The 14 Best Elementary School Graduation Gifts to Make Kids Feel Special (2024)

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The 14 Best Elementary School Graduation Gifts to Make Kids Feel Special (1)

Graduating from elementary school is a childhood milestone that calls for a celebration—and a little reward.

We researched dozens of gift options, keeping in mind the interests, needs, and latest trends for kids in this age group. Our top picks include theLiterati Book Gift Box, the National Geographic Geodes Kit, and the Harry & David Cake Pop Gift Box.

Here are the best gifts for an elementary school grad.

In This Article

  • Our Picks

  • What to Look for

  • Why Trust The Spruce

Reading should be both a fundamental skill and a lifelong source of enjoyment. Customizable by age, Literati's box set includes five expert-selected books chosen to fit a central theme.

The collection for soon-to-be middle schoolers is inspired by the road to wisdom, with titles that will inspire wonder and enlightenment. In addition to the books, the box also includes personalized stickers, a piece of artwork, and a keepsake gift note.

Not sure about your grad's taste in books? The brand also offers an age-appropriate book club subscription option that includes a mix of new and classic novels and is perfect for avid and advanced readers.

Threadrock 5th Grade Graduation T-Shirt

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For a bit of humor, this t-shirt is sure to make everyone, especially your graduate, chuckle. The dabbing unicorn t-shirt is available in pretty much every color, from the typical neutrals like black and gray to vibrant pink, turquoise, and light blue. The 100 percent cotton shirt is great for a single grad, or you can buy a few for their classmates.

National Geographic Break Open Geodes Kit

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Going on an archeological dig isn't usually the most accessible thing, but National Geographic's geode kit is the next best option for nature-loving kids. This set includes ten real geodes, which can range in size from a sizable tennis ball to smaller than a ping pong ball. There's also a magnifying glass, safety goggles, and a 16-page educational guide.

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KatchOn Store Penguin Graduation Balloons

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Your elementary school graduate will be flying high when you give them a balloon bouquet. The set includes a 34-inch penguin balloon and two star-shaped balloons with “You did it!” on both sides. Most youngsters might not appreciate an actual bouquet of flowers, but a kid-friendly balloon bouquet is sure to please them.

Shutterfly Photo Gallery Puzzle

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Puzzles can be a stimulating solo task or even a fun family activity. This photo gallery puzzle from Shutterfly takes the puzzle to the next level. Upload one to nine pics, these can be recent photos of your graduate or your favorite older snapshots, and you've got yourself a personalized puzzle. Choose from 60, 252, 520, or even 1,014 puzzle pieces.

Uncommon Goods National Parks Explorer Map

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This is one bit of wall decor that's sure to foster a love of travel, all while learning about geography. The wall map measures 18 x 24 inches and highlights 61 National Parks in the U.S. The bottom of the map shows the dates each park was established and the set comes with tree stickers, which can be used to mark every park that's been visited.

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AILHEIN C8 Wired Headphones with Microphone

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If you've ever purchased headphones or earbuds in the past 10 years, then you know they can be pretty expensive. Instead of spending a few hundred bucks, especially for a kid who might lose them, this set of wired headphones is a great option. Besides the range of colors (almost a dozen options) and crisp sound, the ear covers and band are adjustable for the perfect fit. They're even foldable so the headphones can be stored easily or placed in a backpack.

Uncommon Goods Personalized Earth and Space Nightlight

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Whether the little one is afraid of the dark or just has a love for all things space-related, this night light is a fun gift. The light consists of a wooden base and acrylic light that can be personalized with their name. Choose the Earth or rocket design, but either one will look great on a bedside table and the personalization is sure to make a child feel special.

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AKASO EK7000 4K Action Camera

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For the youngster who loves adventure, a kid-friendly camera like this is perfect. It's waterproof up to 100 feet, has a wide angle lens, and even a wrist remote control to snap the best shots and video. The 16MP photos come out crisp and this is the perfect companion for any adventurous moments biking, hiking, diving, or more.

Etsy Personalized Graduation Bear

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Whether you’re four or 40, a cute stuffed animal is something anyone can appreciate. This bear is small, just a little over seven inches, but the cuteness and personalized feel is what makes it special. You can add the recipient’s name and graduation year on the bottom of the bear’s feet. Choose a white bear with a pink robe or a brown bear with black robe.

Fairytale lovers will absolutely adore this paint-it-yourself pillowcase. The 100 percent cotton case comes with 10 washable markers and kids can fill in the scenes on the pillowcase that features a castle, forest, unicorn, and more. The other side of the pillowcase has space to write and maybe even jot down a story.

Perfectly Logical Challenging Fun Brain Teasers and Logic Puzzles

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Brain teasers, but make them fun. “Perfectly Logical: Challenging Fun Brain Teasers and Logic Puzzles for Smart Kids” has 10 chapters of puzzles that are sure to keep your graduate occupied and their mind stimulated. The activities range from code breakers to Sudoku to logic grids. Let your graduate work on this alone or even join them in solving a few puzzles.

Vancropak Backpack with USB Charging Port

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Your soon-to-be middle schooler needs a sturdy backpack that’s a bit more grown up, but still extremely functional. Vancropak’s bookbag tops the list with stellar organization and an affordable price tag. The interior has small pockets for items like keys, a laptop sleeve, and there’s even a built in USB charging port. The material is water resistant and the wider straps are designed to better support the back and encourage proper posture.

Educational Insights Artie Max: The Coding Robot

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Coding may sound intimidating, but this STEM toy actually makes it fun and educational for kids. Artie the robot helps kids take their creativity and turn it into code, using JavaScript, C++, and more. It's easy for kids to drag and drop code and have fun while interacting with the little robot that has an LED mouth and eyes.

What to Look for in an Elementary School Graduation Gift

Interests

While you may opt for a present that celebrates the theme of graduation, be sure to also consider the interests and hobbies of your graduate. This may mean the different between a graduation-themed stuffed animal or T-shirt. Straying away from themed gifts, simply give them something that aligns with their interests to celebrate their accomplishments. These can include art, video games, reading, sports, and more. This ensures that your gift will be loved and used for years to come.

Practicality and Purpose

Other than their interests, consider purchasing a practical gift. This could be something they need for their next phase of school, like a backpack or new pair of sneakers. This guarantees your present is used and appreciated. Or stick to the purpose of the celebration with a themed gift like a necklace with the date of graduation or a congratulatory card with a sweet message inside.

Recommended Age

Toys and games are a great choice for celebrating your graduate's amazing accomplishment. When shopping for toys, considering the recommended age of the product is always pivotal. Be sure to buy something age-appropriate to guarantee your graduate will enjoy it as much as possible. This ensures games won't be too difficult or toys won't be too simple and uninteresting. After you know their age, the options for toy and game presents are limitless.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This roundup was written by Patrice J. Williams. She has contributed gift guides to The Spruce since 2020. In addition to her work for The Spruce, she writes commerce articles, including product suggestions and reviews, for other outlets as well as appearing on air for The Today Show, WEtv, and she was the Savvy Shopper reporter for WPIX in New York City.

The 14 Best Elementary School Graduation Gifts to Make Kids Feel Special (2024)

FAQs

Do you give a gift for elementary school graduation? ›

Much like middle school graduation gifts, elementary school is around $15 to $30 and the same rules apply. It's a small monetary gift, but still a very nice acknowledgment.

What should parents give as a graduation gift? ›

A college graduation is a major milestone, so you may want to mark this occasion with a piece of real jewelry for your child. Gift ideas for parents like a subtle gold necklace, handsome ID bracelet, fashionable wristwatch, or a set of pearl earrings are all elegant gift ideas that can be worn on job interviews.

What to get your kid for graduation? ›

Books that motivate

Your student may not want to look at another book for a while, but a thoughtful piece of literature can be a great gift. Although we owe Dr. Seuss so much, maybe skip Oh, The Places You'll Go this year. Think of books that have helped or influenced your own life.

Do you give a gift for 5th grade graduation? ›

Celebrate this important milestone and show the 10-year-old in your life how proud you are of them with a thoughtful gift. We know that gift-giving can be stressful, but our picks are bound to put a smile on their face.

What is it called when you graduate from elementary school? ›

Whether you call it graduation day, moving up day, or recognition day, this is a day to honor and celebrate your students moving on to middle school. Many school districts try and make this day special by holding graduation ceremonies to celebrate their students' accomplishments.

What do you bring to a 5th grade graduation? ›

  • Literati Book Gift Box. ...
  • Threadrock 5th Grade Graduation T-Shirt. ...
  • National Geographic Break Open Geodes Kit. ...
  • KatchOn Store Penguin Graduation Balloons. ...
  • Shutterfly Photo Gallery Puzzle. ...
  • Uncommon Goods National Parks Explorer Map. ...
  • AILHEIN C8 Wired Headphones with Microphone. ...
  • Uncommon Goods Personalized Earth and Space Nightlight.
Mar 28, 2022

What do you say to a 5th grader graduating? ›

Warmest congratulations on your graduation.” “Congratulations on your graduation and best wishes for your next adventure!” “So happy to share in the excitement of your graduation day, and so very proud of you, too!” “Prayers and blessings on your graduation and for your future.”

What does 5th grade need? ›

The goal of a fifth grade education is to have your children capable of writing and using punctuation on their own, reading on their own, using the four math operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, using basic algebraic functions and more.

Is $1 000 a good graduation gift? ›

According to this piece, financial planners say the gift should be equal to approximately one month's rent or mortgage payment, somewhere around $1,000. The article said parents should give their children between $1,000 and $5,000 when they graduate from college.

What is a traditional gift for graduation? ›

While some parents splurge on a car or computer, many choose less elaborate, but still meaningful, gifts to commemorate the day. Jewelry (often engraved with the date), books, cash or stock certificates, luggage, a camera, or graduation rings are all presents the graduate will appreciate in the years ahead.

What does a mother wear to a graduation? ›

If your child's graduation ceremony is during the day, keep your look light and airy. Opt for a dress in a pastel hue or with floral detailing. If the event is being held in the evening, go for something a little more formal—think: a black dress with heels.

Is $25 enough for a graduation gift? ›

Co-worker: $20 - $30. Close friend or sibling: $25-$75. Niece, Nephew, Grandkid: : $50- $100.

Do you give gifts for kindergarten graduation? ›

Kindergarten graduation is an exciting accomplishment for a young child. It's the first of many educational milestones to come, and one that is definitely worth celebrating. One way you can show the kiddo in your life just how proud you are about them moving on to first grade is with a fun (and thoughtful!) gift.

How much do you give a friends kid for graduation? ›

Close friend: If a good friend is graduating, a $50 to $100 gift is a good choice. Acquaintance or co-worker: Spend less for someone you don't know quite as well. A good range is $30 to $75.

What is etiquette for graduation gifts? ›

While some parents splurge on a car or computer, many choose less elaborate, but still meaningful, gifts to commemorate the day. Jewelry (often engraved with the date), books, cash or stock certificates, luggage, a camera, or graduation rings are all presents the graduate will appreciate in the years ahead.

Is it appropriate to give money as a graduation gift? ›

More than any other graduation present, cash will help set your graduate on a steadier and quicker path to full financial independence and stability. And that's a gift they'll likely appreciate long after the occasion's pomp and circ*mstance has died down.

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