Student birthday gifts from teachers don’t have to break your budget or fill the cabinet with tons of knickknacks. Classroom birthday traditions can be small and simple while still being sweet and unique for each kid.
Whether you teach kindergarten or fifth grade, these picks are here to help you make the birthday kid’s day extra special.
I’ve organized the gifts by types and there are real products to choose from. Of course, if you enjoy splurging on your students, be sure to check out these end of year gift ideas for kids too.
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Why bother with student birthday gifts?
If the student comes to class on their birthday, they’re spending at least a third of their special day with their friends and you. So, ensuring they feel loved and cared for will certainly add to the excitement of their day.
And, it’ll probably create a core memory that they will think about for years.
Of course, feelings matter more than the actual gift or its cost. Most kids are happy with tiny tokens, simple goodie bags, and a happy birthday song that’s sung just to them. It doesn’t have to be much to be a lovely occasion.
Here are a couple things to think about when planning student birthday gifts:
- budget: decide on the cost you want to spend per kid. Decorations can be reused often but the items for each kid should have a consistent cost.
- ritual: decide on the tradition you want to do with the student and the class. Gifting a birthday crown, a cute pencil and sticker, and having the class sing happy birthday before teaching actually starts can be great. Or maybe you can do it before lunch.
- bulk buying: what can you buy in bulk that has assorted options for each student? This can save a ton!
- storage space: assign a small shoebox or plastic bin to store all the gifts and classroom decorations. This will keep things tidy and organized.
- plan for out-of-school birthdays: for summer, winter and weekend birthdays, plan an activity to celebrate those students too. Send them home with a goodie bag they can open on their special day and have a hearty, classroom birthday song before school is out.
Student birthday gifts
1. Paper birthday crowns
Paper birthday crowns are a great way to make the kids feel special. Buy them in bulk so you have one for each student in class. This set allows you to bedazzle the crowns too and they’re great for little boys and girls.
2. Reusable crown
For a more comfy and eco-conscious option, consider getting a couple reusable, washable, cotton crowns. It may not be a gift to take home, but these crowns are super soft, can be worn all day, and come with Velcro numbers so you can switch out the birthday age for the next kid that uses it. They’re also reversible and come in a bunch of colors.
3. Birthday sash
Birthday sashes are also reusable, classroom accessories that won’t go home with the student. But, they are more comfy than crowns, easy to slip over a t-shirt, instantly photogenic, and reusable for every kid in the class all year long.
4. Happy birthday pins
Here’s another accessory you can consider reusing. Happy birthday pins are great for the birthday kid. And, this set comes with birthday squad pins for all the other students so they are sure to feel included and part of the celebrations. But, they are pins so they may be more suited for older kids.
5. Happy birthday stickers
If you are worried about the pins for the younger kids, happy birthday stickers are a better option. You can buy a whole bunch and gift them to the kids to add to their tshirt or bag. And, this roll can last for a couple of years.
6. Waterproof birthday stickers
For larger, waterproof stickers, these are adorable and perfect for older kids and pre-teens. They are glittery with options suited for boys and girls.
7. Books
This is my favorite student birthday gift ideas. I still remember books I got as a child. I loved them all! And, I’m sure your students would love the books you choose for them too. ‘Happy Birthday to You!‘ by Dr. Seuss is a great choice.
8. Birthday bubbles
A small bubble bottle with a “blow out the wishes” tag is a fun, thoughtful gift that works for every age. It’s small, budget-friendly and fun.
9. Slime
Slime is a wonderful, sensory gift that works great for birthday presents. You can package them with a couple beads, mini slime charms and sweet birthday tags.
10. Cute erasers
Adorable erasers are practical, photogenic and perfect as classroom birthday gifts for students. They are also pretty budget friendly.
11. Cups with stationery
Kids absolutely love stationery from mini notebooks to cute pens and stickers so, of course, they’ll appreciate this wonderful birthday gift. It comes with pencils, pens, stickers, erasers, sharpeners, and mini notebooks all with a cup and ribbon to keep everything in. It’s fun and economical.
12. Temporary tattoos
Small birthday-themed temporary tattoos are sure to make the student feel extra special and excited. They’re the kind of gift a young six-year-old will show off to their classmates for an entire afternoon and happily model them for their parents at pickup. It’s a light and inexpensive treat.
13. Pencil toppers
For an even more budget-friendly birthday gift for students, get on the pencil toppers trend. They are adorable and are sure to encourage the birthday boy or girl during class.
14. Pencil erasers
For a more practical pencil topper, get your students some pencil erasers. There are so many cute ones out there and they can use it during class for the rest of the year.
15. Goldfish crackers
For snack-friendly schools, get a big box of individually-packaged Goldfish crackers. Gift one to the birthday kid with the tag saying “You’re oh-fish-ally [insert their age].” It’s sure to make them smile!
16. Squishy toys
A soft, squishy toy is perfect for kids that enjoy sensory, squishy gifts. They are great to admire and fidget with. Let the kids choose their favorites on their special day.
17. Crayola twistables
Do you know of any kids that would say no to more crayons? I can’t think of any! These ensure there won’t be any broken crayons on their birthday!
18. Birthday slap bracelets
A birthday-themed slap bracelet is a fun way to say it’s your birthday without being over the top. For a really unique slap bracelet, consider getting white, blank ones that you can write on and add some stickers too.
19. Happy birthday pencils
Simple, easy, and doesn’t take much effort, these happy birthday pencils are practical, budget-friendly gifts. It’s not much but it’s still sweet.
20. Special day bookmarks
Another small but sweet gift, these birthday-themed bookmarks are perfect for avid readers. Attach a lovely note to the bookmarks for extra magic!
21. Everything in one gift
If you have the budget to get a bunch of gifts, this is a great option. It comes with fingerboards, fidget spinners, slap bracelets, squishies and so much more. You can group a couple together and give as student gifts.
Hopefully, you’ve found some great student birthday gifts with these ideas. Remember, the kids just appreciate the gift. You can take it up a notch by adding some ribbons and maybe even a balloon or two as well!
Have fun gifting students and, for more ideas, check out these: end of year student gifts.
