We have gathered a list of high school graduation gifts that look forward and backward. Presents like a unique photo book of high school friends or uniquely personal jewelry help to celebrate this important milestone and recall so much of what our teens are leaving behind.
But other gifts on our list include some of the true college essentials that any high school senior will need as they prepare to leave home for the next phase of their life.
All of these are under $100.
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Best high school graduation gifts (under $100)
YETI Tumbler (Amazon)
Give your son or daughter a legendary YETI travel mug or water bottle. YETI mugs keep beverages hot or cold for hours and are available in various colors and sizes.
UE Wonderboom Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker 3 (Amazon)
The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 is the highest-rated portable Bluetooth speaker and a gift your son or daughter would love to have in their new dorm room. With excellent audio, it is also portable, dustproof, waterproof, and floatable. Available in multiple colors.
Nike Duffel Bag (Nike)
This 45L duffel bag is ideal for your soon-to-be college student to use for weekend trips home, with many small pockets to help keep items organized. It can also be used for the gym or other day trips during college.
Luna Weighted Blanket (Amazon)
Weighted blankets are heavier than typical quilts or throw blankets that can offer a soothing feeling when you slip off to sleep or curl up in one to relax with Netflix or a book. The Luna brand is highly recommended for weighted blankets, and we think this Sherpa Throw style would make an excellent gift for your new grad.
Kodak Mini Printer (Amazon)
This smartphone printer is small enough to fit in a pocket. It turns photos or screenshots into high-quality 2×3″ prints and would be a fun gift for your grad to capture moments with friends at graduation parties.Hydro Flask Water Bottle
Master Lock Personal Safe (Amazon)
This safe is handy for keeping valuables such as cash, prescription meds, a passport, or jewelry in a dorm room.
40 Piece Tool Set
A toolset is one of the most highly-recommended grad gifts and one that they will use throughout college, in their first apartment, and into the real world beyond.
Eagle Creek Packing Cubes (Amazon)
This packing set helps them stay organized while moving into the dorm and helps students keep things orderly in their new space. Eagle Creek gets top reviews and has a lifetime warranty.
Faux Fur Saucer Chair (Amazon)
There is NEVER enough seating in a dorm room when friends visit, and this folding chair can be stored flat if not needed. It’s a comfy spot for studying, reading, or chatting with friends. Available in many great colors and upgrade to a chair with a footrest.
More Grad Gift Ideas
High School Grad Gifts for Girls
