How sweet! I think it would be nice to have it be something your DD liked at that age-- perhaps a favorite book? I guess they aren't likely at chapter books in Kindergarten but B&H has some darling magnetic book clips/book markers.

I am a crazy (classic) Winnie the Pooh fan.. not even sure if kids are still into it but I give the Complete Tales of Winne the Pooh as a gift for a wide range of ages. It is beautifully illustrated and a nice keepsake (I still have mine!)

And then there's always Fancy Nancy... books and toys. I think they're fun for the little girls who are into the style.

I agree. Do something at the end of the year, when the kids are finished and out of school.

My kids loved being a buddy. In our school it was the fifth graders and called Fifth Grade Buddies.

Play dough, markers, crayons, oil pastels, stickers, headband, cheap bracelet, tiny stuffed animal, fun socks

(My kindergarten girl loves her third grade reading buddy and the fifth grade K buddies who play with the kindergarteners ar recess and help them at lunch.)

Maybe make it a Happy New Year gift when all the Christmas gifting dies down a bit. And I like the idea of fun hair ties or headbands, socks, stickers, funky jewelry, or things along those lines. Maybe even a glittery 'Happy 2016' crown to celebrate.

My DD's school paired fifth graders with kindergarteners as reading buddies. One cute gift I saw that year that was a handmade "do not disturb" type door tag that said Reader at Work. Maybe if your DD has a special activity shared with her K she could make a similar door tag geared to that interest? You can buy foam door tags at craft stores in a variety of colors and glue on trinkets, letters to spell a name, etc.

I would not buy anything, but let your DD make something for the child.

I have to agree with Tib. I wouldn't do it. Even though you know the mother, you would still be breaking school policy. Plus, you can count on the little girl telling all her friends. And more than likely, mom will let it slip also.

Yes, KSWL, I was actually thinking of a decorated sugar cookie in a glassine bag with a bow. It really has to be a "token". And we know the family socially so it's a tad grey.

My kids have already made cards for all of their teachers, some friends etc, so we have that. Maybe she could make a bookmark.

We wouldn't need to like, swear anyone to secrecy, it's not that big a deal. And frankly my DC tells me they know that some kids are giving gifts, after they asked around a bit. That kind of stuff always happens, but I do understand and agree with the policy. I was discussing this w another Mom and she said what they really want to do is discourage anything elaborate in any direction. I can totally see that happening.

Got a run, only one day left.... but thx as always for the ideas.

Unbelievable! Just 2 minuted ago, my daughter asked me to help her get a gift for GS's 5th grade school buddy. And yes only one day left.

How about a great picture in a little frame of the two of them together, signed and personalized on the back by your DD?

Definitely something homemade or a book. Very sweet. I bet the KG children really look up to their buddy.

dee, i love love that idea and i think a photo does exist! I also happen to have a perfect little frame

oh yeah the buddy thing is such a super idea

A card shouldn't be anything to object to - & you could put some stickers or tattoos in it...

The picture idea is wonderful. I know my kindergarten would love it.

Carol, another great idea.

I like carolb's idea of a card with some stickers or tattoos. I know my daughter would have been just as excited about that as a gift. They have a similar buddy system at her school and she got a pencil from her buddy last year as no gifts are exchanged between the grades and she loves that pencil.

aww, a pencil is good too! I knew you guys would have super ideas!

ohhhhh.. you are talking much more token than I was thinking. I would not worry one bit about a pencil, stickers or cookies! These are things I'd give someone just for having a bad day LOL.

Along this line, one of my favorite treats for the girls when they were young were smencils.. scented pencils. Perhaps too much for the kind of gifts you are talking but they make great stocking stuffers. I bought them for all the girls in the neighborhood one Christmas. They were a big hit with the under 12 age group!

LOL, Funky, yes I really meant token and so these ideas are great.