Holiday Gifts for Students – To Gift or Not to Gift?
Click here to watch the YOUTUBE version of this post.
Welcome to our yearlong series on Classroom Management by Design for Primary Teachers. Each week we will give you a new piece to the classroom management puzzle to have in place when you need it this school year. Think of it as a Lego kit just waiting to be built.
Classroom Management by Design for Primary Teachers: Holiday Gifts for Students – To Gift or Not to Gift?
Introduction
The holiday season often prompts teachers to consider whether to give gifts to their students. While giving can be a meaningful gesture, many teachers wonder if it's necessary, what types of gifts are appropriate, and how they can simplify the process. This session will address these questions, helping teachers make thoughtful, practical decisions that suit their values, budget, and time.
1. Is Giving Holiday Gifts to Students Necessary?
Giving holiday gifts is a personal choice, not a requirement. Here are some considerations to help decide if it's right for you and your classroom:
Cultural Sensitivity: Not all students celebrate the same holidays, so gifts should be inclusive and avoid symbols tied to specific traditions.
Financial Realities: Recognize that giving gifts shouldn’t create a financial burden for you. Your presence, encouragement, and care throughout the year mean far more to students than any material item.
Building Classroom Community: For many teachers, small holiday gifts are a way to show students appreciation and build a positive classroom culture. If giving fits with your classroom values, it can be a warm way to end the semester.
Alternative Approach: If giving gifts doesn’t feel feasible, consider organizing a holiday-themed activity or making time for students to exchange kind words or notes with each other. This alternative creates a warm atmosphere without the pressure of gift-giving.
2. What Types of Gifts are Appropriate?
If you decide to give gifts, simplicity and inclusivity are key. Here are some ideas that are meaningful, appropriate, and inexpensive:
a) Books and Personalized Bookmarks
Books can be a wonderful gift that promotes literacy and aligns with classroom values. Consider choosing a book that suits your students’ age range or a specific classroom favorite. Adding a personalized bookmark with a note from you makes the gift extra special.
Example: Choose a book like The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, which encourages self-acceptance, and include a note explaining why you think it’s meaningful.
b) Stationery or Art Supplies
Pencils, crayons, and mini-notebooks are functional and fun gifts that students can use in the classroom. Adding a festive ribbon or a personalized sticker with each child’s name can make these items feel more special.
Example: Pair a fun pencil with a small notebook for each student, encouraging them to use it as a “winter journal” for break.
c) Certificates or Recognition Awards
Create personalized “certificates of appreciation” for each student, highlighting one or two positive qualities you’ve observed. Recognizing students for their unique strengths can be an incredibly meaningful and memorable gift.
Example: “Certificate of Creativity” or “Friendship Award” for students who contribute positively to the classroom environment. Handwritten notes make these certificates feel especially personal.
d) Class Coupons
Coupons are free, and kids love them! Create simple coupons that students can redeem for special privileges, such as “Extra Reading Time” or “Sit by a Friend for a Day.” These can add excitement and are a fun way for students to look forward to the next semester.
Example: Offer a “Homework Pass” or “Teacher Helper for a Day” coupon, and print or handwrite these in a festive format.
e) Simple Snacks or Treats (if Allowed)
If your school allows food gifts, individually wrapped treats can be a festive choice. To keep it inclusive, avoid specific holiday-themed items and choose universally popular snacks like popcorn, fruit snacks, or granola bars.
Example: Decorate a small bag of popcorn or trail mix with a note saying, “Thanks for making this semester a blast!”
3. How to Make Gift-Giving Simple and Stress-Free
The key to successful, stress-free holiday gift-giving is preparation and personalization within your comfort zone. Here’s how to approach it efficiently:
a) Set a Modest Budget
Decide on a budget and stick to it, choosing items that are meaningful but affordable. Remember that small, thoughtful gifts can be just as impactful as more elaborate items. If a budget is limited, handmade or DIY options work just as well.
b) Batching and Personalization
Consider batching your gifts to save time. For example, create all personalized bookmarks or class coupons in one sitting. Adding a brief, handwritten message on each gift, even if it’s just “Happy Holidays from [Your Name],” brings a touch of personalization without extra effort.
c) Organize a Gift-Making Activity with Students
If you’re pressed for time or resources, involve students in a gift-making activity, like crafting holiday cards or making a class banner. This doubles as a fun, festive class project that engages students and keeps them excited.
Example Activity: Have students create holiday cards for one another, decorating and writing positive messages. This approach encourages kindness and inclusivity while saving on costs.
d) Consider Digital Gifts
For a more modern touch, consider sending a digital holiday message or e-certificate that students can view at home. If you use a classroom communication app, you could share a holiday video or interactive quiz for students to enjoy over the break.
4. Alternative Ways to Celebrate Without Gifts
If holiday gifts don’t feel necessary or feasible, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate and create a sense of holiday joy in the classroom. Here are some low-cost, inclusive ideas:
a) Classroom Celebration with Games
Organize a “Holiday Party” where students can participate in fun activities like a winter-themed bingo or scavenger hunt. This makes for a memorable day without the need for individual gifts.
b) Holiday Read-Aloud and Pajama Day
Invite students to wear their pajamas, bring a favorite book, and join in for a cozy, end-of-year reading session. This creates a relaxing, enjoyable classroom environment while celebrating the holiday season.
c) Gratitude Circle
Host a gratitude circle where students share one thing they appreciate about the class or each other. This reinforces positivity and helps students connect on a deeper level.
d) Kindness Challenge
Create a “12 Days of Kindness” challenge where students try to complete small acts of kindness each day leading up to the holidays. Recognize their efforts with small acknowledgments, such as stickers or extra reading time.
Conclusion: Making Holiday Gifts Meaningful and Manageable
Holiday gift-giving in the classroom is entirely optional, and it’s important to remember that it’s the thought that counts. Whether you choose to give simple gifts, organize a classroom activity, or skip gifts altogether, your students will feel valued through your presence and encouragement. Focus on creating a warm, inclusive environment that celebrates the joy of learning and the connections built throughout the semester.
By taking a thoughtful and manageable approach to holiday gifts, teachers can enjoy the season without added stress, keeping the focus on kindness, gratitude, and community-building in the classroom.
GUESS WHAT'S COMING...
We are going to be opening the doors to the Lesson Plan Toolbox: Mastering Classroom Management for the Primary Teacher Membership (with LIFETIME access) in January 2025!🤩
We cannot wait to begin helping even more teachers reach success on their classroom management journey!
Be on the lookout to register for the wait list starting next week:)
DID YOU KNOW…
Did you know I organize a FREE Facebook Group for Mastering Classroom Management? We are gearing up for our school year quarter sessions, so if you’re looking for a simple way to improve your classroom management join the already 200+ teachers that have signed up: Mastering Classroom Management Facebook Group
Your ebook GIFT: Empowering Primary Teachers: Effectively Manage Disruptive and Violent Behaviors in the Classroom
FINALLY…
If you enjoyed the tips in this post, you might also enjoy this series of videos Classroom Management by Design for Primary Teachers:
The Power of Gratitude in the Classroom (Year Round!)
Reframing the Subconscious Mind: A Primary Teacher's Guide to Personal and Classroom Transformation
Nurturing the Multi-Sensory Abilities of Primary Students
Mastering Parent-Teacher Conferences
The Power of Silence: A Step-By-Step Approach to Incorporating Silence in Your Classroom
The Power of Silence in the Classroom
The Power of Your Words in the Classroom
Don’t forget to follow us over on Instagram!
Teach~Relax~Repeat
Lauren
