We have gathered a list of high school graduation gifts that look forward and backward. Gifts that have been in the family for generations or quilts made of T-shirted memories recall so much of what our kids are leaving behind. With these, they will have a bit of home traveling with them as they leave. We also look forward to their new adventure, as we send them on their way with gifts to keep them safe, happy and healthy.
This is Part 1 one of our list. Make sure to check out what high school graduation gifts we put in Part 2. Congrats to moms and dads and good luck to your grads!
We have gathered the suggestions for books and gifts from Grown and Flown Parents and put them all in one place here.
Note: We receive a small percentage from purchases made through some of the links on this post.
Best High School Graduation Gifts 2018: Part 1
The top new tech gift this year is the Echo Spot. 
With voice-recognition technology, your student can ask Alexa to play music, get the latest weather or sports info, read an audio book, summons an Uber or Domino’s pizza and much, much more.
Noise-canceling earphones like this one that Consumer Reports gives highest marks to: Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones – Apple devices, Black – Wired
can be a lifesaver. Even the quietest roommate makes noise; your grad will really appreciate these once it’s time to hit the books despite music being blasted inside that tiny dorm room.
Wait, your student is the one likely to be blasting the music and starting the party? This Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth Speaker (Blue)
might be their perfect gift.
The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College (Naked Roomate)
Author Harlan Cohen has been in the college advice business for decades, having started as a student himself answering in the college newspapers. Now out in a 7th edition, this book is comprehensive and works well for both genders.
All college students need to take shower shoes to use in the communal showers and/or at the gym. Showaflops Antimicrobial Shower Sandals 
come in loads of different designs and styles for men and women. They are perforated with skid-proof bottoms so are perfect for the gross and germ-y floors that exist in all dorms.
We love the idea of giving the gift of jewelry as a grad gift for the special young women in your life and this Graduation Gift Guide from Kendra Scott has so many beautiful pieces that it might be hard to choose. One idea is to customize a necklace, earrings, or bracelet with the color stone of her new college.
Speaking of laundry, check out this absolutely perfect book of life lessons by author/artist, Becky Blades. Do Your Laundry or You’ll Die Alone: Advice Your Mom Would Give if She Thought You Were Listening
. Now out in a second edition, it includes every word of loving advice you want to remember to say to your daughter before she leaves home.
A gift card to one of the retailers that specialize in dorm room shopping is another practical idea. Bed, Bath and Beyond
and The Container Store each have special college promotions with discounts for students. They offer click and pick up and lots of other services for dorm purchases.
Amazon Prime Student is a great option for dorm-room provisions and, frankly, everything else under the sun. It offers FREE two-day shipping on most everything PLUS lots of other student specials.
If you’re looking for a “jewelry-equivalent,” check out the collegiate offerings of needlepoint gifts at Smathers & Branson. From belts to cufflinks, wallets, totes, pillows, key fobs or flip-flops, these are extremely durable, adorable and classic graduation gifts. Honestly, these are some of our very favorite presents to give.
Dogeared “Reminders” I Heart Texas Necklace
for ANY home state.
A small, lightweight charging device, the Jackery Mini External Battery Pack
is a great way for your student to never run out of phone battery.
What all college kids need, besides a cell phone and XL sheets, is a computer. If your grad needs a new one, check out what your son or daughter’s bookstore offers for sales and tech services. Compare that to buying a Mac with these Apple discounts for students.
Microsoft also offers discounts for students, teachers and parents on PCs, tablets and more at their stores and at microsoft.com.
We admit it, this is simply a toy but what a great ice-breaker in a dorm this makes. Our soccer-playing sons thought the Can You Imagine Light-Up Air Power Soccer Disk was fantastic.
Our final idea is something that all grads need for thank you notes. We thought this style, Crane & Co. Bodoni Blue Thank You Note (CT1511)
was less old-fashioned than some and we love Crane’s high quality of paper. Add a new ink pen, a sheet of stamps, and a reminder to your kid that saying “please and thank you” are lessons we never want them to forget.
Don’t forget to check out Best High School Graduation Gifts 2018: Part 2.
Related:
College Care Packages from Home
Favorite Gifts for College Care Packages
