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There’s something magical about giving gifts to first graders during the holiday season! Instead of focusing on individual gifts, consider gifts the entire class can enjoy together. Classroom gifts help create a sense of community and excitement that lasts far longer than a single day. Keep reading to learn more about what classroom gifts are, how to make gift-giving meaningful, and 70 great gift ideas for first graders that they are sure to love!
A classroom gift is something that your entire class can enjoy and benefit from for days to come— like a board game, soccer ball, new books, STEM supplies, and more!
Classroom gifts are great for:
While it might be tempting to buy individual gifts for each of your special first graders, classroom gifts are a better option for several reasons:
The trinkets and small toys you’d likely give your students are likely to get lost on the bus or thrown away at home within a couple of days. With classroom gifts, you are investing your hard-earned money into something that will last and be fun for everyone!
Classroom gifts aren’t limited to a single holiday or interest. Regardless of cultural backgrounds or traditions, all students can take part when you give a gift for the entire class to enjoy!
Classroom gifts also help promote a positive classroom community. These gifts encourage students to work together, share, and practice conflict resolution.
When giving classroom gifts, it’s important to be mindful of the cultures and traditions represented among your students. What may seem like a simple gesture to you could carry deep meaning in another culture.
When planning your classroom gift-giving, consider these things:
Be fair when deciding who will open the class gift. Put all of your students’ names in a bowl and randomly choose one lucky person to be the gift-opener!
Another fun way to avoid feelings of unfairness is to over-wrap the gift.
Wrap it with many layers of paper, ribbons, and strings. Have your students sit in a large circle on the floor and play fun music while students take turns unwrapping a portion of the gift. Each time the music stops, the students have to stop unwrapping and pass the gift to the person to their left. Keep going until the gift has been totally revealed!
Understanding your students’ diverse cultures will help you make thoughtful choices about when and how to present gifts.
For example:
In Mexico, gifts are usually wrapped in bright colors. Toys and sweets are common gift choices.
In the Chinese culture, red wrapping paper symbolizes good luck and prosperity. Gifts are usually given with both hands as a sign of respect.
If you choose to give more than one class gift throughout the year, intentionally spread out the fun throughout the year. This takes the focus off of the traditional winter holidays and is considerate of different cultural holidays.
Okay, now that you’ve thought about what class gifts are and how to give them thoughtfully, it’s time to make your purchase!
Think about what areas of your classroom could benefit from additional supplies to make learning more fun and meaningful.
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Outdoor playtime is important, and these playground gifts are great options to help your students stay active while having lots of fun:
Support early literacy skills with any of these engaging class gift options:
EXPERT Teacher tip: Use stuffed reading dogs to make independent reading more fun!
Spark creativity in your classroom with these art-focused activities:
Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills with these STEM resources:
Enhance your morning routine with new supplies for morning tubs:
With any of these gifts, you’ll thank yourself on the next rainy or snowy day that keeps your firsties indoors for recess:
Finally, spruce up your math centers with these gift ideas:
Giving gifts to your favorite first graders doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. By choosing classroom gifts, you are choosing inclusivity in your classroom and building a positive classroom community. Whether it’s through new art supplies, literacy tools, or STEM toys, these gifts will provide your students with job and learning opportunities to last all year long!
Happy gifting!
I’m a teacher who believes in creating a classroom kids love and activities that keep them engaged all day!
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