Alphabet Candy

• Most first-graders start their year with at least a rudimentary knowledge of the alphabet from home studies, kindergarten or pre-school classes. Teachers help them to build on their basic knowledge and make words from these letters. Give classmates a chance to show off their newly-acquired skills with the gift of colorful alphabet candy in any size or flavor. Choose from gummy, hard or cane candy letters.
  
  For a great classmate gift using small candy letters, bag candy in see-through cellophane gift bags; parents can ensure the correct letters are present in the bag to spell each of the classmate's first names or nicknames. Buy this candy in bags from local supermarkets or online vendors.
  
  

Rain-or-Shine Gift Bags

• Blend purchased items with homemade ones for an original gift for both girl and boy classmates. Fill a small party favor bag with inexpensive toys and candy, such as brightly colored lollipops, cartoon character band-aids, balloons, and a bubble kit. Add a homemade book mark and a play dough recipe for rainy days. Decorate with a rainbow sticker. The gift items will be suitable for play on sunny or rainy days.
  
  Bubble kits are available from toy stores. Gift bags and stickers in a range of colors and sizes can be purchased from local or online party and craft stores.
  
  

Notebook, Pencil or Eraser

• A basic notebook or pencil and eraser is a useful gift for first grade classmates who are learning to write and draw. Wrap each gift in sections of brightly colored tissue paper and tie together with gift wrapping ribbon.
  
  Pick from a wide range of themes to suit girls or boys among the selection at your local dollar store or toy store. Notebooks with popular cartoon characters, like the Simpsons and Batman are suitable for boys. For girls, choose from ponies, kitties and rainbows, or items featuring pop stars.
  
  

Character Candy Bars

• Give each classmate a candy bar that reflects his personality. Examples include Jolly Rancher candy for the class joker, a Milky Way bar for a dreamer and a Goodbar for best friends. Give a classmate who frequently visits the nurse for bumps and scrapes a Crunch bar; give a Dove bar to the one who stops arguments and fights; and save the Butterfinger for the most accident-prone student in the class. Almond Joy bars are great gifts for students who always wear a smile; give a Symphony to the class musician or singing star and Lifesavers to the student who is the most helpful.