When children leave nursery (Kindergarten or Kita), there are actually three kinds of nursery leaving gifts: the parents' gift to the nursery teachers, the gift for the children starting school, and what those children leave behind for their nursery. The same goes for all three: it doesn't have to be expensive, but it should come from everyone and show the children who spent their first years here. Here are ideas for each one, whatever your nursery is called.
A nursery teacher leaving gift from the whole group
The gift is usually organised by the parents' council or by a mum or dad from the group. Think of the whole team, not just the group leader: assistants, trainees, the kitchen and the manager have looked after the children too. Nurseries may also have rules on gifts for staff, depending on who runs them; if in doubt, ask the nursery manager. This is not legal advice.
A leavers' book with every child in the group
In a Flashbook, every child gets a double-page spread with two photos, for example from their first day at nursery and from today, and their answers: What did you like playing most here? What did you learn from your nursery teacher? Parents fill in the questionnaire on their phone, ideally together with their child. Photos and answers are only used for the book; more under Children's photos and data protection. Every family and every nursery teacher can get a copy, and the minimum order is 10 books. More about the nursery leavers' book.
A fingerprint picture
Paint a tree on a canvas, and every child adds a coloured fingerprint as a leaf, with their name next to it. It's quick, works even with the youngest, and fits on any wall.
Breakfast for the whole team
One morning, the parents bring breakfast for all the nursery staff, with a card from every family. A thank-you that leaves nobody out.
A box of things kids say
Parents write down what their child says about nursery and their nursery teacher, word for word and unpolished. Collected on cards in a box, it gives the nursery teacher something to laugh about on tough days.
Nursery leavers' gifts for the children starting school
When they leave, the children starting school often get something from their nursery teachers or the parents' council. Good gifts make the step into school easier, or remind them of their nursery friends, who will soon go to different schools.
A memory book for the group
A book with every child in the group and their photo, so friendships survive the move to school. How it works is explained under nursery memory book, what Germans call a Freundebuch.
The folder from their nursery years
If your nursery keeps a folder for every child with pictures, photos and little stories, it becomes a treasure when they leave. A personal letter from the nursery teacher on top makes it complete.
A picture book about starting school
A book about the first day of school, with a dedication from the nursery teacher inside the cover. Perfect for reading aloud when the excitement before the first day grows.
A goodbye to experience
A sleepover at nursery, a trip just for the big ones, or a ritual where the school starters jump out through the door one last time. Some nurseries call it the “throw-out”, and the children talk about it for ages.
The school starters' leaving gift to the nursery
The children leave, the nursery stays. So it's lovely to give something that stays with the group and helps the next children. Ask the manager what is needed before you buy anything.
Painted stones for the garden
Every child paints a stone and writes their name on it. Together the stones make a snake along the edge of the sandpit.
New books or toys for the group
Picture books, sand toys, ride-ons for the outdoor play area. Every book gets a sticker with the names of the children who gave it.
A group photo for the hallway
A big photo of all the school starters with the year and their names. Anyone who visits years later will find themselves on the wall.
Budget and timing for the leaving gift
Collect a small, equal amount per family and say beforehand what it's for. With a Flashbook, each family pays for its own book via a payment link, or one person covers everything by invoice within 14 days. One book costs €24.90 including design, printing and shipping, €22.90 with 3 or more groups in one order and €19.90 with 5 or more.
A book holds 8 to 42 people, and nursery teachers count too. If your group only has a few children starting school, include the whole group or put the school starters from all groups into one book.
The goodbye usually falls in the last weeks before the summer holidays or the nursery's summer closure. Start a few weeks earlier: the books arrive 5 to 7 working days after the last answers and payments. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday you get an overview via WhatsApp of who is still missing.