75 Show-and-Tell Ideas That Are Sure To Wow

The tradition of show-and-tell has been a staple in childhood for many years and finding unique ideas for your own kids to participate in can be challenging.

However, there are some great show-and-tell options that will make your child excited to share their belongings, memories, or talents with their class.

Items Your Child Values

We all have items we value for our own reasons. When your child chooses an item they value, they will have no trouble talking about its importance to their peers. 

1. A loved item from childhood, such as a stuffed animal or favorite book
2. The clothes they wore home from the hospital
3. Awards they have received
4. A collection they have invested time to find
5. A special card or note from a friend or family member
6. A favorite Halloween costume from the past
7. A favorite gift
8. A gift from a sibling or friend
9. An inherited item from a grandparent
10. A baby picture
11. A scrapbook of memories
12. Any item that gives them comfort

Things Meaningful to Your Family

Every family has items that are meaningful to them. Let your child bring one so they can explain its significance to your family. If the item is too valuable, simply have your child bring a picture of it.

13. A family photo
14. A pet but only if they are allowed at show and tell
15. An item from a significant religious event, such as a baptism or confirmation
16. Souvenirs from family vacations
17. A family tree showing their heritage
18. A favorite family movie
19. A picture of mom’s wedding dress
20. The family crest
21. A memory jar
22. A family time capsule
23. An actual family member
24. A favorite holiday decoration

Natural Wonders

Tell your child to step right outside their door for inspiration from nature. Your child can find a natural wonder easily in his own backyard.

25. A special rock
26. A walking stick your child chose while in nature
27. A beautiful leaf
28. Flowers picked while on a nature walk
29. A food your child grew in the garden
30. Sand in a bottle
31. A bird feather
32. Water in a bottle from the ocean
33. A small branch from a favorite tree
34. Snail shells
35. Pictures of spider webs or other animal habitats
36. Creatures kept from nature walks, bugs or worms

Demonstration of Talents

Material items are not the only options when it comes to show-and-tell. Your child can demonstrate a talent for the class, and this can help her build confidence in her skills.

37. Reading a poem they wrote
38. Performing a magic trick
39. Playing an instrument
40. Singing a song
41. Performing a dance routine
42. Telling a joke or a short comedy act
43. Showing and explaining how they drew, painted, or created a piece of art
44. Demonstrating how to perform a physical activity, like yoga, jumping jacks, or some other athletic feat
45. Sharing a snack they baked 
46. Demonstrating a science experiment
47. Showing off an item of clothing they created 
48. A plant your child grew in their garden
49. A puzzle your child finished
50. A completed Rubik’s cube

Things From Around the World

If your family travels, your child has a ton of options for show and tell. Almost anything picked up from another destination makes a great item to talk about with a class.

51. A shell from a beach
52. A ticket stub from an event attended
53. Pictures of your child at a favorite destination
54. A souvenir bought on the trip
55. A tiny replica of a state or country’s flag
56. An item of clothing bought while on a trip
57. Plane ticket
58. Concert ticket
59. An autograph from a famous person
60. A book bought from another country
61. A game from another country
62. An item made while traveling

Crafts & Special Projects

Your child may have crafts or projects that are small enough to bring to show-and-tell.

If not, don’t hesitate to let your child bring pictures of meaningful items they have created on their own or helped with around the house.

63. A garden your child helped plant
64. A room your child helped paint
65. A birdhouse your child built
66. A sweater or other item your child crocheted or knitted
67. Bracelets your child made from beads
68. Perler bead creations
69. Modeling clay creations
70. A painting or drawing your child made
71. Comic book creations and stories your child made on their own
72. A sock puppet your child created
73. Cards your child made on their own
74. Handmade bookmarks
75. Gifts made for family members

Closing Thoughts

When your child finds something they truly care about to share for show-and-tell, the sharing part will come easily. They will be able to talk confidently about an item they are passionate about sharing.