When you’re a teacher, finding the right birthday gifts for your students can feel like a small but meaningful way to make their day special. You’re probably searching because you want to find something thoughtful, fun, and affordable—something that shows you care without breaking your routine or your budget. It’s not always easy to strike that balance, especially when you have many students to celebrate throughout the year.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of simple, cheerful student birthday gift ideas from teachers. Whether you’re looking for individual gifts or something easy to stock up on for the whole class, these options can help make each student feel seen and valued on their special day.
Student Birthday Gifts From Teacher
1. Jolly Rancher Hard Candy Bag
Brighten a student’s birthday with a big, shareable win. This 2-pound Jolly Rancher bag packs about 360 individually wrapped pieces in classic fruit flavors—cherry, grape, lemon, lime, orange, and more—so you can celebrate the birthday kid and still have plenty for classmates. The resealable bag keeps treats fresh for later, and the candies are kosher certified. Simple, colorful, and classroom-friendly—sweet moments made easy for you and unforgettable for them.
2. Tic Tac Toe Board Game
Switch up birthday rewards with a quick brain break. This pocket-size Tic Tac Toe set is lightweight, waterproof, and easy to sanitize—perfect for your desk prize bin or a rainy-day classroom game. The colorful Xs and Os boost color and shape recognition while encouraging friendly competition and turn-taking. Slip it into a birthday bag, or let the celebrant challenge a friend after lunch. Simple, screen-free fun they’ll actually use.
3. Slap Bracelets
Add a burst of fun to a student’s special day with these bright, snap-on slap bracelets. With 288 pieces in 36 playful designs—think unicorns, mermaids, silly faces, hearts, and bold patterns—there’s something every classmate will love. Safe, easy to wear, and endlessly shareable, they make perfect birthday handouts or prize box treasures. A simple “slap” and it’s on—instant joy for the birthday kid and their friends.
4. Stickers
Make a birthday student feel extra special with these adorable animal-themed temporary tattoos. With 102 unique designs—from jungle creatures to farm friends to sea animals—there’s no chance of repeats. They’re safe for skin, waterproof, and last 2–3 days, so the fun keeps going even after the party. Easy to apply and remove, they’re a perfect classroom-friendly treat that lets kids wear their celebration proudly.
5. Lanyards for ID Badge Holder
Give a birthday gift that’s both fun and functional with this lanyard and badge holder set. Perfect for keeping a student’s school ID or bus pass safe, each set includes three soft, comfortable lanyards and three clear, durable holders with a resealable zipper to protect cards from damage. Ideal for school days, field trips, and events, it’s a thoughtful present they’ll use long after the celebration.
6. Birthday Crowns
Make a birthday student feel like royalty with these colorful paper crowns. Featuring six festive designs—complete with balloons, cakes, and cheerful “Happy Birthday” messages—these crowns are perfect for making the birthday child stand out. Sturdy yet comfortable, they fit both kids and adults, so even classmates can join the fun. A simple, joyful way to create lasting memories and bring extra sparkle to their special day.
7. Rainbow Scratch Paper
Bring a splash of magic to a student’s birthday with this rainbow scratch paper set. With 50 sheets and matching wooden styluses, kids can reveal vibrant rainbow colors hidden beneath the black surface—perfect for doodles, cards, or fun notes to friends. Safe, mess-free, and endlessly creative, it’s a gift that keeps little hands busy and imaginations bright, making their special day even more colorful.
8. Mini Plush Animal Toys
Delight a birthday student with this set of 32 adorable mini plush animals, each with its own bright colors and sweet face—no duplicates! At just 2.5–3 inches, they’re the perfect size for little hands and come with handy chains for clipping onto backpacks, keys, or pencil cases. Soft, safe, and full of personality, these tiny friends make a memorable gift and are great for sharing with classmates.
9. Coloring Books
Give the birthday student a gift that sparks creativity and curiosity with this animal-themed coloring book. Packed with over 60 beautifully illustrated pages—from lions on the savannah to penguins in the Arctic—it’s a journey through the animal kingdom they can color their way through. Fun facts add learning to the mix, and single-sided pages make coloring easy and mess-free. A relaxing, imaginative treat they’ll enjoy long after the party.
10. Coloring Crayons
Make a birthday student’s day brighter with this Crayola Twistables crayon set. With 50 vibrant mini crayons, they can dive into coloring without the hassle of peeling or sharpening. Perfect for little hands, these durable, mess-free crayons come in a portable case—ideal for classroom projects, travel, or at-home creativity. A fun, practical gift that inspires imagination while keeping things neat and easy for both kids and teachers.
11. Adorable Multicolor Pens
Bring a smile to a birthday student’s face with these adorable 4-in-1 multicolor pens. Featuring 40 fun designs—fruits, animals, snacks, and more—each pen lets kids switch between four vibrant ink colors with ease. Perfectly sized for small hands, they’re comfortable to use and make writing extra fun. A cheerful, practical gift that’s great for classroom activities and a sweet reminder of their special day.
12. Squishy Toys
Surprise a birthday student with this set of 24 adorable animal squishy toys, featuring elephants, rabbits, cows, and more in bright, cheerful colors. Soft and slow-rising, they’re fun to squeeze, calming for busy hands, and great for relieving stress. Perfectly sized for little hands, they also help with coordination and imaginative play. A cute, tactile gift that’s just as enjoyable in the classroom as it is at home.
13. Play Doh
Brighten a student’s birthday with this colorful Play-Doh set, perfect for sparking creativity in the classroom or at home. With 10 vibrant 2-ounce cans—ranging from classic red and blue to playful teal and pink—kids can build, mix, and shape their own creations. Whether they’re new to Play-Doh or need a fresh refill, it’s a hands-on, imaginative gift that turns any celebration into a creative adventure.
14. Balloon Animal Erasers
Add a playful twist to a birthday student’s school supplies with these balloon animal erasers. Shaped like poodles, giraffes, elephants, unicorns, monkeys, and dachshunds, they’re as fun to collect as they are to use. With 24 erasers in bright colors like red, blue, green, and pink, they make homework a little more cheerful. A cute, practical gift that’s perfect for both the classroom and their pencil case.
15. Origami Paper
Encourage creativity on a student’s birthday with this set of 200 sheets of colorful origami paper. With 20 bright, double-sided colors, each 6×6-inch sheet folds easily and holds crisp creases without tearing—perfect for beginners and classroom projects. Safe and odor-free, it’s ideal for teaching origami, making decorations, or just enjoying a quiet creative break. A thoughtful gift that turns paper into endless possibilities.
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