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High school graduation is one of life’s significant accomplishments and one that friends and family will want to celebrate with a gift. This list includes our favorite gift ideas for guys and consists of sentimental and practical choices. Are you shopping for your son’s best buds? Here are some wonderful ideas for grad gifts for your teen’s friends. If you have girls on your list, here are some of our favorite grad gifts for the young women in your life.
High school graduation gifts for him
1. Herschel Charlie Cardholder Wallet (Amazon)
This wallet/card holder is made with durable recycled polyester and features a recycled polyester tonal stripe liner. It includes RFID-blocking protection to keep card data secure, multiple card slots for organization, and a storage sleeve for additional items.
2. Anker MagGo Power Bank (Amazon)
College students are on the go, from their first classes in the morning to dinner, homework, and socializing at night. While finding a plug to recharge a phone can often be inconvenient, this lightweight, slim, and portable battery charger can come to the rescue to help keep his phone working 24/7. It works with MagSafe for easy wireless charging and can power an iPhone almost twice.
For iPhone 16/15/14/13/12 Series only.
3. The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College (Amazon)
The closest thing to a “college instruction manual” is the New York Times bestselling book, The Naked Roommate. Author Harlan Cohen has been in the college-advice business since he was a student. He stays current by visiting college campuses and talking to students and administrators nationwide. This is a book your son can keep on the shelf and refer to often about ANY questions he has in college, including a “naked roommate.”
4. DudeRobe Luxury Hooded Bathrobe (Amazon)
The DUDEROBE is a game-changer — part hoodie, part robe, and 100% comfort. With its soft, towel-lined interior and laid-back, wearable style, it’s perfect for dorm life, lounging after the gym, or lazy weekends.
5. IKEA Frakta Bags – 5 Pack (Amazon)
These lightweight, durable bags are ideal for college move-in. Plus, after moving in, they don’t take much space at all since they can be collapsed when not in use. Great for storing bulky items, too.
6. Conair Handheld Steamer (Amazon)
My son loves this steamer he borrowed from a roommate for graduation and only wished he had taken one to school with him as a freshman. Dry clothes can sit in the dryer for hours before they are reclaimed from the laundry room, and the only hope for looking ironed is this steamer. (See above for the steamed side vs. the one with all the wrinkles.)
7. Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…and Maybe the World(Amazon)
7. 
Admiral William H. McRaven (Ret) wrote one of the all-time best commencement speeches he delivered at the University of Texas. His speech was later made into a slender book that quickly became a New York Times bestseller. His wise words will give your son all the advice he needs to launch into the next phase of his life — college, work, or the military.
8. “Open When” Cards – ZEDEV Store (Amazon)
Your son will be thrilled to have a treat waiting for him in college when he hits an (inevitable) rough spot. This set of 16 “open when” cards will be a gentle reminder that you are ALWAYS with him even if not in the same physical space. Fill with gift cards, an encouraging note, a small gift and you will both feel better.
9. Nestl Reading pillow (Amazon)
Dorm beds are uncomfortable to sit on as most do not have headboards. A backrest pillow like this one from Amazon is a great grad gift, and your son will be grateful whenever he tries to study in bed. Available in many colors.
10. SentrySafe Small Blue Safe (Amazon)
We like the Sentry compact safe for a wallet, passport, meds, or other valuables since it’s small and has a cable that can be looped around a heavy piece of furniture.
11. ViscoSoft Dusk mattress topper (Twin XL) (Amazon)
One of my sons said that having a mattress topper was the single most crucial dorm item he owned, and he would even give up his backpack if he had to choose between it and the topper. This one has a breathable, ventilated structure that promotes optimal air circulation, and also uses memory foam to alleviate joint pain.
12. YETI Tumbler (Amazon)
If your son is a coffee drinker and wants to savor a hot cup of coffee FOR HOURS, the YETI mug is for him. It is stainless steel with double-wall vacuum insulation, meaning cold drinks stay cold for hours. Teens and young adults will love receiving a YETI mug as a grad gift.
Available in iconic stainless or vibrant hues, look for one that matches your son’s college colors. There are also personalization options with initials or college logos. This is a tremendous and long-lasting gift!
13. Phillips Electric Shaver (Amazon)
An electric shaver is very useful for college guys to make shaving much quicker and easier. This one follows the face’s contours, creating smooth contact with the skin. It can be used for a dry shave, with gel or foam, or even in the shower.
14. Surblue Bedside Caddy (Amazon)
A bedside caddy is necessary for living in a college dorm room because most dorms don’t come with a bedside table. This one is waterproof and can hold books, a laptop, pens, cellphones, water bottles, snacks, and drinks.
15. Napkin Finance (Amazon)
Give the gift of financial literacy with this book that ranges on topics from credit scores to paying off student loans to economics and blockchain. This book will benefit your son throughout college and beyond.
16. Nestl Laundry Backpack (Amazon)
A laundry backpack makes moving clothes to and from the laundry room so much easier. This extra large laundry backpack is durable, has soft padded shoulder straps, and comes in 4 colors.
17. LEVOIT Air Purifier (Amazon)
While living in the dorms, it is very common for students to get sick from airborne infections. However, with an air purifier, allergens, odors, and contaminants can be limited. This one comes equipped with 3-stage filtration to ensure top-notch air purification.
18. Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) (Amazon)
If he is always losing his keys, wallet, or backpack, he can put an AirTag on it so that it will be easily locatable.
19. Cartman tool set (Amazon)
Having a basic tool kit is a must-have when they move into their first dorm or apartment; they will need one with all the many moves in their future, too. This Cartman set has 39 pieces that can be neatly stored in a durable plastic case.
20. Hydro Flask wide-mouth water bottle (Amazon)
Hydro Flask insulated water bottles have been one of our favorite brands for years and it is no wonder – they magically keep liquids cold for 24 hours or hot for 12. They are available in many different colors, sizes and styles.
21. Spikeball 3-ball game set (Amazon)
Send your son to college with a built-in way to make friends and get a good work out in at the same time. The Spikeball game set includes 3 ball, the net and a bag.
Using Spikeball as a way to foster friendship before and during college might be the ultimate grad gift for him.
22. Apple AirPods Pro 3 (Amazon)
Apple AirPod Pros 3 have loads of features that make this version of the AirPod Pros a significant upgrade from earlier versions. One feature your son would especially appreciate is the Active Noise Cancellation which can help;p remove 2 x more background noise (think noisy roommates and hall mates.)
23. BAGSMART Toiletry Bag (Amazon)
Made with water-resistant material, the Bagsmart toiletry bag features a spacious main compartment with elastic straps to keep bottles upright and multiple pockets for organized storage. A waterproof front pocket separates wet and dry items, while additional zippered and elastic compartments help keep toiletries and cosmetics neatly arranged. The double-zipper design allows easy access and secure closure, making it a versatile bag suitable for home use, travel, shaving kits, or cosmetics.
24. Passport Holder RFID Blocking Leather Card Case (Amazon)
Hopefully your graduate has some travel on their agenda and this travel wallet holds your passport and features a hidden magnetic clasp that preserves the cover’s embossed design. It includes RFID-blocking technology to protect personal information and is made from soft, eco-friendly synthetic leather. The wallet also comes with a metal SIM card pin for convenient phone SIM changes while traveling.
25. Timex Men’s Easy Reader Watch (Amazon)
I know they have their phones and Apple watches to keep time but sometimes wearing a plain watch keeps things simpler. This watch features an easy-to-read dial and a date window, a comfortable adjustable genuine leather strap, and a backlight for viewing in the dark. It is water resistant and practical.
26. IRIS USA WOOZOO Air Circulator Fan (Amazon)
Compact WOOZOO fan provides powerful air circulation with six adjustable tilt angles. It includes a remote control for easy operation of power, speed, modes, oscillation, and a timer that can shut the fan off after 1, 2, or 4 hours. With five speed settings—from quiet breeze to strong airflow—it offers customizable comfort. Lightweight and portable with a built-in handle, the small 3.5-lb fan fits easily on desks, counters, or nightstands. An Amazon “overall pick.” Great for their dorm room. Will be much used and appreciated.
27. Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-On Luggage with Spinner Wheels (Amazon)
This hardshell carry-on suitcase features a durable, scratch-resistant exterior and measures 15 x 10 x 23 inches with wheels, meeting most airline cabin size requirements. Inside, it offers a spacious interior with elastic straps, a divider, and a pouch to keep belongings organized during travel.
Prices were accurate at time of publication.
Why You Can Trust Us:
The Grown and Flown team includes three moms who have raised 8 young adults and have been working on product lists for over 14 years now, making them experts. When selecting products they survey the Grown and Flown Parents Facebook group of over 300,000 parents of teens, tweens and young adults. They do opinion polls, surveys and ask open-ended questions. They search for products that combine reasonable prices with high quality and are recommended by the large following. With recommendations from major retailers, trustworthy publications, and social media influencers, this post selected a range of products, paying close attention to reviews and price tags.
Haven’t found what you want yet? Here’s more: Great Graduation Gift Ideas for High School Seniors – Lots!
