In a world where 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders prefer to spend their time on TV, video games, and social media, gifts that are educational or encourage creativity are much needed!
The affordable gift ideas below will stimulate imaginations and inspire children to observe the world around them. Whether you are looking for Christmas gifts or birthday gifts for 7 year olds, 8 year olds, or 9 year olds, one of these educational gifts is sure to inspire.
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Educational and Affordable Gift Ideas for Upper Elementary Kids
1. Books / A Kid Friendly Kindle
Any 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade teacher will tell you that kids can never have enough quality books! And a Kindle designed for kids is a great way to make reading more engaging.
This affordable Kindle comes with parental controls, free access to books for 1 year, and no ads.
If you have kids that would prefer a "real" book, but aren't sure what books they might like, then these book recommendations for upper elementary students might help.
2. A Butterfly Garden Kit
This butterfly garden kit makes it easy for kids to observe the life cycle of a butterfly in their own room!
Teachers will often do this with their students, and it is always a crowd pleaser - not to mention, incredibly educational.
There are several butterfly kits on Amazon, so make sure you read the description carefully. Some of them come with caterpillars, while others come with a voucher so that you can buy caterpillars later, at a more weather-friendly time (sometimes requiring you to pay additional in shipping and handling).
3. An Educational Grow 'N Glow Terrarium
If butterflies aren't your child's thing, then maybe this Grow 'N Glow Terrarium will be!
It comes with everything a kid needs to grow his or her own miniature ecosystem, plus some glow-in-the-dark stickers, just for fun. And if you follow the instructions, kids will be able to plant twice!
4. Strategy Games
Games always make a fun gift. And if you choose your games carefully, your kids can both have fun and build logical reasoning and educational strategy skills at the same time!
This list of strategy games for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students is great for any family (or teacher) that loves games!
5. Extreme Dot to Dot
Dot to Dot games are usually reserved for younger kids. 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students will find the typical dot-to-dot puzzles predictable and easy.
These extreme dot to dot puzzles are much more challenging and geared towards kids that are over 8 years old. The pictures are intricate and the numbers go high!
These puzzles are just the right amount of challenging and soothing! Note: The numbers are small and require some concentration.
6. Mega Crystal Growing Lab
In 3-4 days, your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader could grow 6 different colored crystals.
This kit includes everything they need for successful crystal growing. Read the reviews for tips on making sure this experiment is a success for your children.
Gift Ideas to Inspire Creativity In Your 3rd, 4th, and 5th Graders
1. An Affordable Tie Die Kit
What 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade student wouldn't love making their own tie dye shirt?
This kit is fairly small and cheap, includes instructions for different tie dye designs, and has enough dye for up to 30 shirts so your child can make plenty of mistakes. Note: Shirts are not included, so make sure you to add a few white t-shirts to your shopping list.
2. A Paint Your Own Stepping Stone Kit
Let your child contribute their own creativity to your backyard with this Paint Your Own Stepping Stone Kit.
It comes with a a turtle stone, paints, a paint brush, and a guide that explains how to prepare your stepping kit for outside. Some reviewers wished that it also included some sort of seal spray for extra protection.
Your upper elementary child may prefer this Butterfly Stepping Stone to the turtle!
3. A Lite Brite
4. A Quilling Kit
Quilling is a beautiful form of art that involves rolling, shaping, and gluing paper strips into decorative designs. It's doesn't sound near as impressive as it actually is - check out this quiller's Instagram for some incredible examples.
This beginning quilling kit provides plenty of precut strips of paper, quilling tools, glue, and most importantly an instructions booklet to introduce beginners to different shapes and projects.
5. Fun Writing Utensils
Creative writing utensils are a favorite classroom supply for many teachers, so you know many kids - especially the more creatively inclined - will be thrilled with a variety of unique writing utensils! Consider:
6. An Origami Kit
Add some variety to your child's craft routine by introducing them to origami.
This kit includes fun paper and clear instructions to help even beginners be successful with folding and creating fun projects.
Origami will help students practice patience and the ability to follow step by step instructions - and what 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade child doesn't need more practice with those things?
Or, consider this Origami and Haiku book that has students create different origami shapes related to Japanese haiku! (You might also like these other haiku books for upper elementary.)
7. Rainbow Magic Scratch Paper
Rainbow Magic Scratch Paper is great for the upper elementary child that doesn't have the patience for more intensive art projects, but wants to be a little creative.
This kit comes with plenty of scratch paper, wooden styluses for drawing, and stencils so that even the most unartistic child can still be successful.
Never Stress Over Sub Plans Again!
Make copies, find a fiction book, and you'll be ready for any emergency that comes your way!