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 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.
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!
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.
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!
Sakura pen holder
A handmade pen holder gift from the current kindergarteners to the graduates! Materials: a plastic bottle, wooden sticks, double-sided tape, vinyl or masking tape, tissue paper flowers, lace stickers, colored construction paper, and glue.
First, cut the plastic bottle so it’s just a little shorter than the sticks.
Wrap tape around the cut edge.
After applying double-sided tape to the bottle, attach the sticks all around it.
Next, cut tissue paper into cherry blossom petal shapes and glue the petals onto the sticks.
Add lace stickers on top, then make a class name tag with colored paper.
Stick the name tag onto the pen holder, and it’s complete!
Small accessory box made from a milk carton
https://www.tiktok.com/@buchiko_hoiku/video/7337953617057451266A handmade trinket box gift made from milk cartons: from current kindergarteners to graduating children! Infants, please make finger stamps.
What you need: milk cartons, paint, construction paper, and ribbon.
First, cut open the milk carton and trim it into the shape of a small container.
Next, create swipe art using paint and the milk carton.
Put your favorite colors of paint on the construction paper and slide the milk carton across it.
Once it dries, attach it to the inside surface, then glue your preferred color of construction paper to the back, and fold it into the shape of a small container.
Punch holes in the corners, thread the ribbon through, tie it, and you’re done!