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Graduation gifts are some of the most challenging gifts to pick out, especially when you’re buying for your teen’s friends who have become almost as dear to us as our sons and daughters. We asked our seasoned parents what they love to give their kids’ friends, and here are some of their answers.
Some of these gifts can be bought in bulk, making giving to a large number more affordable.
Best graduation gifts for your teen’s friends
1. The Naked Roommate (Amazon)
In its 7th Edition, this book includes everything any young man or woman might encounter as a college student. Include a note of encouragement from you to make this an even more special gift.
2. Attmu Shower Caddy (Amazon)
Students need a shower caddy, especially if they have shared bathrooms in their dorms. Fill the caddy with some starter toiletries for an added treat.
3. Azhido Backpack Laundry Bag (Amazon)
Every student needs a laundry bag at college, so pick one for each friend and get a starter pack of detergent to make doing their first laundry away from home a breeze. These are highly rated and are available in lots of great colors.
4. Napkin Finance (Amazon)
Teens are expected to leave home with a foundation in financial literacy, but few already have answers to all the money questions they will face once they live independently. See why the one reviewer at the New York Times calls Napkin Finance “one of the best financial aid primers I have read in years.”
5. Cartman 39 Piece Tool Kit (Amazon)
This is a gift they will use for years to come. With 39-pieces, it has the basics they will need for their dorm or apartment and will last throughout college and beyond. A well-priced set.
6. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse (Amazon)
Send your teen (and their friends) off with a slender book of love and life lessons with The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse. Written and illustrated by beloved British artist Charlie Mackesy, this is a 2019 bestselling (New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and more) fable with gorgeous illustrations.
7. Kendra Scott Jewelry (Amazon)
Your daughter and her friends will never forget a unique piece of jewelry from Kendra Scott, especially if the stones are personalized with the colors of the college each girl is attending. There are dozens of stones to pick from to create unique necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.
8. Henbay Beach Towel (Amazon)
This is one of the most popular gifts for teens, especially if they attend a college in a warm weather or in a coastal location. Available in 10 colors.
9. IKEA Frakta Bags – 2 Pack (Amazon)
These large blue bags are something that will be useful to any teen heading off to college this fall. They are durable and have space to carry tons of stuff but also collapse so that they don’t take up space after unpacking.
10. Repel Folding Umbrella (Amazon)
College kids will be so glad they packed an umbrella the first morning they have to walk to class in a downpour. They can all use a Travel Umbrella that folds into a backpack. This one by Repel gets the highest ratings from the New York Times Wirecutter. This brand is the #1 bestseller in the folding umbrella category on Amazon.
11. Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World (Amazon)
Admiral William H. McRaven (Ret) wrote one of the most memorable college graduation speeches of all time, and this bestselling book is the written version. His words are direct and inspirational, in equal parts, making this a perfect send-off for any teen.
12. Casegrace Travel Jewelry Case (Amazon)
This mini travel jewelry case is perfect for when your teen is on the road. Its compact size makes it easy to use in a dorm room when storing jewelry out of sight in a drawer. Available in seven pretty colors.
13. BAGSMART Tote Bag (Amazon)
A tote bag is very useful in college for going to the gym, the beach, or even for classes. This one is large enough to hold a 15.6-inch laptop and comes in 18 colors.
Teens appreciate and need money; many clever ways exist to “dress it up.”
- Fill a mason jar with dollars and add decorative touches to the colors of each college.
- If you are genuinely creative, consider making a dollar wreath.
- And if you are not particularly crafty, write a check made out for $20.26 and place it in a card.
More Great Reading:
Fabulous High School Grad Gifts for Girls High School Grad Gifts for Guys. They Will Love These!
