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Kindergarten graduation marks the end of a young child’s first year of school. While there are many milestones to celebrate in a young person’s life, making it through a tumultuous school year on the heels of a global pandemic is one that deserves special recognition. Our kids have proven resilient, caring, and kind over the last year. Let’s make their end-of-year accolades extra special this year by giving meaningful kindergarten graduation gifts.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains middle childhood — between the ages of 6 and 8 — as a time when children begin to see themselves as separate from their families. Children begin to gain a sense of independence as they navigate the world and begin to develop friendships. Physical, social, and mental skills develop rapidly during this age range.
Kindergarten graduation gift ideas for digitally-minded kids
It’s always a good idea to give meaningful kindergarten graduation gifts that are age-appropriate and kid-friendly. When considering what to give the kindergarten graduate, be respectful and ensure that the item you’re intending to purchase is parent-approved.
For example, many parents believe their children shouldn’t have a smartphone. Respect a parent’s wishes on this topic and be sure the kindergarten graduation gifts you give fit their lifestyle. If it doesn’t, it will likely wind up at a thrift shop. So before you run out and buy that top-of-the-line kid’s cell phone, first consult the child’s parents.
1. Consider kid-friendly devices for the rising first grader.
As elementary-aged students get older, they spend more time away from home. Give kids a sense of independence with a smartwatch. GizmoWatch from Verizon lets kids track fitness goals, to-do lists, and events while providing parents with GPS peace of mind.
2. Alexa, teach the kids.
Over the last year, many families found themselves facilitating their children’s learning during the lockdown. Amazon products geared toward kids, like the Amazon Echo Glow, make fun kindergarten graduation gifts. The smart night light works like a regular Amazon Echo but allows kids to adjust the nightlight glow to their color preference.
Give the gift of books
Apart from the educational benefits, children’s literature is a great resource to help kids tackle challenging issues, work through problems and recognize that they aren’t alone in their concerns. For example, books about friendship can make great graduation gifts for girls who may have spent part of the school year dealing with mean girl syndrome challenges.
3. Give the rising first-grader in your life books specific to starting that grade level.
First grade comes with its own batch of challenges and concerns. Any of the following books would make a great graduation gift for girls and boys enter first grade.
- The Night Before First Grade, Natasha Wing
- First Grade Here I Come, D.J. Steinberg
- Princess Posey and the First Grade Parade, Stephanie Greene
- A Pirates Guide to First Grade, James Preller
4. Books that foster a sense of emotional intelligence can help children work through challenging issues.
Maria Salvadore is a consultant for children’s literature and literacy at Reading Rockets. In an interview with the National Children’s Book and Literacy Alliance (NCBLA), she talked about what makes good reading for kids.
“A great book for kids is one that respects the reader, doesn’t try to ‘sell’ a message but contains truth on some level; it provides readers with rich images in either pictures or words — or a combination of both words and images,” Salvadore said. “A great book is one that is as fresh and meaningful to tomorrow’s readers as it is for today’s children.”
- The Boy With Big, Big Feelings, Britney Winn Lee
- Wemberly Worried, Kevin Henkes
- Jabari Jumps, Gaia Cornwall
Screen-free kindergarten graduation gifts: ideas that support body and mind
Some of the best kindergarten graduation gift ideas are ones that get kids away from screens, engaging outdoors, or creating something of their own. The following graduation gifts address the whole child.
5. Encourage outdoor play.
After a year of either hybrid or virtual school, many kids are ready to get outside and get moving. Items like Ninja slacklines, climbing domes, or trampolines are ideal kindergarten graduation gifts to help get the wiggles out.
6. Choose graduation gifts that help provide sensory input.
A sensory sock is a full-body sock that provides deep pressure and proprioceptive movement capabilities for children with sensory challenges.
Terri Smith is a mom of two children, ages 8 and 11, with sensory processing disorder. “As soon as I saw sensory socks in a Facebook ad, I knew that they would be helpful for my family,” she told Mom.com. “My kids sleep in them when they are feeling restless or anxious. They will also wear them during the day for silly play or to help them calm down.”
7. Give kindergarten graduation gifts that incorporate handwork.
Knitting can help ease anxiety in young children and knitting can also help children visualize mathematical concepts. Give knitting and crocheting tools to keep young hands busy and minds occupied.
8. Help children expand their palate.
Often, school lunches are unimaginative and consist of items from the standard American diet. Encourage adventurous eating with a cooking subscription kit to help selective eaters expand their food horizons.
