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!
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From Current Students to Graduates: Handmade Graduation Gifts and Keepsake Ideas (11–20)
medal
Watching athletes receive medals on TV and other media likely inspires many children.
For those kids, let’s celebrate their preschool graduation with a handmade “medal” gift! All you need are paper cups, a photo to stick in the center of the medal, and a ribbon to hang it around the neck.
By placing a photo of each child in the center, the medal feels even more special! It’s very easy to make, so give it a try.
Handmade stickers
Among the graduates, there may be people who collect various kinds of stickers.
How about giving them handmade stickers that they can add to their collection? Stick one side of double-sided tape onto a piece of parchment paper, then attach an illustration or other design to the other side.
Cover the surface with clear tape to seal it, and cut it out according to the design to complete your handmade sticker.
You can make stickers from all kinds of things, such as hand-drawn illustrations or magazine clippings, so think of something that suits the person you’re giving it to.
piggy bank
How about giving a piggy bank as a gift so they can save the allowance they receive? Having them use it could help them gradually learn the value of money.
First, take something like a plastic bottle and make a slot big enough for coins to go in and an opening to take the money out.
Then cover it with paper clay and add decorations—that’s all it takes to complete the piggy bank.
It’s important to think of a design that suits the recipient, but it might also be fun to incorporate a design that highlights the coin slot.
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.
magnet
Magnets come in all kinds of designs—sweets, bread, animals, and more.
When you spot them while traveling, it’s hard to resist picking some up, right? Let’s make some of those magnets ourselves.
This time, I’ll show you how to make cookie magnets that look just like the real thing.
You’ll need resin clay, paper clay, paint, cookie cutters, cookie stamps, and magnetic sheet stickers.
First, mix the resin clay and paper clay together and tint the mixture with paint.
Next, use the cookie cutters and stamps to form the cookie shapes.
Once they’re fully dry, add a baked look with more paint, and finish by sticking on the magnetic sheet.
It’s easy to do, so you can create your own original magnet set—your friends are sure to love it as a gift!
From Current Students to Graduates: A Collection of Handmade Graduation Gifts and Keepsake Ideas (21–30)
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.
