An Easy (and Cheap) Valentine’s Day Gift Idea for Students
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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and as teachers, finding a Valentine’s Day gift idea for students that they will will actually enjoy can be challenging (especially without spending a ton of money). This year, I’ve decided on an affordable option that know my first graders will not only love but that they can also use as a fidget in the classroom. (Talk about a win-win!!)
Some backstory first: my class this year has a VERY hard time focusing and probably about half of my class has utilized a fidget at some point this year, if not consistently. Squeeze balls, fidget cubes, you name it… I’ve probably seen a student use it this year! One day after school, I found a fidget from my calm-down kit left on the ground. Upon picking it up and messing with it, I discovered I really liked it and found it very satisfying. This satisfying fidget was none other than a marble mesh fidget. (you can find it here)
While brainstorming lately on what to get my students, it eventually struck me that this marble mesh fidget would make an ideal Valentine’s Day gift for students!
Why did I feel these marble mesh fidgets would be a great Valentine’s Day gift idea for students?
- Affordability: As teachers, we’re always mindful of our budgets. I spent WAY too much money in my early years of teaching on things for my classroom and I refuse to do the same anymore!!! These marble mesh fidgets are extremely affordable (I got mine on Amazon) and with 42 per set, it allows me to use the extras in my classroom as needed or save them for next year’s gifts!
- Stress Relief: These fidgets are designed to relieve stress, providing a healthy outlet for nervous energy. Students can discreetly use them at their desks. I especially love that they are small. I’ve found that the squeeze balls my students have been using tend to break or lose the air after not too long (I’ve got some aggressive squeezers!) so this is perfect because it’s a different kind of fidget (and there’s plenty in the set if a student does manage to pull it apart).
- Enhanced Concentration: Like I said already, this year has been very different when it comes to students’ attention spans. I’ve had to try just about anything and everything to keep my students’ attention this year. I have found that the fidgets have helped for most students, so these mesh marble fidgets will make an excellent tool for students who may need a little extra support in staying focused during lessons. Another great feature is that they are silent!!!
- Desirability: My students have LOVED using fidgets this year, and this gift is perfect because now everyone will have one they can use!
The best part about this Valentine’s Day gift idea is it’s super easy to prep for your students! I made a cute tag with a play on words to go with each fidget. I just print a few copies off on cardstock & use a piece of washi tape to secure it. Easy!
To save you some time and to make this Valentine’s Day gift idea for students even better, I’ve made these tags editable and FREE for you! Simply type in your name at the bottom of the tag and you’re all set! (I don’t type students’ names on each tag because we tell students not to address Valentines so that the passing out goes faster). Be sure to grab these tags for free below!
I hope you and your class have a MARBLE-ous Valentine’s Day!
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