Gift Ideas
70 Best High School Graduation Gifts – The Complete 2023 Guide
Are you looking for the perfect gift for your graduate? Here are the best high school graduation gifts for your loved one
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Finding the perfect high school graduation gift can be hard.
How do you show your admiration for a graduate’s accomplishments while ensuring the gift is affordable and something they’ll enjoy?
We have compiled a list of 70 thoughtful high school graduation gifts so you can easily find inspiration!
Table of Contents:
- Best High School Graduation Gifts
- High School Graduation Gifts for Him
- High School Graduation Gifts for Her
- Inexpensive High School Graduation Gifts—Under $20
Best High School Graduation Gifts
This picture frame comes with eight frames in one! It is the perfect gift for a coworker who loves to look at or display pictures.
Unlike other frames, this picture frame set has a space in the middle of the pictures where you can add a custom sentence or two!
Congratulate your recent grad by gifting them a way to read on the go. They’ll love this compact device that can hold over a thousand books.
It’s great for taking on a plane or to the beach. A single battery charge can last for weeks and the device is waterproof.
Who knows when your grad will want to wind down and read a book while on their grand adventures!
This graduation gift is a great way for grads to look back on their best high school memories.
Ask your high school graduate for some of their old t-shirts, and sew them together on a fleece blanket for a practical keepsake.
This blanket from Bed Bath & Beyond is pill-resistant, warm and machine washable! My mom made me a T-shirt blanket for my graduation.
It’s a nice reminder of home while I’m away at university.
A coffee maker is a must-have for any coffee-loving grad. If they’re in a rush, they can brew a cup easily to brighten up their morning.
With this Keurig, you can add a pod to brew 6-12 oz. of your favorite drink.
The cleanup is easy, just toss the coffee pod in the garbage when you’re finished.
My mom recently bought this essential oil diffuser for my dad, and he absolutely loves it.
Every night he turns it on, and the calming scent of lavender fills their house.
This gift is perfect to pair with the essential oils above, but this diffuser also includes ten essential oils already.
A travel mug is a high school graduation gift that anyone can appreciate. This mug’s triple-layered insulation can keep drinks cold for up to 26 hours.
Your grad can take their preferred drink with them wherever they go this cute cup of their favorite color, too!
Not only is a suitcase a very practical gift but it’s a great reminder to your grad that there are many exciting adventures in their future!
These Samsonite suitcases come in three different sizes for whatever traveling your grad hopes to do.
They’re also scratch-resistant and include locks to keep their belongings safe.
I can’t tell you how many times my suitcases have been put to use when flying to and from school.
Whether or not your graduate is into photography, they’ll appreciate this Fujifilm Instax Mini camera that automatically prints out images.
Although the camera film is relatively pricey, it’s definitely worth it.
The photos make for cute keepsakes and wall decorations. I’ve been able to collect so many of my favorite memories with mine!
Paint by Numbers is a fun, calming activity for your grad and the end-product makes for cute wall decor!
Choose a pretty landscape or re-create a famous painting. This kit includes all of the brushes and paint you’ll need.
Buy two if you want a fun way to spend time with your grad!
Amazon’s echo dot can improve the quality of life for seniors, especially those with memory loss or joint pain.
These devices are voice-activated, and are a wonderful assistant for those who find it easier to use their voice than their hands.
For adults with dementia, Alexa is helpful for recalling dates and reminders, and can be a helpful, everyday tool.
Related: 50+ Most Popular Graduation Gifts For Him
High School Graduation Gifts For Him
This watch is an awesome gift for any sporty high school graduate.
Sensors can keep track of activities, and you can compete with your friends, win awards and access personalized coaching.
This Nike Apple Watch can also perform tasks such as tracking sleep, setting reminders and controlling your music. I love to use mine throughout the entire day.
Get your high school graduate a stylish wallet as a gift for their accomplishments. Leather wallets such as these never go out of style.
This pocket-sized wallet is made of full-grain leather, so it’s durable and tidy.
If your high school graduate is off to college, get them some nice merch to start off their college careers!
Nike offers T-Shirts and other apparel to support hundreds of different US colleges. You can bet you’ll be able to find something for your graduate!
These polyester and cotton shirts are comfortable and casual. And, college apparel can help your graduate feel at home when they’re at school.
Whether or not your graduate is off to college or an athlete, they will appreciate this sturdy backpack to hold everything they need for their day.
This backpack is water resistant to keep the contents safe from rain or spills. It also includes a padded sleeve for your graduate’s laptop.
Anyone can use a reliable and stylish pair of sneakers. You don’t have to be sporty to like them—they’re great for walking around.
This vintage design incorporates comfortable soles, so they shouldn’t bother your feet one bit.
Your graduate could use this gift when they’re on the go in their busy and exciting lives!
A wireless charger is a practical gift your graduate will appreciate.
It’s always annoying when your phone dies while you’re out and about, but a wireless charger is a great way to avoid this issue.
I use mine all the time when traveling and running errands.
This one is lightweight and compatible with iPhones. Your graduate can carry it around in their pocket or their purse!
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Noise-canceling headphones proved their value during the pandemic.
They are great for students to take classes over zoom without distraction or to zero in on their work.
Of course, they can also enjoy their music, videos and movies while canceling other noises like city traffic or loud voices.
The ear cushions are comfortable, too!
Get your high school graduate this tidy docking station for their desk or nightstand so they can charge their phone and keep all other objects (keys, wallet, watch) organized.
This docking station is functional and aesthetically pleasing. It’s made of a solid ash tree and can be easily assembled.
Organization is a great high school graduation gift. They’ll be able to see all their exciting plans and goals laid out for them in the pages.
I’d never get anything done without my beloved planner.
This one from Office Depot includes monthly and daily pages, and the paper is resistant to ink bleed.
Cologne is a great gift for any guy on any occasion. That’s why we suggest it for your high school graduate.
Even if they already have a bottle, they’ll appreciate a new scent to choose from when they’re getting ready for the day.
This Eau de Parfum by Versace is a bestseller on Amazon.
A cookware set is a thoughtful high school graduation gift if your grad is moving away from home.
Even if it’s on the horizon, it’ll come in handy whenever they move into their new apartment or dorm room.
Or, this is a great gift if your graduate is looking to brush up on their culinary skills!
This set includes 2 pots, 2 pans, a dutch oven, griddle and some cooking utensils. This set is dishwasher-safe, too!
This kit has everything your husband will need to upgrade his shaving game. It has a safety razor with 10 razor blades, razor holder, shaving brush, shaving bowl, shaving soap, pre-shave oil, and aftershave balm.
He can have a nice little setup in the bathroom when he shaves so he can get the best shave possible. Just make sure he cleans up when he is finished because you do not want to clean up any of his mess after.
Gift your high school graduate these facial sheet masks to help them put their best selves out there!
They’ll love to treat themselves to some relaxation and tend their skin at the same time!
These masks are designed specifically for men, are cruelty-free and have an easy cleanup.
A stylish leather bracelet can be a subtle addition to any outfit.
This bracelet is genuine leather and has a stainless-steel clasp, so this bracelet should last.
Get your high school graduation this small reminder of how much you care for them. They’ll think of you everytime they wear it!
These hammocks are a great dorm gift for someone who is adventurous or enjoys nature. They provide a unique study space and are fairly easy to travel with.
The hammock comes with its own travel bag and takes a minute to set up.
These hammocks are very popular on my campus when the weather is nice. Students put them in between trees to study, nap, or just enjoy the scenery.
Everyone could use a casual jacket for chilly days. Get your graduate this flannel shirt jacket for comfortable everyday wear.
This jacket from Amazon is 100% cotton and the quilted polyester padding makes for added warmth.
If your graduate is off to work or college, this leather portfolio is a stylish way for them to carry around their papers and daily-use objects.
There are handy pouches specific for cell phones, notebooks and computers.
It’s comfortable and practical; the strap is padded so you can carry everything with comfort.
It can act as both a professional and casual bag!
Does your graduate enjoy nature? Are they adventurous? A tent might be the perfect high school graduation gift for them.
This two-person tent can be packed up tightly, which is convenient for packing for college and hiking trips.
Set up is also easy--it only takes five minutes!
Related: The Best 45 Graduation Gifts: The Ultimate 2022 Guide
High School Graduation Gifts For Her
These best-selling joggers from Lululemon are a high school graduation gift that your recipient is sure to love.
This pair is great for stylish everyday wear, and they offer plenty of room for comfort as the leg tapers sit just above the ankle.
These joggers also have hidden pockets, so your grad can store their keys, money, etc
A nice-smelling candle is a thoughtful gift for any high school graduate. But, this one comes with a surprise.
Inside the candle is a ring valued between $15 and $5000! Your graduate will enjoy melting away their candle to find their piece of jewelry.
Just as it is for guys, organization is a great high school graduation gift for women. This one is decorated with apricot stripes and gold outlines.
You can see your month outlined on the calendar pages or plan your days in detail down to the minute.
It also comes with fun stickers to make your day plans seem a little more fun.
Slipping into a bath with a bath bomb is a great way to end the day. Your graduate deserves to relax after their years of hard work!
Get them this bath bomb gift set so they can treat themselves.
It comes with 12 handmade bath bombs in wonderful fragrances such as lavender, orange and peppermint.
Gift your high school graduate this White Tea and Jasmine candle.
They’ll enjoy the soothing scent as they’re getting ready in the morning or after a long day.
I always like to light a candle when I’m reading or studying. This candle has a wooden wick that mimics the comforting sound of a crackling fire.
Your graduate will love these dainty fairy lights for their rooms. They’re a pretty addition to any wall, headboard, mirror, etc.
These battery-powered lights can be used in all sorts of creative ways and add a comfy ambience to a room!
The wire is thin and flexible, so you can easily hang them or wrap them around objects. I like to hang small pictures on mine.
Get your high school graduate this nice, yet affordable necklace.
There are many different stones to choose from, so you’re sure to find a style and color that suits your graduate nicely.
They’re great for both daily wear and more formal occasions. And, your graduate will think of you every time they wear it!
I got these cork boards for my bedroom. They’re conveniently self-adhesive, so adding them to a wall is easy.
They also come with push pins! These cork boards are a cute way for your graduate to decorate their rooms and hang pictures.
A cute pillow can brighten up any room or piece of furniture. Get your graduate this set of fuzzy pillows to decorate their room or take with them to college.
Or, get them a pillow with their hometown on it. Who knew a pillow could be a great reminder of home?
The 14K gold plated infinity hoop earrings are a nice high school graduation gift for her.
She’ll be able to wear them casually or on more formal occasions.
Also, the gold plating will help ensure that these earrings don’t discolor or irritate your graduate’s skin.
All of the metals are hypoallergenic, too! If your graduate is not satisfied with them, these earrings come with a 90 day guarantee.
These best-selling leggings are designed for yoga, but they’re also great for casual athletic wear and lounging around the house.
Your high school graduate is sure to appreciate these high-quality leggings! The Nulu fabric is described as “buttery-soft.”
I’ve been shopping at Lululemon for a while now, and I find that their apparel is super comfortable and lasts a long time.
This Lululemon water bottle comes in many different colors and is a practical high school graduation gift.
The insulation can keep liquids cold or hot, and the lid is leak-proof. And the double-wall design keeps condensation from sticking to the bottle.
Your graduate will be able to take their favorite drinks with them on the go!
Yoga has been one of my favorite activities since I started college as it’s great for the mind and body.
Encourage your graduate to pick up a new hobby or continue their practice.
This yoga mat is reversible and has a nice grip that absorbs moisture so you can balance with ease.
If your loved one likes to exercise frequently, consider buying them a fanny pack as a 19th birthday gift. This model from Lululemon is designed for being on the move, and the fabric is waterproof.
Keep your phone, wallet, and other valuables safely in one place around your waist. And there are so many great colors to choose from! Plus, fanny packs are super cute and make a fun accessory.
Your high school graduate will love these Nike Air Force 1’s.
They’re very popular among that age group and the foam midsole and lightweight design make them great for walking around.
They can be worn with sweatpants, jeans, or dressing down a skirt or sundress for streetwear.
I’d take perfume as a gift any day. Your graduate will love a nice bottle to give themselves a sweet spritz on their way out the door!
This one by Versace comes in a cute 3 oz. crystal bottle.
This 12-piece gift basket comes with soap, bath bombs, massage oil, shower gel, body scrub, bubble bath, body butter, bath salt, hand cream and more.
Your high school graduate is sure to get use out of all these items. Bring the spa to them!
Does your graduate like writing or drawing? A calligraphy pen set is such a fun way for your graduate to take notes, write letters, bullet journal, or draw.
I have a set at home, and calligraphy has become an unexpected hobby of mine!
This one comes with eleven nibs and seven different kinds of ink.
Still can’t figure out which gift your high school graduate would like best? Give them a nice Ulta gift card so you don’t have to decide!
Ulta is a great place for hair, makeup and skincare products. She can easily find something she’ll enjoy or stock up on her favorites.
If your graduate enjoys painting their nails, this is a great gift for them.
This set has 20 colors to choose from, including glossy and matte coats, and the gel finish makes the polish last much longer.
The set comes in a gift box almost as pretty as the polishes!
This essential oil necklace is a travel-friendly stress reliever. I actually have this necklace at home.
It comes with 49 refill pads for refreshing the essential oils. I like to add lavender oil and wear it when I’m anxious or stressed.
Get this high-quality eyeshadow palette for your high school graduate. The shades are highly pigmented with a matte finish.
Even if they don’t wear eye makeup often, they’re sure to get use out of these pink and brown tones for formal occasions.
This pallet includes 12 shades that can cater to any outfit.
Inexpensive High School Graduation Gifts – Under $20
These cardholders are inexpensive, yet lasting and are great for easy access to ID’s, credit cards, etc.
The backs of these cardholders have a strong adhesive, but it doesn’t leave any residue should you choose to remove it.
You can also personalize it with your graduate’s initials or designated university.
A keychain is a cute and thoughtful gift. This one is made with stainless steel, so it’s resistant to rust or discoloration.
We especially like this one because it’s designed for graduates, but you can find others decorated with flowers, inspirational quotes, or the name of your graduate's hometown.
No matter which you choose, it’ll be a cute yet inexpensive gift.
The great thing about gift cards is you can easily stay under budget!
If you want to give your grad a $15 Bed Bath and Beyond gift card to help alleviate the cost of any furniture or appliances they’ll need for their dorm room, they’re sure to appreciate it!
This card can range anywhere from $15 to $200. Spend as much as you’d like!
Food will never go unappreciated. Buy your graduate an assortment of their favorite snacks for under $20.
These include many sweet and salty snacks such as pretzels, goldfish and fruit snacks.
They all come in snack-size packages, so your graduate can easily pack treats for their busy days!
An inexpensive, yet thoughtful high school graduation gift is a homemade spa kit. It’s easier than you would think.
Whip up a sugar scrub using ingredients around your household like sugar, honey, coffee grounds, coconut oil and peppermint extract.
You can package your scrub in cute 1 0z. plastic jars.
A shower caddy is a must-have if your high school graduate is leaving for college.
I used mine every day of my freshman year to carry my things to and from the bathrooms.
This one includes two large compartments and a thick handle.
You can add your graduate’s name in puff paint or sharpie and some ribbon in their school colors!
Get your graduate a monogram sticker for their high school graduation gift.
You can personalize it to include their initials, and they can add the sticker to their water bottle, car window, or laptop.
A canvas tote bag will surely be of use for your high school graduate.
This retro canvas bag is a great way for your graduate to carry stuff around with it’s inner pockets, and it can easily zip shut.
I use mine almost every day- I like to use them for carrying books around or packing for picnics.
Get your high school graduate this beautiful, handcrafted leather journal for under $20.
Encourage your graduate to write down their thoughts and memories—they’ll want to remember some of the best years of their lives!
Good thing it has 300 pages to fit everything they’ll need to write!
You can add a personalized, sentimental note for your graduate on the first few pages to make this gift even more special.
Get your high school graduate this beautiful, handcrafted leather journal for under $20.
Encourage your graduate to write down their thoughts and memories—they’ll want to remember some of the best years of their lives!
Good thing it has 300 pages to fit everything they’ll need to write!
You can add a personalized, sentimental note for your graduate on the first few pages to make this gift even more special.
I never thought to buy myself a travel pillow, but I received one as a gift when I graduated and I’ve used it so much.
I fly to and from school, and I’m always sure to pack my travel pillow.
This hypoallergenic pillow can snap closed to keep it secure and is made of recycled materials, so it’s eco-friendly!
If your high school graduate is itching to travel and see the world, this gift is a thoughtful way to support them.
Celebrating any occasion calls for dessert.
Send your high school graduate this sampler of decorated chocolate cookies to show that you’re thinking about them.
Each unique flavor is hand dipped and carefully decorated. They’ll love to indulge in these treats!
I love to spend rainy summer days working on a puzzle. This is a great high school graduation gift, as your graduate will hopefully have some newfound downtime!
It can also be a fun way for you and your graduate to spend some time together before they’re off to conquer the world!
This 750-piece puzzle shows the cutest cat napping on a bookshelf.
One can never have too many mugs—that’s what I say, anyway. Obviously, they’re great for coffee and tea.
I also like to use them as a fun way to hold my pens and pencils or to store my hair ties.
Get your graduate this Friends-themed 24 oz. mug for under $15.
A letter board makes for a cute decoration and unique high school graduation gift. Your graduate can arrange the letters and symbols into their favorite quote.
This one comes with over 685 pre-cut letters and a stand for the sign.
If you want, you could even open the box before you gift it to surprise your graduate with a thoughtful message.
One of the most meaningful gifts you can give to your high school graduate is to write them a thoughtful note.
When I graduated, I received a note from one of my family members.
I still keep that note hanging on my wall because it means so much to me.
This cute “con[grad]ulations” card is perfect for the occasion-- write away!
Sometimes, the silly gifts are the best gifts. Your graduate will love to run around in these funny little socks.
This pack comes with eight pairs of machine-washable crew socks. My personal favorite is the cow print!
Does your high school graduate enjoy going on runs?
If they do, you should give them this phone armband case so they can easily exercise without having to worry about their phone.
The elastic armband is easily adjustable and water-resistant, and the case can fit many different types of cell phones.
Get your high school graduate one of these popular salt lamps. They’re rumored to clean air and relieve stress.
Amazon describes this lamp as “soft light to help create a comfortable environment, to clean the air, to help them relieve mental pressure.”
Regardless, its gentle glow will help create a relaxing environment in any room.
A French press is a great high school graduation gift for your coffee-loving grad.
This one is user-friendly, so they can easily control the strength of the brew.
The double stainless-steel filter ensures that no grounds find their way into your drink.
As an added bonus, this French press is under $20 with a sleek copper design.
Final Thoughts on High School Graduation Gifts
There are so many good gift options to give your high school graduate! Whether it’s practical, silly, sentimental, or indulgent, your grad is sure to love what you give them.
As long as you show them that you’re proud of them and their accomplishments, you’ll make their graduation even more special.
That’s a wrap. This article was all about high school graduation gifts.
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