After a year of learning their letters and numbers and making new friends, the little one in your life is graduating from preschool.
Moving on to kindergarten is a big deal for a young grad and a milestone that should be celebrated. It’s important you show them just how proud you are, whether it's with a big party or a preschool graduation gift.
Gifts under $25 | Under $50 | Under $100
Preschool graduation gifts under $25
Disney Books World of Reading: Alice’s Wonderland Bakery
Let your preschooler fall into Wonderland with this World of Reading story set.
"Meet Alice" follows the great-granddaughter of the main character from the original "Alice in Wonderland." These stories are based on the Disney series "Alice's Wonderland Bakery," following Alice's adventures in the kitchen, catering mad tea parties and so much more.
Banzai Magical Mermaid Dolls
If your little one loves mermaids, they’re bound to love these dolls that can swim with them at the pool or during bath time.
Cat & Jack Hair Twisters
These hair ties will come in handy during recess, after gym class or for simply adding a pop of color when pulling hair back when it gets in the way.
“Kindergarten, Here I Come!," by D.J. Steinberg
Help your little graduate get ready for kindergarten by adding this fun book to their summer reading list. This picture book takes the reader through special moments like sitting criss-cross applesauce and having many different best friends over the course of the day in the form of short poems.
"Oh, the Places You'll Go!," by Dr. Seuss
There's nothing more classic than a Dr. Seuss book, and this is truly a great one for them to read before they venture off to elementary school. If you want to go the extra mile, you can even have their teachers sign the book each year all the way through high school graduation.
Bluey 5-Minute Stories
Bluey is a fan favorite among preschoolers right now! Put a remix on their adventures with this multistory book they can read before bed.
Commerce vice president Jen Birkhofer says her child loves this book and suggests gifting graduates with a book bundle including these stories.
Cyanotype Paper Sun Print Paper Kit
If your grad loves all things artistic, this cyanotype paper lets you take the art outside. Commerce senior vice president Ashley Parrish recommends this activity for summer when the sun is bright. Make it a family activity by picking out flowers or plants to make the print with, and then watch as the magic happens.
“Find Out About: Kindness,” by Mandy Archer
You’re never too young to learn how to be kind to others. This lift-the-flap book by Mandy Archer teaches your future kindergartener how to show care and appreciation to others.
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars
Any little grad who loves to explore their environment will adore these “kidnoculars” from Educational Insights. With a pair of these kid-friendly magnifying binoculars, your little one can see the backyard, park or wherever their post-preschool adventures take them next with new eyes.
“The Queen of Kindergarten,” by Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Is your little one nervous about swapping schools? Help instill some confidence with this picture book that helps to explain to children that confidence is something that can be tapped into thanks to their friendliness, ability to help others and what recess games they’re good at.
“This is a great book, especially for the first couple of months of kindergarten. My students love it and it helps them to see themselves in a positive leadership role,” said one reviewer.
Tara Toys Disney Princess Necklace Activity Set
This princess necklace activity set is a great way to get your child’s creativity flowing. They can mix and match the colorful beads and character charms to create new pieces of jewelry whenever they please and everything stores neatly inside the reusable carrying case. This set also comes in other themes like Trolls, Frozen, Barbie, My Little Pony and more.
“Henry and the Something New,” by Jenn Bailey
If they’re nervous about moving on to kindergarten, introduce them to Henry! His stories of overcoming the fear of new things is sure to comfort them and hopefully even get them excited for this new adventure.
Kinrex Graduation Plush Teddy Bear
What preschooler wouldn’t love to receive a plush stuffed animal? This adorable graduation bear will serve as a memory of the occasion and is great for playtime or just snuggling up.
Underwater Pool Diving Toys
Another great toy option for summer fun in the sun is this 30-piece set of underwater swimming pool games. It includes diving rings, diving sticks, diving fish, treasure gift sets and more!
Hasbro Candy Land Game
Candy Land is a classic board game for the whole family to enjoy. It’s easy to play, includes fun illustrations that all kids will love and allows them to discover sweet surprises down the magical road.
National Geographic Butterfly Growing Kit
If your grad has a fascination with all things nature including insects, this butterfly growing kit is a unique way for them to safely watch the process that transforms a caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly.
Magnetic Erasable Drawing Board
This magnetic drawing board will enthrall any kiddo that loves to doodle. All they have to do is scribble with the attached stylus, which pulls tiny magnets to the surface of the board (in four bright colors!). And once your young artist is finished with their masterpiece, they can simply use the slide eraser to clear the board and create something new!
L.L. Bean Kids Lunch Box
It’s time to upgrade their lunchbox for next year. This one from L.L. Bean comes in a variety of patterns including a shark pattern, blue camouflage and more.
Yooyee The Miniscope
Parrish says her boys love this miniscope to explore the details in nature. This small, lightweight microscope allows them to see the magic of nature and learn about the world around them.
Pizzassaurus! Matching Game
They'll have so much fun playing this dinosaur-and-pizza-themed matching game, they won't even realize they're learning! Not only will they learn about all of the different types of dinosaurs, the game can also help improve their attention, concentration and problem-solving skills — all things they'll need in kindergarten!
Skip Hop Zoo Toddler Backpack
A school backpack is essential for kindergarten, and this brand offers over a dozen adorable options. Whether your little one loves unicorns, narwhals or koalas, there’s bound to be at least one backpack they’ll be excited to rock next year.
Fat Brain Toys Ladybug’s Garden Memory Game
Put their expanding memory and motor skills to the test with this sweet ladybug game.
Pete the Cat Plush
Their favorite storybook character can now accompany them for nap time, recess, snack time and more with this plush edition. Complete with his mismatched shoes, Pete the Cat can tag along for any new adventures your kindergartener will encounter in this new phase.
“He is very soft and huggable, and the toy is a nice size for little kids to be able to carry and cuddle with,” said one reviewer, meaning he’s perfect for easing the kindergarten blues!
ThinkFun Zingo! Bingo With a Zing Game
The Zingo! Bingo Board Game is a great way for your child to start learning about games with rules. This simplified version of bingo builds language and matching skills through a fun fast-paced game. It’s also great for pre-readers.
Reusable Water Balls
Before they head back into the classroom, these grads will be having tons of summer fun. Parrish recommends these reusable water balloons that make cleanup easy after a water balloon battle.
Etsy Class of 2036 Grow With Me Shirt
The years will fly by, but thanks to this shirt they will have something to admire all the years until they graduate. Commemorate each year with a painted handprint on the shirt.
Preschool graduation gifts under $50
Super Smalls Butterfly Hair Clips
Help give them a little boost of confidence with these shimmery and sparkly butterfly hair clips. With eight different clips, they can sport them all for a gem-filled hairdo, or individually for a simpler look.
Little Passports Subscription
Prepare the little one for a lifetime of travel and adventure with an Early Explorers subscription from Little Passports. They’ll receive hands-on activities, stickers, trading cards and souvenirs every month, along with letters from their new pen pals, Max, Mia and Toby.
Lincoln Logs Horseshoe Hill Station
Lincoln Logs are a fun and easy way for your little one to hone in on their motor skills and critical thinking as they learn how to build cabins from scratch.
Melissa & Doug Pet Vet Play Set
Give your little one the chance to play veterinarian with this play set from Melissa & Doug. It comes with a cat and dog stuffed animal, along with a 24-piece set complete with a thermometer, tweezers, bandages and a tote bag for easy storage.
Kiwi Co Science of Cooking Kit
While they have a little more downtime this summer, you can still nurture their curiosity thanks to this Kiwi Co kit that makes science cooler (literally). Shop TODAY editorial director Adrianna Brach loves gifting these: "The kits come with science and art-related projects to inspire creative problem-solving which to me is so much more fun than a toy they’ll forget about within an hour."
VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX
While they’re still too young to have their own smartphone, they’ll love their own smartwatch to match Mom’s or Dad’s. Equipped with 11 games and activities, a camera and voice recorder, they can explore their creativity while having tons of fun.
Vans Classic Checkerboard Slip-On Shoe
Put a little pep in their step with a new pair of shoes! These pastel purple checkerboard ones from Vans are easy to slip on and off, perfect for a child on-the-go.
Wonderbly Princess You The Great Book
Birkhofer says this personalized storybook is the perfect gift for birthdays or graduation. You can even customize the character to look just like them, choose their favorite color for the cover and write a special message just for them.
Learning Resources Interactive Coding Critters
This educational toy is a screen-free storybook coding adventure for your child that will boost their science, technology, engineering and math skills. They can design their own coding challenges with the 23-piece pet play set and feed, pet and take care of their interactive critters.
Magna-Tiles 32-Piece Set
These Magna-Tiles are expand their imaginations as they build the next great imaginary city. Rebecca Dube, head of TODAY Parents, says they're well worth the money: “Just buy all the Magna-Tiles. Pay the money. They played with them for YEARS," she says of her own little ones.
Preschool graduation gifts under $100
Melissa & Doug Scoop and Serve Ice Cream Counter
If your little graduate loves to help in the kitchen, they’ll be jumping for joy when they receive this set from Melissa & Doug. It includes the wooden ice cream counter, eight ice cream scoops, six toppings, a cup, scooper, tongs and six pretend $1 bills to practice counting money.
Melissa & Doug Fold and Go Wooden Dollhouse
What little one wouldn’t love a wooden dollhouse to play with all of their prized dolls? It features working doors and includes 11 pieces of wooden furniture and two flexible wooden play figures. It’s also foldable, so it’s super easy to store in small spaces.
VTech Kidizoom Duo Selfie Camera
Let them explore the world this summer with this kid-friendly selfie camera. It comes with all the functionality of most adult cameras, but it’s durable enough to handle drops and tumbles. It also comes equipped with built-in games, voice-changing effects, and the ability to take video.
Hugimals Frankie The Cat
Who doesn’t love a great hug at the end of the day. Frankie here is described by the brand as “ loyal, loving, and low-key” and always up for a catnap. When polling readers on social media, several comments on a TODAY Parents Instagram post mention Hugimals as a great gift for young grads.
Playmobil Miraculous: Marinette's Loft
Chances are, they're very familiar with the hit show "Miraculous." They'll be excited to recreate scenes from the show — and dream up new scenes — with this playset that is styled after the main character's loft. You can even pair it with the mini figurines of Ladybug/Marinette and Cat Noir/Adrien.
State Kane Kids Mini Backpack
Birkhofer recommends State backpacks if you're looking for a personalized option. You can get creative with initials, fun patches and symbols like their favorite food or activity.