4 Inclusive Mother’s Day & Father’s Day Classroom Gifts

When it comes to planning an inclusive Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or even Grandparent’s Day, it’s important to remember that not all students have a traditional family structure. If you choose to celebrate these holidays with your students, you can do so without causing discomfort or stress among your students. It is possible to make these celebrations thoughtful and inclusive with a little prep and planning.

Have an Inclusive Mother’s Day & Father’s Day

Many students come from very diverse families. Some live with grandparents, step-parents, or foster families. Some might have two moms, two dads, or have lost a parent. Regardless, students should have a choice and a voice in celebrating these special grown-ups.

My favorite way to acknowledge and celebrate diverse family structures is through picture books. A Family is a Family is a Family by Sara O’Leary (affiliate link) is one of my favorites! It is simple, straightforward, and a beautiful way to celebrate all the different kinds of families.

For an Inclusive Mother’s Day Use “Grown-Up” or “Special Person” Language

Instead of assigning gifts to specifically “mom” or “dad,” invite students to choose any important grown-up in their life. Offer examples to get students thinking:

Someone who helps you everyday
A person you love spending time with
Someone who takes care of you when you’re sick
Someone who makes you feel safe

Create an environment where students can decide who they want to celebrate without pressure.

Inclusive Mother’s Day & Father’s Day Gifts For Every Family

Instead of centering classroom celebrations strictly around “Mother’s Day” or Father’s Day,” shift the focus to something broader: celebrating grown-ups who matter most. This makes the gifts more inclusive for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.

That’s exactly why I created this resource for students to create for the grown-up who shows up for them every day. The only language this resource uses is “grown-up” so everyone is covered!

Make a Coupon Book

One of my favorite simple gifts is one I grew up making for my family – coupon books! Students can write in their own ideas for gifts, or you can brainstorm a few ideas as a class.

Free car wish
Helping with dishes
You pick the movie
A morning to sleep in

This is a student-friendly, low-prep, and thoughtful way to celebrate special grown-ups without being over the top. It’s a super simple way to celebrate the most important adults in your students’ lives, whoever they might be.

You’re The Berry Best!

The “You’re The Berry Best” keepsake is one of my favorites! Students can create this heartfelt book to give to their grown-up. Plus, there’s nothing better than receiving authentic letters from loved ones.

In this short, three-page book, students will write, color, and staple together words of affirmation for their grown-up. They will write reasons I love their grown-up, 3 sweet words to describe them, and a letter. I can guarantee this will be the kind of gift that is saved for many years!

Special Writing & Drawing Activities

Finally, this adorable survey can be completed independently, or younger students can dictate their answers and have a teacher or assistant write for them. I love reading all the creative, funny answers these types of activities bring out!

Celebrating Grown-Ups

If you’re planning on celebrating grown-ups at all this year, make sure you make inclusive Mother’s Day or Father’s Day classroom gifts with this resource!

Get the inclusive pack of resources!

Celebrate any special person with grown-ups who love us! These inclusive gifts, writing, crafts, and coupon books can be used as gifts for an inclusive Mother's Day, Father's Day, Grandparent's Day, and more!