Lovely handmade crafts

Ideas for handmade gifts for teachers to give at the preschool graduation ceremony

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 for 10 years as a kindergarten teacher and for 7 years as an after-school childcare instructor, then took a post as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I also engaged in activities that shared Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational play, working with many children. Afterwards, through freelance writing, planning, and editing work at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and conveying ideas. Leveraging the perspective cultivated in educational settings and my experience as an editor, I aim to deliver practical information—focusing on fields related to music and children—that values both input and output. Hobbies include instruments, singing, handcrafts, toys, drawing, traditional play, the outdoors, books, DIY, and crafts. Special skill: 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, “I want to give a handmade gift to the teacher who took such good care of my child.” Here, we introduce ideas for handmade gifts to give to kindergarten or nursery school teachers.

From cute pipe-cleaner keychains and practical sacoche bags to mini bouquets you’ll want to display, these are all projects you can enjoy making together with your child.

Create a one-of-a-kind gift filled with gratitude to preserve your memories with the teacher in a wonderful way!

Ideas for Handmade Gifts for Teachers to Give at the Preschool Graduation Ceremony (1–10)

Cake-shaped accessory case

@hoikushisatomi
[Even kids can make it] Cake-like trinket box 🍰Seasonal crafts Childcare ideas Life with children Nursery teacher / Childcare worker #Creative Play Kids will love it Children's Day #crafts #craftkids
♫ Winter Maple Leaves – Sasa.

How about making a cake-shaped trinket box using paper cups, which children often use for crafts? Cut felt to fit the side of the paper cup, then glue on parts that look like whipped cream and fruit to create a cake design, and attach it to the cup to finish.

If you want a lid, cut the paper cup about 2 cm up from the bottom to separate it into a lid and a body.

Close off the drinking rim with construction paper.

If you don’t have felt, you can use construction paper instead—use whichever materials you like.

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Handmade stained-glass-style bookmark

Here’s an easy idea for making beautiful, light-catching bookmarks using transparent origami paper.

First, cut colored construction paper to create the base of the bookmark.

Next, attach a string to the bookmark.

After that, stick on the transparent origami paper, then add any decorative pieces you like.

Finish by securing the back with vinyl tape—and it’s done! If you include children’s handwritten messages or small drawings, it becomes a one-of-a-kind, special gift.

Layering transparent origami paper to create your own original colors is also recommended.

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Non-woven wool coaster

No-knit yarn coaster / No knitting. Wool coaster

Non-woven wool coaster

A “no-knit yarn coaster” you can make with your child is great because all you need is cardboard and yarn.

Use a piece of cardboard measuring 16 cm by 21 cm, cut evenly spaced 1 cm slits along both short edges, and secure chopsticks at the ends.

Take two strands of yarn together and hook them into the slits one by one.

Once all the slits are threaded with yarn horizontally, start adding the vertical strands.

Using something like a flyer as a shuttle, weave the yarn so it alternates over and under the horizontal strands.

When you reach your desired size, tie off both ends and cut the excess.

It’s tricky at first, but becomes easy once you get the hang of it.

How about asking the teacher’s favorite colors and making one in those shades?

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Ideas for Handmade Gifts for Teachers to Give at the Kindergarten Graduation Ceremony (11–20)

lidded tissue box

People with hay fever, you’ll want to see this! I made a stylish, portable tissue case with a lid that you can carry around as a whole — Handmade tutorial video — tissue pouch.

lidded tissue box

A tissue case is a handy item to have when you’re out and about, and it makes a well-received gift.

It’s especially practical for teachers with hay fever or children, since they can use it every day.

The key feature of this tissue case is, above all, its convenient lid.

It’s hygienic, and the inner pocket is a nice bonus! Prepare your favorite fabric, bias tape, a cord, and a lid for wet wipes, then sew it together with a sewing machine.

It will carry the warmth of something handmade and is sure to become a treasured item.

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Beaded keychain

With an unexpected item!? Sparkling autumnal charms made with 100-yen store supplies #handmadeToys #easyCrafts #handmade #atHomePlay #DIY #kidsCrafts #preschoolIdeas #preschoolCrafts

Beaded keychain

Even your teacher will be amazed! Here’s how to make a stylish strap using an air tube and beads.

You can get all the materials at a 100-yen shop.

First, cut a 4 mm diameter air tube to your desired length, then seal one end with a hot glue gun.

Let it sit for a bit until it’s fully dry, and then add beads in your favorite colors.

Once the beads are in, seal the other end with the glue gun and insert the hardware for attaching the strap into the hot glue.

When it’s dry and secure, attach a strap or chain.

Add any charms or parts you like, and you’re done!

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Mini basket bouquet

I tried making this with my 5-year-old! ❣️ [Super easy! 100-yen shop materials] Perfect for graduations, preschool graduations, or a friend’s birthday 📛 The mini basket bouquet 💐 is just too cute 💖 #flowerbouquet #howto #dollarstore #gift

Mini basket bouquet

How about a cute mini basket bouquet as a gift from children to their teacher? You will need a plastic bottle cap, embroidery thread, yarn, decorations, double-sided tape, and wood glue.

First, apply double-sided tape to the bottle cap.

Fold any excess tape inward, then wrap the embroidery thread around about four times so there are no gaps.

Next, stick double-sided tape on the bottom of the cap and continue wrapping the embroidery thread.

Then make the handle: bundle six strands of embroidery thread as one set, take two sets, and braid them.

Attach the handle to the inside with wood glue where you envision it.

Use wood glue to stick stuffing (cotton) inside.

Finally, add decorations and it’s done!

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Herbarium ballpoint pen

[100-yen Herbarium] For beginners! ★ Cool-colored original ballpoint pen — For a present! ★

Herbarium ballpoint pen

Herbariums are easy to make and seem approachable even for children, yet they turn out so cute and lovely.

You can buy a kit at a 100-yen shop to make a herbarium pen, so let’s try making one with that.

Teachers can always use more ballpoint pens, and they’ll likely cherish it while remembering the children.

Just place deco parts and dried flowers sold at 100-yen shops into the pen and secure them with a glittering material called pearl fiber, and it’s complete.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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