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: A Collection of Handmade Graduation Gifts and Keepsake Ideas (21–30)
Candy bouquet gift
When it comes to gifts that make kids happy, sweets are a sure bet.
But just handing them over as they are can feel a little underwhelming, don’t you think? How about making a candy bouquet instead? Put the candies into a clear bag so they end up upside down, and insert a straw in the center.
Fold the bag’s corners into triangles and secure them with tape, then gather the bag tightly and tie a ribbon to finish.
If you decorate the bag with flowers or lace, it becomes an even cuter present.
So cute! Herbarium
Herbariums are popular as interior decor.
They’re easy to make—just put parts and oil into a container you like and close the lid—so they’re great for kids’ crafts.
First, cut a clear sheet to fit inside the container and stick on any stickers you like.
Place it in the container, then add the flowers.
Adjust the positions of the sheet and flowers to design the look, and then pour in the oil.
Finish by decorating the container, and you’re done! Try changing the parts and decorations you use to create different kinds of herbariums.
From current preschoolers to graduating kids! A collection of handmade graduation gift and keepsake ideas (31–40)
Handmade card with washi tape garland
Perfect for expressing your feelings! Here are some handmade ideas for message cards.
The main design is a garland made with washi tape.
First, attach pieces of washi tape to a string at equal intervals.
Fold each piece of tape over the string so it sandwiches it, then trim the corners to make a flag shape.
Punch holes in the base card, thread the garland string through, and stick it down at a diagonal.
Add a photo of the child, write their name and your message, and you’re done!
Origami backpack (randoseru)
As a gift for kindergarten graduates, how about making a school backpack (randoseru) out of origami? You’ll create it in parts: the main box (body), the flap, and the shoulder straps.
The body is folded almost the same way as the traditional “yakko-san,” so if you can do the zabuton fold, you should be able to make it.
Make two versions with slight variations and combine them to form a box shape.
For the flap, cut a sheet of origami paper in half, fold the left and right edges to meet at the center, then fold the two bottom corners into triangles—that’s it.
For the shoulder straps, prepare two long, narrow strips made from origami paper.
amulet
Even after they graduate from kindergarten, why not handcraft a charm while wishing for them to always stay cheerful? If they wear a charm gifted by current students, it seems like they’ll have a happy time even after starting elementary school! It’s a simple origami craft, so even small children can enjoy making it.
Choose origami paper with your favorite patterns.
People will be delighted if you place a note with a message or a drawing inside the charm.
You can also add your own twist—use a single sheet, two colors of origami, lace paper, and more—so give it a try!
Pencil holder as a preschool graduation gift
Many preschools likely prepare gifts from current students to those who are graduating.
In that case, how about incorporating a pencil holder craft as a perfect graduation gift? Use paper tubes, empty snack containers, or paper cups, and create a colorful pencil holder by making a torn-paper collage on the surface.
It’s fun to use a variety of papers—construction paper, origami paper, wrapping paper, and tissue paper—since you can enjoy different textures as you tear them.
Decorate the rim with craft felt balls, attach a message card, and it’s complete!
coaster
Coasters that make snack time more fun.
How about handmaking some so that even after graduation, kids can sip juice or tea and reminisce about their kindergarten or nursery school days? You can get all the materials at a 100-yen shop, so it’s easy to try! Apply glue to a wooden coaster and attach tiles of your choice.
Once the glue is completely dry and clear, dissolve powdered cement and fill the gaps between the tiles.
Finally, wipe off any excess cement with a tissue—and you’re done! If you want an even simpler method, you can press tiles into air-dry clay instead.