Graduation Gift Ideas for High School Seniors
Do you need some grad gift inspiration? Check out this list of graduation gift ideas for the high school seniors in your life.
How Do You Choose a Grad Gift?
When selecting a gift for a graduating high school senior, keep these things in mind.
Their Personality
Everyone is different, and you need to consider your grad’s personality.
If your grad is not sentimental about leaving high school behind, skip gifts like photo albums and gifts with grad-themed sayings.
If your grad is practical, lean into that! You can get them a basket of laundry supplies or a gas card and know they will be pleased.
Their Future Plans
What is next for your grad? Are they going away to college, commuting from home, entering the workforce, or taking a gap year?
Match your grad gift to “what’s next” for your grad. The lists below will help you out.
Your Budget
You don’t have to spend much on a grad gift for it to be great.
This list of graduation gift ideas has options for every budget.
This article contains affiliate links to things that you might like.
The Best Graduation Gift Ideas for College-Bound Students
These grad gifts will be a boost for any college-bound student.
Laptop
This is the most needed item for college-bound students.
Find out if your grad likes Apple or PC.
For Apple fans, try the lightweight MacBook Air.
For PC, the Acer Chromebook has all the functionalities of a tablet and a laptop.
Cozy Blanket
Everyone needs something to snuggle, especially if they are away from home for the first time.
This soft and cozy throw blanket comes in a bevy of colors.
Minifridge
Even if your grad plans to use a college meal plan, the mini fridge is a dorm room staple.
Mini Coffee Maker
Late nights and 8 am classes don’t mix without caffeine!
This tiny Keurig will fit just about anywhere.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
These noise-cancelling headphones will help students focus (or rest) in a loud setting.
(They will also help your grad cope with an annoying roommate!)
Backpack with a Charging Port
This backpack comes with a sleeve for laptops and a USB charging port for long days on campus.
Laundry Kit
Make your grad a dorm laundry kit with this hamper/backpack and a pack of laundry detergent sheets (no mess and lightweight).
Portable Charger
College students rely on their phones. A portable charger is a practical and inexpensive gift.
Clip-on Reading Light
A clip-on reading light means your grad can study even when their roommate sleeps.
LED Strip Lights
Make a dorm room match your mood with a set of LED strip lights.
Graduation Gifts for Career-Focused Grads
If your grad is entering the workforce, these graduation gift ideas will help them on their path.
Professional Portfolio or Resume Folder
This professional resume folder will help them not only look the part at job interviews and career fairs but also keep them organized.
Professional Carry-all
This leather satchel is both stylish and professional and suits men or women.
Subscription to an Online Learning Platform
Help them build their skills (and resume) with a subscription to an online learning platform like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning.
Books on Success and Career Growth
Atomic Habits will help your grad build good habits and eliminate bad ones.
So Good They Can’t Ignore You will help your grad focus on developing skills to make them hireable.
What Color Is Your Parachute will help grads find a meaningful career.
Phone Mount and Charger for the Car
A phone mount that also charges is a perfect and practical gift for the commuter.
Subscription to a Job Search Website
If your grad needs to find a job, purchase a subscription to a job search website like LinkedIn Premium.
Car Emergency Kit
This 90-piece emergency kit has everything from jumper cables to first aid.
Graduation Gift Ideas for the Gap Year Student
Students who plan to take a gap year may travel. Check out these gap-year-specific graduation gift ideas.
Scratch-off Map
If your grad plans to travel, get them a US scratch-off map of a world scratch-off map to mark their travels.
Packing Cubes
Mesh packing cubes keep items organized in a suitcase.
Reusable Water Bottle
This Hydro Flask in perfect for travel.
Travel Pillow and Sleep Mask
Travelers will need to sleep anywhere. This travel set makes that possible.
Language Learning App Subscription
Purchase a subscription to Babbel or Duolingo for a few months.
Portable Charger
Tech is always a great gift idea. This charger is slim and long-lasting.
High School Graduation Gift Ideas for Anyone
These gift ideas are perfect for any grad!
Prepaid Visa Gift Card
A Visa gift card works just like cash. You can use it anywhere, for anything.
Amazon or Target Gift Card
Grads can buy whatever they need at Target or Amazon.
Do your grad a favor and purchase a gift card that comes in a box.
This will help prevent the gift card from getting misplaced when they open all their grad cards.
Spotify or Apple Music Gift Card
Whatever your grad’s plans, their life will need a soundtrack.
Budgeting Book
I Will Teach You to Be Rich is a practical guide to being money-savvy.
Grad Key Chain
This graduation gift will only cost you a few dollars! Who doesn’t need a key chain?
Grad Bracelet
This grad bracelet is understated and works well for men or women.
Planner or Bullet Journal
Help your grad stay organized with a planner in their favorite color.
DIY Memory Book
Buy a memory book and fill it with photos, messages, ticket stubs, or anything else emblematic from high school.
Gym Membership
Does your grad like to work out? Buy them a subscription to a gym for the summer.
Cooking Essentials
Is your grad moving to their first apartment? Get them the kitchen essentials.
Gift Ideas for High School Graduates
High school graduation marks an enormous life shift.
If you want to give a gift your high school grad will love (or at least appreciate), purchase one of these graduation gift ideas.
