The holidays are here and it’s time to start thinking about simple gift ideas for parents that your students can make right there in the classroom. When I was in the classroom, I loved this time of the year because the parents genuinely love the hand-made gifts and Christmas crafts that their children make for them in school. They are always a hit!
What can my students make for their parents for Christmas?
If you’re looking for easy homemade gift ideas for parents that your students can create easily in your classroom, you’re in the right place. Here are some of my favorite Christmas or holiday gift ideas for parents.
Handprint art
Pretty much anything with a handprint or a fingerprint is sure to be a hit with parents! Plus, students enjoy getting their hands dirty with paint as they make their creations. You could make handprint Christmas trees, handprint reindeer, handprint Santa, and so much more!
Snow globes with baby food jars
This is a fun and creative way to use recycled materials! Grab some jars, small bottle brush trees (you can usually find them in a pack), and white glitter to create a simple and festive snow globe.
Ornaments
There are endless ways to make ornaments and they always put a smile on parents’ faces. Bonus points if it has a picture of the student on it! These are sentimental gifts that parents will cherish for years to come. I love this Elf craft that includes an elf ornament with the child’s face on it.
Beaded candy canes
Grab some pipe cleaners and red and white beads and make some adorable candy canes!
Painted rocks
Grab some rocks and paint and put those students to work! They can paint Christmas trees, stars, candy canes, Santa, snowmen, and so much more.
Paintings
With just a small canvas and paint, students can create their own festive masterpieces for their parents. Or you can do a step-by-step painting activity with students where you help them paint something simple and festive like a snowflake, Christmas tree, or snowman.
Fingerprint calendar art
This is hands down one of my favorite ways to incorporate fingerprints into a gift for parents. They take time to create but they are so worth it! Plus, it’s a gift parents can enjoy all year long.
Coupon books
These are classic because they are so fun and unique! Allow your students to create coupons to give to their parents as a gift. They can get creative and think of things that their parents will love. This resource includes a bulletin board set for you, a waffle book that students can fill out what they want for Christmas, and coupon books that students can gift to their parents!
Paper Plate Angels
This one is simple if you have just a few supplies! White paper plates, gold pipe cleaners to make a halo, markers for the face and wings, and construction paper or yarn for hair.
Button snowflakes
All you need for this simple gift idea is some popsicle sticks painted or colored blue and some buttons to glue on. Glue on some string if you want to make it an ornament!
Students can make so many things that their parents will love. Have fun with it! This makes the perfect activity to do while you have your holiday party.
What are your favorite student gifts for parents? Let me know in the comments!
Looking for more Christmas activities? Check out my post here to see my favorite Christmas worksheets!