Lovely handmade crafts

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

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

Last updated:2025/12/23

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)

Bouquet of pipe cleaners

[With Kids] Handmade Gift: Pipe Cleaner Flower Bouquet 💐 Thank You, Teacher • Thank-You Party • Graduation Ceremony • Cute Handmade • Easier Than Origami • Pipe Cleaner Bear • Pipe Cleaner Doll • Elementary School Crafts • Kindergarten • Nursery School • 100-Yen Shop DIY • Craft

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Randoseru supply box

As a preschool graduation memento: a schoolbag-shaped toolbox made from a milk carton

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Thank-you pendant

Craft gift for graduation and special people 🌸: Thank You & Congratulations Pendant

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!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Popup card

Perfect for graduation and enrollment gifts♪ How to make a popup card (March edition)

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!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Sitting accessory case

[Gift Craft] Let’s make a “Sitting Trinket Holder” ♪ Write a message and give it as a present, too! [For 5-year-olds]

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!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem