Ten Popular Gift Ideas: Preschool and Kindergarten Graduation Gifts

Preschool and kindergarten graduation ceremonies are not only very, very cute, but they also serve a purpose. Graduation symbolizes moving up, and teaches a valuable lesson on hard work paying off. To celebrate the little graduate in your family, consider the following ten preschool or kindergarten graduation gift ideas.

Graduation gifts don't have to be expensive to be special. For that reason, most of these preschool and kindergarten graduation gift ideas cost $20 or less!

Ten Preschool Graduation and Kindergarten Graduation Gifts Ideas

- For kids who are really excited about their graduation from preschool or kindergarten, a shadow box to display their cap is a fun way to preserve a special keepsake. You can buy shadow boxes at craft stores, or retail stores such as Walmart, for around $15-20.

- A framed diploma is also a fun way to celebrate your child's first graduation. Pick up this easy graduation gift for $10 at stores like Kohl's, Target or Walmart.

- Kids love arts and crafts, and kindergarten graduation means summer vacation is just around the corner. Put together a basket of arts and crafts supplies for a hands-on preschool or kindergarten graduation gift, and ensure plenty of fun-filled summer afternoons away from the TV!

- A new outdoor toy or activity is also a great idea for preschool or kindergarten graduates facing a summer full of long, hot days at home. Play sprinklers, shovel sets, baseball bats, soccer balls and water guns are all inexpensive options sure to please the six-and-under set. Scope out your local Toys R Us or Walmart for tons of great outdoor toys and activities under $20.

- What better way to celebrate a scholastic achievement than with the gift of a new book? Pick up your little one's favorite book as an inexpensive, educational and fun kindergarten or preschool graduation gift. Find wonderful children's books at your favorite local shop for $5-$10.

- A new backpack is a great gift idea for preschool and/or kindergarten grads, as they will end up looking forward to the coming school year just so they can show it off to their friends! In the meantime, it will come in handy for summer-time sleepovers and day trips.

- Speaking of trips, a "coupon" for a day of fun can be a great gift for young children! Whether it's redeemable for a trip to the park for a bike ride, the zoo for an afternoon, or to see that movie they've been excited for since the promos began four months ago, give your child the thrill of a day with Mommy or Daddy as the best preschool or kindergarten graduation gift ever! Building memories can cost as much or as little as your budget allows; just get creative!

- Gift cards and cash may seem impersonal gifts, especially for your own child. However, young children enjoy buying things on their own, and learning about money is important at this age. Why not let your child taste independence with a $10 gift card to a favorite store? It will be fun to see what they purchase when given full control!

- A special meal hits the spot for any occasion. Your kindergartner or preschooler will love the customized gift of a special graduation breakfast or dinner, just be sure to include all their favorites!

- Has your child been coveting a certain toy, and you've been telling them they'll just have to wait until Christmas to ask Santa for it? Maybe now is the time for a special surprise!