It’s that time of year again! The end of the school year is in sight and it’s time to start thinking about graduation gifts.
Of course, if you’re like me, this can be a little tricky. What do you get for the high school student in your life who has everything? Here are some ideas:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Consider the recipient’s interests and goals |
| Personalized gifts hold sentimental value |
| Practical gifts are always appreciated |
| Tech gifts are great for the future |
| Financial gifts can set graduates up for success |
| Don’t be afraid to consult gift guides for ideas |
Cash Or Gift Cards
Cash or gift cards are always a good gift for the graduating high school student in your life. Cash can be used to buy whatever they want, whether it’s food, clothes or school supplies. A gift card from their favorite store is also great.
Personalized gifts make for the most memorable graduation presents! Show your graduate how proud you are with unique grad gift ideas highlighted in our guide on personalized graduation gifts.
A Personal Journal
I love journals, and I’m sure you do too. They’re a great way to capture life’s precious moments, and they can be used for all kinds of purposes.
For example, if your graduate has a passion for art or nature photography, why not give them a journal that inspires them to take more pictures?
Or maybe they’re into music and want to write down their favorite song lyrics in their notebook? You could even pick out an inspirational quote journal if you think that would help them stay focused on their goals.
Top Personal Journals for Reflective Writing
| Brand | Product Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Moleskine | Classic Notebook | The iconic notebook with quality paper, a built-in bookmark, and elastic closure in various sizes and colors. |
| Leuchtturm1917 | A5 Notebook | Acid-free paper, a table of contents, page numbers, and also a back pocket for storing loose notes or materials. |
| Shinola | Hardcover Journal | Durable hardcover journal in different colors with smyth-sewn binding, acid-free paper,the option to personalize with initials. |
| Erin Condren | PetitePlanner | Portable and easy-to-use planner built with thick paper stock, pencil pouch, stickers, and a spiral binding. |
| Paperblanks | Midi Journal | Designed with beautiful covers and inspiring artwork. It features high-quality paper, and a memento pouch on the inside back cover. |
A Nice Watch
Watches are a great gift for any graduate. They are a timeless piece of jewelry that can be worn every day and for years to come.
A watch is also an excellent gift for anyone who likes to keep track of time, as it can help them make sure they’re not late for anything important.
You can find watches at any price point, from very inexpensive wristwatches to high-end luxury watches.
If you want to get your grad something really special and thoughtful, look into some more expensive models with extra features like chronographs or moon phases—or go even higher end with diamond encrusted options!
For the artsy graduates in your life, take a look at our curated list of gift ideas for the artistic graduate that will help them to pursue their dreams and creativity.
A Comfortable Throw Blanket
Even if your student doesn’t have a dorm room or apartment to call their own, they’ll still appreciate having a large blanket that can be thrown over the top of their bed, used as a couch cover on those rare occasions when their parents put in an appearance and they have to entertain them and/or the family dog.
It’s always nice to have something like this lying around for when someone unexpectedly stops by.
And while it might not seem like much at first glance, trust me: A good throw can make all the difference in how quickly you feel at home in your space.
Top Comfortable Throw Blankets for Cozy Nights
| Brand | Product Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Barefoot Dreams | CozyChic Throw | Made from soft and fluffy polyester with a plush lining, perfect for snuggling up and staying warm. |
| UGG | Duffield Throw | Crafted from high-pile fleece, giving it a luxuriously plush feel and stylish design that complements any room. |
| Pottery Barn | Faux Fur Throw | Add a touch of luxury with a highly-rated faux fur throw featuring unmatched warmth and softness. |
| Brooklinen | Plush Throw Blanket | Made with a 100% polyester microfiber exterior and a cozy sherpa interior lining that is both breathable and warm. |
| L.L.Bean | Wicked Plush Throw | Made from a soft and smooth polyester fleece fabric that traps in heat, it’s perfect year-round addition to any sofa or bed. |
Portable Speakers
If you’re looking for a gift that isn’t too personal, portable speakers are the way to go. They’re small, compact and fun to use (and sometimes look at).
In fact, we’ve even seen them used as centerpieces for grad parties! So if your friend or family member has recently graduated from high school and is moving out on their own soon, these are an easy-to-use gift item. Plus they make great stocking stuffers!
Want to celebrate your graduate’s entrepreneurial spirit? Check out our guide on the perfect graduation gift for the aspiring entrepreneur that’s filled with unique and useful gifts to inspire success.
Something Funny
There’s nothing like a good laugh to help you feel better. But if you’re looking for a gift that will put a smile on their face and make them laugh, it can be hard to find the right one. Here are some suggestions:
- Something funny from your favorite comedian or movie
- A book by your favorite comedian or author
- Something funny from the internet (for example, this amazing photo of Bill Murray)
- Something funny that reminds them of their friends (like this poster)
- Something funny that reminds them of their teachers (like this mug)
A Quality Backpack
Backpacks are the ultimate gift for a high school graduate. They’re practical, they’re customizable, and they can be personalized to show just how much you appreciate their hard work.
The perfect graduation gift is one that shows your appreciation without being too personal or expensive: backpacks are the way to go!
If you’re looking for something that is both practical and thoughtful without being overly sentimental backpacks fit the bill perfectly.
You can find them in any budget range and personalize them with something as simple as “Congratulations!” or “Keep on keeping on!” embroidered onto one side of the bag itself.
Whether your graduate wants to design bridges or develop new software, our guide on graduation gift ideas for the future engineer has you covered! Our unique gift ideas are tailored to match any aspiring engineer’s interests.
Something With Their School Emblem On It
Whether it’s a t-shirt, hat, or other clothing item; a coffee mug or other household item; or something for the office it’s important that you get them something that they will use regularly. The best gifts are ones that can be passed down from generation to generation.
Best Customized Gifts for High School Seniors With School Emblems
| Brand | Product Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Jostens | Custom Photo Graduation Keepsake Box | Add a personal touch with a keepsake box customized with the school emblem and personalized with a photo of the graduate. |
| Build-A-Head | Big Head Cutouts | Create a fun and unique gift with a cutout of the graduate’s face next to their school emblem. Perfect for graduation parties. |
| Fanatics | College Team Spirit Blanket | Get cozy with a fleece blanket customized with the graduate’s college logo and colors. |
| Shutterfly | Custom School I.D. Holders | Practical gift for the new college students with a customized School I.D. Holder that features their school emblem and colors printed on the case. |
| University Frames | School Picture Frames | Add a special touch to their dorm with a custom university frame featuring the school emblem and personalized with their name and graduation date. |
Something To Help Them Travel In Comfort And Style
In your quest to find the best graduation gift for your high school grad, you should definitely consider something that will make traveling easier, more comfortable and stylish.
The most popular travel item is a luggage set because everyone needs somewhere to store their stuff! This Samsonite Two-Piece Luggage Set has a sturdy design with expandable features and an affordable price tag.
If you want to splurge on your favorite kid, then this Tumi Voyageur Rolling Suitcase is perfect for the stylish traveler.
If you know they’re going away to college or moving into an apartment of their own soon, then getting them a vacuum cleaner would be helpful in keeping their space tidy without having them do it themselves!
This Electrolux Zing Canister Vacuum Cleaner comes at a great price point while still being powerful enough to get rid of dust bunnies under beds and behind dressers (and other places where they might hide). The built-in LED lights are also pretty cool if I do say so myself!
Help your recent grad succeed during post-graduation life with our guide on practical graduation gifts that can be useful for their life pursuits, no matter what field they are moving into.
A Quality Set Of Headphones
You know the kind. The ones that sound great, give you a good fit and are built to last. We’ve got some recommendations here if you’re looking for new headphones this graduation season.
A Portable Charger
A portable charger is the perfect gift for a high school grad. They’re a great way to ensure the teen in your life has their phone charged, and if you get one that can be used for other devices, like tablets or e-readers, they will have a new device on hand when there is no electricity available. Plus, it can be used for charging multiple devices at once!
This kind of charger comes in many forms from simple ones that look like batteries to more complex ones with cords and ports.
As long as the power source is built into it and doesn’t require an external power source (such as USB), then any portable chargers will do since they’ll all charge differently based on what they’re made out of.
A Leather-Bound Planner Or Calendar
Have you ever noticed how many people have planners? Organizing your life is a universal need, and a planner that suits the graduate’s personality and style will be something they can use for years.
Planners are also great gifts because they are useful for both personal and professional purposes. It doesn’t matter if it’s an academic calendar, a daily to-do list or an event diary a good planner will help them stay organized no matter what their life looks like in the future.
A leather-bound planner or calendar is one of those gifts that always makes me think “wow!” when I see someone with one.
They’re unique, timeless and thoughtful which are all characteristics of any good graduation gift (and most gifts in general).
Conclusion
So there you have it. If you’re looking for a gift to give your high school graduate that will show them how much you care about them and their future, we hope these ideas helped inspire you.
After all, the best way to celebrate this momentous occasion is by making it extra special for those who have worked so hard to get here!
Further Reading
If you are still on the lookout for high-quality graduation gift ideas for the high school graduate in your life, check out these resources:
The New York Times Wirecutter’s list of best high school graduation gifts: this guide features 32 gift ideas all tested and reviewed by their team.
Cosmopolitan’s list of the best high school graduation gifts: this list includes unique and inexpensive gift ideas, including jewelry, beauty products, and stylish accessories for both guys and girls.
Business Insider’s guide on best graduation gift ideas: this comprehensive guide includes over 100 gift ideas for graduates, including electronics, travel gear, reading materials, and more.
FAQs
What are some great high school graduation gift ideas?
Consider personalized gifts like custom jewelry or engraved keepsakes, tech gifts like laptops or smartphones, financial gifts like stocks or savings accounts, and practical gifts like textbooks or dorm room supplies.
What’s a good budget for a high school graduation gift?
It really depends on your relationship with the graduate and your personal budget. It’s possible to find great gifts at any price point, from a homemade gift to a luxury item.
What are some unique graduation gifts for females?
Consider personalized jewelry, customized fashion accessories, beauty & skincare products, or personalized stationery.
What are some unique graduation gifts for males?
Consider gadget accessories like smartwatch or wireless headphones, personal grooming kits, sports gear, or a professional briefcase or backpack.
When should I give a high school graduation gift?
Typically, graduation gifts are given either at the graduation ceremony or at a graduation party. In some cases, they may be given after the graduation has taken place, but it’s best to aim for giving the gift before the graduate departs for college or their next step in life.
Hey there, I’m Hellen James, and I’m here to help you find the perfect gift for all your favorite people. I have been working in the retail industry for a little over ten years now, and I’ve seen a lot of people struggle to find the right gifts for their loved ones.
