Gift Guide: High School Graduation Gifts
Whether they're heading off to college, into the workforce, or embarking on a trip, I have a gift idea for your college grad! Please note this may contain affiliate links.
If the person you’re shopping for is specifically leaving for college, you can find even more ideas in the gift guides linked below:
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High School Memory Photo Book
A great gift for high school friends - collect all of your best memories into a photo book!
Five Minute Journal
Give them a place to record their thoughts and memories in this new, exciting stage of life with a Five Minute Journal.
Things They Don’t Teach You in School Game
This game is a fun, low-cost gift (under $20!) that fits the graduation theme perfectly.
Celebratory M&Ms
Did you know M&Ms offers customizable graduation gifts? Pick their school colors, add a picture of their face, or choose from various graduation themed clip art for a sweet celebratory surprise.
Custom Jewelry Dish
If they’re headed off to college, one of these custom jewelry dishes featuring their school would be the perfect place for them to set their class ring.
“Open When” Letters
If you’re looking for a sentimental gift that’s low cost but high impact, break out a pen and write some letters for them to open on different occasions! This gift fits any postgrad plan, just tailor to your recipient. This set on Amazon gives some great ideas to get you started, but you can easily make this a DIY project. A few ideas include “open right away,” “open during finals week,” “open before your first night out with a new friend,” “open when your plane lands,” “open after your first day on the job,” etc.
Personalized Stationery
Speaking of writing letters, I always love personalized stationery as a gift. Especially handy for grads, whether they’ll be writing thank you notes for their gifts from a dorm room or writing notes to their friends on their travels. Etsy has a million options; I’m partial to the shop SilhouetteBlue.
Personalized College Pint
Another fun college themed gift, these personalized pints will make them excited to show off their school spirit!
Sophisticated Laptop Sleeve
Whether they’re heading to campus or the office, a personalized leather laptop case will keep their equipment protected in style. If you have a little wiggle room in your budget, I recommend upgrading to the laptop envelope which has extra pockets to hold everything they need for class/work!
Travel Bag
This gift is perfect for the grad who is taking off on an adventure around the world, the grad who might be traveling for away games, or the grad who is starting a new commute. Travelers will love the Baboon To The Moon Go-Bag. The Beis Weekender is perfect for college students taking quick trips, whether they’re visiting a friend at a nearby school or coming home for the weekend. And commuters will appreciate a backpack like this that has features like a laptop, separate shoe compartment, built-in USB charger, and enough room to pack a set of gym clothes.
Kyle Cavan College Jewelry
For the soon-to-be college student, get them an heirloom quality piece of jewelry that represents their new school from Kyle Cavan! They also sell cufflinks and lapel pins for men.
Disposable Camera + Picture Frame
Give them a disposable camera to capture all of their summer adventures! Pair it with a picture frame so they can display their favorite summer memory in their dorm room or on their desk.
Desk Yoga Cards
If you’re looking for a small, inexpensive ($20) gift that’s different from your traditional grad gift, check out this Desk Yoga Card Deck. Perfect to give them a break while studying for finals or getting through a long work day.
Grad Themed Stuffy
How cute is this crocheted mini pig with a grad cap?!
Dorm Room Must-Haves
If they’re heading off to college, gift them something that will help them ease into dorm living. Here are a few ideas:
Grab a shower caddy and fill it with a towel wrap and shower shoes. If you’re willing to spend a little more, you can even go for something personalized, extra cozy, or cute with stripes!
A good night of sleep is that much easier with a Manta eye mask. This could also be paired with some melatonin or Lemme Sleep gummies.
An electric mini cooker for all the top ramen.
A compact fix-it kit.
A travel vanity mirror they can use on their bed or tote to a friend’s room down the hall before a night out.
The Obvious Answer…
Any grad would be ecstatic about cash, a check, or gift cards. If you decide to go the gift card route, here are some ideas to get you started:
Target / Walmart / Amazon
Uber / Lyft
Uber Eats / DoorDash
Staples / Office Depot
Grocery Store
Gas Station
Coffee Shops (Starbucks, Dunkin, local coffee shops)
Fast/Casual Dining (Panera, Chipotle, Jimmy Johns)