Any event that’s more than 12 years in the making is going to be pretty exciting. Pair that with teenage enthusiasm and angst (the new Taylor Swift album is coming, y’all) and you’d better believe that a high school graduation is going to be a bash to remember. Yes, the Class of 2024 is getting ready to turn those tassels and there’s no doubt that they’ve earned those diplomas — and the best graduation gifts you can find for them, of course.
After all, due to the global pandemic, (you may have heard of it) there’s a very good chance they didn’t get to have an eighth-grade graduation. And, needless to say, their freshman year may not have looked like what they envisioned. So you know what that means: Now that they’re graduating, we’re really going to celebrate these young scholars and wherever their journey takes them next. So here are some of the best high school graduation gift ideas that will give them the milestone they richly deserve.
A bit of a caveat here: We’ve put together a solid list of thoughtful gifts, but we know most people tend to give cash and gift cards. Honestly, that’s a great instinct. After all, what teen doesn’t need money? So a lot of the gifts on our list are intended to be sweet or sentimental “extras” to include with a check, gift card, or cold hard cash. From mini cupcakes in a variety of flavors to a guide for living with roommates to engraved gifts they’ll use every day, your cash gift is sure to leave an impression alongside these gifts.
But if you’re not the cash-gift type, don’t worry: There is plenty on our list that your new grad will love, whether they’re off to university, work, travel, or deciding what’s next. We included travel essentials for the grad exploring the world to keep them organized, gifts for coffee lovers to fuel the college-bound grad’s late-night study sessions, and beautiful jewelry and other accessories to let them know you see them as someone ready for “big kid” things.
Whatever your gifting style, our list of the best high school graduation gift ideas will make this event extra special for your new grad.
The best high school graduation gift ideas are ones they’ll never stop using.
Make sure your high school grad isn’t spending their entire first-semester meal plan on coffee when it couldn’t be simpler to brew in their dorm. Senior Editor Summer Cartwright used this Keurig all throughout her college days and loved it for its slim yet functional design. “It was simple to use, got the job done, and didn’t take up a bunch of space in my cramped dorm,” she said. “It’s perfect for students living in tight quarters.”
This Keurig has a small footprint and won’t take up too much space. Gift them a reusable coffee pod and some coffee beans for a full coffee-themed gift.
From hanging out with friends to running errands, this belt bag will keep their phone, wallet, and keys close and easily accessible. It’s made with water-repellent material and available in fun colors to match any grad’s vibe.
The Lululemon essential is super viral on TikTok and comes in a bunch of different color options they’ll love.
Allbirds Men’s Wool Runner Mizzles
Any new grad will appreciate a pair of Allbirds. This pick features the classic wool fabric, but it also has a water-repellent shield that makes them perfect for rainy weather, too. After all, eventually, they’re going to be trudging to class in a storm.
JBL Clip 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Carabiner
Everyone needs studying tunes! A portable Bluetooth speaker is an absolute must-have item for college students. We love this compact yet rich-sounding speaker from JBL that comes with a handy carabiner to strap securely to their bike or desk.
Apple 2024 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M3 chip
Our tech editor, Stefan Vazharov, says that this is the laptop kids should be taking to college. He says that “The latest MacBook Air with the Apple M3 chip is the best laptop for the money and a fantastic option for most consumers.”
It’s easy to travel with, powerful, reliable, and it will last through college and beyond.
Did you know you’re supposed to swap out your pillows every two years? (Yeah, us neither.) Send your grad off to “the real world” with a squishy but firm, super adjustable pillow that will keep them nice and cool all night long. It’ll make their dorm twin XL feel much, much comfier.
Whether they’re lounging in bed or on the floor for movie night, this cozy husband pillow will keep them comfortable. It supports the entire upper body and is filled with shredded memory foam that forms to your body. Plus, it comes in tons of fun colors.
This is the best high school graduation gift idea for grads who love a good movie night, or who could use some comfy essentials to make their dorm feel more like home.
This stainless steel bookmark is an excellent high school graduation gift to include with some cash. Perfect for summer reading or hitting the books when they go off to college, it includes a sweet, inspirational life quote that will help them in their next chapter.
Whatever their next step is, chances are they’re going to be ordering a lot of stuff on Amazon. What better high school graduation gift than an Amazon gift card? We love this little graduation cap box design for a personal touch. You choose the denomination and personalized message.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
Whether they’re taking a gap year to travel or heading to college, this instant camera will capture special moments on their journey. This under-$100 gift has a 1-touch selfie mode, produces credit-card-sized prints, and comes in five dreamy colors.
Cartwright says this is a great gift idea for college grads, but also anybody with a big life event coming up. “They’re great to have on hand for any type of party, but be sure to stock up on extra film — it runs out fast!”
If your graduating pal is known for carrying around their laptop unprotected, it might be time to give them the security and organization they need for the real world.
This durable tech tote includes a laptop compartment for computers up to 13 inches, a strap for carrying, and multiple pockets to hold other tech accessories.
The material has a water-repellent coating and an RFID-blocking pocket to protect their valuables from digital info theft and rainy weather while traveling.
They’ll definitely have a desk in their new dorm, but let’s be honest — the best place to do homework is in bed. This lap desk has some cushions on the bottom and holders for their phone, laptop, and wireless mouse.
This high school graduation gift idea will require a little extra work on your end — you’re going to have to choose the photos to include — but it will be well worth it when your graduate receives a beautiful, hardcover photo book full of their favorite high school memories.
Tucker’s Trinkets And Treasures Class Of 2024 Graduate Penny Keychain
We love this cute keychain for a high school graduation gift. This penny has a graduation cap stamped on it, along with a heart stamped around the “2024” on the penny. It can be further personalized with your grad’s name.
Worried about sending your recent grad — who tends to lose things — off to college? Rest assured they can track down any misplaced items with the Tile Mate, which has a ring they can attach to items like keys or wallets. You can also double-press the Tile button and find your phone, even when it’s on silent.
Related: 7 Apple AirTag Accessories for Peace of Mind with a Personal Touch
Harlan Cohen ‘The Naked Roommate’ by Harlan Cohen
College is a new and exciting experience, but it’s full of new and not-so-exciting problems you couldn’t have imagined. Full of advice on finding your people, academic best practices, dating, parties, safety, and money, this handy guide is one of the best high school graduation gift ideas for the college-bound teen.
Wherever they’re off to next, they’re going to need to keep their feet warm. Socks are the classic practical gift, but this set of two is a perfect homage to all their hard work. It even comes in a cute little gift box — feel free to slip a gift card or money in there as well.
Now that they’re on to official adulthood, it’s about time they had a timeless piece of jewelry to become a wardrobe staple. We love this simple but unique “crisscross” ring — it truly can go with everything and can become a trademark look for your graduate at college, their first job, and beyond.
Customize this sweet keepsake box — from the wood type to the words engraved on the lid — for them to store their favorite things in this next stage of life. We think this is the perfect two-in-one gift for a cash gift with a little something extra.
Wherever they go and whatever they do, proper hydration (and, sometimes, caffeination) is going to be really important. This travel mug fits in any standard cupholder and keeps hot beverages hot and cold beverages cold for hours. It’s hard not to be on hand to remind them to take care of themselves, but with this durable tumbler, you can worry less.
Elisabeth Narine is the Associate Editor, Reviews at Best Products, where she spends her time interviewing experts and scouring the internet for the best gift ideas for every occasion. Her work can also be found on BuzzFeed and Forbes Vetted. She uses her love of shopping, pop culture, and cooking to help guide her search for the perfect gift.
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