12 Days of Holiday Ideas for the Classroom - #2


It is day 2 of my 12 Days of Holiday Ideas for the Classroom!



One of my fifth grade buddies passed this next idea along to me a few years ago.  Kids obviously love receiving gifts, but they also get very excited giving gifts to others.  This idea gives students the opportunity to give gifts to their classmates without the inevitable disappointment that happens with a traditional gift exchange.  

Start by having all of your students bring a Christmas stocking to school.  I have a hard time dealing with the mismatch effect of 30 different stockings so I purchased a class set for half off the day after Christmas one year.  Hang the stockings up in your classroom.


Send a letter home to parents letting them know that they can send in small items to be placed in each stocking.  You can see the letter I use below.  Click on it, and it will take you to the Google doc.  Fill in how many students are in your class and feel free to use it!



When my students bring in their items, I have them stay behind for a few minutes when the rest of the class goes to lunch.  That way all of the gifts stay a surprise!


During the Christmas party, the students get to see all the goodies that are in their stockings!  They put them in a treat bag to take home, so I have my stockings to use the following year.  

Want to see the next holiday idea?  Click on button 3 below.



To go back to the first post, click the #1 button, and be sure to stop by for the next 10 days for more great tips for celebrating the holidays!




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