Hoodies and T-shirts
The hoodie has become the quintessential leavers’ gift, and it’s wonderful to see the children proudly wearing them in the last part of the summer term. Make sure to include the school’s name and logo, and allow families to choose the colour and whether they want their name on the back – there may be safeguarding issues here. A T-shirt is a cheaper option. Keep the design simple on a white tee and provide fabric pens, so the children can sign each other’s shirts on the last day. Encourage parents to order a size bigger, so the children can wear them for years.
- Find out how to organise leavers’ hoodies
Leavers’ books
One of the most popular leavers’ gifts is a personalised book created specifically for their class year. Use an online template to design the book and include class photos and pictures of special occasions. Leave some pages blank at the back for collecting signatures and messages from classmates.
Custom notebooks
A simpler variation on leavers’ books is to create a collage of images from over the years (make sure to include every child with permission) and order a hardback or spiral-bound blank notebook for each pupil.
Framed pictures
Assemble a selection of photos capturing moments from the children’s primary school journey, such as class photos and images of Christmas plays and special events over the years. Arrange them all into an attractive montage and put them in a frame with a message such as ‘Class of 2025: Memories’.
Calculators
It is likely that secondary schools will require pupils to have scientific calculators. Ask the maths departments at your local secondary schools for recommended models and consider including them as part of your Year 6 gifts. Make it more exciting by adding sweets, personalised keyrings (at a time when children may be getting their own house keys), badges or personalised bracelets.
School bears
Pupils in Year 6 may be determined to prove how grown up they are, but they’re still children who love a soft toy – especially one that’s a souvenir of their years at primary school. Leavers’ bears come embroidered with the school’s name and logo or dressed in mini-uniforms. Contact dedicated school bear suppliers or ask a crafty parent to make them from pre-worn uniform.
Engraved items
Suppliers offer a wide range of personalised products that could work for leavers. How about an engraved pen or metal water bottle?
The PTA’s position
Initiatives such as leavers’ hoodies are frequently run as fundraisers, where parents pay for the items they order and the PTA makes money. However, some groups fund leavers’ gifts in their entirety. If there are any objections, try gently reminding parents and carers that every child will benefit from these purchases when they reach Year 6. Agree on your policy with input from the school – you may decide to support families experiencing financial difficulties.
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