Fantastic Gifts High School Graduates Will Love (2024)
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclosure page for more information.
With graduation season fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about the best gifts for high school graduates. Get your senior ready for adulthood with these commemorative presents that are guaranteed to please.
As the new graduates get ready to turn their tassels marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, selecting the perfect graduation gift becomes an important task. And you want to choose wisely because it’s an opportunity to celebrate achievements and support their next steps.
Our guide to the best gifts for graduating seniors aims to assist you in finding a present that supports their future goals and commemorates their accomplishments. And be sure to check out our guide to graduation gift etiquette for tips on how much to spend and if a gift is required.
From practical items to sentimental treasures, there’s something for every graduate on this list. Whether it’s a token of their hard work, a practical gift to help them navigate a new job, or a useful item to support a year of discovery, our list of high school graduation gifts will guide you in finding the ideal present for your favorite graduate.
So cheers to new beginnings and endless possibilities! Celebrate with a memento that is meaningful, inspiring, and perfect for the transition to adulthood.
About this Guide to the Best Gifts for High School Graduates
May can be a busy month. And I mean busy with a capital “B”. After celebrating our amazing Mothers, it’s time to buckle up for what I like to call the “end of the school year express”.
From the sports banquets to the graduation parties your calendar will soon be bursting with activity. And with all the celebrations you’ll soon be asking “So what do I get my favorite graduating students?”.
We’ll dive into some amazing ideas for high school graduation offerings and include a few quick tips for gift-giving etiquette.
RELATED: Graduation Gift Etiquette – what to spend and how to choose an amazing gift.
How to Find the Perfect Gifts for Graduating Seniors
The best high school graduation gifts are fun, yet functional. As grads are entering adulthood and leaving home for the first time, they will need a lot of things as they transition to their adult lives.
But, don’t forget they also appreciate fun things. The perfect senior gift ideas are the ones that embody fun and function.
Look for items that provide entertainment or make for a stylish accessory. Think about the basics of dorm living if your grad is heading off to college. Space-efficient, functional items like coffee makers and a to-go mug make excellent choices.
If the graduate is taking a gap year, look for items that will facilitate their travel or work plans.
Gifts don’t need to break the bank, but they should serve a purpose. This list of the best presents for high school grads gives a variety of options for functional, yet fun gift ideas.
RELATED: How to throw the Ultimate Budget Graduation Party
To Give or Not to Give?
When it comes to giving gifts for high school graduates, it can often be tough to determine where to draw the line. Your child may be attending a dozen graduation parties, and the cost of gifts starts adding up.
A good rule of thumb for giving gifts to graduating seniors is if you received a formal invite to the ceremony and you’re close with the grad, then yes, give a graduation gift.
Or you can consider giving gifts only to extremely close friends of your grad, and letting the rest of the parties be more about celebrating than gift-giving. Whatever you decide, remember that you don’t have to spend a fortune – you can find good gifts for $25. And the grad won’t care how much you spent if it’s thoughtful or useful.
Still have questions about graduation gift-giving? Check out the graduation gift etiquette post for answers to your commonly asked questions.
Best Gifts for High School Graduates
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get on to the gifts!
- Academic Planner: Give the gift of organization to college bound seniors. Help them keep track of class schedules, assignments, projects and so much more.
- A good backpack is a must-have for college bound graduates, travelers or those entering the workforce. I’ve had the medium sized Knack brand bag for several years and it’s my go-to bag – I love that there is a place for everything, including a laptop.
- College survival kit: purchase a new laundry basket & fill it with a variety of snacks & convenience foods (instant oatmeal, ramen, soup), an electric kettle and laundry supplies (detergent, softener, dryer sheets, quarters).
- Jewelry: commemorate the special occasion with a personalized piece of jewelry for her or an engraved watch for him.
- Subscription box: these make a great gift idea for college-bound graduates. Whether you choose a box focused on meals, snacks or self-care, it will give them something to look forward to every month.
- Gift cards: Target or Walmart, gas cards, restaurants, Starbucks and Amazon are popular choices. If the graduate will be attending college, consider selecting cards for merchants and restaurants near campus.
- Journals are a great way to document new experiences.
- Money: cold hard cash is king (not really). But it can be a great gift for a graduate who needs to make a big-ticket purchase or a few necessities.
- Yearly subscription to Netflix, Hulu, Spotify or other streaming service.
- Inspirational books: choose titles that offer life advice like The Freshman Survival Guide or motivational books.
- Cookbooks are useful for those living on their own for the first time. Be sure to choose titles with beginner cooks in mind like The 5-Ingredient College Cookbook or The Easy College Cookbook.
- Monogram stationary: these high quality cards and envelopes will make it easy to send a note to loved ones. Don’t forget to tuck in a book of stamps.
30 Awesome Gifts for Graduating Seniors
Practical & fun gifts for graduates heading off to college, traveling or starting a career. Gifts for boys & girls, and budgets big & small.
Anker Soundcore Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, Bluetooth
Noise cancelling headphones are a lifesaver when trying to study in a noisy dorm. Also handy for travelers trying to sleep.
Aisuo Night Light-5 in 1 Bedside Lamp with Bluetooth Speaker
This multi-purpose Bluetooth speaker is a space-saver with a built-in alarm and night light.
Photo Clip String Lights
Decorate your dorm room with lights and photos of your favorite people and places.
DASH Hot Air Popcorn Popper Maker
Perfect when you need a snack to power through late night study sessions.
Keurig K-Mini Plus Maker Single Serve Coffee Brewer
The small footprint of this model is perfect for tiny dorm rooms and small kitchens. And don't forget to add a box of K-cups or the reusable K-cup for your favorite coffee drinker.
Handheld Garment Steamer
Say goodbye to wrinkly clothing with this handheld clothes steamer.
Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness and Activity Tracker
Easily track your steps and fitness goals with this sleek wrist band.
Convertible Backpack Messenger Bag for Men/Women
This versatile bag makes the transition to adulting easy. It can be used as a messenger bag, briefcase or backpack and is big enough to hold a laptop & supplies.
TOZO W1 Wireless Charger
Keeps the study areas tidy by eliminating the need for multiple charging cords.
YETI Rambler Tumbler
Graduation is a perfect time to splurge on a high-quality, reusable water bottle. This model fits most cup holders and is available in a variety of your favorite colors.
Chanasya Fuzzy Faux Fur Super Soft Throw
College dorms can be cool. This super soft blanket will help chase away the chill. Available in a variety of colors for girls & boys.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera
Teens LOVE to capture memories and this instant camera is sure to be a hit. Grab an extra pack of film while you're at it.
Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker and Item Locator
Keeping track of your stuff can be hard! Say goodbye to losing your keys, camera, earbuds, backpacks & more with the Tile Mate.
Hamilton Beach Personal Blender
This small blender is the perfect size for making individual smoothies and it's portable so you easily tote it to class or work.
Anker PowerCore Portable Charger
Smaller than a deck of cards, this lightweight charger is a workhorse. College students & travellers will appreciate multiple charges for all their I-Phone and Android devices.
CARTMAN Orange 39-Piece Tool Set
Be the "go-to" guy or gal in the dorm with this compact tool set. Also available in pink.
Insulated Travel Mug with Spill-Proof Lid
Running out the door for classes or work? Take your coffee or tea to go. Available in a variety of different colors.
Seward Trunk Rover
Dorm rooms are notoriously small & lacking in storage. College students will appreciate the extra storage capability of this wheeled trunk.
Coffee Mug Warmer
You'll never have to drink a lukewarm cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate again!
Roku Streaming Stick+ Wireless and Voice Remote
No cable, no problem. Stream your favorite shows with the Roku stick. This model includes a voice remote.
Weekend Travel Bag
Ideal for overnight or weekend trips home or as a carry-on bag for flights. It's durable and can be converted to a duffel bag.
Waterproof Smart Watch
Helps to keep track of schedules and fitness goals.
Swiss Army Spartan Pocket Knife
Once you own a Swiss Army knife you'll wonder how you ever got by without one.
Cards Against Humanity
Party games are a great way to break the ice & make new friends at college.
Echo Dot
Whether you need answers to burning questions or just want to listen to music, the Echo Dot is a great choice for small spaces.
Black Felt Board with Stand & Built-in LED Lights
A fun way to personalize a dorm room by adding fun messages and inspirational quotes.
Premium Sewing Kit
Take care of wardrobe mishaps in a snap with the deluxe sewing kit.
Adidas Unisex Slides
Every college student living in a dorm needs a pair of slides for the shower (and for running around the dorm).
Language Learning Software
Learning a foreing language is a must if your graduate will be studying abroad or traveling internationally.
Do Your Laundry or You'll Die Alone
An essential, but humorous, take on advice your Mom would give if she thought you were listening (perfect for college-bound students).
Fun Ways to Present a Cash Gift
The general guidelines for cash gifts are the same as if you are giving a gift. If your bank account is fat and you’re feeling generous, feel free to give abundantly. Or scale back if funds are tight. Graduation is not an excuse to overspend.
Cash and gift cards are acceptable high school graduation gift ideas. In fact, some graduates may prefer it. Receiving cash allows the graduate to pool the funds to purchase a big ticket item (like a new laptop for college).
If you decide to go this route, be sure to check out these creative ways to package cash gifts:
As your graduate dons their cap and prepares to move on to the next chapter of their life, your gift can be a tangible reminder of the love and support you have for them. Whether it’s a useful gadget or a heartfelt keepsake the perfect gift can make this momentous occasion even more meaningful.
Did I miss anything? Drop a comment and let me know your go-to graduation gift ideas.
Our Favorite
Holiday Gift Guides
This post was originally published on 3/5/22 and updated on 4/17/24.
*** Save the Graduation Gift List for Later ***
My friend’s daughter is going to be a graduate soon. I am thinking of giving her a gift which can be useful for her. Really liked your suggestions, especially the garment steamer one.
I’m glad you found the gift ideas useful, Kavita.