Student Gift Ideas that Are Cheap (or free!) and Easy! ·

Every year I struggled to think of student gift ideas for my kiddos. Partially because I wanted to give them something fun and creative. Also because I didn’t want to give any gifts at all! So if you fall somewhere in between those to ends, this post will be helpful for you!

Text overlay: Student Gift Ideas. Free, Simple, and Intentional.

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. You can read more in my disclosure policy.

I’m not one to want to spend a lot of money on student gifts (or my classroom for that matter). Not because I am mean or selfish…I mean…kind of.

I have a budget for my classroom and I do my best to stick to it. In years past when I didn’t have a line item for school items in my budget, I would go crazy.

Now I am more of the mindset of giving my kids experiences or items that have a purpose. I am past the cute baggies of pencils, candy, and erasers.

Maybe I am wrong, but I don’t think many kids really are that grateful for those things and I don’t want to waste my money (OR TIME!) putting those things together!

Okay…I think I got on my soapbox a little up there. Sorry y’all….

Anyways, this week I have compiled a list of ten things you can give or buy your students (cheaply) for gifts at Christmastime and throughout the year.

Student Gift Ideas

1.Scholastic Books- This is a super easy gift to give, especially if you have credits in your account! I have been able to gift my entire class a book using my points. HELLO FREEEEEE!

2. A Coupon Book– A coupon book is a super easy and super FREE gift to give (especially because Amy Lemons has a freebie for it on her blog!)

3. Homemade Ornament– Making Christmas ornaments serves as a double whammy…it’s a fun activity to do to celebrate the holidays before the break and it serves as a gift to them (and their parents!)

Student gift ideas that are free {or cheap!} to give to your students this holiday season!

4. Mini Notebooks for writing– I have wanted to give little notebooks like these to my kids the last couple of years at the beginning of the school year for a writing tool. But I never have.

This would be a perfect gift to give your students on the day before the break as a way to write little notes about all that they do while they aren’t at school. Then, they can bring them back to use in writing projects for the Spring!

5. Reusable Water Bottles– This is a pricier option for sure. But it is a great “gift” that can be used at school to help keep your kiddos hydrated.

6. Twelve Days of Christmas Countdown Activities- This isn’t as much of a gift as it is a couple week long celebration. You could always pose it to your kids as a “mini gift” you are giving them each day until you leave for Christmas break!

You can do simple things like lunch in the classroom, ten minutes extra recess, watch a Peanuts video, etc.

7. Random Acts of Kindness Challenge– One of the most important things we can “give” our kids is the lesson of giving over receiving. This RAK challenge allows you and your kids to work together to do little kind things over the course of the holiday season.

8. Play Dough– I think this would be a really fun way to incorporate a STEAM project in class on the last day before break and then “SURPRISE!!! You get to take the play dough home!”

These last two are “class gifts” that still cost you money, but it is an investment in your classroom and something you can use year after year.

9. Class set of flashlights– “Flashlight Reading Friday” is a super simple way to include novelty and excitement in your day. They don’t get to take them home or anything, but it is a fun gift they get to use the rest of the year in our classroom.

*updated to add that I DID give my students this for Christmas last year and IT.WAS.A.HIT! My kids LOVED Flashlight Friday. And it was a super easy “gift” that I could “give” them. Best part? Hang on to them for next years Christmas gift…They’ll never know the difference!

10. Class Game- You could gift your class a gift like Jenga, HedBanz, Guess Who or any other fun game. Again, this is something your kids can use throughout the year!

Giving a gift really is not necessary but can be a fun way to celebrate the holidays.

I firmly believe that the kids don’t care whether you give them a gift or not. They just want to know that they are loved and cared for. So take these ideas, make them your own. Give your babies Jesus’ LOVE this Christmas season.

Grab your copy of The Simply Organized Classroom to find ideas and inspiration for creating a warm, welcoming, and organized classroom!