Kindergarten graduation marks the end of a young child’s first year of school. While there are many milestones to celebrate in a young person’s life, making it through a tumultuous school year on the heels of a global pandemic is one that deserves special recognition. Our kids have proven resilient, caring, and kind over the last year. Let’s make their end-of-year accolades extra special this year by giving meaningful kindergarten graduation gifts.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains middle childhood — between the ages of 6 and 8 — as a time when children begin to see themselves as separate from their families. Children begin to gain a sense of independence as they navigate the world and begin to develop friendships. Physical, social, and mental skills develop rapidly during this age range.
Kindergarten graduation gift ideas for digitally-minded kids
Screen-free kindergarten graduation gifts: ideas that support body and mind
Some of the best kindergarten graduation gift ideas are ones that get kids away from screens, engaging outdoors, or creating something of their own. The following graduation gifts address the whole child.
5. Encourage outdoor play.
After a year of either hybrid or virtual school, many kids are ready to get outside and get moving. Items like Ninja slacklines, climbing domes, or trampolines are ideal kindergarten graduation gifts to help get the wiggles out.
6. Choose graduation gifts that help provide sensory input.
A sensory sock is a full-body sock that provides deep pressure and proprioceptive movement capabilities for children with sensory challenges.
Terri Smith is a mom of two children, ages 8 and 11, with sensory processing disorder. “As soon as I saw sensory socks in a Facebook ad, I knew that they would be helpful for my family,” she told Mom.com. “My kids sleep in them when they are feeling restless or anxious. They will also wear them during the day for silly play or to help them calm down.”
7. Give kindergarten graduation gifts that incorporate handwork.
Knitting can help ease anxiety in young children and knitting can also help children visualize mathematical concepts. Give knitting and crocheting tools to keep young hands busy and minds occupied.
8. Help children expand their palate.
Often, school lunches are unimaginative and consist of items from the standard American diet. Encourage adventurous eating with a cooking subscription kit to help selective eaters expand their food horizons.
