Meaningful Student Gifts for the End of the Year (or anytime)

Our school year is 7 6 5 days away from coming to a close.  There are many to-do lists to complete, shelves to clean, supplies to pack, and (large) stacks of paperwork to file.  I am sure that all my fellow teachers, DREs, and catechists are in a a similar state of busyness.

But a more prominent item on our minds is saying good-bye to our students.  For some it is just a formality, because we will see them around in the parish or school or community.  But for a few kiddos in our classrooms, it might be more serious good-bye due to moves or transfers.

Regardless, the end of a school year signifies an end of a chapter and a change in the relationship you have with these kids that you have spent so much time with over the past year. At the end of the school year, I like to give my students a unique book.  I pick out a story book that can be used to carry a special message to the whole class.  On the inside cover, I write each student a letter that talks about the special meaning of the book, as well as specific encouragement just for them.  It takes a long time to write the letters, but makes the simple story book so much more meaningful, and something that I hope the students treasure.

This year, I will be giving my students all a copy of The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, which is one of my favorite children's books.  (A little note: one way that this is affordable for me to do for a whole classroom is that I save my Scholastic Reading Club bonus points from the year.  If you don't use Scholastic in your classroom, I highly recommend it!)

A couple of years ago, I used the book You are Special by Max Lucado.  In the letter for this book, I included all of the things that I thought were special about each student, but reminded them that they are unique and wonderful because of who God says they are.  It was a perfect book for a tight-knit class that both loved...and challenged...each other just like a set of 29 siblings :).

Last year I used the book The Boy and the Ocean, also by Max Lucado.  The main message of the book (which has lovely illustrations) is that God's love is big, and wide, and never ends.  I thought it was a great reminder for a class that went through a lot of changes and challenges in our year together.

This year's book is not specifically a Christian book, but it has always reminded me of the story of the Prodigal Son. (I actually have an activity about it here!) In the letter in this book, I am going to remind the kids of the power of generosity, and that just like the giving tree, our God loves us so much that He gives and gives and gives, even to the point of completely giving us Himself.  Our response should be like the boy's at the end of the book- to want to be with Him always. 

So, that's what I do at the end of the year.  However, story books and letters might not be the right thing for you.  You might be looking for a birthday gift, or graduation gift, or a thank you, or a First Communion or Confirmation gift.  You might be able to spend $0.99 per kid, or $30 per kid.  I thought I round up a few of my other favorite ideas that can be used for varying ages, budgets, and purposes.

Here's my top ten gift list for kids:

1. a good Bible (that's right for their age/reading level) (like this one or this one) (and super awesome points if you write a message on the inside cover or a slip of paper that you tuck inside.  And get your pastor and other teachers, volunteers, etc. to also write a short message of blessing for the student before you give it to them.)
2. A Catechism of the Catholic Church
3. the YouCat or YouCat Prayer Book
4. a great CD by a Catholic musician (like this one or this one or this one)
5. a Saint medal or Miraculous medal (a couple of favorite sources are this one and this one)
6. Catholic coloring or activity books
7. books on the Saints (this series is one of my favorites for 3rd-6th graders)  ***make sure you keep an eye out for the books you can buy at bulk prices ($2-3 a copy) from Totus Tuus Press and Dynamic Catholic- they have great stuff for both teens and adults.
8. Blessed Rosaries (or Rosary rings, or Rosary bracelets)
9. a crucifix (especially great for a graduate moving into a dorm or apartment)
10. small Saint icon or Mary or other Saint statue (bonus points if you get the patron of your school or parish)

Those are my favorite gifts to give students- what are yours?  I'd love to hear more about the gifts you give your students that are affordable, memorable, and meaningful.

Blessings on the end of your school year!

(oh, and I'm not getting anything out of posting this list- just trying to share some ideas with you that might help you give meaningful gifts in the future.  These items are things that I have all purchased and given to kids and teens over the years.  I hope that these ideas inspire you to find meaningful gifts for the kiddos in your lives!)