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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 we’ve watched grow up and prepare to leave home. We asked our seasoned parents what they love to give their kids’ friends and listed many of their answers below. Some of these gifts can be bought in bulk, making giving to a large number more affordable.
The #1 most popular gift, by far, is money which can be given in cash or a check for $20.26 to match their grad year. A monetary gift can always be slipped into one of the gifts below, to make it an even more thoughtful present.
Best graduation gifts for your teen’s friends
1. The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College (Amazon)
In its 7th Edition, this New York Times bestselling book includes everything any young man or woman might encounter as a college student. Include a note of encouragement 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 have a foundation in financial literacy, but few already have answers to all the money questions they’ll face once they leave home. 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’ll 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 bestseller (New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and more) with gorgeous illustrations.
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. This cotton oversized beach towel is available in 12 colors.
9. IKEA Frakta Bags – 5 Pack (Amazon)
These large blue bags are something that will be incredibly useful to any teen heading off to college this fall. They’re durable with space to carry tons of stuff and they also collapse so that they don’t take up space after unpacking. Get a 2-pack for each grad and tie a ribbon in their college colors when you gift it.
10. Repel Travel Folding Umbrella (Amazon)
College students will be so glad they have this compact travel umbrella the first morning they have to walk to class in a downpour. This one gets the highest ratings from the New York Times Wirecutter and is available in lots of colors so you might be able to find one in their college color. 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 14 pretty colors.
13. BAGSMART Tote Bag (Amazon)
A tote bag is very useful for going to the gym, the beach, or classes. This one is large enough to hold a 15.6-inch laptop and comes in lots of pretty colors.
14. Goodr Sunglasses (Amazon)
Who wouldn’t love a pair of Goodr sunglasses, especially in a color of their new college? They’re available in many shapes, sizes and colors – no slip, no bounce, and the polarized lenses make them a safer choice for eye wear.
15. Gostwo Personalized Luggage Tags – 2 Pack (Amazon)
Personalized luggage tags are helpful especially when a student has a bag that might be easily confused with another one. Available in black, green and orange.
16. How to Start Discovering Your Life’s Work (Amazon)
Jodi Kantor is a New York Times bestselling author and recipient of the Pulitzer Prize. She delivered a commencement address at Columbia University that was so powerful and well-received that it will soon be published as a book. (April 21, 2026). She gives practical guidance rooted in two key ideas: developing craft and meeting real-world needs. The book offers honest, encouraging strategies to help navigate career choices, risks, and purpose over a lifetime. Available for pre-order NOW.
17. Carhartt Toiletries Bag (Amazon)
This toiletries kit could be a popular bag for a college student. Available in three colors.
18. Ninja Outdoorsman 11-in-1 Multifunctional Gadget Tool (Amazon)
This is an all-purpose tool that has 11 functions. Slender and practical.
19. Tervis Tumbler Collegiate Collection (Amazon)
Shop water bottles and tumblers in this collegiate collection by amazing, unbreakable Tervis. Find a variety of designs for 44 colleges. For students attending other schools, there are many other designs available.
20. Do Your Laundry or You’ll Die Alone: Advice Your Mom Would Give You If She thought You Were Listening (Amazon)
Becky Blades is the super talented writer and artist who created this perfect book of advice for young women going to college. A mother of two, she was inspired to write this as her eldest daughter was leaving home. We love this as a gift for any high school senior girl.
21. College Merch – NCAA (Amazon)
NCAA fan gear is a thoughtful way to support your teen’s friends as they head off to college, representing their new school with pride. Shop T-shirts, hats, accessories, socks, backpacks, and more.
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