The 25 best high school graduation gifts that anyone will love — and actually use (2024)

Table of Contents
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera + Fuji Film Value Pack Fancii LED Lighted Large Vanity Makeup Mirror Uncommon Goods Collegiate Pouches LapGear Home Office Lap Desk Papier Undated Daily Planner Aritzia Cozy Fleece Perfect Hoodie Mejuri Charlotte Bold Hoops Wall Outlet Extender with Night Light and Outlet Shelf Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones Calpak Padded Laptop Sleeve Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine Microwave Stackable Cooking Set Apple AirTag Facaxedre Soft House Slippers Brightech Elizabeth Table Lamp with Wireless Charging Pad and USB Port Coach Mini Skinny ID Case Béis The Front Pocket Carry-on Roller Soft Touch Linen Premium Terry Cloth Bathrobe Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L Monopoly Deal Card Game Gola Hawk Sneakers Casely Navy Power Pod Mark & Graham Block Print Travel Pouch Round Floral Rose Gold Picture Frame Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle The best high school graduation gifts Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera + Fuji Film Value Pack Fancii LED Lighted Large Vanity Makeup Mirror Uncommon Goods Collegiate Pouches LapGear Home Office Lap Desk Papier Undated Daily Planner Aritzia Cozy Fleece Perfect Hoodie Mejuri Charlotte Bold Hoops Wall Outlet Extender with Night Light and Outlet Shelf Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones Calpak Padded Laptop Sleeve Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine Microwave Stackable Cooking Set Apple AirTag Facaxedre Soft House Slippers Brightech Elizabeth Table Lamp with Wireless Charging Pad and USB Port Coach Mini Skinny ID Case Béis The Front Pocket Carry-on Roller Soft Touch Linen Premium Terry Cloth Bathrobe Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L Monopoly Deal Card Game Gola Hawk Sneakers Casely Navy Power Pod Round Floral Rose Gold Picture Frame Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle FAQs References

High school graduation is a momentous occasion in any young person's life. Now that they're finally done with all the stress of the SAT and finals, take a moment to recognize all of their hard work over the last four years and celebrate all that's to come with one of these unique gift ideas.

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Luckily, finding the perfect high school graduation gift doesn't have to be difficult. Whether you want to get them something to use in their college dorm (like a handy lap desk), something to help them cherish precious memories made this summer (perhaps a film camera?) or something long-lasting to mark the occasion (such as gold earrings), you're bound to find a winner on this list of graduation gift ideas.

We've rounded up the best gifts that your 2024 grad will actually use in their next chapter, no matter if they're going to college in the fall, taking a gap year or heading straight into the workforce. And while a gift card is always appreciated, you can rest easy knowing these presents won't be forgotten by the fall. Keep scrolling to shop our top high school graduation gifts for him and her, starting at just $8.

The best high school graduation gifts

Fujifilm

Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera + Fuji Film Value Pack

An instant camera is a fun way for your graduate to document all of the special moments during this whirlwind time. This bundle comes with an instant camera, four packs of film, a camera case, a photo album and batteries. You can also snag the camera on its own for $80.

$137 at Amazon

Fancii

Fancii LED Lighted Large Vanity Makeup Mirror

Ideal for a dorm room or starter apartment, this rotating makeup mirror has a dimmable light so she can see what she's doing without bothering any potential roommates. There's also a storage compartment to hold her everyday essentials like mascara and makeup brushes.

$40 at Amazon

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$55 at Macy's$65 at HSN

Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods Collegiate Pouches

These carry-all pouches are the most thoughtful gift for someone heading to a big state school. Available in more than 30 collegiate designs that feature everything from mascots to school chants, these cotton zippered bags will surely find a spot in their backpack.

$33 at Uncommon Goods

LapGear

LapGear Home Office Lap Desk

Working or studying in bed can be productive as long as you have the right tools. Take this lap desk, for example: It has a built-in mouse pad and a slot to hold a smartphone.

$32 at Walmart

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$34 at Amazon$40 at Lowe's

Papier

Papier Undated Daily Planner

After high school, your graduate will have a lot more free time. This undated daily planner will help them keep track of their class schedule, work shifts and other activities.

$35 at Papier

Aritzia

Aritzia Cozy Fleece Perfect Hoodie

Loungewear is essential for relaxing on the weekend or pulling an all-nighter. This simple fleece hoodie from Aritzia comes in a ton of neutral colors and is perfectly slouchy. Want to go the extra mile? Spring for the matching sweatpants and you'll definitely earn some bonus points.

$80 at Aritizia

Mejuri

Mejuri Charlotte Bold Hoops

You can never go wrong with gifting jewelry, and these beautiful earrings won't break the bank. These elevated hoops from Mejuri are covered in 18k gold vermeil and feel much more special than standard huggies.

$98 at Mejuri

One Beat

Wall Outlet Extender with Night Light and Outlet Shelf

Dorm rooms and studio apartments aren't known for their excess outlets. Luckily, this outlet extender provides five extra outlets as well as USB and USB-C ports. But that's not all: It also has a nightlight at the bottom and a shelf on the top.

$17 at Amazon

Keurig

Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker

Your grad probably won't have the counter space for a big coffee pot, so gift them this single-serve Keurig instead. It can brew three different cup sizes and has a large 42-ounce reservoir that doesn't need to be filled up constantly.

$70 at Amazon

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$146 at Wayfair

Beats

Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

Loud neighbors and noisy roommates are inevitable. These wireless noise-cancelling headphones will help tune them out. This pair features over 20 hours of battery life and comes in six additional colors.

$169 at Amazon

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$179 at Macy's$350 at GoPuff

Calpak

Calpak Padded Laptop Sleeve

If your grad was gifted a laptop recently, then you want to make sure it stays in tip-top shape. Available in both 13-14-inch and 15-17-inch sizes, this padded laptop sleeve is water-resistant, zips closed and has a front compartment for chargers and other tech accessories.

$26 at Calpak

Joseph Joseph

Joseph Joseph M-Cuisine Microwave Stackable Cooking Set

New cooks and anyone without a full kitchen will appreciate this gadget. This four-piece set comes with a dishwasher-safe cooking pot, steamer, griddle and lid that all stack together.

$18 at Amazon

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$22 at Macy's$24 at Wayfair

Apple

Apple AirTag

Help your grad keep track of their keys, backpack, luggage and more. Just attach it to a keychain or slip it in a pocket, then track down the missing item on the Find My app.

$24 at Walmart

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$24 at Amazon$29 at Adorama

FACAXEDRE

Facaxedre Soft House Slippers

Everyone needs a pair of cozy slippers to wear around the dorm. This plush pair has a textured, nonslip sole and a fun retro smiley face design. Snag it in six colors.

$17 at Amazon

Brightech

Brightech Elizabeth Table Lamp with Wireless Charging Pad and USB Port

This table lamp is so much more than just a pretty light source. It has a wireless charging pad and USB port built right into its base so they can easily juice up their favorite electronics without using up any outlets (which are probably few and far between).

$60 at Amazon

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$60 at Lowe's$67 at Macy's

Coach Outlet

Coach Mini Skinny ID Case

They can attach their new room keys to this checkered card case, which has an ID window, two credit slots and a zippered compartment. It's a total steal, especially since it's on sale for an extra 15% off right now.

$26 at Coach Outlet

Béis

Béis The Front Pocket Carry-on Roller

Everyone could use a dependable suitcase for weekend getaways (even if they're just traveling home). This hard-sided carry-on has four wheels that spin 360°, secure TSA locks and a front pocket with a slot for your laptop.

$248 at Béis

Soft Touch Linen

Soft Touch Linen Premium Terry Cloth Bathrobe

A terry cloth bathrobe can make even a communal bathroom feel a little more luxe. Go with a classic white or opt for a fun color that'll stand out from everyone else's.

$40 at Amazon

Lululemon

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

Perfect for wearing around campus, while running errands or at a concert, this Lululemon belt bag is a bestseller for a reason. It can hold a phone, card case, hand sanitizer and more, all while keeping her hands free.

$38 at Lululemon

Monopoly

Monopoly Deal Card Game

Monopoly Deal is one of the hottest card games out now. The gist: It's similar to the beloved board game where each player collects properties and avoids debt collectors, but a whole game can be played in just 15 minutes. They can play it with their new roommates or make friends by hosting game night.

$8 at Amazon

Anthropologie

Gola Hawk Sneakers

Gola sneakers are so comfortable, they barely need to be broken in. And while your graduate probably has a pair of sneakers they prefer to wear to the gym, they'll reach for these more casual shoes whenever they're running to class or the cafeteria.

$105 at Anthropologie

Casely

Casely Navy Power Pod

Who said portable chargers have to be clunky? This charger doesn't even need a wire — it uses MagSafe technology to attach to newer iPhone models (the iPhone 8 or later).

$60 at Casely

Mark & Graham

This zippered pouch is the perfect size to hold skin care, makeup, hair and shaving products — the list goes on! Available in four eye-catching prints, you can personalize this travel bag with her initial or monogram for an extra $15.

SWTHONY

Round Floral Rose Gold Picture Frame

This floral frame will look right at home on any desk or bedside table. But be sure to fill the frame with a picture of the two of you together before gifting it!

$14 at Amazon

Owala

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Because hydration is important. This insulated water bottle from Owala has a secure lid that closes with a snap to prevent leaks. That means your graduate can toss it in their backpack and go about their day worry-free.

$25 at Amazon

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

Your go-to shopping guide: See all of our gift guides in one spot. We've got gift ideas for all the different people in your life — men, women, teens, kids, you name it.

The 25 best high school graduation gifts that anyone will love — and actually use (2024)

FAQs

The 25 best high school graduation gifts that anyone will love — and actually use? ›

Graduate's Next Steps (College, Workforce, Travel):

Workwear can be a great gift if that's where they're headed; a backpack or tech carrying case will be a win for a grad taking a gap year to travel. For those headed to college, swag can get them psyched in advance.

What do high school graduates want for gifts? ›

Graduate's Next Steps (College, Workforce, Travel):

Workwear can be a great gift if that's where they're headed; a backpack or tech carrying case will be a win for a grad taking a gap year to travel. For those headed to college, swag can get them psyched in advance.

What is the most common graduation gift? ›

It's safe to say most college graduates or students want money.

What is a good monetary gift for high school graduation? ›

For high school grads, the average gift is around $50 to $200. To decide an amount, consider if this is a close friend or family member. You may also want to talk to other people who are giving gifts to decide how much you will give to the graduate.

Is $500 too much for a graduation gift? ›

Distant relatives or friends usually send around $15 - $20, while close friends and relatives more commonly send around the $20 - $50 mark. Some families and family friends may choose to spend closer to $100 - $500, depending on their finances and the needs of the graduate.

How much money is enough for a graduation gift? ›

The average high school graduation money gift is between $30 and $200 dollars. The amounts can vary depending on your relationship, but these are some ranges to keep in mind: Friends and siblings: If you're giving a graduation gift to a sibling or friend, there's no set amount.

What is the thing you get when you graduate high school? ›

Upon graduating high school, you can expect to earn either a high school diploma or a high school certificate. While you may be tempted to call this a degree, the term “degree” is generally reserved for college-level achievements.

How much should you give a high school graduate? ›

Best friend or family friend: $50 to $100.

It's a way to celebrate their scholastic and extracurricular achievements, future ambitions, and just how much their friendship means to you.

What is a standard graduation gift? ›

High School Student(s): The majority of individuals will give cash as a high school graduation present with a range from $20 -$150. Use the following breakdown as a guide for your gift amount. Close friend or sibling: $20-$50. Niece, nephew, grandkid: $50-$100. Son or daughter: $100-$200.

Is $1000 a good graduation gift? ›

According to this piece, financial planners say the gift should be equal to approximately one month's rent or mortgage payment, somewhere around $1,000. The article said parents should give their children between $1,000 and $5,000 when they graduate from college.

What is etiquette for college graduation gift? ›

While some parents splurge on a car or computer, many choose less elaborate, but still meaningful, gifts to commemorate the day. Jewelry (often engraved with the date), books, cash or stock certificates, luggage, a camera, or graduation rings are all presents the graduate will appreciate in the years ahead.

What is an appropriate college graduation gift from parents? ›

You could gift them money for a specific need they'll have in their newfound adulthood. For instance, taking care of a licensing fee or helping them with housing is extremely thoughtful and practical. Here are a few more examples of how your child could spend their graduation money: Exams or certifications.

What is an example of thank you for graduation money? ›

THANK YOU NOTES FOR GRADUATION GIFT CARDS & MONEY
  • Thank you for the gift! ...
  • From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the generous cash gift. ...
  • You've already supported me in so many ways, so I'm truly grateful for the monetary support as well.
  • Thank you for doubling my graduation excitement with a generous gift!
Mar 27, 2024

What is appropriate for a high school graduation gift? ›

Cash paired with a smaller gift is always nice, or you can choose a gift card for a local restaurant, coffee shop or college bookstore.

How much money should a parent give their child for graduation? ›

A child of parents: $100-500. A child of close relatives (for instance, grandparents): $50-300. A distant relative: $50-100.

How much should an aunt give for college graduation? ›

Close friend or distant relative: $75 to $200.

This amount correlates with your closer relationship and shows that you're invested in their future endeavors. If the graduate holds a particularly special place in your heart, leaning towards the higher end of this range can help relay that sentiment.

Do you take a gift to high school graduation? ›

If you receive a graduation announcement, sending a gift isn't required, although a card congratulating the graduate is always appreciated. If you're invited to the ceremony or the graduation party, then you should ideally bring a gift.

What to bring to a graduation as a gift? ›

The following unique graduation gift ideas are sure to let the graduate know just how much you care.
  • Graduation Photo Posters. ...
  • Custom Throw Pillows. ...
  • Personalized Coffee Mugs. ...
  • Personalized Jewelry. ...
  • Custom Journals. ...
  • Photo Blankets. ...
  • Personal Planner. ...
  • Coffee Tumbler.
Feb 27, 2024

Do people give flowers for high school graduation? ›

The answer is a definite YES. Flowers can brighten and add excitement to someone's special day.

Should parents give graduation gifts? ›

Graduation season gives you the opportunity to reward your loved one for all their hard work and achievements. And there's no better way to show how proud you are of the grads in your life than with college graduation gifts from parents they can take with them during this next chapter.

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