23 High School Graduation Gifts They’ll Love
Updated: Mar. 13, 2024
Celebrate their achievement—and look forward to the future—with these high school graduation gifts. We found presents at every price point!
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Graduating high school is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement! And it signifies numerous things: the unofficial conclusion of adolescence, potential new living arrangements and the very start of the career path.
Deciding on a gift that lives up to the cap-and-gown occasion can be a little daunting, so we did most of the work for you! These are the best high school graduation gifts for students with different goals, interests and styles.
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For the BFFs: Friendship Lamps
Saying goodbye to a high school bestie or significant other is tough. Make the transition a little easier with these friendship lamps. Each pair is synced with an app, and when one lamp is touched, the other lights up for your far-away friend. This goes over well as a gift for college grads, too!
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For the Makeup Artist: Skincare Fridge
If your teen’s TikTok page is flooded with beauty hacks, gift them a mini skincare fridge. It’s the perfect size for a dorm room, and it comes in a variety of cute colors. Consider these other viral TikTok gifts, too.
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For the Lounger: Cozy Slippers
Comfort is key—especially if your student will be spending long nights in the college library. These cozy moccasins are water- and stain-resistant, breathable and durable enough to last for years. Pick them up in hues of brown, charcoal blue, ash rose and more. Discover more must-have graduation gifts.
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For the Long-Distance Grad: Graduation Gift Box
This gift has a small price tag, but it makes a big impact. The graduation gift box is loaded with a succulent, candle, matches and candy, plus it can be customized with other add-ons. This care package is a great high school graduation gift to send to a far-away loved one.
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For the Starbucks Lover: Cold Brew Coffee Maker
Dining hall coffee is usually pretty pathetic, and stopping by the coffee shop every day can get expensive. Help your grad make the perfect iced drink directly in their dorm room with this cold brew maker. It’s simple to use, easy to clean and fits perfectly in a mini fridge. Pass along our favorite cold brew recipe, too.
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For the One Who’s Always Prepared: Campus Backpack
Lighten your grad’s load—literally—with this campus backpack. It’s made of a sleek, water-repellent fabric and features loads of clever compartments. The padded straps make it easy to carry; plus, it’s available in a variety of solid colors and pretty patterns.
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For the Aspiring Mystic: Dream Decoder Deck
For the teen who’s into astrology or manifesting, gift this Dream Decoder deck. Each of the 60 cards provides insight into what his or her dreams mean. Plus, it’s a great bonding activity for new friends!
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For the Memory Maker: Instant Camera
Say cheese! Your grad will love the retro vibes of this mini instant camera. It’s a fun way to capture (and instantly print!) special moments.
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For the Sweet Tooth: Personalized M&M’s
You have so many options when it comes to designing these personalized M&M’s for your 2023 grad. Choose up to three colors, then add text, art or even a photo. Sweet! Find more personalized graduation gifts.
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For the Forgetful One: Amazon Prime Membership
They’ll never run out of ramen again. With fast, free delivery—plus a whole bunch of other perks—an Amazon Prime membership makes a great high school graduation gift.
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For the Homesick Student: Love Across States Art
For the grad who’s moving out of state, this 3-D art print is a sweet way to stay connected to home.
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For the On-the-Go Grad: Stylish Bike
Whether they’re cruising around campus or to a new job, a stylish bike makes for a practical high school graduation gift. Go the extra mile and include a helmet and bike lock, too.
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For the Gourmet: Electric Pot
No kitchen, no problem! This highly rated plug-in pot that comes in four colors lets them safely cook and saute in the comfort of their dorm room. Whether they’re stirring up mac and cheese or taking a stab at something fancier, they’ll love this gadget.
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For the Philanthropist: Socks That Give Back
Gift a set of Conscious Step socks. Each pair supports a variety of causes, including fighting for equality or protecting the planet.
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For the Insomniac: White Noise Machine
If your grad is living with roommates for the first time, a white noise machine can help them fall (and stay!) asleep. It emits a simple rushing sound that covers up chatter, closing doors and other background noises.
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For the Cookie Monster: Cookie Subscription
Your kid will be the most popular student in the dorm when you gift Goldbelly’s monthly cookie subscription. Each box includes sweet eats for 6-8 people. (Although we won’t judge if he keeps ’em all for himself!)
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For the Perfectionist: Nori Iron Press
This space-saving appliance totally antiquates the irons and ironing boards of yesteryear. Similar in function to a hair straightener, the Nori (“iron” backwards) has different fabric settings to help them press out the wrinkles and creases of their clothing with ease.
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For the Hydrator: Insulated Water Bottle
Your grad will take this Hydro Flask water bottle with them everywhere. It’s durable—and promises to keep drinks hot or cold for hours. Plus, it has tons of room for adding stickers, doodles or other embellishments. It’s one of the best water bottles you can buy.
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For the Weekender: Duffle Bag
A high-quality duffle bag is sure to come in handy during overnight trips. We love this sturdy pick that will last through college—and beyond!
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For the Nibbler: Snack Subscription Box
Universal Yums’ fun subscription box will send your grad a box of global goodies every month, making it perfect for the kid who likes to travel. Did someone say study abroad? These other snack subscription boxes are also a great option.
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For the Fashionista: Hidden Pocket Scrunchie
Skip the orientation lanyard. This hidden pocket scrunchie is the perfect accessory for stashing dorm keys, cash and other must-haves. We love practical high school graduation gifts!
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For the Interior Decorator: LED Wall Light
A playful piece of wall art is perfect for your student’s first dorm room or adult apartment. We love this sweet sun light that adds a touch of mood lighting, too.
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For the Chronically Cold Person: Sherpa Robe
This customizable plush sherpa robe beats out its terry cloth counterpart any day. They’ll love sporting this in the communal bathrooms or lounging around their room in it. The cozy cover-up is available in two sizes and three colors.
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For the Self-Helper: Best Year Yet Journal
This self-improvement journal will encourage your recent grad to venture outside of her comfort zone while also prioritizing her well-being. With monthly prompts such as “buy yourself a bouquet,” “plan a friend date” and “read a classic book,” bettering herself becomes big fun.
Originally Published: May 05, 2021
