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 Students to Graduates: A Collection of Handmade Graduation Gifts and Keepsake Ideas (21–30)

Blooming Thanks! Flower Message Card

https://www.tiktok.com/@roi_mama.asobi/video/7483126400787025170

Let me show you how to make a card that turns into a flower when you open the message section.

First, cut construction paper into a square.

Then fold the square into a triangle twice, and squash the pocketed part to form squares on both sides.

With the corner that will be the center of the paper pointing down, trim off the other three corners so it forms a heart shape.

When you open it, it will look like a flower, so attach a circular center in the middle, write your message, fold it up again, and glue it to a stick to finish.

Raise the rankinglower

sasashina

Report a problem

Cute flower made of sweets and pencils

@roi_mama.asobi
[Snacks × Pencils] This is the perfect gift for graduation from kindergarten or school entrance!#Graduation from kindergarten Enrollment Handmade gift Petit gift #AtHomePlay work Production
♬ A cute pop song with the sound of bubbles(1563452) – sanusagi

Here’s a cute flower made with a pencil and candy.

The best part is that it’s not only adorable—you can eat or use it afterward.

It’s easy, so give it a try! How to make it: Cut a circle out of colored paper and fold it in half three times.

While it’s still folded, cut the outer edge into a petal shape.

Make a hole in the center of one of the pieces.

Stick the candy in the center of the piece without a hole, then tape a pencil to it.

Apply small pieces of double-sided tape around the outside, layer the two pieces of colored paper together, and you’re done.

Raise the rankinglower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

Sparkling star decoration

@chii_1514m
My four-year-old preschooler gave it a try! We made the sparkling star decorations I showed in the last video ☺︎#Production video #Kindergarten #Nursery school wall surface Christmas decorations
♪ Original song – Chi☺︎ – Chi☺︎

Let’s make a sparkling star with stained glass art.

First, create a frame with black construction paper, place it on a sheet of parchment paper so it’s easy to peel off, and apply clear tape.

Prepare pieces of clear cellophane cut into small bits.

After removing the parchment paper, sprinkle and stick the cellophane pieces on top.

And that’s it—the glittering star decoration is complete.

Since it’s transparent and lets light through, it looks beautiful when placed by a window where sunlight comes in.

Give it a try!

Raise the rankinglower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

Milk carton accessory case

https://www.tiktok.com/@buchiko_hoiku/video/7477020881793846535

Here’s an idea for making a small container from a milk carton.

First, cut out the container’s net (template) from the milk carton.

The size is up to you, but it’s recommended to cut it so that one side of the carton becomes the bottom of the container.

Glue rectangular construction paper to both the front and back of the template, then fold along the crease lines to form a box.

Fold the corners so they stick outwards.

Punch holes in the protruding corners and tie a ribbon to finish.

Plain construction paper is fine, but if you paint a colorful design on the outside with paints, you can make use of painting techniques and enjoy an even more engaging craft time.

Raise the rankinglower

sasashina

Report a problem

Just stick and stack! A pen holder made from a clear cup

@an_hoiku_seisaku
Just stick and layer them! It’s simple, but it turns into a piece full of memories 🥹💕#Childcare Crafting #Making Play #GraduationGiftFromKindergarten Graduation crafts (for preschool/kindergarten)Congratulations on your graduation from kindergarten #March production Made in February pencil holder
Nijiiro – Ayaka

How about making a pen holder using clear paper cups? Once kids start elementary school, they use pencils and pens more often, so this would make a gift they’ll love.

First, decorate the outside of a clear paper cup by attaching your choice of parts—such as printed photos, tissue paper, or hearts and stars made from origami paper—to design the pen holder.

When your design is complete, place another clear paper cup inside it and seal the rims together with masking tape, and you’re done.

The see-through look is adorable, and it’s a fun idea you can make with simple materials!

Raise the rankinglower

sasashina

Report a problem