18 Cheap Prizes for Students

Sometimes the cheapest rewards are actually the most meaningful.
By 
Deiera Bennett
 | 
December 7, 2022

Discount stores like Dollar Tree and Five and Below make it easy to find a variety of inexpensive treasures to add to your class treasure chest. 

Here are 18 cheap prizes for students that they’ll absolutely love.

1. Sunglasses

There are so many accessories that you can use as cheap prizes for students, and sunglasses are a fan favorite. Not only do sunglasses make the wearer look fashionable, but it makes them feel pretty cool too! For a bonus, let the students wear them inside for the day. 

2. Jewelry

Kids like cheap jewelry such as rings, charms, necklaces, and bracelets because they allow them to show their individuality. Right now, Jibbitz (charms that attach to Crocs shoes) are extremely popular and will also be a hit in any prize box. 

3. Pins

Students love pins for the same reason they love jewelry–it gives them a way to show off their personality. Students usually like to collect them and stick them to their book bags and purses. You can choose pins that have motivational messages on them or just unique designs. 

4. Lip gloss

Students of all ages will appreciate lip gloss (or lip balm), especially if it has a sweet-smelling scent!

5. Keychains and Lanyards

Lanyards and keychains are cheap and are especially useful for older students who drive or have their own house keys.

6. Snacks

You can never go wrong with snacks as cheap prizes for students. You’ll spend more than $5 if you’re purchasing for the whole class, but when you divide it by student, you’ll end up spending well under $5 per person. 

Salty snacks like chips, popcorn, crackers, and pretzels are perfect for a class movie day. Children with a sweet tooth will enjoy popsicles, ice cream, cookies, cupcakes, and donuts on any given day. 

Cheap Student Prize Example

7. School Supplies

School supplies might seem like the last thing students would want as a prize, but the key is to make sure the school supplies are unique. Don’t just give them a pencil, give them a jumbo pencil or a pencil with cartoon characters on it!

Other school supplies that are cheap awards for students include pens, tape, highlighters, mini staplers, and glue sticks.

Cheap Student Prize Example

8. Journals and Planners

Journals and planners make great cheap prizes for students, especially middle and high school students. You can find some with motivational quotes, funny phrases, or pretty designs. Journals with prompts in them can also encourage students to write more.

9. Activity Books

Activity books are gifts that keep on giving because each page offers a new challenge. Early finishers will be excited to pull out their activity book when they complete their assignments. 

With so many different types of activity books available, you can include a variety in your prize box without breaking the bank. Examples of activity books include crossword puzzles, word searches, Sudoku, and coloring books. 

10. Interesting Books

Books don’t have to have activities in them in order for students to enjoy them. Students will be delighted to receive books full of knock-knock jokes, riddles, or random fun facts.

11. Art Supplies

Nurture your students’ creativity with inexpensive art supplies. You can find small packs of colored pencils, crayons, paint kits, and markers at a discount store as well as books with unlined paper where students can bring their imagination to life. You can also include a case or pouch, so students can keep up with all of their supplies.

Cheap Student Prize Example

12. Sidewalk Chalk

Sidewalk chalk can be two prizes in one! You can award the students with sidewalk chalk as a prize, and you can make it a class reward by taking the class outside to draw in the parking lot or on the sidewalk! Let them draw whatever their heart desires, or give them a theme and make it a friendly competition.

13. Locker Accessories

Middle and high school students embrace opportunities to showcase their individual styles. Purchase a few small posters and magnetic stickers that they can use to decorate the inside of their lockers. 

You can also purchase magnetic clips, so they can hang up their own pictures. Other ideas include magnetic mirrors, dry erase boards, calendars, and a small piece of fabric to use as a “carpet.”

14. Sensory Toys

Prizes that appeal to the senses may relieve stress and help students focus. Not to mention, they’re pretty fun too! Stress balls and other squishy toys (like slime) can help students manage their emotions, while fidget spinners will keep their hands busy instead of clicking a pen.

15. Earbuds

Music can be calming and help students focus, so earbuds will be a “best-seller” in your classroom. Since students tend to misplace their earbuds frequently, make sure you keep your prize box stocked with them!

16. Stickers

Stickers are classic cheap prizes that’ll never get old. For less than a dollar, you can purchase pages full of stickers. Students can put them on their hands or shirt, or you can stick them on their assignments to let them know they did a great job.

17. Certificates

Certificates are free and only take a couple of minutes to create, but students and their parents will cherish them.

Cheap Student Prize Example

18. Bubbles

Kids (and teens–although they might deny it) love bubbles! There’s just something about bubbles that bring joy to people. Make this prize even better by taking the students outside to blow them.

This list is just a snapshot of cheap prizes for students, but the possibilities are endless. If there are some items that you know your students are going to love, consider buying them in bulk to reduce the cost per item, and don’t forget to ask about teacher discounts!

Looking for something even cheaper? Check out this list of 50 Absolutely Free Student Rewards!

Need help motivating middle school student students? Check out our guide to using student voice to create prizes for middle school students.

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Receive the best school culture resources monthly to inspire your planning.

18 Cheap Prizes for Students

Sometimes the cheapest rewards are actually the most meaningful.
By 
Deiera Bennett
 | 
December 7, 2022
Sometimes the cheapest rewards are the most meaningful, and that’s good news for teachers! Although “cheap” is a relative word, you can be confident that every item in this list of cheap awards for students costs less than $5 per item.

Discount stores like Dollar Tree and Five and Below make it easy to find a variety of inexpensive treasures to add to your class treasure chest. 

Here are 18 cheap prizes for students that they’ll absolutely love.

1. Sunglasses

There are so many accessories that you can use as cheap prizes for students, and sunglasses are a fan favorite. Not only do sunglasses make the wearer look fashionable, but it makes them feel pretty cool too! For a bonus, let the students wear them inside for the day. 

2. Jewelry

Kids like cheap jewelry such as rings, charms, necklaces, and bracelets because they allow them to show their individuality. Right now, Jibbitz (charms that attach to Crocs shoes) are extremely popular and will also be a hit in any prize box. 

3. Pins

Students love pins for the same reason they love jewelry–it gives them a way to show off their personality. Students usually like to collect them and stick them to their book bags and purses. You can choose pins that have motivational messages on them or just unique designs. 

4. Lip gloss

Students of all ages will appreciate lip gloss (or lip balm), especially if it has a sweet-smelling scent!

5. Keychains and Lanyards

Lanyards and keychains are cheap and are especially useful for older students who drive or have their own house keys.

6. Snacks

You can never go wrong with snacks as cheap prizes for students. You’ll spend more than $5 if you’re purchasing for the whole class, but when you divide it by student, you’ll end up spending well under $5 per person. 

Salty snacks like chips, popcorn, crackers, and pretzels are perfect for a class movie day. Children with a sweet tooth will enjoy popsicles, ice cream, cookies, cupcakes, and donuts on any given day. 

Cheap Student Prize Example

7. School Supplies

School supplies might seem like the last thing students would want as a prize, but the key is to make sure the school supplies are unique. Don’t just give them a pencil, give them a jumbo pencil or a pencil with cartoon characters on it!

Other school supplies that are cheap awards for students include pens, tape, highlighters, mini staplers, and glue sticks.

Cheap Student Prize Example

8. Journals and Planners

Journals and planners make great cheap prizes for students, especially middle and high school students. You can find some with motivational quotes, funny phrases, or pretty designs. Journals with prompts in them can also encourage students to write more.

9. Activity Books

Activity books are gifts that keep on giving because each page offers a new challenge. Early finishers will be excited to pull out their activity book when they complete their assignments. 

With so many different types of activity books available, you can include a variety in your prize box without breaking the bank. Examples of activity books include crossword puzzles, word searches, Sudoku, and coloring books. 

10. Interesting Books

Books don’t have to have activities in them in order for students to enjoy them. Students will be delighted to receive books full of knock-knock jokes, riddles, or random fun facts.

11. Art Supplies

Nurture your students’ creativity with inexpensive art supplies. You can find small packs of colored pencils, crayons, paint kits, and markers at a discount store as well as books with unlined paper where students can bring their imagination to life. You can also include a case or pouch, so students can keep up with all of their supplies.

Cheap Student Prize Example

12. Sidewalk Chalk

Sidewalk chalk can be two prizes in one! You can award the students with sidewalk chalk as a prize, and you can make it a class reward by taking the class outside to draw in the parking lot or on the sidewalk! Let them draw whatever their heart desires, or give them a theme and make it a friendly competition.

13. Locker Accessories

Middle and high school students embrace opportunities to showcase their individual styles. Purchase a few small posters and magnetic stickers that they can use to decorate the inside of their lockers. 

You can also purchase magnetic clips, so they can hang up their own pictures. Other ideas include magnetic mirrors, dry erase boards, calendars, and a small piece of fabric to use as a “carpet.”

14. Sensory Toys

Prizes that appeal to the senses may relieve stress and help students focus. Not to mention, they’re pretty fun too! Stress balls and other squishy toys (like slime) can help students manage their emotions, while fidget spinners will keep their hands busy instead of clicking a pen.

15. Earbuds

Music can be calming and help students focus, so earbuds will be a “best-seller” in your classroom. Since students tend to misplace their earbuds frequently, make sure you keep your prize box stocked with them!

16. Stickers

Stickers are classic cheap prizes that’ll never get old. For less than a dollar, you can purchase pages full of stickers. Students can put them on their hands or shirt, or you can stick them on their assignments to let them know they did a great job.

17. Certificates

Certificates are free and only take a couple of minutes to create, but students and their parents will cherish them.

Cheap Student Prize Example

18. Bubbles

Kids (and teens–although they might deny it) love bubbles! There’s just something about bubbles that bring joy to people. Make this prize even better by taking the students outside to blow them.

This list is just a snapshot of cheap prizes for students, but the possibilities are endless. If there are some items that you know your students are going to love, consider buying them in bulk to reduce the cost per item, and don’t forget to ask about teacher discounts!

Looking for something even cheaper? Check out this list of 50 Absolutely Free Student Rewards!

Need help motivating middle school student students? Check out our guide to using student voice to create prizes for middle school students.

Subscribe via Email

Receive the best school culture resources monthly to inspire your planning.

Discount stores like Dollar Tree and Five and Below make it easy to find a variety of inexpensive treasures to add to your class treasure chest. 

Here are 18 cheap prizes for students that they’ll absolutely love.

1. Sunglasses

There are so many accessories that you can use as cheap prizes for students, and sunglasses are a fan favorite. Not only do sunglasses make the wearer look fashionable, but it makes them feel pretty cool too! For a bonus, let the students wear them inside for the day. 

2. Jewelry

Kids like cheap jewelry such as rings, charms, necklaces, and bracelets because they allow them to show their individuality. Right now, Jibbitz (charms that attach to Crocs shoes) are extremely popular and will also be a hit in any prize box. 

3. Pins

Students love pins for the same reason they love jewelry–it gives them a way to show off their personality. Students usually like to collect them and stick them to their book bags and purses. You can choose pins that have motivational messages on them or just unique designs. 

4. Lip gloss

Students of all ages will appreciate lip gloss (or lip balm), especially if it has a sweet-smelling scent!

5. Keychains and Lanyards

Lanyards and keychains are cheap and are especially useful for older students who drive or have their own house keys.

6. Snacks

You can never go wrong with snacks as cheap prizes for students. You’ll spend more than $5 if you’re purchasing for the whole class, but when you divide it by student, you’ll end up spending well under $5 per person. 

Salty snacks like chips, popcorn, crackers, and pretzels are perfect for a class movie day. Children with a sweet tooth will enjoy popsicles, ice cream, cookies, cupcakes, and donuts on any given day. 

Cheap Student Prize Example

7. School Supplies

School supplies might seem like the last thing students would want as a prize, but the key is to make sure the school supplies are unique. Don’t just give them a pencil, give them a jumbo pencil or a pencil with cartoon characters on it!

Other school supplies that are cheap awards for students include pens, tape, highlighters, mini staplers, and glue sticks.

Cheap Student Prize Example

8. Journals and Planners

Journals and planners make great cheap prizes for students, especially middle and high school students. You can find some with motivational quotes, funny phrases, or pretty designs. Journals with prompts in them can also encourage students to write more.

9. Activity Books

Activity books are gifts that keep on giving because each page offers a new challenge. Early finishers will be excited to pull out their activity book when they complete their assignments. 

With so many different types of activity books available, you can include a variety in your prize box without breaking the bank. Examples of activity books include crossword puzzles, word searches, Sudoku, and coloring books. 

10. Interesting Books

Books don’t have to have activities in them in order for students to enjoy them. Students will be delighted to receive books full of knock-knock jokes, riddles, or random fun facts.

11. Art Supplies

Nurture your students’ creativity with inexpensive art supplies. You can find small packs of colored pencils, crayons, paint kits, and markers at a discount store as well as books with unlined paper where students can bring their imagination to life. You can also include a case or pouch, so students can keep up with all of their supplies.

Cheap Student Prize Example

12. Sidewalk Chalk

Sidewalk chalk can be two prizes in one! You can award the students with sidewalk chalk as a prize, and you can make it a class reward by taking the class outside to draw in the parking lot or on the sidewalk! Let them draw whatever their heart desires, or give them a theme and make it a friendly competition.

13. Locker Accessories

Middle and high school students embrace opportunities to showcase their individual styles. Purchase a few small posters and magnetic stickers that they can use to decorate the inside of their lockers. 

You can also purchase magnetic clips, so they can hang up their own pictures. Other ideas include magnetic mirrors, dry erase boards, calendars, and a small piece of fabric to use as a “carpet.”

14. Sensory Toys

Prizes that appeal to the senses may relieve stress and help students focus. Not to mention, they’re pretty fun too! Stress balls and other squishy toys (like slime) can help students manage their emotions, while fidget spinners will keep their hands busy instead of clicking a pen.

15. Earbuds

Music can be calming and help students focus, so earbuds will be a “best-seller” in your classroom. Since students tend to misplace their earbuds frequently, make sure you keep your prize box stocked with them!

16. Stickers

Stickers are classic cheap prizes that’ll never get old. For less than a dollar, you can purchase pages full of stickers. Students can put them on their hands or shirt, or you can stick them on their assignments to let them know they did a great job.

17. Certificates

Certificates are free and only take a couple of minutes to create, but students and their parents will cherish them.

Cheap Student Prize Example

18. Bubbles

Kids (and teens–although they might deny it) love bubbles! There’s just something about bubbles that bring joy to people. Make this prize even better by taking the students outside to blow them.

This list is just a snapshot of cheap prizes for students, but the possibilities are endless. If there are some items that you know your students are going to love, consider buying them in bulk to reduce the cost per item, and don’t forget to ask about teacher discounts!

Looking for something even cheaper? Check out this list of 50 Absolutely Free Student Rewards!

Need help motivating middle school student students? Check out our guide to using student voice to create prizes for middle school students.

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Discount stores like Dollar Tree and Five and Below make it easy to find a variety of inexpensive treasures to add to your class treasure chest. 

Here are 18 cheap prizes for students that they’ll absolutely love.

1. Sunglasses

There are so many accessories that you can use as cheap prizes for students, and sunglasses are a fan favorite. Not only do sunglasses make the wearer look fashionable, but it makes them feel pretty cool too! For a bonus, let the students wear them inside for the day. 

2. Jewelry

Kids like cheap jewelry such as rings, charms, necklaces, and bracelets because they allow them to show their individuality. Right now, Jibbitz (charms that attach to Crocs shoes) are extremely popular and will also be a hit in any prize box. 

3. Pins

Students love pins for the same reason they love jewelry–it gives them a way to show off their personality. Students usually like to collect them and stick them to their book bags and purses. You can choose pins that have motivational messages on them or just unique designs. 

4. Lip gloss

Students of all ages will appreciate lip gloss (or lip balm), especially if it has a sweet-smelling scent!

5. Keychains and Lanyards

Lanyards and keychains are cheap and are especially useful for older students who drive or have their own house keys.

6. Snacks

You can never go wrong with snacks as cheap prizes for students. You’ll spend more than $5 if you’re purchasing for the whole class, but when you divide it by student, you’ll end up spending well under $5 per person. 

Salty snacks like chips, popcorn, crackers, and pretzels are perfect for a class movie day. Children with a sweet tooth will enjoy popsicles, ice cream, cookies, cupcakes, and donuts on any given day. 

Cheap Student Prize Example

7. School Supplies

School supplies might seem like the last thing students would want as a prize, but the key is to make sure the school supplies are unique. Don’t just give them a pencil, give them a jumbo pencil or a pencil with cartoon characters on it!

Other school supplies that are cheap awards for students include pens, tape, highlighters, mini staplers, and glue sticks.

Cheap Student Prize Example

8. Journals and Planners

Journals and planners make great cheap prizes for students, especially middle and high school students. You can find some with motivational quotes, funny phrases, or pretty designs. Journals with prompts in them can also encourage students to write more.

9. Activity Books

Activity books are gifts that keep on giving because each page offers a new challenge. Early finishers will be excited to pull out their activity book when they complete their assignments. 

With so many different types of activity books available, you can include a variety in your prize box without breaking the bank. Examples of activity books include crossword puzzles, word searches, Sudoku, and coloring books. 

10. Interesting Books

Books don’t have to have activities in them in order for students to enjoy them. Students will be delighted to receive books full of knock-knock jokes, riddles, or random fun facts.

11. Art Supplies

Nurture your students’ creativity with inexpensive art supplies. You can find small packs of colored pencils, crayons, paint kits, and markers at a discount store as well as books with unlined paper where students can bring their imagination to life. You can also include a case or pouch, so students can keep up with all of their supplies.

Cheap Student Prize Example

12. Sidewalk Chalk

Sidewalk chalk can be two prizes in one! You can award the students with sidewalk chalk as a prize, and you can make it a class reward by taking the class outside to draw in the parking lot or on the sidewalk! Let them draw whatever their heart desires, or give them a theme and make it a friendly competition.

13. Locker Accessories

Middle and high school students embrace opportunities to showcase their individual styles. Purchase a few small posters and magnetic stickers that they can use to decorate the inside of their lockers. 

You can also purchase magnetic clips, so they can hang up their own pictures. Other ideas include magnetic mirrors, dry erase boards, calendars, and a small piece of fabric to use as a “carpet.”

14. Sensory Toys

Prizes that appeal to the senses may relieve stress and help students focus. Not to mention, they’re pretty fun too! Stress balls and other squishy toys (like slime) can help students manage their emotions, while fidget spinners will keep their hands busy instead of clicking a pen.

15. Earbuds

Music can be calming and help students focus, so earbuds will be a “best-seller” in your classroom. Since students tend to misplace their earbuds frequently, make sure you keep your prize box stocked with them!

16. Stickers

Stickers are classic cheap prizes that’ll never get old. For less than a dollar, you can purchase pages full of stickers. Students can put them on their hands or shirt, or you can stick them on their assignments to let them know they did a great job.

17. Certificates

Certificates are free and only take a couple of minutes to create, but students and their parents will cherish them.

Cheap Student Prize Example

18. Bubbles

Kids (and teens–although they might deny it) love bubbles! There’s just something about bubbles that bring joy to people. Make this prize even better by taking the students outside to blow them.

This list is just a snapshot of cheap prizes for students, but the possibilities are endless. If there are some items that you know your students are going to love, consider buying them in bulk to reduce the cost per item, and don’t forget to ask about teacher discounts!

Looking for something even cheaper? Check out this list of 50 Absolutely Free Student Rewards!

Need help motivating middle school student students? Check out our guide to using student voice to create prizes for middle school students.

18 Cheap Prizes for Students

Sometimes the cheapest rewards are actually the most meaningful.
By 
Deiera Bennett
 | 
December 7, 2022

Discount stores like Dollar Tree and Five and Below make it easy to find a variety of inexpensive treasures to add to your class treasure chest. 

Here are 18 cheap prizes for students that they’ll absolutely love.

1. Sunglasses

There are so many accessories that you can use as cheap prizes for students, and sunglasses are a fan favorite. Not only do sunglasses make the wearer look fashionable, but it makes them feel pretty cool too! For a bonus, let the students wear them inside for the day. 

2. Jewelry

Kids like cheap jewelry such as rings, charms, necklaces, and bracelets because they allow them to show their individuality. Right now, Jibbitz (charms that attach to Crocs shoes) are extremely popular and will also be a hit in any prize box. 

3. Pins

Students love pins for the same reason they love jewelry–it gives them a way to show off their personality. Students usually like to collect them and stick them to their book bags and purses. You can choose pins that have motivational messages on them or just unique designs. 

4. Lip gloss

Students of all ages will appreciate lip gloss (or lip balm), especially if it has a sweet-smelling scent!

5. Keychains and Lanyards

Lanyards and keychains are cheap and are especially useful for older students who drive or have their own house keys.

6. Snacks

You can never go wrong with snacks as cheap prizes for students. You’ll spend more than $5 if you’re purchasing for the whole class, but when you divide it by student, you’ll end up spending well under $5 per person. 

Salty snacks like chips, popcorn, crackers, and pretzels are perfect for a class movie day. Children with a sweet tooth will enjoy popsicles, ice cream, cookies, cupcakes, and donuts on any given day. 

Cheap Student Prize Example

7. School Supplies

School supplies might seem like the last thing students would want as a prize, but the key is to make sure the school supplies are unique. Don’t just give them a pencil, give them a jumbo pencil or a pencil with cartoon characters on it!

Other school supplies that are cheap awards for students include pens, tape, highlighters, mini staplers, and glue sticks.

Cheap Student Prize Example

8. Journals and Planners

Journals and planners make great cheap prizes for students, especially middle and high school students. You can find some with motivational quotes, funny phrases, or pretty designs. Journals with prompts in them can also encourage students to write more.

9. Activity Books

Activity books are gifts that keep on giving because each page offers a new challenge. Early finishers will be excited to pull out their activity book when they complete their assignments. 

With so many different types of activity books available, you can include a variety in your prize box without breaking the bank. Examples of activity books include crossword puzzles, word searches, Sudoku, and coloring books. 

10. Interesting Books

Books don’t have to have activities in them in order for students to enjoy them. Students will be delighted to receive books full of knock-knock jokes, riddles, or random fun facts.

11. Art Supplies

Nurture your students’ creativity with inexpensive art supplies. You can find small packs of colored pencils, crayons, paint kits, and markers at a discount store as well as books with unlined paper where students can bring their imagination to life. You can also include a case or pouch, so students can keep up with all of their supplies.

Cheap Student Prize Example

12. Sidewalk Chalk

Sidewalk chalk can be two prizes in one! You can award the students with sidewalk chalk as a prize, and you can make it a class reward by taking the class outside to draw in the parking lot or on the sidewalk! Let them draw whatever their heart desires, or give them a theme and make it a friendly competition.

13. Locker Accessories

Middle and high school students embrace opportunities to showcase their individual styles. Purchase a few small posters and magnetic stickers that they can use to decorate the inside of their lockers. 

You can also purchase magnetic clips, so they can hang up their own pictures. Other ideas include magnetic mirrors, dry erase boards, calendars, and a small piece of fabric to use as a “carpet.”

14. Sensory Toys

Prizes that appeal to the senses may relieve stress and help students focus. Not to mention, they’re pretty fun too! Stress balls and other squishy toys (like slime) can help students manage their emotions, while fidget spinners will keep their hands busy instead of clicking a pen.

15. Earbuds

Music can be calming and help students focus, so earbuds will be a “best-seller” in your classroom. Since students tend to misplace their earbuds frequently, make sure you keep your prize box stocked with them!

16. Stickers

Stickers are classic cheap prizes that’ll never get old. For less than a dollar, you can purchase pages full of stickers. Students can put them on their hands or shirt, or you can stick them on their assignments to let them know they did a great job.

17. Certificates

Certificates are free and only take a couple of minutes to create, but students and their parents will cherish them.

Cheap Student Prize Example

18. Bubbles

Kids (and teens–although they might deny it) love bubbles! There’s just something about bubbles that bring joy to people. Make this prize even better by taking the students outside to blow them.

This list is just a snapshot of cheap prizes for students, but the possibilities are endless. If there are some items that you know your students are going to love, consider buying them in bulk to reduce the cost per item, and don’t forget to ask about teacher discounts!

Looking for something even cheaper? Check out this list of 50 Absolutely Free Student Rewards!

Need help motivating middle school student students? Check out our guide to using student voice to create prizes for middle school students.

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18 Cheap Prizes for Students

Sometimes the cheapest rewards are actually the most meaningful.
By 
Deiera Bennett
 | 
December 7, 2022

About the Event

Discount stores like Dollar Tree and Five and Below make it easy to find a variety of inexpensive treasures to add to your class treasure chest. 

Here are 18 cheap prizes for students that they’ll absolutely love.

1. Sunglasses

There are so many accessories that you can use as cheap prizes for students, and sunglasses are a fan favorite. Not only do sunglasses make the wearer look fashionable, but it makes them feel pretty cool too! For a bonus, let the students wear them inside for the day. 

2. Jewelry

Kids like cheap jewelry such as rings, charms, necklaces, and bracelets because they allow them to show their individuality. Right now, Jibbitz (charms that attach to Crocs shoes) are extremely popular and will also be a hit in any prize box. 

3. Pins

Students love pins for the same reason they love jewelry–it gives them a way to show off their personality. Students usually like to collect them and stick them to their book bags and purses. You can choose pins that have motivational messages on them or just unique designs. 

4. Lip gloss

Students of all ages will appreciate lip gloss (or lip balm), especially if it has a sweet-smelling scent!

5. Keychains and Lanyards

Lanyards and keychains are cheap and are especially useful for older students who drive or have their own house keys.

6. Snacks

You can never go wrong with snacks as cheap prizes for students. You’ll spend more than $5 if you’re purchasing for the whole class, but when you divide it by student, you’ll end up spending well under $5 per person. 

Salty snacks like chips, popcorn, crackers, and pretzels are perfect for a class movie day. Children with a sweet tooth will enjoy popsicles, ice cream, cookies, cupcakes, and donuts on any given day. 

Cheap Student Prize Example

7. School Supplies

School supplies might seem like the last thing students would want as a prize, but the key is to make sure the school supplies are unique. Don’t just give them a pencil, give them a jumbo pencil or a pencil with cartoon characters on it!

Other school supplies that are cheap awards for students include pens, tape, highlighters, mini staplers, and glue sticks.

Cheap Student Prize Example

8. Journals and Planners

Journals and planners make great cheap prizes for students, especially middle and high school students. You can find some with motivational quotes, funny phrases, or pretty designs. Journals with prompts in them can also encourage students to write more.

9. Activity Books

Activity books are gifts that keep on giving because each page offers a new challenge. Early finishers will be excited to pull out their activity book when they complete their assignments. 

With so many different types of activity books available, you can include a variety in your prize box without breaking the bank. Examples of activity books include crossword puzzles, word searches, Sudoku, and coloring books. 

10. Interesting Books

Books don’t have to have activities in them in order for students to enjoy them. Students will be delighted to receive books full of knock-knock jokes, riddles, or random fun facts.

11. Art Supplies

Nurture your students’ creativity with inexpensive art supplies. You can find small packs of colored pencils, crayons, paint kits, and markers at a discount store as well as books with unlined paper where students can bring their imagination to life. You can also include a case or pouch, so students can keep up with all of their supplies.

Cheap Student Prize Example

12. Sidewalk Chalk

Sidewalk chalk can be two prizes in one! You can award the students with sidewalk chalk as a prize, and you can make it a class reward by taking the class outside to draw in the parking lot or on the sidewalk! Let them draw whatever their heart desires, or give them a theme and make it a friendly competition.

13. Locker Accessories

Middle and high school students embrace opportunities to showcase their individual styles. Purchase a few small posters and magnetic stickers that they can use to decorate the inside of their lockers. 

You can also purchase magnetic clips, so they can hang up their own pictures. Other ideas include magnetic mirrors, dry erase boards, calendars, and a small piece of fabric to use as a “carpet.”

14. Sensory Toys

Prizes that appeal to the senses may relieve stress and help students focus. Not to mention, they’re pretty fun too! Stress balls and other squishy toys (like slime) can help students manage their emotions, while fidget spinners will keep their hands busy instead of clicking a pen.

15. Earbuds

Music can be calming and help students focus, so earbuds will be a “best-seller” in your classroom. Since students tend to misplace their earbuds frequently, make sure you keep your prize box stocked with them!

16. Stickers

Stickers are classic cheap prizes that’ll never get old. For less than a dollar, you can purchase pages full of stickers. Students can put them on their hands or shirt, or you can stick them on their assignments to let them know they did a great job.

17. Certificates

Certificates are free and only take a couple of minutes to create, but students and their parents will cherish them.

Cheap Student Prize Example

18. Bubbles

Kids (and teens–although they might deny it) love bubbles! There’s just something about bubbles that bring joy to people. Make this prize even better by taking the students outside to blow them.

This list is just a snapshot of cheap prizes for students, but the possibilities are endless. If there are some items that you know your students are going to love, consider buying them in bulk to reduce the cost per item, and don’t forget to ask about teacher discounts!

Looking for something even cheaper? Check out this list of 50 Absolutely Free Student Rewards!

Need help motivating middle school student students? Check out our guide to using student voice to create prizes for middle school students.

Register Now

About the Event

Discount stores like Dollar Tree and Five and Below make it easy to find a variety of inexpensive treasures to add to your class treasure chest. 

Here are 18 cheap prizes for students that they’ll absolutely love.

1. Sunglasses

There are so many accessories that you can use as cheap prizes for students, and sunglasses are a fan favorite. Not only do sunglasses make the wearer look fashionable, but it makes them feel pretty cool too! For a bonus, let the students wear them inside for the day. 

2. Jewelry

Kids like cheap jewelry such as rings, charms, necklaces, and bracelets because they allow them to show their individuality. Right now, Jibbitz (charms that attach to Crocs shoes) are extremely popular and will also be a hit in any prize box. 

3. Pins

Students love pins for the same reason they love jewelry–it gives them a way to show off their personality. Students usually like to collect them and stick them to their book bags and purses. You can choose pins that have motivational messages on them or just unique designs. 

4. Lip gloss

Students of all ages will appreciate lip gloss (or lip balm), especially if it has a sweet-smelling scent!

5. Keychains and Lanyards

Lanyards and keychains are cheap and are especially useful for older students who drive or have their own house keys.

6. Snacks

You can never go wrong with snacks as cheap prizes for students. You’ll spend more than $5 if you’re purchasing for the whole class, but when you divide it by student, you’ll end up spending well under $5 per person. 

Salty snacks like chips, popcorn, crackers, and pretzels are perfect for a class movie day. Children with a sweet tooth will enjoy popsicles, ice cream, cookies, cupcakes, and donuts on any given day. 

Cheap Student Prize Example

7. School Supplies

School supplies might seem like the last thing students would want as a prize, but the key is to make sure the school supplies are unique. Don’t just give them a pencil, give them a jumbo pencil or a pencil with cartoon characters on it!

Other school supplies that are cheap awards for students include pens, tape, highlighters, mini staplers, and glue sticks.

Cheap Student Prize Example

8. Journals and Planners

Journals and planners make great cheap prizes for students, especially middle and high school students. You can find some with motivational quotes, funny phrases, or pretty designs. Journals with prompts in them can also encourage students to write more.

9. Activity Books

Activity books are gifts that keep on giving because each page offers a new challenge. Early finishers will be excited to pull out their activity book when they complete their assignments. 

With so many different types of activity books available, you can include a variety in your prize box without breaking the bank. Examples of activity books include crossword puzzles, word searches, Sudoku, and coloring books. 

10. Interesting Books

Books don’t have to have activities in them in order for students to enjoy them. Students will be delighted to receive books full of knock-knock jokes, riddles, or random fun facts.

11. Art Supplies

Nurture your students’ creativity with inexpensive art supplies. You can find small packs of colored pencils, crayons, paint kits, and markers at a discount store as well as books with unlined paper where students can bring their imagination to life. You can also include a case or pouch, so students can keep up with all of their supplies.

Cheap Student Prize Example

12. Sidewalk Chalk

Sidewalk chalk can be two prizes in one! You can award the students with sidewalk chalk as a prize, and you can make it a class reward by taking the class outside to draw in the parking lot or on the sidewalk! Let them draw whatever their heart desires, or give them a theme and make it a friendly competition.

13. Locker Accessories

Middle and high school students embrace opportunities to showcase their individual styles. Purchase a few small posters and magnetic stickers that they can use to decorate the inside of their lockers. 

You can also purchase magnetic clips, so they can hang up their own pictures. Other ideas include magnetic mirrors, dry erase boards, calendars, and a small piece of fabric to use as a “carpet.”

14. Sensory Toys

Prizes that appeal to the senses may relieve stress and help students focus. Not to mention, they’re pretty fun too! Stress balls and other squishy toys (like slime) can help students manage their emotions, while fidget spinners will keep their hands busy instead of clicking a pen.

15. Earbuds

Music can be calming and help students focus, so earbuds will be a “best-seller” in your classroom. Since students tend to misplace their earbuds frequently, make sure you keep your prize box stocked with them!

16. Stickers

Stickers are classic cheap prizes that’ll never get old. For less than a dollar, you can purchase pages full of stickers. Students can put them on their hands or shirt, or you can stick them on their assignments to let them know they did a great job.

17. Certificates

Certificates are free and only take a couple of minutes to create, but students and their parents will cherish them.

Cheap Student Prize Example

18. Bubbles

Kids (and teens–although they might deny it) love bubbles! There’s just something about bubbles that bring joy to people. Make this prize even better by taking the students outside to blow them.

This list is just a snapshot of cheap prizes for students, but the possibilities are endless. If there are some items that you know your students are going to love, consider buying them in bulk to reduce the cost per item, and don’t forget to ask about teacher discounts!

Looking for something even cheaper? Check out this list of 50 Absolutely Free Student Rewards!

Need help motivating middle school student students? Check out our guide to using student voice to create prizes for middle school students.

About the Presenter

Deiera Bennett is a freelance EdTech copywriter with a background in marketing and 6 years of experience as an educator. When she’s not writing, you can find her binge-watching The Office for the 5th time, spending time with family, or looking up recipes on Pinterest.

Subscribe via Email

Receive the best school culture resources monthly to inspire your planning.

18 Cheap Prizes for Students

Sometimes the cheapest rewards are actually the most meaningful.
By 
Deiera Bennett
 | 
December 7, 2022

Sometimes the cheapest rewards are the most meaningful, and that’s good news for teachers! Although “cheap” is a relative word, you can be confident that every item in this list of cheap awards for students costs less than $5 per item.

Discount stores like Dollar Tree and Five and Below make it easy to find a variety of inexpensive treasures to add to your class treasure chest. 

Here are 18 cheap prizes for students that they’ll absolutely love.

1. Sunglasses

There are so many accessories that you can use as cheap prizes for students, and sunglasses are a fan favorite. Not only do sunglasses make the wearer look fashionable, but it makes them feel pretty cool too! For a bonus, let the students wear them inside for the day. 

2. Jewelry

Kids like cheap jewelry such as rings, charms, necklaces, and bracelets because they allow them to show their individuality. Right now, Jibbitz (charms that attach to Crocs shoes) are extremely popular and will also be a hit in any prize box. 

3. Pins

Students love pins for the same reason they love jewelry–it gives them a way to show off their personality. Students usually like to collect them and stick them to their book bags and purses. You can choose pins that have motivational messages on them or just unique designs. 

4. Lip gloss

Students of all ages will appreciate lip gloss (or lip balm), especially if it has a sweet-smelling scent!

5. Keychains and Lanyards

Lanyards and keychains are cheap and are especially useful for older students who drive or have their own house keys.

6. Snacks

You can never go wrong with snacks as cheap prizes for students. You’ll spend more than $5 if you’re purchasing for the whole class, but when you divide it by student, you’ll end up spending well under $5 per person. 

Salty snacks like chips, popcorn, crackers, and pretzels are perfect for a class movie day. Children with a sweet tooth will enjoy popsicles, ice cream, cookies, cupcakes, and donuts on any given day. 

Cheap Student Prize Example

7. School Supplies

School supplies might seem like the last thing students would want as a prize, but the key is to make sure the school supplies are unique. Don’t just give them a pencil, give them a jumbo pencil or a pencil with cartoon characters on it!

Other school supplies that are cheap awards for students include pens, tape, highlighters, mini staplers, and glue sticks.

Cheap Student Prize Example

8. Journals and Planners

Journals and planners make great cheap prizes for students, especially middle and high school students. You can find some with motivational quotes, funny phrases, or pretty designs. Journals with prompts in them can also encourage students to write more.

9. Activity Books

Activity books are gifts that keep on giving because each page offers a new challenge. Early finishers will be excited to pull out their activity book when they complete their assignments. 

With so many different types of activity books available, you can include a variety in your prize box without breaking the bank. Examples of activity books include crossword puzzles, word searches, Sudoku, and coloring books. 

10. Interesting Books

Books don’t have to have activities in them in order for students to enjoy them. Students will be delighted to receive books full of knock-knock jokes, riddles, or random fun facts.

11. Art Supplies

Nurture your students’ creativity with inexpensive art supplies. You can find small packs of colored pencils, crayons, paint kits, and markers at a discount store as well as books with unlined paper where students can bring their imagination to life. You can also include a case or pouch, so students can keep up with all of their supplies.

Cheap Student Prize Example

12. Sidewalk Chalk

Sidewalk chalk can be two prizes in one! You can award the students with sidewalk chalk as a prize, and you can make it a class reward by taking the class outside to draw in the parking lot or on the sidewalk! Let them draw whatever their heart desires, or give them a theme and make it a friendly competition.

13. Locker Accessories

Middle and high school students embrace opportunities to showcase their individual styles. Purchase a few small posters and magnetic stickers that they can use to decorate the inside of their lockers. 

You can also purchase magnetic clips, so they can hang up their own pictures. Other ideas include magnetic mirrors, dry erase boards, calendars, and a small piece of fabric to use as a “carpet.”

14. Sensory Toys

Prizes that appeal to the senses may relieve stress and help students focus. Not to mention, they’re pretty fun too! Stress balls and other squishy toys (like slime) can help students manage their emotions, while fidget spinners will keep their hands busy instead of clicking a pen.

15. Earbuds

Music can be calming and help students focus, so earbuds will be a “best-seller” in your classroom. Since students tend to misplace their earbuds frequently, make sure you keep your prize box stocked with them!

16. Stickers

Stickers are classic cheap prizes that’ll never get old. For less than a dollar, you can purchase pages full of stickers. Students can put them on their hands or shirt, or you can stick them on their assignments to let them know they did a great job.

17. Certificates

Certificates are free and only take a couple of minutes to create, but students and their parents will cherish them.

Cheap Student Prize Example

18. Bubbles

Kids (and teens–although they might deny it) love bubbles! There’s just something about bubbles that bring joy to people. Make this prize even better by taking the students outside to blow them.

This list is just a snapshot of cheap prizes for students, but the possibilities are endless. If there are some items that you know your students are going to love, consider buying them in bulk to reduce the cost per item, and don’t forget to ask about teacher discounts!

Looking for something even cheaper? Check out this list of 50 Absolutely Free Student Rewards!

Need help motivating middle school student students? Check out our guide to using student voice to create prizes for middle school students.

All Reward Ideas for Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Holidays Around the World
Grades K-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Graduation Celebration
Grades 6-12
School
Event
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Snack Pack
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Loudspeaker Shoutout
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Lost & Found Fashion Show
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Pen Pouch
Grades K-8
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Sweatshirt
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Art Contest
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Emcee the Announcements
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Class Book
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Meme Party
Grades 6-12
School
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
STEM Field Day
Grades K-8
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Special Pen
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Seat Swap
Grades 3-5
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Gift Cards
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Host a Virtual Party. 🎶
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Free

All Reward Ideas for Elementary School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Camp Read Away
Grades K-8
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Hallway High-Five
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Books
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Social Media Reporter
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Design the Bulletin Board
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Partner Work
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Virtual Talent Show. 🎤
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Certificate of Achievement
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Line Leader
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Art Contest
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Ice Cream Sundae Party
Grades K-12
Class/House
Event
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Snacks
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Game of Thrones
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Seat Swap
Grades 3-5
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Free Dress
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Pie a Teacher
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY

All Event Ideas for Schools

All Free Reward Ideas for Schools

🎉
👑
🎁
Classroom DJ
🎉
👑
🎁
Play Games
🎉
👑
🎁
School Assembly
🎉
👑
🎁
Special Screening
🎉
👑
🎁
The Big Ticket
🎉
👑
🎁
Meet the Teacher
🎉
👑
🎁
Teacher Q&A
🎉
👑
🎁
School Spirit Day
🎉
👑
🎁
Blood Drive
🎉
👑
🎁
Talk Time
🎉
👑
🎁
Locker Choice

All Reward Ideas for High School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Stairway Messages
Grades 9-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Operate Equipment.
Grades 9-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Career Day
Grades 3-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Snack Party
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Snacks
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Music Fest
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Backpack
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Play Games
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch with an Admin
Grades K-8
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Positive Note or Call Home
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
School Assembly
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Decades Party
Grades 6-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Drop Lowest Quiz
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Partner Work
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
School Supplies & Merch
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Picnic Lunch
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY

All Reward Ideas for Middle School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Family Feast
Grades K-8
Class/House
Event
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Loudspeaker Shoutout
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Class Jobs
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Theme Party
Grades K-8
Class/House
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Water Bottle Stickers
Grades 6-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Homework Pass
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Wristband
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Morning Meeting Leader
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Teacher Serenade
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Silent Disco
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Virtual Talent Show. 🎤
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Cut the Principal’s Tie
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Hallway High-Five
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Emcee the Announcements
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Dance Party
Grades K-12
Student
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Be a Comedian.
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free

All Student Reward & Incentive Ideas

💰
🎨
Talk Time
Grades 6-8
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Pie a Teacher
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Podcast
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Free Dress
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Play Games
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Hallway High-Five
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Parking Spots
Grades 9-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Sports Tickets
Grades 3-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
💰
🎨
Extra Computer Games
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Lunch Reservations
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Seat Swap
Grades 3-5
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Seating Choice
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Passing Period Music
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Design the Bulletin Board
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Color a Teacher’s Hair
Grades 9-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Sweatshirt
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe

All Virtual Reward Ideas for Schools

🎉
👑
🎁
Teacher Q&A
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Brain Break
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Show & Tell
Grades K-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Certificate of Achievement
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Positive Note or Call Home
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Student Spotlight Board
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Digital Escape Rooms
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Privilege
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Classroom DJ
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Stickers
Grades K-5
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Social Media Reporter
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Podcast
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Host a Virtual Party. 🎶
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Virtual Talent Show. 🎤
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Morning Meeting Leader
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Extra Computer Games
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Donate $1
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
See all Rewards

Want more ideas?

Rewards that Rock 🎸 has 100+ rewards, incentives, and event ideas to build your school culture.
Find Rewards
Learn more about the author, 
Deiera Bennett
 

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18 Cheap Prizes for Students

Sometimes the cheapest rewards are actually the most meaningful.
By 
Deiera Bennett
 | 
December 7, 2022

Sometimes the cheapest rewards are the most meaningful, and that’s good news for teachers! Although “cheap” is a relative word, you can be confident that every item in this list of cheap awards for students costs less than $5 per item.

Discount stores like Dollar Tree and Five and Below make it easy to find a variety of inexpensive treasures to add to your class treasure chest. 

Here are 18 cheap prizes for students that they’ll absolutely love.

1. Sunglasses

There are so many accessories that you can use as cheap prizes for students, and sunglasses are a fan favorite. Not only do sunglasses make the wearer look fashionable, but it makes them feel pretty cool too! For a bonus, let the students wear them inside for the day. 

2. Jewelry

Kids like cheap jewelry such as rings, charms, necklaces, and bracelets because they allow them to show their individuality. Right now, Jibbitz (charms that attach to Crocs shoes) are extremely popular and will also be a hit in any prize box. 

3. Pins

Students love pins for the same reason they love jewelry–it gives them a way to show off their personality. Students usually like to collect them and stick them to their book bags and purses. You can choose pins that have motivational messages on them or just unique designs. 

4. Lip gloss

Students of all ages will appreciate lip gloss (or lip balm), especially if it has a sweet-smelling scent!

5. Keychains and Lanyards

Lanyards and keychains are cheap and are especially useful for older students who drive or have their own house keys.

6. Snacks

You can never go wrong with snacks as cheap prizes for students. You’ll spend more than $5 if you’re purchasing for the whole class, but when you divide it by student, you’ll end up spending well under $5 per person. 

Salty snacks like chips, popcorn, crackers, and pretzels are perfect for a class movie day. Children with a sweet tooth will enjoy popsicles, ice cream, cookies, cupcakes, and donuts on any given day. 

Cheap Student Prize Example

7. School Supplies

School supplies might seem like the last thing students would want as a prize, but the key is to make sure the school supplies are unique. Don’t just give them a pencil, give them a jumbo pencil or a pencil with cartoon characters on it!

Other school supplies that are cheap awards for students include pens, tape, highlighters, mini staplers, and glue sticks.

Cheap Student Prize Example

8. Journals and Planners

Journals and planners make great cheap prizes for students, especially middle and high school students. You can find some with motivational quotes, funny phrases, or pretty designs. Journals with prompts in them can also encourage students to write more.

9. Activity Books

Activity books are gifts that keep on giving because each page offers a new challenge. Early finishers will be excited to pull out their activity book when they complete their assignments. 

With so many different types of activity books available, you can include a variety in your prize box without breaking the bank. Examples of activity books include crossword puzzles, word searches, Sudoku, and coloring books. 

10. Interesting Books

Books don’t have to have activities in them in order for students to enjoy them. Students will be delighted to receive books full of knock-knock jokes, riddles, or random fun facts.

11. Art Supplies

Nurture your students’ creativity with inexpensive art supplies. You can find small packs of colored pencils, crayons, paint kits, and markers at a discount store as well as books with unlined paper where students can bring their imagination to life. You can also include a case or pouch, so students can keep up with all of their supplies.

Cheap Student Prize Example

12. Sidewalk Chalk

Sidewalk chalk can be two prizes in one! You can award the students with sidewalk chalk as a prize, and you can make it a class reward by taking the class outside to draw in the parking lot or on the sidewalk! Let them draw whatever their heart desires, or give them a theme and make it a friendly competition.

13. Locker Accessories

Middle and high school students embrace opportunities to showcase their individual styles. Purchase a few small posters and magnetic stickers that they can use to decorate the inside of their lockers. 

You can also purchase magnetic clips, so they can hang up their own pictures. Other ideas include magnetic mirrors, dry erase boards, calendars, and a small piece of fabric to use as a “carpet.”

14. Sensory Toys

Prizes that appeal to the senses may relieve stress and help students focus. Not to mention, they’re pretty fun too! Stress balls and other squishy toys (like slime) can help students manage their emotions, while fidget spinners will keep their hands busy instead of clicking a pen.

15. Earbuds

Music can be calming and help students focus, so earbuds will be a “best-seller” in your classroom. Since students tend to misplace their earbuds frequently, make sure you keep your prize box stocked with them!

16. Stickers

Stickers are classic cheap prizes that’ll never get old. For less than a dollar, you can purchase pages full of stickers. Students can put them on their hands or shirt, or you can stick them on their assignments to let them know they did a great job.

17. Certificates

Certificates are free and only take a couple of minutes to create, but students and their parents will cherish them.

Cheap Student Prize Example

18. Bubbles

Kids (and teens–although they might deny it) love bubbles! There’s just something about bubbles that bring joy to people. Make this prize even better by taking the students outside to blow them.

This list is just a snapshot of cheap prizes for students, but the possibilities are endless. If there are some items that you know your students are going to love, consider buying them in bulk to reduce the cost per item, and don’t forget to ask about teacher discounts!

Looking for something even cheaper? Check out this list of 50 Absolutely Free Student Rewards!

Need help motivating middle school student students? Check out our guide to using student voice to create prizes for middle school students.

All Reward Ideas for Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Hat Pass
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Positive Note or Call Home
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Trip to the Treasure Box
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Decades Party
Grades 6-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Game-Based Simulation Learning
Grades 9-12
Class/House
Event
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Class Book
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
The Big Ticket
Grades 9-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Movie Posters
Grades 3-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Parking Spots
Grades 9-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Class Jobs
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Movie Night
Grades 9-12
Student
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Extra Computer Games
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Class Pet
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Snack Party
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Tech Time
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
STEM Field Day
Grades K-8
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY

All Reward Ideas for Elementary School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Student Spotlight Board
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Snack Pack
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Class Pet
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Dance Party
Grades K-12
Student
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Virtual Talent Show. 🎤
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Design the Bulletin Board
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Morning Meeting Leader
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Seating Choice
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Drop Lowest Quiz
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Art Contest
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
STEM Field Day
Grades K-8
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Snack Party
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Donate $1
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Holiday Delivery
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Career Day
Grades 3-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Read Across America
Grades K-8
School
Event
Free

All Event Ideas for Schools

💰
🎨
Theme Party
💰
🎨
Music Fest
💰
🎨
Silent Disco
💰
🎨
Career Day
💰
🎨
Movie Night
💰
🎨
Blood Drive
💰
🎨
Dance Party
💰
🎨
Glow Party
💰
🎨
Art Contest
💰
🎨
Family Feast
💰
🎨
Amazing Race

All Free Reward Ideas for Schools

🎉
👑
🎁
Tutor
🎉
👑
🎁
Meet the Teacher
🎉
👑
🎁
School Spirit Day
🎉
👑
🎁
House Induction
🎉
👑
🎁
Special Screening
🎉
👑
🎁
Virtual Field Trip
🎉
👑
🎁
Hat Pass
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch Fast Pass
🎉
👑
🎁
Extra Recess
🎉
👑
🎁
The Big Ticket
🎉
👑
🎁
Seat Swap

All Reward Ideas for High School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Holiday Delivery
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
School Supplies & Merch
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Positive Note or Call Home
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Dance Party
Grades K-12
Student
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Homework Pass
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Passing Period Music
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Dress Up or Down Day
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Holidays Around the World
Grades K-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Career Day
Grades 3-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
The Big Ticket
Grades 9-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Gift Cards
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Teacher Serenade
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Snacks
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Graduation Celebration
Grades 6-12
School
Event
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Meme Party
Grades 6-12
School
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Teacher Q&A
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Free

All Reward Ideas for Middle School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Extra Computer Games
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Silly School Leader
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Vote
Grades 6-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Final Fridays
Grades K-8
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch Reservations
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Picnic Lunch
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Board Game Party
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Uber by a Principal
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Certificate of Achievement
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Brain Break
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Holidays Around the World
Grades K-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Cut the Principal’s Tie
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Morning Meeting Leader
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch with an Admin
Grades K-8
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch Concert
Grades 6-8
Class/House
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Social Media Reporter
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free

All Student Reward & Incentive Ideas

💰
🎨
Lunch Reservations
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Show & Tell
Grades K-8
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Gift Cards
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Deluxe
💰
🎨
Sports Tickets
Grades 3-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
💰
🎨
Seating Choice
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Hallway High-Five
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Emcee the Announcements
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
School Assembly
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Line Leader
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Lunch with an Admin
Grades K-8
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Tech Time
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Stickers
Grades K-5
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Water Bottle Stickers
Grades 6-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Extra Reading Time
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Passing Period Music
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Snack Pack
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY

All Virtual Reward Ideas for Schools

🎉
👑
🎁
Host a Virtual Party. 🎶
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Donate $1
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Virtual Talent Show. 🎤
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Student Spotlight Board
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Morning Meeting Leader
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Virtual Field Trip
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Classroom DJ
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Extra Computer Games
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Podcast
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Certificate of Achievement
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Show & Tell
Grades K-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Teacher Q&A
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Positive Note or Call Home
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Social Media Reporter
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Digital Escape Rooms
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Privilege
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Stickers
Grades K-5
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
See all Rewards

Want more ideas?

Rewards that Rock 🎸 has 100+ rewards, incentives, and event ideas to build your school culture.
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Learn more about the author, 
Deiera Bennett
 

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