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The time has finally come for your high schooler to graduate. Congratulations! To reward them for all their accomplishments, it’s nice to give them something special aside from cash (which is always the number one gift every year). We were stumped for ideas for the best high school graduation gifts, so we reached out to our band of experienced parents for some wonderful suggestions, as well as researching popular top-rated products that could be useful for someone leaving home for the first time.
Here are the best graduation gift ideas that will suit various interests and help support them as they take their next steps.
Note: We are a reader-supported site and receive compensation from purchases made through some of the links in this post.
Best high school graduation gifts
1. For the one who loves trendy totes: BAGSMART Travel Duffle (Amazon)
This durable and lightweight bag is the perfect size to use as a carryon bag, a gym bag, or for an overnight trip. Available in ten colors and two sizes, this would be a practical and very thoughtful graduation gift. We love the puffer look.
2. For the one who wants to be prepared: The Naked Roommate
Harlan Cohen is the dean of advice to college students, and The Naked Roommate, his bestselling book, is an excellent go-to guide for all things related to college life, academics, friends, and more.
3. For the one who needs extra storage: Poppin Box Seat (The Container Store)
Not only is this cube an extra place for guests to sit in their dorm room, but it also holds 4,096 cubic-inches of storage space — the perfect solution for seating and storage in a tiny dorm room. Available in several pretty colors.
4. For the one who needs motherly advice: Do Your Laundry or You’ll Die Alone
Becky Blades, author/illustrator (and mom of two daughters), is the genius behind this adorable book. You’ll give your grad what she wants but doesn’t know she needs: her mother’s loving counsel. The beautifully illustrated book covers topics from laundry to forgiveness to creative living.
5. For everyone (they all need sleep): ViscoSoft Select High-Density Mattress Topper (Amazon)
Credit: ViscoSoftDorm mattresses are usually the bare minimum for thickness and comfort. But you can help your student sleep like they never left home by sending them to campus with a ViscoSoft Select High-Density Twin XL mattress topper.
Recommended by Consumer Reports, they are super comfortable, easy to clean, durable, and provide an ick-safe barrier between your teens and the old dorm mattress that’s typically provided. You can choose from either 3″ or 4″ inches of gel-infused memory foam. The covers are washable and come with adjustable straps and slip-resistant mesh for a snug fit.
6. For everyone who will be living away from home: Target Threshold Performance Bath Towel (Target)
Target offers all sizes of towels in their Threshold line. They are made of heavyweight terry cotton fabric and are available in dozens of pretty colors. They have a sewn-in loop which makes them easy to hang on a bathroom hook. Fade resistant so they will look great after many, many washings.
This towel is the New York Times Wirecutter product reviewers top pick for dorm towel.
7. For the one always on their phone: Anker Portable Charger (Amazon)
One of the best ways for your kid to stay safe at college is to have an always-charged phone. Having one of these small, lightweight, and high-speed battery bank chargers in a backpack is invaluable. This one from Anker is the slimmest model the brand makes for easy portability.
For iPhone 16/15/14/13/12, iPad, MacBook, Galaxy, Google, and More
8. For the sentimental one: Class of 25 Ornament (Amazon)
9. For the focused one: Bose Quiet Comfort Noise-Canceling Headphones (Amazon)
A way to block out noise from a roommate or hallmates is key for college students. These noise-canceling wireless headphones from Bose get the top reviews for audio quality and loads of other features like Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in mic for phone calls.
If you’re looking for a much less expensive but also well-reviewed set of over the ear headphones, these wireless headphones by Soundcore are considered the top ones priced under $100.
10. For the student who has an old laptop: Apple MacBook Air (Amazon)
If your new graduate has an outdated computer, there is no gift that they will need more than a new laptop. Most students would appreciate a light MacBook Air to tote around campus. Although expensive, look for student discounts from Apple or Microsoft.
For example, Apple offers a discount to college students, seniors with admission letters, or college parents. Microsoft offers students and their parents discounts if they want to spring for a PC.
11. For the one who needs to hydrate: Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler
Credit: Stanley
This massive tumbler from Stanley has become quite popular on TikTok and is now the No. 1 choice for Class of 2025 grads. This NEW style is completely leak-proof with the ProTour Flip Straw lid — flip up the built-in straw to sip, then snap it shut when done.
12. For the one trekking far: lululemon Everywhere Backpack
Credit: lululemonIf your teens love lululemon workout gear, they’ll be thrilled with a backpack from the same brand. This durable, lightweight, water-repellent backpack has a padded compartment for a laptop and an exterior pocket for a water bottle.
Starting college with a new backpack, not one with the crumbs and bits of torn paper from high school, will be a welcome addition to their college life. It comes in three colors.
13. For the one ready to look into their next decade: The Defining Decade
Dr. Meg Jay, a bestselling author and clinical psychologist, wrote this wake-up call to twentysomethings who will find her advice and coaching about this decade compelling. Updated in 2021, this book is filled with wisdom about what’s to come. Watch her amazing TED talk, Why 30 is Not the New 20, to learn more about what she covers in her book.
14. For the one who needs a fresh wallet: Leatherology Thin Bifold Wallet
This slim wallet from Leatherology would be an elegant keepsake gift for your son. This thin, bifold style gets top reviews; you can even personalize it for something special.
15. For the one who appreciates great sheets: Mellanni TwinXL Sheets (Amazon)
16. For the one spending long days on campus: Owala Water Bottle (Amazon)
17. For the one who wants to stay connected: Long Distance Friendship Lamp (Uncommon Goods)
A very different kind of lamp connects two family members by light. Get a pair of friendship lamps, and you can convey your love by touching the lamp, letting your teen know you are never far away. Likewise, they can send the same back to you.
18. For the one who loves jewelry: Kendra Scott Jewelry
Kendra Scott earrings, necklaces, and rings can be personalized with a gorgeous selection of stones that many college freshmen have worn during their sorority rush rounds. Pick your daughter’s favorite color or the color of her new college.
Buy Grad Gifts at Kendra Scott:
19. For the sentimental one: Project Repat T-Shirt Quilt
One of THE VERY MOST popular grad gifts for teens is a t-shirt quilt from Project Repat. Take a stack of your teen’s t-shirts from camp, game day, memorable family trips, sports teams, concerts, and more, cut them into panels, and ship them off to Project Repat. Prepare to surprise your teen with a keepsake that celebrates their accomplishments and that they will love to use in college.
20. For the one who loves card cases: Herschel Charlie Wallet (Amazon)
Credit HerschelWe’re big fans of the Herschel brand and think their selection of lightweight, durable, and affordable card cases is one to consider for your grad. Add a few dollars or a check for $25.25, and you’re all set!
21. For the one living in a far dorm: Schwinn Wayfarer (Amazon)
College kids on bicycles is an idyllic image, but not if your kid’s bicycle was the small one they got for the holidays in sixth grade. If they are going to attend a university that is suited to a bike, and most are, this may be the single most helpful gift you can give after their laptop. Don’t forget to add a bike repair kit for helping to keep the bike in tip-top shape and a lock for safety.
22. For the caffeine addict: Keurig Mini (Amazon)
Students waking up early for class or pushing through late-night studying will appreciate their single-serving coffee maker. Keurig makes many different machines, but our favorite is the Mini which measures only 5 inches wide and comes in six colors. This is an excellent gift for teens or young adults moving into a dorm or smaller apartment.
23. For the late-night worker: Honeywell Dimmable Desk Lamp (Amazon)
A desk lamp with a built-in charger for a phone is a practical gift that your teen can use in dorms or apartments for years to come. Equipped with USB A+C Charging Ports, your teen can power up two devices at the same time. Three color modes, dimmable and foldable – this is a great compact lamp for a small space like a dorm.
24. For the fitness fanatic: Adidas defender Gym Bag (Amazon)
A new gym bag to take to college will provide a fresh start to your student and motivation to take care of their health by staying in shape.
25. For the one who has lots of school pride: College Logo Gear (Fanatics)
Sweatshirts or other items with college names and logos are almost a requirement. Fanatics has one of the widest selections of officially-licensed NCAA (and pro team) shops, with over 500 colleges represented.
26. For the bangle lover: LOKAI College Bracelets (LOKAI)
We think these simple bead bracelets are lovely. When we read about the founder’s story and saw how many bracelets he created to honor and contribute to worthy charities, we were even more excited to feature them on this graduation gift list. Check out the new collegiate collection — perfect for a recent grad.
27. For the one with valuables: SentrySafe Portable Dorm Safe (Amazon)
If your teen takes any valuable jewelry, a passport, or meds, having a lock box to store them in will give you peace of mind. This one has a programmable electronic lock and a steel tethering cable.
28. For the handy one: Cartman 39 piece Tool Kit (Amazon)
Credit: Amazon
Unassembled furniture? A hinge that is coming loose? A small but well-equipped toolset like this one will last four years and beyond.
29. For the one who checks the time: Fossil Watch (Amazon)
Treasured gifts might be tucked away until your teen has a special occasion, but these watches are graduation gifts that last a lifetime. Fossil offers watches that strike the perfect balance between style and affordability that can withstand a graduate.
Buy the Fossil Women’s Carlie Mini Quartz Watch:
Buy the Fossil Men’s Dean Chronograph Watch:
30. For the one who calls weekly: Stand Up Picture Frame (Framebridge)
They may have snapshots of the family on their phones, but that’s not the same as a beautiful professional photo for their desk. This cool standing frame is an upgrade they’ll proudly display in their dorm room. Consider filling it with a family photo shoot, complete with the family dog, before your grad leaves home.
31. For the sentimental one: Graduation Photo Album Photo Book(Shutterfly)
What will you do with all those old report cards and iffy school photos? Here is a chance to put their lives on paper and make a scrapbook with mementos you have saved for years. You can even create a photo album using a site like Shutterfly to complete the job easier.
32. For the one who eats a high-protein breakfast: Dash Rapid Egg Cooker (Amazon)
While cooking in a dorm room may seem impossible, your grad can at least whip up a good breakfast with this cult-favorite egg cooker. It has an impressive more than 100,000 reviews on Amazon thanks to its ability to boil, poach, and scramble eggs. Plus, there’s no fire hazard. They can even make hard-boiled eggs as a power study snack throughout the day!
33. For the one with a great eye: Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 Digital Camera (Amazon)
Credit: AmazonDespite having a camera built into their smartphone, teens are now drawn back to documenting their lives with a digital camera. There’s something just so “vintage” about the classic point-and-shoots. The Canon PowerShot ELPH is a popular option
34. For the one who wants instant memories: Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 (Amazon)
Another fun, “ancient” camera idea? An instant camera! That way, they can get an immediate photo with their friends to hang for decoration in their dorm room.
35. For the outdoorsy one: ENO DoubleNest Camping Hammock(Amazon)
You may have noticed students hanging from trees in hammocks on the quad during college campus tours. Known as the ENO, these portable hammocks are made of strong nylon, can fit two people, and fold up into a convenient carrying case. It’s the perfect study spot!
36. For the candle lover: Luzdiosa Candle Warmer Lamp (Amazon)
Candles aren’t typically permitted in dorm rooms (they can be a fire hazard!), but there’s a solution for your candle-loving grad. Using a 50-watt halogen bulb, this candle warmer combo is the perfect reading lamp while simultaneously heating the candle wax — no flame required. It also releases the scent much more slowly, helping the candle last longer.
37. For the binge watcher: Roku Streaming Stick 4K (Amazon)
The hand-me-down TV or the one in the dorm common room might not have smart features, which is needed if they want to watch Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, and other streaming platforms. Roku offers one of the friendliest interfaces (so they can find the right app) and has 4K resolution. It will be a hit for the next movie night.
38. For the active one: Fitbit Inspire 3 (Amazon)
Credit: AmazonWalking from class to class across campus seriously adds up, and your grad might want to give themselves some bragging rights. The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a great fitness tracker to monitor your steps, heart rate, and sleep without the cost of an Apple Watch. Plus, the 10-day battery life means they won’t have to worry about charging it all the time.
39. For the one with allergies: Levoit Mini Air Purifier (Amazon)
College dorms are dusty and can be difficult spaces for students to live in, especially if they have allergies. The Levoit brand makes highly-rated air purifiers and they can be an excellent way to create a cleaner environment and one with fewer odors, too. The mini size is perfect for a dorm.
40. For the coffee drinker: Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug(Amazon)
Lukewarm coffee is the worst. And while your grad is getting into the zone writing an essay or a study session, they might want the caffeine burst. The Ember Mug ensures that the cup will stay at the perfect temperature (between 120 degrees F and 145 degrees F) for up to 80 minutes. It also comes in many color options and is controlled by a nifty app.
41. For the one flying home: Beis Carry-On Roller (Nordstrom)
Your new grad deserves to travel home for the holidays in style. Designed by actress Shay Mitchell (of Pretty Little Liars fame), the Beis Carry-On Roller is a minimalist traveler’s dream. It has many valuable features, including a cushioned handle, a two-inch expander, plenty of compartments, a built-in lock, and a built-in scale. They’ll never have to worry about overpacking.
42. For the hand notetaker: Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook(Amazon)
It may be quicker to type up notes in class, but studies have shown that writing things can help us memorize them better. The Rocketbook is a smart notebook you wipe down and reuse thanks to the erasable ink. But don’t worry! Your grad can still save whatever they’ve written onto the companion app to look back on later.
43. For the starstruck one: Mydethun 3D Moon Lamp (Amazon)
Moon lamps are all over social media, and your grad can have their own as part of their graduation gift. The 3D-printed moon-like surface was made using astronomical data provided by NASA. Pretty neat!
44. For the lounger: The Comfy(Amazon)
This next-level Snuggle is perfect for the new grad lounging at home. While slightly unflattering, the cozy fleece is next-level soft and has a kangaroo-like pouch to keep hands warm. Not to mention this wearable blanket is almost appropriate enough to wear to class.
45. For the eco-warrior: 4ocean Handmade Beaded Bracelet(Amazon)
This bracelet is a good reminder for your environmentally conscious grad, made from 100% certified post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, including less than 5% reclaimed ocean plastic. Plus, each string color represents an animal or ecosystem impacted by plastic pollution.
46. For the one who doesn’t like backpacks: MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote Deluxe(Nordstrom)
Let’s face it: Backpacks aren’t always the most stylish thing to tote around. But this lightweight yet strong tote bag works perfectly for dashing across campus. It comes with two exterior slip pockets, two zippered collar pockets, and a removable, adjustable crossbody strap to fit all. Plus, it’s great for travel, too, as it comes with a luggage sleeve and can easily be rolled up thanks to the mesh material.
47. For the one with a skincare routine: Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier(Amazon)
If your grad already has their skincare routine down to a T, they will probably appreciate this facial humidifier to help them through trying times. It delivers a light water mist for up to 8 hours to hydrate dry skin. Plus, it’s portable, so they can bring it to the library on a late-night study hour.
