The Best High School Graduation Gift Ideas Your New Grad Will Absolutely Love

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Any event that's more than 12 years in the making is going to be pretty exciting. Pair that with teenage enthusiasm and angst 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.

Everywhere Belt Bag

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.

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.

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.

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.

Adjustable UltraCool Pillow

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.

Husband Pillow

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.

Graduation Advice Bookmark

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.

Gift Card in a Graduation Cap Box

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.

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!"

Laptop Tech Tote

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.

Home Office Lap Desk

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.

Personalized Photo Book

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.

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.

‘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.

Socks For The New Graduate

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.

Heirloom Woven Crisscross Ring

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.

Personalized Wooden Keepsake Box

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.

Rambler Travel Mug

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.

Unisex Arizona Essentials Sandals

Everyone can use a pair of comfy slip-on shoes, but if your grad is off to college then shoes like these are an absolute must for communal showers, both for health and safety reasons and... ew, communal showers. We love this pair because they provide comfort, grip, and the classic Birkenstock look.

Skule Top Backpack

Is your graduate planning on a post-grad road trip? Maybe some hiking? Or even just getting ready to go to college? This Fjallraven backpack is the best high school graduation gift idea for them. Not only is it stylish, it's rugged and able to take its licks and keep on going. It's made of 600D Oxford fabric and has a laptop sleeve and super-plush straps.

Velvet Caviar Magnetic Battery Pack

This wireless charger is perfect for when your graduate is running from class to class all day and doesn't have the luxury of an outlet. Simply slap this baby on the back of their iPhone and they get a brand new lease on (battery) life!

Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

Keep that java piping hot during late-night study sessions or getting ready for the night shift with this app-controlled mug warmer. Choose your preferred temperature and your hot beverages will stay piping hot (or comfortably warm, depending on your preference) for hours and hours.

Our editors dubbed Ember mugs as the best in 2024 thanks to its ability to keep drinks toasty throughout the day. Writer Sheilah Villari says "I found tea, coffee, and hot chocolate stayed not just warm but very hot all day. And I do mean from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m." She adds that "running errands in chilly winds and driving rain made this the perfect comforting companion."

Related: The 7 Best Coffee Mug Warmers to Keep Drinks Toasty and Full of Flavor

Leisure 3 Mini Projector

Freshman dorms may be too small to display a TV, but this mini projector is a great solution for streaming all of your grad’s favorite shows from any open wall. It can project up to 170 inches across and features two powerful built-in speakers for a thrilling theater-like viewing experience.

One-Touch Electric Kettle

Everyone can use an electric kettle. Whether boiling water for ramen in the dorms or enjoying a cup of tea at home after work, this sleek appliance with gold accents is an ideal high school graduation gift.

Boil 7 cups of water in 7 minutes — you can even program the temperature for the perfect cuppa.

Soundcore Q30 Noise Cancelling Headphones

You never forget your first college roommate — especially if their musical tastes were horrendous. Allow the incoming freshman to get their studying done in peace by gifting them these top-rated noise-canceling headphones. They’re comfortable enough to be worn for extended periods of time without hurting their ears.

"While the Soundcore Life Q30 produces crisp and detail-rich sound, the ability to customize their sound to your exact liking is what sets them apart from other noise-canceling headphones," Vazharov wrote in his review of the cans.

Weighted Blanket

Leaving the comforts of home can be scary for anyone, especially an 18-year-old. Give them the gift of security with a weighted blanket.

This pick from Casper features slim rectangular quilting that the brand says is inspired by performance outerwear and is meant to keep the microbead filling more evenly distributed. It comes in three colors.

3-Piece Luggage Set

As you enter adulthood, there’s a list of Items You Should Have, and we definitely think a sturdy set of luggage should be on there.

This set includes 20-, 24-, and 28-inch hardshell suitcases with spinner wheels and sturdy, ergonomic aluminum handles. TSA-accepted, this set also locks for extra security. It's certainly the best high school graduation gift idea for grads getting ready to celebrate with some time abroad.

Smart Phone and AirPods Pro Wireless Charger

This practical magnetic wireless charger can charge their devices either vertically or horizontally, while making it easy for them to grab and put back their device when needed.

This particular design is not only convenient but also customizable, in that they can showcase a cute wallpaper or photo on the acrylic frame to further accessorize their work station.

Mini Cordless Portable Personal Blender

With this portable personal blender, they’ll be able to whip up delicious smoothies, milkshakes, and other frozen drinks with ease. It’s rechargeable, uses six stainless steel blades to cut through ingredients, and comes with a shatterproof jar with a travel lid for sipping while they’re on the move.

‘Call Us What We Carry’ by Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman moved us all when she became the youngest inaugural poet in the nation’s history. Her inspiring message of unity is included in this collection of poems that covers themes of identity, memory, grief, and hope in lyrical language. These thoughtful, hopeful writings are the perfect high school graduation gift.

Tech Pouch

With technology and laptops come cords, cables, and hard drives. This travel tech case will efficiently store all of their tech accessories neatly in one place, making everything easy to find.

The upright-sitting pouch features origami-style pockets for optimal storage, so they will have everything they need to stay charged up and prepared for work or class.

Portable 2-in-1 Charger

Outlets are limited, especially when sharing a dorm. Spare them the tough decision between charging their phone or their laptop with this portable 2-in-1 Anker charger. This dual-port wall charger includes a USB-A and USB-C port so they can charge two devices at the same time without disrupting their work flow.

Essential Oil Diffuser

Candles are usually a no-go when it comes to on-campus living, which is why we’re recommending this gorgeous oil diffuser from URPOWER for the scent-obsessed. It runs for up to 6 hours and can change between seven colors of lights. Either set it on a pre-programmed cycle or just keep it going until the water runs out.

For the incoming freshman in need of some extra comfort in their new digs, we also recommend this set from Lagunamoon, so they can diffuse a blend of relaxing scents as they wind down for the night.

Leather AirPods Case

You could gift a new grad any old AirPods case, but we think this pick from Cuyana is a little more luxurious. It comes in several colors and can be monogrammed, too, for an extra special touch. Note that it’s only made for the original AirPods, not the Pro version.

Dôme Hoops

Surprise your new grad with this pair of hoop earrings from Mejuri. From parties to interviews, the minimalist design of this pair makes it the perfect accessory. It's available in gold vermeil and sterling silver.

What Do You Meme? Card Game

Who needs awkward icebreakers when you have this fun card game on hand? This game is comprised of two different decks: a photo deck and a caption deck. With each turn, everyone picks a caption card from their hand to match the photo card drawn by the judge. The judge determines which meme is the funniest, and the game continues rotating judges as long as everybody wants.

Classic Core Sheet Set

College dorms can often be a cold and sort of lonely place. Make their bed their cozy refuge by getting them some genuinely wonderful sheets (that just so happen to be super durable if, say, they forget to wash them for a few weeks). Brooklinen’s core set is the perfect gift for your new grad in need of their own haven.

15-Piece Champions Cookware Set

Now that they’re heading out on their own for the first time, they’re going to need to feed themselves. Whether they’re in campus housing or their own apartment, this cookware starting set comes with everything they’ll need, including two fry pans, a chef pan, two saucepans, a pot, and more!

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