What Close Reading Tools Are The Best For My Students?
We’ve been talking about HOW to teach close reading. But WHAT close reading tools do you need in your classroom
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As the school year winds down, many of us start thinking about ways to celebrate our students—and say goodbye in a way that feels personal, thoughtful, and fun. End of year gifts for students from teachers don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. In fact, the most memorable gifts are often the ones that feel the most personal.
Whether you’re working with a tight budget or just want something simple that still makes an impact, here are several affordable classroom gift ideas to help you find what works best for your students.
A little personalization goes a long way—and most of these ideas can be done with things you already have in your classroom. These types of end of year gifts for students are perfect when you’re short on time but still want to make each child feel seen.
Personalized Notes or Letters
Take a few minutes to write a short note for each student, highlighting something unique about them. Even a sentence or two can make a lasting impression.
Using our free summer writing paper? It comes with ready-to-print teacher notes—perfect for this!
Sometimes a little something to hold can go a long way—especially when paired with a fun pun. These small, budget-friendly items make great end of year gifts for students, especially when paired with a thoughtful note.
You don’t have to write 20 separate notes—just handwrite one thoughtful message or punny phrase, make photocopies, and tie each one to the gift with a ribbon or piece of twine. It’s quick, it looks great, and it adds a personal touch that makes even the smallest gift feel special.
Here are some ideas:
Each item links directly to Amazon for quick ordering—just click to grab what you need! We use affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you choose to purchase through our links. It’s a simple way to support the site while stocking up on student favorites! Most of these small gifts come in classroom-size packs or bulk sets, so you’ll likely have extras to tuck away for next year’s end-of-year celebration or use throughout the school year.
These ideas create lasting memories for students—without requiring much prep on your part. The end of the year is the perfect time to pause and reflect on everything you’ve experienced together. You’ll be surprised by what they remember: a favorite read-aloud, a math-time joke, or the day the class pet almost escaped. Simple keepsakes, writing reflections, or interactive games give students a chance to revisit those special moments. It’s a meaningful way to bring closure to the year.
Summer Writing Folder
Use our free summer writing paper to help students prep for summer! Have them decorate a folder, add 3–5 prompts, and include a pencil and personal note. It’s both a gift and a gentle transition to summer writing.
Memory Book
Let students reflect on their favorite books, games, class activities, and friendships from the year. You can give them a full booklet or a single “Top 5” list page to keep it simple. These reflections make for a sweet keepsake and a meaningful way to close the year.
Mad Libs or Scavenger Hunt
Add a little laughter to the last few days with an end-of-year Mad Lib or a classroom scavenger hunt. You can customize the prompts with classroom inside jokes, subject-related clues, or seasonal themes. These quick-print activities are a fun way to celebrate together while still keeping the day structured.
Summer Bucket List
Give students a fun, visual list of simple, screen-free summer activities they can try at home. Include ideas like reading under a tree, writing a postcard, or making sidewalk art. It’s a great way to keep the creativity going after the last bell rings.
Summer “Noticing Walk”
Bring clipboards or writing paper and encourage students to write or draw things they see, hear, or feel that remind them summer is coming—like the warm breeze, green grass, or the sound of kids playing.
Looking for a meaningful gift that you’ll actually keep? Try this:
On the second-to-last day of school, lay out a t-shirt on a table and invite students to sign it using fabric markers. Even better if you have a “last day of school” shirt like this one. They can write their names, a short note, or draw a small picture. Wear the shirt proudly on the last day of school—and then save it to add new signatures each year.
It’s a special way to mark each class you’ve taught and creates a one-of-a-kind teacher keepsake you’ll treasure.
These ideas bring your class community together one last time—and give students something to remember each other by. They’re simple to set up but create a strong sense of connection and closure as you wrap up the year with end of year gifts for students that involve the whole group.
Class Playlist or Word Cloud
Invite students to share their favorite classroom songs, phrases, or inside jokes. You can use their picks to create a shared Spotify playlist or make a word cloud poster filled with words that defined your year together—like “line leader,” “field trip,” “Snow Day”, or “You forgot to take attendance.” Print the word cloud as a keepsake or share the playlist link with your students.
Class Compliment Book
Have each student write one kind sentence or note for every classmate. You can guide the process by rotating paper around the room or using pre-made templates. Combine the notes into a small booklet or staple them into a folder—students will leave with a collection of affirmations and positive memories from their peers.
Chalk Goodbye Messages
If your school allows it, grab some sidewalk chalk and write encouraging messages near your classroom door or the school exit—things like “You’re ready for second grade!” or “We’re proud of you!” Let students help write or decorate the messages too. On the last day, they’ll walk over these goodbye notes on their way out—making the moment a little more special without needing a big event.
Whether you’re going big or keeping it simple, these tips will help you pick the right kind of thoughtful gifts for students that match your classroom needs and budget.
Keep It Age-Appropriate
Choose items your students will actually use or enjoy. First graders might love bubbles, bookmarks, or class photos—less so items meant for older kids. Think fun, simple, and suited to their developmental stage.
Check School Policies
Always double-check your school’s guidelines before buying or handing anything out. Some schools have rules about food gifts, latex balloons, or sharing personal items. Knowing the boundaries ahead of time helps avoid last-minute changes or disappointments.
Personal > Expensive
A thoughtful note, a class-made photo booth, or a shared memory will stick with students far longer than anything store-bought. A low-cost gift with a handwritten message or inside joke is often more meaningful than a fancy trinket.
Involve Your Students if You Can
Turn the gift process into a class activity! Let them decorate their own summer folders, create compliment books for each other, or write thank-you cards as part of the celebration. This gives the gift extra meaning and makes the final days feel more collaborative and joyful.
The most important part of any end of year gift for students is the message behind it: You mattered. You grew. I’m proud of you. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to make students feel seen, appreciated, and celebrated.
A simple handwritten note, a photo from a favorite classroom moment, or a personalized printable they can tuck into a memory box will often mean more than a store-bought item. These small, thoughtful touches help students carry your encouragement with them into summer.
What students remember most isn’t the price tag—it’s how their teacher made them feel in those last special days. So whether it’s a compliment book, a goodbye message in chalk, or a DIY summer writing folder, choose what fits your students, your budget, and your heart.
Grab the free Summer Writing Paper—complete with prompts, teacher notes, and pages you can use in class or send home.
If you’re looking for more ways to make the last weeks of school fun, manageable, and survivable, don’t miss these teacher-favorite posts:
End-of-the-Year Countdown Ideas – Turn the final days into something students look forward to with simple countdown activities that keep learning playful and structured.
Simple End-of-the-Year Activities – Quick, low-prep ideas you can use anytime to keep students engaged while winding down your routines.
How to Survive Field Day – Field Day can be fun and stress-free! This post has tips to keep you organized, calm, and ready for all the chaos (and sunscreen).
Each blog is full of practical strategies to help you end the school year—without adding to your plate.
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