End of Year Student Gift Idea: Buckets of Fun + Free Tag Printable!

Looking for a simple, fun, and meaningful end-of-year student gift idea? 🎓 One that celebrates your time together and gives your students something to enjoy all summer long? Let me show you one of my favorite traditions: the “This Year Was Buckets of Fun” student gift!

Yep — we’re talking about literal sand buckets filled with goodies and learning fun. It’s easy to put together, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to bring smiles as your students head off for summer break.

What’s inside each sand bucket?

Here’s what I include to keep things light, fun, and a little educational (without feeling like homework!):

Summer Bingo Board – Includes reading, writing, and math activities to help prevent the summer slide Click HERE
A pencil – Can’t go wrong with a fresh one for journaling or drawing
Summer journal – Great for writing about adventures, vacations, or just doodling Click HERE
🫧 Bubbles or sidewalk chalk – Because summer fun should be simple and sweet
June Math Journal – Just a little math to keep skills fresh Click HERE
A Scholastic Dollar Book 
Scholastic Magazine – We subscribe to Let’s Find Out, and I popped our summer issue right inside

Where to Find the Buckets 🪣

I snagged my buckets this year at the Target Dollar Spot, but I’ve also seen similar ones at the Dollar Tree and other budget stores. You can go colorful and bright or keep it simple — either way, kids love them!

FREEBIE ALERT! 

If you love this idea, I’ve got something to make it even easier — a FREE Bucket of Fun Gift Tag you can grab from my TpT store! You can even type your name by the heart to personalize it for your students. Just click the image below to get it.

👉 Click here to download your free printable tag now!

These end-of-year gift buckets for students are a big hit every year. They’re thoughtful, practical, and just plain fun. Plus, it’s a sweet way to say goodbye and give your students a piece of you to take home.

Thanks for being here — and for all the love you pour into your classroom. You’re doing amazing things. 💛