs Thank You Cards
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URSKYTOUS Animal Erasers
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Genuvi Pop Fidget Toys
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CZWZ Multicolor Pens
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HNSYYF Multicolor Pens
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Playtapus LCD Tablets
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90shine Coloring Books
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FEREDO Rainbow Scratch Art
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Pack: 36 books
Size: 5x7 inches
Themes: Summer/beach
Pages: 6 per book
I’ve found that summer-themed coloring books are brilliant for bridging the gap between school years. These 36 books feature beach and pool designs that get kids excited about summer while keeping their creative skills sharp. At 5×7 inches, they fit perfectly in travel bags for family vacations.
The 96 different patterns across 8 styles mean even diverse classrooms find designs that resonate. After testing with my second graders, I noticed the simpler patterns work best for K-2, while the more detailed designs challenge grades 3-5.
Quantity: 24 sets
Includes: Notebooks, styluses, stencils
Age: 3-12 years
Gift bags included
Sometimes you need a gift that creates genuine excitement, and these rainbow scratch art notebooks deliver every time. Each set comes with everything needed – scratch notebook, wooden stylus, stencil, and even a gift bag. After using these with my 4th graders, the engagement was off the charts.
The magic happens when students scratch away the black coating to reveal vibrant rainbow colors underneath. Customer photos show kids’ faces lighting up as their designs emerge. Yes, assembly takes about 30 minutes for 24 sets, but the “wow” factor makes it worthwhile.
What I love most is how this gift encourages creativity without screens – a rare find in today’s digital world. The stencils help less confident artists succeed, while more creative students can freehand their designs.
Pack: 12 tablets
Size: 4.5 inches
Battery: Included
Colors: Orange, Pink, Blue
As someone passionate about sustainability, these LCD tablets represent everything I look for in modern classroom gifts. They eliminate paper waste while providing endless drawing opportunities. The 4.5-inch size fits perfectly in little hands, and the included batteries mean they’re ready right out of the box.
I tested these during a 3-hour field trip, and they were absolute lifesavers. Students stayed engaged drawing, writing, and erasing without a single sheet of paper. The lock/unlock feature prevents accidental erasures – something younger students really appreciate.
Parents have told me these tablets become their go-to restaurant and car ride entertainment all summer long. At $1.67 per tablet, they’re an investment in creativity that pays dividends well beyond the classroom.
Quantity: 4,960 stickers
Size: 0.5-0.75 inches
Packaging: 18 sleeves
Themes: Motivational
After trying countless sticker brands over the years, PURPLE LADYBUG remains my go-to for end-of-year gifts. With 4,960 stickers at under $10, the value is unbeatable – that’s less than $0.002 per sticker! The bright, cheerful designs feature stars, encouraging words, and colorful patterns that kids genuinely love.
What makes these special is the perfect size for homework folders and summer journals. I’ve seen parents post photos of these stickers adorning refrigerators and memory books all summer long. The adhesive quality is solid enough to stick but removes cleanly – crucial for avoiding parent complaints.
Pro tip: Create small “summer sticker challenge” sheets where students earn stickers for reading books or practicing math facts. Parents report this single addition transformed summer learning motivation.
Pack: 20 pens
Type: 4-in-1 multicolor
Design: Cartoon characters
Tip: 0.5mm medium
These 4-in-1 multicolor pens hit the sweet spot between fun and functional. Each pen features a cute cartoon character on top and switches between black, blue, red, and green ink with a simple click. After distributing these to my class, I noticed students who typically resisted writing suddenly became enthusiastic about creating colorful stories and notes.
The 0.5mm tips write smoothly without smudging – important for young writers still developing fine motor skills. Customer photos show the vibrant ink colors clearly on paper, and the compact size fits perfectly in small hands. At $0.70 per pen, they’re an investment in summer writing practice.
Pack: 60 pens
Type: 4-in-1 multicolor
Value: $0.37 per pen
Age: 3-10 years
When you need pens for multiple classes or want extras for next year, this 60-pack from HNSYYF delivers unbeatable value at $0.37 per pen. The variety of characters – dinosaurs, owls, hearts, and more – ensures every student finds a favorite. I discovered these when teaching summer school, and they were such a hit that parents requested extras for home use.
The ergonomic grip makes them comfortable for extended writing sessions, perfect for summer journals or creative writing projects. Customer images show the true size – smaller than adult pens but perfectly proportioned for elementary students. The four ink colors encourage students to organize their thoughts and add visual interest to their work.
For teachers looking to reduce plastic waste, these pens last longer than single-color alternatives, making them a more sustainable choice for classroom rewards.
Quantity: 60 bookmarks
Scents: 10 fruit/food styles
Size: 1.8x6.1 inches
Double-sided
These scented bookmarks transformed my students’ summer reading habits. The scratch-and-sniff feature – with fruit scents like strawberry, grape, and orange – adds a sensory element that makes reading more engaging. After giving these out, I received emails from parents saying their normally reluctant readers were eagerly flipping pages just to smell their bookmarks.
Each of the 10 designs comes in a pack of 6, perfect for classroom distribution. The 1.8×6.1 inch size fits chapter books perfectly, and the sturdy paper construction survives summer reading marathons. Customer photos show the vibrant colors and clear scent indicators that help kids choose their favorites.
What impressed me most is how the scents last – I tested one myself and it still smelled sweet after 50+ scratches. This isn’t just a bookmark; it’s a reading companion that makes books irresistible.
Quantity: 60 pieces
Design: Assorted animals
Size: 1x1 inch
Material: Non-toxic rubber
These animal erasers are so much more than desk supplies – they’re mini puzzles that encourage fine motor development and problem-solving. Each of the 60 animals can be taken apart and reassembled, turning a simple gift into an engaging activity. I’ve seen students spend entire recess periods trading pieces and creating new animal combinations.
The variety is impressive – safari animals, sea creatures, bears, and wild animals ensure diverse representation. Customer images show the true scale: perfectly sized for small hands but too small for children under 3. The erasing functionality actually works well, though students often prefer playing with them to using them as intended.
Safety note: keep these away from very young children due to small parts. For grades 1-5, they’re fantastic rewards that combine play with practicality.
Pack: 30 pieces
Type: Mini pop keychain
Size: 1.96x1.96 inches
Material: Silicone
Pop fidgets continue their popularity, and these mini keychain versions are perfectly sized for student gifts. The 1.96-inch square design fits on backpacks, lunchboxes, or belt loops, providing stress relief wherever needed. After handing these out, I noticed anxious students found comfort during transitions, and fidgety kids could quietly engage without disrupting class.
The built-in keychain is a thoughtful touch – no additional hardware needed. Customer photos show the bright colors and satisfying bubble patterns. At $0.25 per fidget, they’re an affordable way to support students’ sensory needs throughout summer activities.
Parents have shared stories of these fidgets helping during car rides, restaurant waits, and even doctor appointments. They’re not just toys; they’re tools for self-regulation that students can use long after leaving your classroom.
Pack: 12 boards
Size: 3.25x4 inches
Feature: Keychain clip
Colors: Assorted
These mini magnetic drawing boards are brilliant for on-the-go creativity. The 3.25×4 inch size makes them perfect for attaching to backpacks via the built-in keychain clip. I’ve seen students create countless drawings during bus rides, waiting in lines, and any time they have a few spare minutes.
The magnetic stylus stays attached with a string (though it can come off – super glue fixes this), and the sliding eraser works smoothly. Customer photos show kids using them everywhere from backseat car rides to restaurant tables. They’re completely mess-free, making them parent-approved for summer travel.
At $1.42 per board, they offer hours of creative entertainment without screens or paper waste. They’re particularly valuable for students who don’t have access to art supplies at home.
Quantity: 24 cards
Size: 4x6 inches
Includes: Envelopes
Designs: 6 unique styles
While this guide focuses on student gifts, sometimes the most meaningful end-of-year gesture is helping students express gratitude. These thank you cards from Hadley Designs provide the perfect template for students to write personal messages to teachers, aides, or school staff who made a difference.
The 4×6 inch size gives students enough space to write meaningful notes without feeling overwhelmed. The six designs rotate through themes of apples, pencils, and school supplies – traditional but charming. After using these with my class, the heartfelt messages brought tears to many staff members’ eyes.
Customer photos show the vibrant colors and thoughtful designs. At $0.42 per card including envelopes, they’re an investment in teaching gratitude and reflection – skills that last far beyond the classroom walls.
Making smart purchasing decisions stretches your budget further while maximizing impact. After years of trial and error, I’ve developed strategies that help you get the most value for every dollar spent.
Your per-student budget changes dramatically with class size. Here’s what I’ve learned from different classroom configurations:
Pro tip: Check with other teachers at your grade level about splitting bulk purchases. I’ve saved 30% by ordering 60-pen sets with colleagues and dividing the cost.
Choosing eco-friendly gifts does more than help the environment – it teaches students about stewardship. Here are my top sustainable picks:
Remember: the most sustainable gift is one students will actually use, not discard. That’s why testing items with your own children or small student groups helps avoid waste.
What works for second graders might not suit fifth graders. Consider these age guidelines:
When in doubt, ask students about their interests. My fifth graders once rejected cartoon stickers but loved motivational quote stickers – a simple adjustment that made all the difference.
Smart storage saves time and prevents damage. I use gallon zip bags for each gift type, labeled with quantity and recipient notes. Distribution works best when you:
Remember: the presentation matters. A simple “You worked hard all year, and this gift represents your growth” adds meaning that transforms a small item into a treasured memory.
Most teachers spend $20-50 total on class gifts, which breaks down to $1-2 per student. The key is value over price – thoughtful $1 gifts often mean more than expensive items. Consider pooling resources with other teachers for bulk discounts.
Always choose non-toxic, hypoallergenic options. Avoid food items unless you know all dietary restrictions. Stick with pencils, stickers, erasers, and books that work for every student. When in doubt, contact parents about specific sensitivities.
Order 3-4 weeks before school ends to account for shipping delays and any issues with incorrect items. Last-minute orders often cost more in rush shipping and limit your options. I learned this the hard way when $200 worth of gifts arrived two days after school ended!
Elementary students generally prefer identical gifts to avoid perceived favoritism. For older students, consider small personalizations like choosing favorite colors or scents. The compromise: give everyone the same type of gift (e.g., all bookmarks) but let them select their preferred design.
Instead of individual gifts, suggest class gifts from parents – a classroom library book, playground equipment, or art supplies signed “From the Class of 2024.” This avoids students comparing whose parents gave more while still allowing parent participation.
Never expect reciprocal gifts from students. Frame your gifts as celebrating their growth, not as an exchange. If students want to give something, suggest handmade cards or drawings – these often become teachers’ most treasured possessions regardless of family income.
After 15 years of teaching and testing countless gift options, I’ve learned that the best end-of-year gifts balance meaning, utility, and sustainability. The scented bookmarks and drawing boards consistently receive the most enthusiastic responses from both students and parents.
Remember that your presence and support throughout the year is the real gift. These tokens simply mark the transition and remind students of their growth. Choose gifts that reflect your classroom values, whether that’s creativity, sustainability, or pure fun – your students will remember the thought behind them long after the items themselves are gone.
