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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- Heartwarming surprise ideas that will excite kids at daycare and kindergarten
At the End of the Nursery Practicum: Simple and Cute Handmade Gifts (1–10)
necklace
Necklaces made from familiar materials like straws and aluminum foil are also great as farewell gifts! If you attach colorful straws or aluminum foil colored with markers to yarn to make a necklace, you’ll have a glamorous present.
Kids who are interested in fashion or love pretend play will be especially delighted.
However, since some children aren’t interested in accessories, it’s a good idea to make adjustments so everyone can enjoy the gift—for example, letting them choose between a medal or a necklace.
paper puppet theater
A “paper puppet” (peep-show puppet) is a paper doll made by drawing pictures on two sheets of paper, sandwiching a stick between them, and gluing them back-to-back.
By changing the pictures on the front and back, you can flip it over to transform the character or dramatically change its expression.
If you made some during your practicum, it’s a great idea to give the whole set as a gift to the class.
Laminating them can help keep them in good condition for long-term use.
It would be wonderful if, every time they put on a puppet show and play with them, it reminds them even a little of the time you spent together.
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.
At the End of Nursery Practicum: Simple and Cute Handmade Gifts (11–20)
bracelet
A crown-shaped bracelet made from origami.
The method is very simple: fold and cut the origami, connect the pieces, and when it’s long enough to fit around the children’s wrists, join the ends into a loop.
Choose the perfect patterns while picturing the children’s faces as you make them.
If the kids like origami or crafts, they might want to learn how to make it after receiving this lovely gift from their teacher.
In that case, making one together at the end as a farewell activity could become a wonderful memory.
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!