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30 Last-Minute Graduation Gifts for Kids
1. Custom Board Book, From $45 at Artifact Uprising
Around the time of graduating, little girls and boys can read simple books on their own. These customizable board books combine personal photos with associated words. Choose pictures of the graduate’s family and friends, and they’ll feel like a true big kid. Custom Board Book, From $45 at Artifact Uprising
5. Custom Name Crayons, From $19.95 at Etsy
One Etsy reviewer said these custom name crayons “are almost too pretty to use,” and though we agree, we think your little second-grader-t0-be will waste no time coloring with them. Custom Name Crayons, From $19.95 at Etsy
6. Last Day of School Ruler Chalkboard, From $39.99 at Etsy
Your child can fill this chalkboard out themselves with all their personal favorites. It then makes an awesome photo prop or decoration for their bedroom. Last Day of School Ruler Chalkboard, From $39.99 at Etsy
7. Personalized Child Memory Keepsake Box, From $29.99 at Personalization Mall
A personalized memory box is a great gift for graduation, as a child can keep adding mementos to it throughout the years. Choose from two sizes and color palettes. Personalized Child Memory Keepsake Box, From $29.99 at Personalization Mall
8. Brave Button, $11.71 at Etsy
Starting a new grade can definitely feel scary, so if your child has a case of the worries, this sweet “brave button” can serve as a reminder that they can handle whatever the day throws at them. It can fit right in their pocket or backpack. Brave Button, $11.71 at Etsy
9. Personalized Moon And Stars Night Light, $29.99 at Etsy
A child still might need a night light around this age, but this fun, personalized version will make sure they still feel like a big kid. Personalized Moon And Stars Night Light, $29.99 at Etsy
10. VTech KidiZoom Camera, $44.82 at Walmart
For the budding photographer, this kid-friendly digital camera (it’s suitable for ages 3-8) comes with a selfie detector, photo effects, collage template, video and voice recording, and four built-in games. It’s also available in pink or blue and is made to be durable. Consider gifting it before the last day of school, so they can snap photos with their friends. VTech KidiZoom Camera, $44.82 at Walmart
11. Nintendo Switch OLED Model With White Joy-Con, $359.99 at Walmart
The Nintendo Switch is recommended starting at seven years old, so the end of the school year is just the right time to finally gift the portable game player. To keep it educational, there are plenty of learning-based games they can load. Nintendo Switch OLED Model With White Joy-Con, $359.99 at Walmart
12. vívofit Jr. 3 Fitness Tracker, $89.99 at Garmin
Here’s an idea for young athletes or techies. Garmin is known for its serious fitness trackers, but they also make a version just for kids. It unlocks interactive adventures and games based on daily activity, and there’s an app that connects to parents’ smartphones where they can also grant rewards. The watch is swim-friendly and the battery lasts for one whole year (yes, you read that right). There are also Star Wars-, Disney- and Marvel-themed watches for kids who are fans. vívofit Jr. 3 Fitness Tracker, $89.99 at Garmin
14. Educational Gift Subscription, From $23.95/Month at Little Passports
Little Passports is a monthly subscription service that sends play-based science and geography kits for children. For ages five to eight, the set is called Science Junior, which hits on science, technology, engineering and math. But don’t think this won’t be an exciting gift. The boxes are so fun, kids won’t even realize they’re educational, too. For example, the first month’s kit is a “scientific expedition to Antarctica,” complete with an activity book, board game, stickers and a toy seal. Educational Gift Subscription, From $23.95/Month at Little Passports
15. School Day Lego Set, $69.99 at Lego
Legos are so much fun for kids that it’s easy to forget how educational they are. This 433-piece school-themed set features everything from a school bus to a bike stop to a little squirrel. Plus, the building has two classrooms that kids can play in with the included seven figures. School Day Lego Set, $69.99 at Lego
16. DIY Slime Kit, $24.95 at Walmart
For some kids these days, there is no such thing as too much slime. This popular kit comes with lots of cool extras like big foam bead balls, glow-in-the-dark glitter slime and a pack of animal-shaped molds. DIY Slime Kit, $24.95 at Walmart
17. Best Choice Products Magnetic Building Blocks, $54.99 at Walmart
This magnetic tile set has a 4.8-star rating and 700 reviews on Walmart. As one commenter said, “This is one of the best toys since Legos.” Adults also love it because it’s great for multiple children of all ages, from preschool to 11 or 12. This set comes with 110 pieces suitable to build a castle or little village, but it can be combined with other magnetic sets to construct an entire city. Best Choice Products Magnetic Building Blocks, $54.99 at Walmart
18. Sun Squad Wood Bean Bag Toss Game Set, $79.99 at Target
School’s out for summer, which means there will be plenty of time spent playing in the backyard. This colorful beanbag toss game works with a whole group of kids or even solo. It’s also lightweight enough to travel to the park or the beach. Sun Squad Wood Bean Bag Toss Game Set, $79.99 at Target
19. Sun Squad Kids’ Croquet Lawn Sports Set, $30 at Target
For a more “sophisticated” backyard game, this kids’ croquet lawn sports set is something different but still fun. Sun Squad Kids’ Croquet Lawn Sports Set, $30 at Target
20. Sun Squad Sleep Bag With Carrying Bag, $25 at Target
Does finishing another school year mean your little one is ready for sleepovers? A colorful sleeping bag will make the experience all the more exciting. Sun Squad Sleep Bag With Carrying Bag, $25 at Target
21. Peace Out First Grade T-Shirt, From $16.99 at Etsy
Kids will feel super stylish in this hip t-shirt, which also would work well for a group photo. Peace Out First Grade T-Shirt, From $16.99 at Etsy
22. School’s Out For Summer T-Shirt, From $13.39 at Etsy
Kids wait all year long for summer vacation. Let them wear this excitement loud and proud with this sunny t-shirt that comes in tons of fun colors. School’s Out For Summer T-Shirt, From $13.39 at Etsy
23. Original Book Pack, $36.95 at L.L.Bean
Remember these backpacks? Of course you do, they’ve been around since 1982! In addition to being nostalgic, L.L.Bean’s backpacks are wonderful for elementary school kids, as they’re super durable and weatherproof and come in a variety of colors and prints. Get bonus points for adding the child’s monogram. The two front zipper compartments and the side water bottle pouch add extra convenience. Original Book Pack, $36.95 at L.L.Bean
24. Rodgers Lunch Box, $48 at STATE
Graduating to the big-kids cafeteria requires a super-cool lunchbox. We love the colorful options at STATE not only for their playful appearance but for their practicality. They’re fully insulated and are roomy enough to fit a standard-size water bottle, a sandwich, a granola bar and a banana. There’s also a velcro detachable divider for organization, as well as a mesh-zippered pocket for silverware. But the best part is the little see-through pocket where mom or dad can leave a note (because even big kids can use a little message from home). Rodgers Lunch Box, $48 at STATE
25. Micro Kickboard Maxi Original 3 Wheel Kick Scooter, $134.99 at Target
Micro Kickboard is one of the highest-rated scooter brands out there, and their Maxi version is popular because the adjustable handlebars are suitable for kids ages 5-12, especially if they’ll be walking to school. The two-year warranty is also a perk. Micro Kickboard Maxi Original 3 Wheel Kick Scooter, $134.99 at Target
26. 20-Inch Small Ethos Bike, $339 at Guardian
If it’s going to be a longer ride to school (or if your child just loves riding around), a bike is such a special gift. Guardian first gained recognition in 2017 when they received an investment from Mark Cuban on Shark Tank, mainly thanks to their SureStop braking system that provides more control and prevents the bike from ever flipping forward. This model is also designed with a kid-specific geometry and is made with a lightweight steel frame. And good news for adults—the setup should take no more than 10 minutes. 20-Inch Small Ethos Bike, $339 at Guardian
27. Sunside Sails Animals Kids Bookcase, $169.99 at Wayfair
Now’s the time kids can really get into their reading, and we just love how unique this rotating bookcase is, with its adorable dolphin cutouts. They’ll feel like they have their own little library when they spin it around. Sunside Sails Animals Kids Bookcase, $169.99 at Wayfair
28. Carolina Craft Play Table, From $279 at Pottery Barn Kids
This craft table will fit with any style of bedroom decor. But what we like best is how you can purchase the special grow-with-you-legs when your child gets too big. It has two drawers to store supplies, an easy-to-clean surface, and it can accommodate a paper roll for easy drawing. And don’t forget to purchase the matching chairs. Carolina Craft Play Table, From $279 at Pottery Barn Kids
29. KidKraft Double-Sided Board Easel, $154.99 at Wayfair
Celebrate the budding artist in your life with a kid-friendly, yet grownup-looking easel. We like that this model comes in white, espresso or natural finishes and that it has a dry-erase surface on one side and a chalkboard on the other. It also includes a paper roll mount, spill-proof paint cups and easy-to-clean plastic supply trays. KidKraft Double-Sided Board Easel, $154.99 at Wayfair
30. Elle’s Belles Bakery Emoji Cookies, $55.95 at Goldbelly
Is there anything kids love more than cookies? Bozeman, Montana-based bakery Elle’s Belles Bakery ships their emoji cream cheese sugar cookies nationwide via Goldbelly, and we bet they’ll make any little one smile. Elle’s Belles Bakery Emoji Cookies, $55.95 at Goldbelly Next Up, The 50 Best Graduation Gift Ideas
