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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
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.

Let’s take this to your inbox
We’ll send you our monthly newsletter which is fully stocked with free resources like articles, videos, podcasts, reward ideas, and anything else we can think of to help you make your school awesome.
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.

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.

quote icon
Let’s take this to your inbox
We’ll send you our monthly newsletter which is fully stocked with free resources like articles, videos, podcasts, reward ideas, and anything else we can think of to help you make your school awesome.

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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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.

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.

Let’s take this to your inbox
We’ll send you our monthly newsletter which is fully stocked with free resources like articles, videos, podcasts, reward ideas, and anything else we can think of to help you make your school awesome.

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

🎉
👑
🎁
Virtual Talent Show. 🎤
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Snacks
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch Reservations
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Rolling Chair Rental
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Kickback Vibes
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Trunk or Treat
Grades K-8
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Fake The Funk
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Gift Cards
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Play Games
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Free Dress
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Class Book
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Seat Swap
Grades 3-5
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Lost & Found Fashion Show
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Hallway High-Five
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Camp Read Away
Grades K-8
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Technology
Grades 6-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe

All Reward Ideas for Elementary School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Principal for a Day
Grades K-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Stickers
Grades K-5
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Positive Note or Call Home
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Class Pet
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Donate $1
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Seat Swap
Grades 3-5
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch Fast Pass
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Morning Meeting Leader
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Video Game Rewards
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Wristband
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Trip to the Treasure Box
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Movie Posters
Grades 3-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Camp Read Away
Grades K-8
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
STEM Field Day
Grades K-8
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Backpack
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Drop Lowest Quiz
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free

All Event Ideas for Schools

All Free Reward Ideas for Schools

🎉
👑
🎁
Parking Spots
🎉
👑
🎁
Play Games
🎉
👑
🎁
Tutor
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch Concert
🎉
👑
🎁
School Assembly
🎉
👑
🎁
Free Dress
🎉
👑
🎁
Seat Swap
🎉
👑
🎁
Dance Party
🎉
👑
🎁
Homework Pass
🎉
👑
🎁
Tech Time

All Reward Ideas for High School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Partner Work
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Gift Cards
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Drop Lowest Quiz
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Lost & Found Fashion Show
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Teacher Serenade
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Game-Based Simulation Learning
Grades 9-12
Class/House
Event
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Holiday Classroom Carousel
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
♟️Chess With the Principal
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Donate $1
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Certificate of Achievement
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch with an Admin
Grades K-8
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Digital Escape Rooms
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Privilege
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Music Fest
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Be a Comedian.
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Wristband
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Free Dress
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free

All Reward Ideas for Middle School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Hat Pass
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Class Jobs
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Podcast
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Pen Pouch
Grades K-8
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Trunk or Treat
Grades K-8
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Teacher Serenade
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Final Fridays
Grades K-8
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Assist the Custodian.
Grades 6-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
The Love Soiree
Grades 6-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Cut the Principal’s Tie
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Loudspeaker Shoutout
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Classroom DJ
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch Reservations
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Virtual Talent Show. 🎤
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Emcee the Announcements
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Firebird of the Month
Grades K-12
Student
Event
Low Cost/DIY

All Student Reward & Incentive Ideas

💰
🎨
Movie Posters
Grades 3-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Be a Comedian.
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Positive Note or Call Home
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Extra Reading Time
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Parking Spots
Grades 9-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Silly Science Experiments
Grades K-5
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Lunch Reservations
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Snack Party
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Hallway High-Five
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
School Spirit Day
Grades K-12
School
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Snacks
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Passing Period Music
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Early Lunch Dismissal
Grades 9-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Stickers
Grades K-5
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Backpack
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
💰
🎨
Uber by a Principal
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free

All Virtual Reward Ideas for Schools

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

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Rewards that Rock 🎸 has 100+ rewards, incentives, and event ideas to build your school culture.
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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

🎉
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Class Jobs
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
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Hat Pass
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
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👑
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Dance Party
Grades K-12
Student
Event
Free
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Teacher Serenade
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
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🎁
Loudspeaker Shoutout
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
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Anime Themed Party
Grades 6-12
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Event
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Technology
Grades 6-12
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Special Screening
Grades K-12
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Privilege
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Lost & Found Fashion Show
Grades 9-12
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Event
Free
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Brain Break
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
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Class Book
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free
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Classroom DJ
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
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Toys
Grades K-8
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
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Tech Time
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
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👑
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Drop Lowest Quiz
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
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Meet the Teacher
Grades K-8
School
Event
Free

All Reward Ideas for Elementary School Students

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Holiday Delivery
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
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Social Media Reporter
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
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Movie Posters
Grades 3-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Donate $1
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
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Snacks
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch With the Teacher
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
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Line Leader
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch Reservations
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
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🎉
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Sweatshirt
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
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Extra Recess
Grades K-5
Class/House
Privilege
Free
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👑
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School Spirit Day
Grades K-12
School
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
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Loudspeaker Shoutout
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
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👑
🎁
Toys
Grades K-8
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Art Contest
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free
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Morning Meeting Leader
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
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Classroom DJ
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Student
Privilege
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All Event Ideas for Schools

All Free Reward Ideas for Schools

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Tutor
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Classroom DJ
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Stairway Messages
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Game of Thrones
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Extra Recess
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Homework Pass
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Play Games
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Dance Party
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Locker Choice
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Brain Break
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Special Screening
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Free Dress
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Student Messenger

All Reward Ideas for High School Students

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Picnic Lunch
Grades K-12
Class/House
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Low Cost/DIY
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Backpack
Grades K-12
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Tangible
Deluxe
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Graduation Celebration
Grades 6-12
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Event
Deluxe
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Certificate of Achievement
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
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Stairway Messages
Grades 9-12
Class/House
Event
Free
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🎁
Dress Up or Down Day
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
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🎁
Extra Computer Games
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
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Lunch with an Admin
Grades K-8
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
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Emcee the Announcements
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
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Be a Comedian.
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
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Class Pet
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Deluxe
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Kickback Vibes
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Low Cost/DIY
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Partner Work
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
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Holiday Classroom Carousel
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
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🎁
Create the Seating Chart
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
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Get-to-Know-You Bingo
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Free

All Reward Ideas for Middle School Students

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Art Contest
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Certificate of Achievement
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
The Love Soiree
Grades 6-12
School
Event
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Pie a Teacher
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Pen Pouch
Grades K-8
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Hat Pass
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
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👑
🎁
Picnic Lunch
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Brain Break
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
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🎁
Lunch Reservations
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
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🎁
School Supplies & Merch
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
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Holidays Around the World
Grades K-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
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Meet the Teacher
Grades K-8
School
Event
Free
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The A-List
Grades 6-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
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🎁
Snowball Fights (& Popsicles!)
Grades K-8
Class/House
Event
Low Cost/DIY
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Food-Themed Party
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Low Cost/DIY
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Lunch Fast Pass
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free

All Student Reward & Incentive Ideas

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🎨
Seating Choice
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
The Big Ticket
Grades 9-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Lunch Concert
Grades 6-8
Class/House
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
School Spirit Day
Grades K-12
School
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Uber by a Principal
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Podcast
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Operate Equipment.
Grades 9-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Special Pen
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
School Assembly
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Hat Pass
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Passing Period Music
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Teacher for the Day
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Emcee the Announcements
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Lunch Fast Pass
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Loudspeaker Shoutout
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
TikTok with the Teacher
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free

All Virtual Reward Ideas for Schools

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