50 Objects Starting With X

50 Objects Starting With X For Your Classroom

The letter “X” can be a real challenge when looking for classroom objects! Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or simply looking to expand your vocabulary, finding items that start with “X” can feel like a mission. This comprehensive guide provides 50+ objects starting with X that you can find or use in your classroom, along with ideas for Show and Tell, famous characters, and even obscure items to spark creativity and learning. Get ready to explore a treasure trove of X-ceptional objects!

This post is packed with ideas, starting with food items, animals, and common household/office objects beginning with X, then moving to clothing and outdoor items, a single vehicle, space-related terms, instruments, and body parts. You’ll also find a deep dive into 45 obscure objects and a fun list of famous characters starting with X, all culminating in practical Show and Tell ideas for Nursery and EYFS with handy printables.

You may also like our post on Objects that start with A and Classroom objects that start with Z.

The X-Files of Phonics: Why the Letter ‘X’ is a Teaching Hack (Not a Headache)

Here’s the thing: most of the struggles with ‘X’ come from a misunderstanding of how the sound works in English. We want everything to be neat and tidy, with a clean beginning sound, but the truth is, the letter X is a blended sound.

It’s All About the /ks/ Sound

If you’re working with preschoolers, Nursery, or EYFS learners, you need to stop focusing on the beginning of words and lean into the terminal /ks/ sound. Think of words like fox, box, or six. These are common words, and many children already have toys or household items that fit the bill. This simple shift is a game-changer for building phonemic awareness.

You know what? Trying to force a three-year-old to understand a Xylocarp (a woody fruit, seriously?) is a recipe for tears. Instead, we can use an analogy from the playground:

Using a box for Show and Tell is like using a well-loved football for P.E. You already have it, everyone understands it, and you can focus on the skill (the sound) instead of the obscure equipment (the rare word).

The Kinesthetic Connection: Feeling the X

For children—especially those who benefit from multisensory learning, like many of the students I’ve taught—feeling the sound is key. The sound of X, /ks/, is actually a tiny, two-part workout for the mouth!

1. The /k/ sound: Starts with the back of the tongue hitting the soft palate (think a quick, clean ‘C’).
2. The /s/ sound: Finishes with the air hissing through the teeth.

When children say box, they can put their hand up to their mouth and feel that quick burst of air.

A simple, practical tool you can introduce is the Crossed-Arms X. When a child says an ‘X’ word, have them cross their arms quickly over their chest to form an ‘X’. This links the visual, the movement, and the sound into one memorable action. This approach isn’t just theory; it’s grounded in how early phonics programs, like Jolly Phonics, introduce and reinforce complex sounds. It makes the abstract letter concrete and easy to comprehend.

Food Items Beginning With X

• Xylocarp: A type of fruit.
• Xoconostle: A variety of prickly pear.
• Xigua: Another term for watermelon.
• Xylitol: A sweetener.
• Xanthan Gum: A thickening agent.
• Xouba: A type of sardine.
• XO Sauce: A flavorful condiment.

Animals Beginning with X:

• X-Ray Tetra: A small fish.
• Xerus: A ground squirrel.
• Xanthippe’s Shrew: A lesser-known shrew species.
• Xantic Sargo: A type of fish.
• Xantus’s Hummingbird: A bird species.
• Xeme: A small gull.
• Xingu River Ray: A freshwater stingray.
• Xalda Sheep: A breed of sheep.
• Xuthus Swallowtail: A butterfly.
• Xenosauru: (Note: This is a dinosaur.)

Household/Office Objects Starting With X:

• Xerox Paper: Used for printing and copying.
• Xerox Machine: For photocopying.
• ‘X’ Scrabble Tile: A game piece in Scrabble.
• Xbox: A gaming console.
• Xbox Controller: Used to play games.
• Xbox Game: The Game (Are We stretching the uses of Xbox here?!)
• X Alphabet Block: A toy block with the letter X.
• X-Shaped Cookie Cutter: For baking cookies.
• Xylograph: A wood engraving.

Clothing Items:

• XL Shirt: A larger-sized shirt or XXL Sweatshirt: An extra-extra-large sweatshirt.
• X-Cut Swimsuit: (Note: This might be a creative swimwear design.)

Outdoor Items starting with X:

• Xyris: A type of flower.
• Xeronema: A plant.
• Xanthorhiza: A shrub.
• Xanthocyparis (Alaskan Yellow Cedar): A tree species.
• Xenoblast: A crystal found inside rocks.

Vehicle Starting With X (Well Just 1)

• Xebec: A Mediterranean sailboat.

Space-Related X:

• X-Rays: High-energy electromagnetic radiation.
• X-Ray Burster: A celestial object emitting X-rays.
• X-Ray Binary Star: A binary star system emitting X-rays.

Xey Instruments:

• Xylophone: A musical instrument.
• Xafoon: A bamboo saxophone.
• Xiaocha: Small cymbals.
• Xun: A traditional Chinese instrument.

Body Parts starting with X:

• Xiphoid: A small part of the sternum.

I tried my best to come up with objects that start with X you may be able to find. Some of these items are quite obscure. They can be interesting for word games or expanding vocabulary. Here are some other items that begin with X, I hadn’t heard of most of these but you may find some of them

45 Obscure Objects Starting With X

1. Xanthophyll crayons
2. Xenops (bird species for biology lessons)
3. Xenarthran models (anteaters, sloths, armadillos)
4. Xenoliths (classroom rock samples)
5. Xerography machines (photocopiers)
6. Xylographs (wood engraving prints)
7. Xylographers (wood engraving tools)
8. Xylocarps (woody fruits)
9. Xylems (plant biology models)
10. Xylographic art supplies
11. Xylographic T-shirts (classroom craft)
12. Xylographs (decorative woodcuts)
13. Xyloid tables (woodcraft furniture)
14. Xylological samples (wood varieties)
15. Xylology books (study of woods)
16. Xylonite alphabet discs
17. Xylophonic teaching aids
18. Xylophonic percussion sets
19. Xylophonic chimes (musical toys)
20. Xylophonic xylophones (instruments)
21. X-ray viewing boxes (science)
22. X-acto knives (craft supplies)
23. Xebecs (sailing ship models)
24. Xenarthra figurines (sloths, etc.)
25. Xenops (stuffed bird toys)
26. Xoconostle (Mexican fruit for lessons)
27. Xocodiz (Mexican candy for lessons)
28. X-bases (molecular model kits)
29. Xerographic teaching aids
30. Xian terra cotta warriors (models)
31. Xmas alphabet ornaments
32. Xoloitzcuintli dog figurines
33. Xavier books (name-related)
34. Xebec sailing ship mobiles
35. Xenolith mineral samples
36. Xylene markers (toxic, not recommended)
37. Xylographs (woodblock prints)
38. Xylographic engraving tools
39. Xylotomic wood splitters (woodshop)
40. Xylotomous insect displays
41. Xoconostle candies (Mexican sweets)
42. Xocolatl drinking chocolate
43. Xray fish skeletons (biology)
44. Xystus botanical models
45. Xyst miniature garden areas
46. Xoanon figurine (primitive)

Famous Characters Starting with X

Book characters starting with X:

1. Xander (Buffy the Vampire Slayer novels)
2. Xenophilius Lovegood (Harry Potter series)
3. Xena (Xena: Warrior Princess novelizations)
4. Xavier (The Giver Quartet)

TV Shows:

5. Xander Harris (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
6. Xena (Xena: Warrior Princess)
7. Xerxes Break (Pandora Hearts anime)
8. X-23/Laura Kinney (X-Men animated series)
9. Xiaolin Monks (Xiaolin Showdown)
10. Xavier (The Proud Family)

Movie Characters that Start with X

11. X-Men (various characters from the X-Men franchise)
12. Xavier (X-Men film series, specifically Professor X)
13. Xerxes (300)
14. Xibalba (The Book of Life)

Video Games:

15. Xemnas (Kingdom Hearts series)
16. Xiaoyu (Tekken series)
17. X (Mega Man X series)
18. Xbalanque (SMITE)
19. Xayah (League of Legends)

Comics:

20. X-23/Laura Kinney (Marvel Comics)
21. X-Man/Nate Grey (Marvel Comics)
22. Xavier Thorpe (Addams Family comics)

Animated Series:

23. XR (Buzz Lightyear of Star Command)
24. XJ-9/Jenny Wakeman (My Life as a Teenage Robot)

Mythology and Folklore:

25. Xochiquetzal (Aztec mythology)
26. Xolotl (Aztec mythology)

This list covers X characters from various media, including books, TV shows, movies, video games, comics, and even mythology – Well mostly X-Men if we are honest. As you can see, there are fewer well-known characters starting with X compared to other letters, and some of these might be less familiar to younger children. Many of the characters come from franchises or series aimed at older children, teenagers, or adults.

X Show and Tell Ideas for Nursery and EYFS

The letter X might seem like a tricky one for Show and Tell—but that’s exactly what makes it exciting! Supporting children in finding or interpreting “X words” builds their creativity, phonics awareness, and confidence in speaking. Whether you go for items that start with X or contain the X sound, this activity can still be full of fun, language-rich learning.

Below you’ll find a quick list of age-appropriate “X” items, a printable parent prompt sheet, and a gentle social story for those who find Show and Tell a little daunting.

Quick List of X Show and Tell Items for Young Children

For EYFS learners, X-themed items may include words that start with X, or more often, items that have the X sound in them. Here are some fun and appropriate ideas:

• Xylophone – A popular and colourful musical instrument.
• X-ray photo or drawing – Safe and fascinating for children to explore bones and the body.
• X-ray fish toy or photo – A real fish species, often seen in educational books.
• Box with an X on it – Great for treasure hunt themes (“X marks the spot!”).
• Toy fox – Includes the “x” sound, and children often have one already.
• T-Rex figure – Dinosaurs are always a hit, and it ends in “x”!
• A printed X letter – Children can decorate a giant cardboard X to bring in.
• Alphabet puzzle piece (X) – Reinforces phonics learning.
• X-shaped cookie or cracker – A tasty (and memorable!) learning link.
• Xmas decoration – If seasonally appropriate, you can link it to “Xmas = Christmas”.

Not every X Show and Tell needs to be a physical object. Children could also share:

• A drawing of an X-ray.
• A pirate map with a big red “X”.
• A photo of a fox, box, or mix from home.

Printable Parent Prompt Sheet: “It’s X Week!”

A little guidance goes a long way, especially when the letter is a difficult one. Sending home a friendly handout helps parents understand the theme and feel more confident supporting their child.

Dear Parents and Carers,

Next week we are focusing on the letter X in class!

We’d love for your child to bring in something for Show and Tell on [insert day]. It can be anything starting with X—or even something that includes the X sound.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Xylophone
• X-ray photo or drawing
• Box (especially with an X on it)
• Fox toy
• T-Rex figure
• Xmas decoration
• Alphabet puzzle piece
• An “X” made out of sticks, straws or craft items

If you’re unsure, feel free to send in a drawing, photo, or story about something “X” related instead.

Thank you for supporting your child’s confidence and language development. We look forward to hearing what they bring!

Kind regards,
[Your name/School name]

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📖 Social Story: I Can Do Show and Tell – Letter X

Show and Tell can feel like a big step—especially if your child is unsure what to say or nervous about speaking in front of others. This simple social story helps reassure and prepare children for what to expect.

I Can Do Show and Tell – Letter X
At nursery, we take turns bringing something to show.
This week, we are learning the letter X.
I can bring something that starts with X or has the X sound.
My teacher will tell me when it’s my turn.
I can hold my object and talk about it.
If I forget what to say, it’s okay.
I can ask my teacher to help me.
My friends will listen quietly.
When I finish, I can feel proud.
Show and Tell is fun, and I’m learning to speak in front of others

This story can be printed, read aloud in class, or used with visuals to help children feel safe and prepared.

With a little flexibility and imagination, Show and Tell for the letter X can be just as meaningful as any other week. It builds early sound recognition, boosts communication skills, and creates classroom connections—one “X” at a time.