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[Graduation Commemorative Gifts] Handmade Presents That Kids Will Love! A Collection of Easy-to-Make Ideas

Many people may be thinking of giving a heartfelt, handmade keepsake to mark the special milestone of preschool graduation.

There are many ideas for graduation mementos, such as clay pendants, photo frames that are fun to decorate, and handkerchiefs with names embroidered on them.

In this guide, we’ll share lots of handmade graduation gift ideas that kids will love.

From simple projects you can make easily to ones you can take your time with, we’ve got a wide range—feel free to use them as inspiration!

[Graduation Commemorative Gifts] Handmade Presents Kids Will Love! A Collection of Easy-to-Make Ideas (21–30)

A school pops out! Message card

[Entrance Ceremony] Pop-up School! Cherry Blossom Entrance Celebration Message Card
A school pops out! Message card

Once the kindergarten graduation ceremony is over, they’ll be first graders from spring.

So how about incorporating school-themed motifs into the graduation certificate to envision a bright future? This idea uses a pop-up, making it perfect for a spread-style graduation certificate.

To ease any anxiety about the new school environment, adorn the area around the school with festive cherry blossoms, and finish it with a bright, gentle feel.

The pop-up mechanism is simple—just add a few folds to construction paper.

Handmade washi preschool graduation certificate

Handmade washi used for graduation certificates at Lalala Kodomoen in Kiryu, Gunma Prefecture
Handmade washi preschool graduation certificate

Making washi involves softening the fibers by boiling the bark of the source trees and pounding it with sticks, then whitening the color with bleach before breaking it down into pulp.

Next, a tool called a sugeta is used to form the mixture into flat sheets of paper.

It takes time and effort to produce even a single sheet of washi, which is precisely why it’s a perfect material for a commemorative preschool graduation certificate.

Once the washi is ready, decorate it with parts made from construction paper or similar materials to create a certificate that’s uniquely your own.

Every time you look at the graduation certificate, you’ll be reminded of the wonderful time everyone had making washi together.

[Graduation Keepsakes] Handmade gifts that kids will love! A collection of easy-to-make ideas (31–40)

Message card with a hot air balloon and balloons

[Birthday] How to Make a Birthday Card with Hot Air Balloons and Balloons
Message card with a hot air balloon and balloons

Hot-air balloons floating in the blue sky evoke a bright future and a spirit of adventure.

Isn’t that the perfect motif for children graduating from kindergarten and heading to the new world of elementary school? In this idea, when you open a fold-out card, a three-dimensional balloon pops up in the center.

The envelope of the balloon is made by gluing together circles cut from construction paper, and it’s connected to the basket with twine.

Using colorful circular pieces for the envelope makes it more vibrant and will put the children in a joyful mood.

You can also write a message on the basket!

Bouquet and heart-shaped message card

[Graduation/Celebration] How to Make a Pop-Up Bouquet and Heart Message Card
Bouquet and heart-shaped message card

There are two types of kindergarten graduation certificates: the rolled type that goes into a tube and the booklet type that opens flat.

If you’re making the booklet style, how about incorporating this pop-out bouquet idea? It’s easy to make—just fold a paper bouquet made from colored construction paper in half and glue it to the base.

When you open the certificate, it’ll feel like you’re receiving a bouquet too, creating a bright and joyful experience.

Add some heart-shaped message cards around it to give it an extra special touch!

Congratulations, Rosetta!

Attaching rosettes to the children’s outfits for the graduation ceremony will make the occasion even more festive.

It’s recommended to use ribbons in the class color or in the children’s favorite colors when making the rosettes.

Writing the graduation date and a message on the back can make them feel even more special as keepsakes.

It’s a good idea to prepare enough materials for the number of children early and proceed after confirming the steps.

Including the children’s photos in the center of the rosettes is also recommended.

knapsack

A personalized drawstring bag with a name would be practical and likely very popular for field trips or as a PE clothes bag.

Nylon fabric is resistant to dirt and rain, making it perfect for PE bags and drawstring sacks.

Considering use in elementary school, A4 size might be a good choice.

There are various options for adding the name—embroidery, printing, patches—but it’s recommended to choose a method that’s durable through washing so it can be kept as a memento.

It might be even more appreciated if you give it together with a message card or a portrait drawing.

Personalized keychain

When children start elementary school, they have more belongings to keep track of.

How about making personalized keychains as a graduation gift? You can go with classic designs like vehicles or animals, or even use memorable photos.

You can find all the materials for handmade keychains at 100-yen shops, so it’s easy to try at a low cost.

Come up with a design that will delight the kids and become a keepsake of their graduation, and give it a try!