Preschool Graduation Gift Ideas

Although only the closest of friends or relatives would likely give a child a gift celebrating their passage from preschool or kindergarten, you can acknowledge a young child's interests and aptitudes with a simple gift.

The key to giving a nursery school child a graduation gift is to support their curiosity as opposed to trying to mold their future abilities. Give young children the materials to explore their potential. Each of these gifts supports particular interests, so consider where a young child's interests currently exist when selecting from these themed gifts.

Fill an Art Box for an Artistic Child

Fill a plastic lunch box or tackle box with crayons and/or washable markers. Nursery school children lack the dexterity to operate a handheld pencil sharpener, so skip the colored pencils. Include a pad of drawing paper.

For a more elaborate gift, add a pair of child-safe scissors, a washable glue stick, a roll of tape, stickers, and a tray of watercolor paints. Include an acrylic frame with a magnet on the back so the young artist can frame the artwork they'll display on the refrigerator.

Create an Explorer's Pack for the Kid who Loves Nature

Go to a science and nature store, a toy store, or a local nature center and look for a critter collection jar (clear plastic with air holes in the cover) and an inexpensive insect net. Other items a young explorer may enjoy include a magnifying glass (select a plastic one intended for children) and a flashlight. Pack the items in a small backpack.

Fill a Gardener's Bag for the Patient Child

Check out home and garden stores for child-friendly gardening implements. Fill a flat-bottom tote bag with a plastic trowel and cultivator along with a small watering can. Include packages of easy-to-grow seeds such as beans and marigolds.

Pack a Costume Trunk for the Imaginative Child

Go to a party goods store and look for dress up gear. Fill a box with a variety of hats - cowboy hat, construction hat, firefighter's hat, tiara/crown, pirate hat, top hat, baseball cap, etc. Don't worry about including accessories unless that is in your budget. Different hats will allow children to transform themselves into endless roles while they pretend to be grown up.

When possible, help the environment by using a plastic box, backpack, tote bag, etc. as your gift-wrap. While paper will be tossed, a permanent box or bag also creates a special place for a child to return the items in their gift. Add some festive ribbon and look for a nursery school graduation card from the local card store.