Heartwarming surprise ideas that will excite kids at daycare and kindergarten
Surprises can really move your emotions—your heart races with the unusual, out-of-the-ordinary experience, and you feel warmth as someone’s feelings come through directly.
One of the charms of a surprise is that not only the person receiving it enjoys it, but the person planning it can have fun too, wondering, “How will they react?”
You might be thinking, “What should we do?” if you want to plan a surprise—something loved by both adults and children—for a nursery school or kindergarten event.
So this time, we’re introducing touching surprise ideas that will excite everyone at kindergartens and nursery schools.
Find the perfect idea to match the recipient and situation—whether it’s the children, parents, or teachers.
Let’s create impactful moments that stay in the heart!
Emotional surprise ideas that will excite kids at daycare and kindergarten (1–10)
Sketchbook Relay
A sketchbook relay is a type of video where people hold up a sketchbook with heartfelt messages or illustrations to express their feelings.
The key is to make it look like the sketchbook is being passed along in various ways.
For example, slide it across the screen from one side to the other as if handing it over, or lift it straight up so the next person appears to receive it from below.
Adding these movements makes the video vivid and engaging.
Sparkling Surprise Box
For teachers and children alike, a “surprise box” is a surefire way to get everyone excited.
In English it’s called a jack-in-the-box, and the classic version features a doll springing out of the box.
A “sparkly surprise box” that uses glittery paper combines two kinds of delight: the surprise of something popping out and the beauty of the sparkle! It’s great to make them together during craft time.
For birthday parties and the like, a surprise box that pops out candy or ramune tablets would be a hit, too.
It might even be fun to have a teacher dressed as a clown jump out of a big box!
A Song Gift for the Teachers
Of course, receiving a present is delightful because you get something, but what truly makes me happy is the thought behind it.
A surprise gift of a song for the teachers and custodial staff who’ve looked after you will surely make them happy! It doesn’t have to be a solemn song or one specifically about farewell—when children sing their hearts out, that alone is enough to bring joy.
If you’re unsure what to choose, I recommend two songs: Kaori Ui’s “Sensei Arigatou ~For the Thank-You Party~” and Peekaboo & Naoko Yoshida’s “Arigatou, Sayonara.”
Graduation movie from the children
A popular and moving surprise is a graduation movie! You can show the children’s growth so far with a slideshow of photos, or choose a theme like “Memories from daycare” and have each child share a comment—it’s up to you what to include.
It does take time for advance filming and editing, but videos can be shared, so you can watch them again after the ceremony and keep the memories alive.
Create a wonderful graduation movie packed with all those special moments.
Handmade flower clock
You can make a beautiful floral clock using items from a 100-yen shop.
Once you have a small box, simply keep placing a clock and artificial flowers into it.
There’s no need for glue or anything else—it’s very easy—so please consider it as a gift for teachers who helped with events like graduation ceremonies.
It would also be lovely to include a message card inside.
flash mob
Videos of flash mobs filmed at weddings and proposals never fail to move me, no matter which one I watch.
Everyone comes together to create and accomplish something as one, and above all, the smiles of the people participating in the flash mob are dazzling.
How about organizing a flash mob by gathering parents to show appreciation to the teachers who have helped us? It would surely make a wonderful memory.
Dancers, guitar players, people in costumes—having a variety of participants will make it even more exciting.
Bring your own strengths and contribute together.
Graduation ceremony preparation video
https://www.tiktok.com/@omiyamichinoko/video/7481897673709096210This is a video following the teachers as they prepare for the graduation ceremony.
Watching them work so hard—practicing the piano accompaniment, making decorations to brighten the children’s lapels, checking the diplomas and the flow of the event—fills your heart, knowing they’re doing it all to make the children’s send-off truly special.
Surely not only for the graduation, but day in and day out, the children have been supported by the teachers’ dedication and care.
Seeing this side of the teachers, which we don’t usually get to see, is a touching surprise that deepens our gratitude.