Classroom Rewards Kids Actually Want (That Aren't Candy!)
Looking for classroom rewards that students love? These affordable, non-candy prize box ideas keep kids motivated without breaking your budget.
Christina Henderson
6/3/20264 min read
Classroom Rewards Kids Actually Want (That Aren't Candy!)
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Every well-managed classroom has some type of behavior incentive system, but figuring out what works—and then consistently implementing it—can feel overwhelming.
After years in the classroom, I've learned that the most important part of any behavior management system isn't the prize box.
It's consistency.
When students know exactly what is expected and understand what happens when they meet (or don't meet) those expectations, classroom management becomes so much easier.
In my classroom, students earn tokens for making positive choices and demonstrating expected behaviors. They can then "cash in" those tokens for rewards they genuinely get excited about.
The challenge? Finding rewards kids love that don't cost a fortune.
Over the years I've tested dozens of classroom prize ideas, and these are the rewards my students choose again and again.
My Favorite Low-Cost Classroom Rewards
Desk Pets
Desk pets remain one of the most popular rewards in my classroom year after year.
I prefer eraser-style desk pets because they're affordable, easy to store, and come in a huge variety of designs.
My favorite options:
The food accessories add extra excitement, but I like having a mix of both options available throughout the year.
Pop-It Keychains
These are always among the first prizes to disappear from my reward box.
Students love attaching them to backpacks, lunch boxes, and pencil cases. They're inexpensive, durable, and appeal to a wide range of ages.
Scratch Art Sheets
Perfect for creative students.
At seven and eight years old, most kids still love opportunities to create artwork. In general I try and incorporate as many hands on creativities for the students to do as possible. For our lates project we made adorable recycled bees. You can see the full article HERE.
Shop Scratch Art Sheets Here
Fun Pens and Pencils
Let's be honest—anything with a fun topper automatically becomes more exciting.
Whether it's animals, food, or seasonal themes, students love special writing tools.
Mini Notebooks
These pair perfectly with novelty pens and often become treasured possessions.
Students use them for:
Drawing
Writing stories
Indoor recess activities
Secret journals
Sensory-Friendly Classroom Rewards
These rewards are especially popular with students who benefit from movement or sensory input.
Stretchy Fidget Toys
Small enough to fit in desks and quiet enough for classroom use.
Sensory Stickers
I often place sensory stickers directly on student desks.
They provide tactile input without becoming distracting and don't take up valuable workspace.
Play Dough
Play dough is one of my favorite rewards because it doubles as a learning tool.
Students love it, and I can also use it for:
Letter formation
Sight word practice
Math modeling
Fine motor development
Classroom Rewards That Teachers Can Afford
One mistake I made early in my teaching career was making rewards too easy to earn.
Now, students typically save up for prizes over several weeks. This keeps rewards exciting and prevents me from constantly restocking my prize box.
Another budget-friendly favorite?
Stickers
Students love decorating:
Water bottles
Folders
Notebooks
Pencil boxes
Since sticker packs often contain hundreds of stickers, they're one of the most economical classroom rewards available.
My Classroom Economy System
One of my favorite classroom management strategies is combining behavior incentives with real-world math skills.
Since second graders learn about money, I use a classroom economy system.
Students earn plastic coins for positive behavior.
In September, I primarily distribute pennies. As students become more confident with counting and skip counting, I begin introducing nickels and dimes.
Buying a bulk coin set at the beginning of the year is a game changer because it lasts for years.
Shop Classroom Coins Here
To support students who still struggle with counting money, I created printable coin-counting mats.
Grab My Coin Counting Mats Here
Creating Long-Term Behavior Motivation
Individual rewards are motivating, but students also need opportunities to work toward goals together.
That's where whole-class rewards come in.
Throughout the year, I award class points whenever students meet expectations as a group.
Early in the year, this might look like:
Walking quietly in the hallway
Lining up appropriately
Following classroom procedures
As the year progresses, expectations increase.
This gradual release helps students develop stronger habits while keeping expectations realistic.
Whole-Class Rewards My Students Love
The best part?
Many of these rewards cost little or nothing.
Pajama Day
Extra Recess
Free Choice Time
Movie During Snack
Board Game Time
Blooket Day
Bring a Stuffed Animal to School
Popcorn Snack Day
Bigger Celebration Rewards
I save these for major class goals.
Glow Day
Ice Cream Making Day
Outdoor Learning Day
Final Thoughts
Classroom rewards don't need to be expensive or complicated to be effective.
In fact, many of my students' favorite rewards cost very little—or nothing at all.
Whether you use a token economy, a whole-class incentive system, or a combination of both, finding rewards students genuinely enjoy can make classroom management significantly easier.
The goal isn't to create a classroom full of prizes.
The goal is to create a classroom culture where students feel successful, motivated, and proud of their choices. If you want to read more about activities I have incorporated in my classroom that are hands on check out my post on an easy Fourth of July Craft, or Planting Actvitiy.
I'd love to hear from you!
What non-candy classroom rewards are the biggest hit in your classroom? Share your favorites in the comments below.