Lovely handmade crafts

From current students to graduates! A collection of handmade graduation gift and keepsake ideas

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
20 years of experience as a nursery teacher / kindergarten teacherhiyoko sensei
I’m Hiyoko-sensei, a former nursery school teacher from Hyogo Prefecture. Ever since I was five, my dream was to become a childcare worker, and before I knew it, 20 years had passed since I achieved that dream. Through singing and playing with the children, I kept working with the spirit of someone in their twenties, even as I increasingly felt my physical limits year by year (haha). From here on, I’d like to share helpful information carefully and thoughtfully, drawing on my on-site experience.

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)

Photo frame

[Crafts] Perfect for Graduation Season! 3 Easy Gift-Making Ideas Using Only Everyday Materials [Nursery/Kindergarten]

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!

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Sakura Clear Photo Frame

[Graduation Ceremony & Birthday] Sakura Clear Photo Frame 🌸 – Handmade Gift for Nursery/Kindergarten 🎉

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.

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Memo stand

Memo Stand (1) – Easy and Cute with Clips and Air-Dry Clay – Also Works as a Photo Holder ❤︎ DIY/Tutorial/Photo Holder/Memo/Handmade Gift Idea ❤︎ #731

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!

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bookmark

[Easy Craft] A Gift for Kindergarten Graduates! Bookmarks Made with Self-Lamination! [For 2-Year-Olds] (ASMR-Style Video)

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!

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Laminated whiteboard

How to make an instant whiteboard

Laminated whiteboard

Did you ever feel fascinated by chalkboards or whiteboards when you were little? If you loved drawing, even more so—you were probably drawn to the freedom of writing and erasing at will.

A perfect gift for such a child is a handmade whiteboard.

With the method introduced here, you can easily make a “whiteboard” using laminating film.

If you can create a whiteboard that lets you write and erase as if by magic, children’s eyes are sure to light up.

And if you decorate the edges with origami paper or other embellishments, they’ll be even more delighted!

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