At the End of Preschool Practicum: Simple and Cute Handmade Gifts
As your childcare practicum draws to a close, many of you may be thinking, “I want to give a little present to the children I had such a fun time with.” But during a busy placement, there isn’t much time to carefully decide what to give, is there? So this time, we’re sharing ideas for gifts you can give the children at the end of your practicum.
From message cards and bouquets that convey your feelings directly, to playful toys like spinning tops and pinwheels, and even wearable items like necklaces and rosettes—there are plenty of ideas! Imagine the happy faces of the adorable children and put your heart into making them.
And don’t forget to check with the preschool in advance to make sure it’s okay to give gifts to the children!
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At the End of Nursery Practicum: Simple and Cute Handmade Gifts (11–20)
mini randoseru (mini Japanese school backpack)
A mini school backpack given with the message, “Wishing you a fun elementary school life.” For children about to start first grade, just seeing a randoseru is enough to make their hearts race.
When they see this gift from their teacher, their excitement for elementary school will grow even more.
If you first draw out their thoughts about elementary school—asking questions like, “What would you like to try when you get to school?”—and then include those ideas in the message, it may become an even more memorable present.
clock
Origami is a familiar item in childcare settings as well.
A watch made from origami would make a gift that children are sure to love.
It’s easy for anyone to try, and making lots of them isn’t much trouble.
One sheet of origami paper can be used to create both the strap and the watch face, which is another plus.
Since these will be gifts for kids, you might want to write the numbers on the dial a bit larger.
It’s a cute wristwatch that will make them want to show it off to everyone once they put it on.
windmill
Pinwheels that spin with the power of the wind are great for capturing children’s interest.
Using paper cups, you can easily make them in bulk, making them perfect as end-of-practicum gifts in childcare settings.
Poke a hole in the center of the bottom of a paper cup and cut six evenly spaced slits.
Next, fold each section diagonally at about a 30-degree angle to form the blades.
Finally, insert a toothpick with glue on it through the center hole, slide the top of a straw onto the toothpick, and insert a chopstick into the remaining end of the straw to complete it.
If you draw patterns on the blades or use colored paper cups, they’ll look beautiful when spinning!
Bear message card
This is a bear-shaped message card filled with warm wishes for children.
Fold origami into a bear shape and write your words of gratitude inside.
Even children who can’t read yet may not fully understand the teacher’s message, but the little ears and cute paws of the bear will surely make their eyes light up.
By adjusting how you draw the face and fold the ears, you can transform it into various animals.
It’s also great as a message card to accompany a main gift!
thanks tag
Let’s make thank-you tags using clay.
First, mix two colors of clay to create a marbled pattern.
Once you roll it flat, use a cutter to cut out your favorite shapes.
Next, poke a hole at the top with a straw and press in a cookie stamp.
Then embed your favorite beads, thread a string through the hole, and you’re done! Thank-you tags are usually used as accents for gift wrapping, but they also make great keychains.
You can make them with air-dry clay from the 100-yen shop, so give it a try!
Original kamishibai (paper theater)
How about expressing your memories from your childcare practicum through an original picture-card show (kamishibai)? It makes a wonderful gift for the whole class, so we highly recommend it! Since the visuals take center stage in kamishibai, it’s especially great for those who are good at drawing.
Of course, even if drawing isn’t your strong suit, you can create a kamishibai with a collage style using colored paper and construction paper! A story with a clear beginning, development, twist, and conclusion, as well as a performance style that engages children in communication, are key points.
Try distilling what you learned during your practicum into your kamishibai!
Simple origami medal
Finish it in colorful style and give it to a child! Here’s an idea for a simple origami medal.
When you think of medals, you might use origami or craft paper with a shiny finish, but this time let’s make a cute, colorful, pop-style medal using just origami paper and ribbon.
You’ll need origami paper, ribbon, stickers, and tape.
The design and color combination of the origami can dramatically change the look, so customizing it is lots of fun! Try getting creative with how you attach the ribbon to suit the occasion.
Flower medal made from a single sheet of origami
https://www.tiktok.com/@watako.hoiku/video/7348069306640518418A cute motif like cherry blossoms! Here’s an idea for a flower medal you can make with just one sheet of origami paper.
It’s perfect if you haven’t decided on a medal motif yet—the gentle, floral look is especially charming.
Let’s make an adorable medal using a single sheet of origami.
You’ll need origami paper, rhinestone or other sticker embellishments, scissors, glue, and ribbon.
Try using double-sided colored origami paper to change up the look.
Also, placing a rhinestone or similar sticker in the center of the flower adds a sparkly touch for a special feel—give it a try!
First Star Medal
Let’s give the gift of a sparkling, one-of-a-kind little star! Here’s an idea for a “First Star” medal.
Star motifs often evoke positive images like happiness and hope because of their glittering shine, don’t they? This time, let’s make and give “First Star” medals to children.
You’ll need: star-shaped aluminum cups, a hot glue gun, beads and straws, ribbon, a photo of the child, laminate film, stickers, scissors, tape, double-sided tape, and a stapler.
If you put beads and other bits into the aluminum cup, it makes a fun rattling sound!
Push Pop
You’ll get hooked on pressing and playing! Let me introduce some push pop ideas.
It’s a toy that went viral on social media.
Typically made of silicone, it has small bumps on the surface, and the addictive sensation of pressing them in and popping them out makes it popular with both kids and adults! This time, let’s try making a push pop out of origami! The key point is that you can make it with just one sheet of origami paper.
The steps are simple and easy to follow, so it seems perfect for making one as a small gift for each child in the class you spent time with!