The 14 Best Elementary School Graduation Gifts to Make Kids Feel Special

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Three items we recommend for elementary school graduation gifts outlined in pink and displayed on a light grey background

The Spruce / Amelia Manley

Graduating from elementary school is a childhood milestone that calls for a celebration—and a little reward.

We researched dozens of gift options, keeping in mind the interests, needs, and latest trends for kids in this age group. Our top picks include the Literati Book Gift Box, the National Geographic Geodes Kit, and the Harry & David Cake Pop Gift Box.

Here are the best gifts for an elementary school grad.

Literati Book Gift Box

Literati Book Gift Box

Literati

Reading should be both a fundamental skill and a lifelong source of enjoyment. Customizable by age, Literati's box set includes five expert-selected books chosen to fit a central theme. 

The collection for soon-to-be middle schoolers is inspired by the road to wisdom, with titles that will inspire wonder and enlightenment. In addition to the books, the box also includes personalized stickers, a piece of artwork, and a keepsake gift note. 

Not sure about your grad's taste in books? The brand also offers an age-appropriate book club subscription option that includes a mix of new and classic novels and is perfect for avid and advanced readers.

Threadrock 5th Grade Graduation T-Shirt

Dabbing Rainbow Unicorn 5th Grade Graduation Nailed It Youth T-Shirt

Amazon

For a bit of humor, this t-shirt is sure to make everyone, especially your graduate, chuckle. The dabbing unicorn t-shirt is available in pretty much every color, from the typical neutrals like black and gray to vibrant pink, turquoise, and light blue. The 100 percent cotton shirt is great for a single grad, or you can buy a few for their classmates.

National Geographic Break Open Geodes Kit

National Geographic Break Open 10 Premium Geodes Kit

Amazon

Going on an archeological dig isn't usually the most accessible thing, but National Geographic's geode kit is the next best option for nature-loving kids. This set includes ten real geodes, which can range in size from a sizable tennis ball to smaller than a ping pong ball. There's also a magnifying glass, safety goggles, and a 16-page educational guide.

KatchOn Store Penguin Graduation Balloons

KatchOn Store Penguin Graduation Balloons

Amazon

Your elementary school graduate will be flying high when you give them a balloon bouquet. The set includes a 34-inch penguin balloon and two star-shaped balloons with “You did it!” on both sides. Most youngsters might not appreciate an actual bouquet of flowers, but a kid-friendly balloon bouquet is sure to please them.

Shutterfly Photo Gallery Puzzle

Photo Gallery Puzzle

Shutterfly

Puzzles can be a stimulating solo task or even a fun family activity. This photo gallery puzzle from Shutterfly takes the puzzle to the next level. Upload one to nine pics, these can be recent photos of your graduate or your favorite older snapshots, and you've got yourself a personalized puzzle. Choose from 60, 252, 520, or even 1,014 puzzle pieces.

Uncommon Goods National Parks Explorer Map

Uncommon Goods National Parks Explorer Map

Uncommon Goods

This is one bit of wall decor that's sure to foster a love of travel, all while learning about geography. The wall map measures 18 x 24 inches and highlights 61 National Parks in the U.S. The bottom of the map shows the dates each park was established and the set comes with tree stickers, which can be used to mark every park that's been visited.

AILHEIN C8 Wired Headphones with Microphone

AILIHEN C8 (Upgraded) Headphones with Microphone and Volume Control Folding Lightweight Headset for Cellphones Tablets Smartphones Chromebook Laptop...

Amazon

If you've ever purchased headphones or earbuds in the past 10 years, then you know they can be pretty expensive. Instead of spending a few hundred bucks, especially for a kid who might lose them, this set of wired headphones is a great option. Besides the range of colors (almost a dozen options) and crisp sound, the ear covers and band are adjustable for the perfect fit. They're even foldable so the headphones can be stored easily or placed in a backpack.

Uncommon Goods Personalized Earth and Space Nightlight

Uncommon Goods Personalized Earth and Space Nightlight

Uncommon Goods

Whether the little one is afraid of the dark or just has a love for all things space-related, this night light is a fun gift. The light consists of a wooden base and acrylic light that can be personalized with their name. Choose the Earth or rocket design, but either one will look great on a bedside table and the personalization is sure to make a child feel special.

AKASO EK7000 4K Action Camera

sports-action-camera

Courtesy of Amazon

For the youngster who loves adventure, a kid-friendly camera like this is perfect. It's waterproof up to 100 feet, has a wide angle lens, and even a wrist remote control to snap the best shots and video. The 16MP photos come out crisp and this is the perfect companion for any adventurous moments biking, hiking, diving, or more.

Etsy Personalized Graduation Bear

TheGiftChicks Personalized Graduation Bear

Etsy

Whether you’re four or 40, a cute stuffed animal is something anyone can appreciate. This bear is small, just a little over seven inches, but the cuteness and personalized feel is what makes it special. You can add the recipient’s name and graduation year on the bottom of the bear’s feet. Choose a white bear with a pink robe or a brown bear with black robe.

eatsleepdoodle Storybook Pillowcase

Uncommon Goods Color Your Own Fairytale Storybook Pillowcase

Uncommon Goods

Fairytale lovers will absolutely adore this paint-it-yourself pillowcase. The 100 percent cotton case comes with 10 washable markers and kids can fill in the scenes on the pillowcase that features a castle, forest, unicorn, and more. The other side of the pillowcase has space to write and maybe even jot down a story.

Perfectly Logical Challenging Fun Brain Teasers and Logic Puzzles

Perfectly Logical Challenging Fun Brain Teasers and Logic Puzzles

Amazon

Brain teasers, but make them fun. “Perfectly Logical: Challenging Fun Brain Teasers and Logic Puzzles for Smart Kids” has 10 chapters of puzzles that are sure to keep your graduate occupied and their mind stimulated. The activities range from code breakers to Sudoku to logic grids. Let your graduate work on this alone or even join them in solving a few puzzles.

Vancropak Backpack with USB Charging Port

Vancropak Backpack with USB Charging Port

Amazon

Your soon-to-be middle schooler needs a sturdy backpack that’s a bit more grown up, but still extremely functional. Vancropak’s bookbag tops the list with stellar organization and an affordable price tag. The interior has small pockets for items like keys, a laptop sleeve, and there’s even a built in USB charging port. The material is water resistant and the wider straps are designed to better support the back and encourage proper posture.

Educational Insights Artie Max: The Coding Robot

Educational Insights Artie Max The Coding, Drawing Robot, STEM Toy, Classroom Must Haves, Ages 8+

Amazon

Coding may sound intimidating, but this STEM toy actually makes it fun and educational for kids. Artie the robot helps kids take their creativity and turn it into code, using JavaScript, C++, and more. It's easy for kids to drag and drop code and have fun while interacting with the little robot that has an LED mouth and eyes.

What to Look for in an Elementary School Graduation Gift

Interests

While you may opt for a present that celebrates the theme of graduation, be sure to also consider the interests and hobbies of your graduate. This may mean the different between a graduation-themed stuffed animal or T-shirt. Straying away from themed gifts, simply give them something that aligns with their interests to celebrate their accomplishments. These can include art, video games, reading, sports, and more. This ensures that your gift will be loved and used for years to come.

Practicality and Purpose

Other than their interests, consider purchasing a practical gift. This could be something they need for their next phase of school, like a backpack or new pair of sneakers. This guarantees your present is used and appreciated. Or stick to the purpose of the celebration with a themed gift like a necklace with the date of graduation or a congratulatory card with a sweet message inside.

Recommended Age

Toys and games are a great choice for celebrating your graduate's amazing accomplishment. When shopping for toys, considering the recommended age of the product is always pivotal. Be sure to buy something age-appropriate to guarantee your graduate will enjoy it as much as possible. This ensures games won't be too difficult or toys won't be too simple and uninteresting. After you know their age, the options for toy and game presents are limitless.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This roundup was written by Patrice J. Williams. She has contributed gift guides to The Spruce since 2020. In addition to her work for The Spruce, she writes commerce articles, including product suggestions and reviews, for other outlets as well as appearing on air for The Today Show, WEtv, and she was the Savvy Shopper reporter for WPIX in New York City.