From current students to graduates! A collection of handmade graduation gift and keepsake ideas
As graduation season approaches, many people start thinking, “We want to give heartfelt gifts from the current students to the graduating class.” If possible, you’d love to deliver something special that the children make with their own hands.
In this article, we introduce handmade gift ideas you can create using familiar materials like milk cartons and origami paper.
We’ve gathered a wide range—from easy projects to slightly more elaborate designs—so choose the ones that suit the children’s ages and your school’s policies!
From Current Preschoolers to Graduates! A Collection of Handmade Graduation Gifts & Keepsake Ideas (1–10)
Bouquet of pipe cleaners
How about making pipe-cleaner flower bouquets as graduation gifts for preschool or kindergarten? Simply bundle and twist the pipe cleaners, loop them to form petals, and secure them by threading through a stem to create a colorful bouquet.
The method is simple, so children can enjoy making them.
The finished pieces will be memorable gifts for friends who are graduating, and presenting them on the day of the ceremony will surely create a warm, lasting memory.
Randoseru supply box
How about giving a “schoolbag-style toolbox” as a graduation gift to get kids excited about starting elementary school? A toolbox is something they can keep using even after they graduate.
If it’s a toolbox lovingly made by current students, it becomes a memorable keepsake and something they’ll enjoy using every day! To make the backpack portion, connect parts cut symmetrically from milk cartons.
The key is to fasten them securely when joining.
Next, connect the remaining milk cartons to create the backpack flap.
Finally, make the belt/strap, attach colored construction paper of your choice, and you’re done! It also looks stylish if you customize it by using different colors for the flap and the body.
Thank-you pendant
Here’s an easily customizable “thank-you pendant” idea.
First, prepare a photo of the person you want to give it to, cut it into a circle, and laminate it.
Next, use clay to make an outer frame and shape it into a pendant.
Finally, embed beads or beach glass in the frame, and once it dries, it’s done.
Instead of a photo, you could laminate a portrait drawing or a piece of paper with a message—both would be lovely.
Think about what you’d like to laminate and give!
Popup card
A popup card that makes the recipient feel warm and cared for.
It’s always exciting to see their surprised and moved expression when they open the card, isn’t it? This popup card, perfect for kindergarten graduation, looks like a bouquet springs out.
The mechanism is simple, so you can enjoy making it together with your child.
Cutting and gluing crafts are so much fun! Just by changing the flower colors and types, or the color of the card, the whole mood can change completely—so have fun customizing it!
Sitting accessory case
A handmade gift from current preschoolers to graduates! Here’s how to make a “Sitting Accessory Holder.” You’ll need: a face photo, a paper carton with double-sided tape applied, construction paper for the back, pre-creased construction paper, pom-poms, string, and decorations.
First, cut a milk carton to about half its height.
Leave the panel that will be the back a bit longer.
Attach colored construction paper to fit the carton using double-sided tape, then punch holes in the sides and front of the carton.
Make four pom-poms with strings attached.
Trim the face photo to fit the back of the carton, stick it on with double-sided tape, and thread the pom-pom strings through the holes.
Add decorations, and it’s done!
Photo frame
When your child goes to kindergarten or daycare, you end up with lots of wonderful photos from various events.
Choose your favorites and place them in a handmade photo frame as a graduation keepsake.
The materials you’ll need are cardboard and yarn.
Prepare two pieces of cardboard: one solid rectangular base and one frame with the center cut out.
To make it, first wrap yarn around the cardboard frame as much as you like.
Once you’re done wrapping, glue the frame onto the base.
Be sure not to apply glue along the top edge so you can slide the photo in later.
After the glue dries, it’s complete!
Sakura Clear Photo Frame
Let’s make a cherry blossom photo frame using laminate film and straws.
First, cut the laminate film to your preferred size, stick cherry blossom shapes cut from origami onto the adhesive side, and press them down to avoid trapping air bubbles.
Next, frame the edges with straws of your choice, and attach a pocket to insert the photo—then you’re done.
A single straw isn’t strong enough, so use two straws for the top and bottom.
Finally, attach a string to the back for hanging to finish it off.
Memo stand
It might become an important message board within your family from now on.
Let’s try making a handmade “memo stand” where you can tuck in small notes.
The materials are air-dry clay and a paper clip.
First, straighten one end of the paper clip.
Next, use air-dry clay in your favorite color to make the base.
Mixing colors can look beautiful too! Then insert the straightened part of the paper clip into the clay.
Let it dry, and finish by brushing on some diluted white glue for a glossy look.
It’s done! Depending on how you use it, it can even serve as a photo stand.
When your child starts elementary school, your daily rhythm may change.
At times like that, this will definitely come in handy!
bookmark
A great gift for someone that they can keep using even after starting elementary school is a bookmark.
If you have laminating film, anyone can easily make their own original bookmark.
You can also sandwich anything you like in the laminating film—as long as it isn’t too thick—such as photos, sequins, or stickers.
Insert your favorite items and create a bookmark that’s uniquely yours.
Once children enter elementary school, they’ll have more chances to read, like during reading time.
With a handmade bookmark, both kids who love books and those who don’t are sure to look forward to reading time!
balloon flower
As a springtime gift, balloon flowers are highly recommended.
Place colorful flowers inside a clear balloon and inflate it.
It’s great to use artificial flowers or handmade ones that children create.
Putting the flowers into the balloon can be tricky, but if you stretch the balloon over the mouth of a wide-mouthed plastic bottle to hold it open, children can insert the flowers more easily.
Make sure an adult helps with this part.
The finished balloon flower is vibrant and makes a wonderful gift, perfect for commemorating graduation.