Inside this post: Picking out any gift for a teen is hard, but we have you covered with this awesome list of gift ideas for high school graduates.

Graduation gifts for high school graduates can be hard to pick out. Graduation is such a momentous occasion and you want to recognize it appropriately, but at the same time, teenagers can be pretty picky.

Also, there are so many different ways you can go in terms of gifts for your high school grad. You could purchase items for their dorm room or something more inspirational like a book or a framed picture of their favorite quote. Maybe the graduate is taking a gap year or moving into an apartment, so their needs might be different and more practical.

Or you could just give them cash or a gift card depending upon what your graduate is doing next in their life.

If you aren’t sure what to get, this book with a handwritten note and small gift card is a great way to celebrate a grad.

No matter what you give, the thought is what counts and the high school graduate in your life will be happy you thought of them on this important occasion and this next step towards adulthood.

If you’re looking for some ideas for just that perfect gift, here is a guide to help you find exactly what you are looking for or maybe even something you hadn’t thought of yet!

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Related: 75 Inspiring High School Graduation Quotes To Celebrate Your Graduate

100 Of The Best High School Graduation Gifts

Inspirational Gifts for High School Graduates

Oh, the places they will go. High school seniors have so many new adventures ahead of them and it is so exciting to think about where their path will lead. Giving them something to inspire them along the way and that might make their journey that much richer is often what people are thinking about when it comes to graduation gifts. If you’re looking for just the right inspiring gift, there are so many to choose from. A great gift idea might be a compass to help point them in the right direction or a journal and pen for them to write down all those big ideas they are sure to have. An inspiring quote to hang on the wall or just words of inspiration in a book or maybe even a candle. Oh and don’t forget an Amazon gift card can be inspiring in its own way, who knows just what they might pick out.

Cross Pen and Pencil Set | Engraved Cross Coventry Twist-Action Ballpoint Pen and Pencil Set – Lustrous Chrome. Personalized Gift Set for Any OccasionLeather Journal Gift Set with Antique Leather Bookmark + Pen, Handmade Writing Notebook 7×5 Inches Unlined Leather Bound Daily Notepad For Men For Women, Luxury Gift Box Diary for all agesAdulting 101: #Wisdom4Life (Hardcover) – A Complete Guide on Life Planning, Responsibility and Goal Setting, Perfect Gift for High School & College Graduation (Teenagers, Friends, Family, Graduates)Spiritual Healing,Lin Manuel Miranda Good Morning Merch Poster,Motivational Wall Art,Positive Inspirational Quotes Bathroom Wall Decor, Men, Hamilton Musical Broadway PlayAmazon eGift Card – Decorated Graduation CapsYou’re Amazing And Strong And Brave, Strong Women Gifts, Inspirational Gifts for Men, Inspirational Mugs for Women (11oz)Carson Dellosa Education Carson Dellosa Today’s Plan Notepad You Got This Notepad, 50 Sheet Lined Paper Aim High Notepad, 50 Sheet Lined Paper To Do List Notepad, NotesGlobal Printed Products Motivational & Inspirational Perpetual Daily Flip Calendar Self-Standing Easel (Woodgrain)Affirmators! Original: 50 Affirmation Cards Deck For You Help Yourself without The Self-Helpy-Ness (50 Cards)The Last LectureCandles Gifts for Women Inspirational Unique Valentines Mothers Day Christmas Birthday Graduation Gifts for Her Sister Best Friend Wife Girlfriend Stocking Stuffers for Women Lavender Scented CandleEncouragement Gift Keychain Happiness Can Be Found Even In The Darkest of Times Keyring Inspirational Gifts Recovery Gift Graduation Gifts for Son Daughter Encouragement Christmas Gifts for TeensDUNCAN & STONE PAPER CO. Travel Journals – Elegant Journaling Notebook To Record All Your Travel Fun, & More – 110 Page Linen Hardcover Journal For Up To 15 Trips (Sage Green)50 States, 500 Campgrounds: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do (5,000 Ideas)1,000 Places to See Before You Die: Revised Second Edition

High School Graduation Gifts For the College Dorms

Going off to college comes with many expenses, which means dorm room essentials make great graduation gifts. Perhaps a stylish mini-fridge or microwave to help with those late-night study snacks. Or a cozy weighted blanket and bean bag so they can get comfortable away from home. And there is nothing more practical for a new college student than an alarm clock to make sure they actually make it to those early morning classes. A pint-size coffee maker and a to-go mug can help in this department too. You could also go hi-tech with some new devices such as an iPad for note-taking or some noise-canceling headphones to help them tune out a noisy roommate in order to hit the books.

Genteele Sherpa Throw Blanket Super Soft Reversible Ultra Luxurious Plush Blanket, 50 x 60 inches, Gray/WhiteFrigidaire Retro Compact Fridge with Chiller, Countertop, Built-In Bottle Opener, Compact Refrigerator 1.6 cu ft, Mini Fridge for Office, Bedroom, Dorm Room or Cabin – 16Nestl Cut Plush Striped Reading Pillow for Kids & Teens, Small Back Pillow, Back Support Pillow, Shredded Memory Foam Bed Rest Pillow with Arms, LineniHome PowerClock Glow Alarm Clock – Bluetooth Color Changing FM Clock Radio with USB Charging Port, Dimmable Display and 7-5-2 Dual Alarm – Perfect for Bedside Tables (Model iBT295)Apple iPad Pro Tablet (32GB, Wi-Fi, 9.7in) Gray (Renewed)AsBestForGF Custom Socks with Photo, Personalized Face Socks with Picture, Customized Socks Gift for Father Mother Christmas (One Face-Light Blue)YETI Rambler 30 oz Travel Mug, Stainless Steel, Vacuum Insulated with Stronghold Lid, BlackNostalgia RMO4RR Retro Large 0.9 cu ft, 800-Watt Countertop Microwave Oven, 12 Pre-Programmed Cooking Settings, Digital Clock, Easy Clean Interior, Metallic RedBeats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones – Apple W1 Headphone Chip, Class 1 Bluetooth, 22 Hours of Listening Time, Built-in Microphone – Matte BlackFunny Pillowcase for College Student, Top 10 Things to Do at College, from Mom and Dad, Daughter, Son, Funny, Don’t Do Stupid Shit5FT Bean Bag Chair Bean Bag Chairs for Adults Giant Bean Chairs with Velvet Cover, Memory Foam BeanBag Chair Large Bean Bag Chairs for Adults for Living Room, Bedroom – Grey (50Keurig K-Mini Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker, 6 to 12oz Brew size, with Cord Storage, Perfect for Small Spaces, BlackA Champion’s Mantra Motivational Poster Inspirational Wall Art Canvas Painting Wall Art Poster for Bedroom Living Room Decor 20x30inch(50x75cm) Frame-styleSwiss+Tech 14 oz Coffee Mug, Vacuum Insulated Mug Cup with Lid, Double Wall Stainless Steel Travel Tumbler Cup, Corrosion Resistant, BPA Free (Black)Spakon Graduation Box Cap Card Candy Boxes Black Gift Cards Box Cap Graduation Candy Box with Tassel DIY Decorative Boxes, 3.23inch X 3.23inch(3 Packs)Dopheuor Photo Clip String Lights LED Battery Operated Starry Fairy Copper String Lights with Clips Warm White for Pictures Bedroom Wall Patio Halloween Thanksgiving Christmas Party Wedding DécorTHE COMFY Dream | Lightweight Microfiber Fleece Wearable Blanket, Oversized Design with Hood from Shark Tank, Soft Oversized Pocket Blanket, Warm and Cozy GiftsHey Bro Dude Minimalist Typography Poster Prints for Home Teens Boys Bedroom College Dorm Decor,Navy Blue Boys Room Decorations Prints Wall Art Unframed 4pcs 8x10inches,Gift for Gamer Boys Teens MenThe Body Source Himalayan Salt Lamp 8-10 Inches (7-11lb) | Includes Dimmer Switch | Natural Salt Rock Lamp with Handcrafted Wooden Base & Night Light (Bulb Replacement)Care Science First Aid Kit, 110 Pieces | Professional Use for Travel, Work, School, Home, Car, Emergency, Survival, Camping, Hiking, and MoreF-color Mesh Shower Caddy Portable, Upgrade Deeper 7 Pockets Basket Bag Tote for College Dorm Room Toiletry Bathroom Essentials Gym Camp Quick Dry 2 handles with S Hook, BlackVornado Flippi V8 Personal Air Circulator Fan Eggshell BlueDrevet LED Desk Lamp, Desk Light with 1 USB Charging Port and 2 AC Power Outlet, 3 Lighting Modes, 3 Level Brightness,1H Timer, Touch Control, Eye-Caring Home Office Foldable Table Lamp (Black)GREENTIME Set of 6 Succulents Plants Artificial in Mini White Ceramic Pots Small Fake Succulents Plant Faux Indoor Decor Windowsills Bedroom Desk Bathroom Office Home Decorationdazongweihan Flower Market Poster Set of 9, Abstract Wall Art Prints,Vintage Colorful Floral Wall Art Decor,Minimalist City & Flower Painting Pictures,Pink Prints Wall Art,8x10in, Unframed(Q)

Related: Dorm Room Essentials For Girls – Must-Haves, Practical, And a Little Fun &
Dorm Room Essentials For Girls – Must-Haves, Practical, And a Little Fun

Practical Gifts for High School Graduates

If you’re less the inspiration type and more practical in your sensibilities, there are all sorts of graduation gifts that are both thoughtful and useful. Perhaps an introductory cookbook and a dinnerware set to make sure they don’t go hungry away from home. Or if they are driving back and forth, be sure they have a roadside emergency set to keep in their car just in case.

Oh, and along those lines, a first aid kit isn’t a bad idea, either. Some luggage or a backpack will be perfect for lugging about everything from their books to their gym clothes for their new independent lifestyle. And don’t forget lighting charging cables and portable batteries so they can always stay in touch. Snacks are never a bad idea as a going away care package for your high school graduate or they can pick out their own with a Visa gift card.

We loved the idea one mom had who filled a laundry basket with all the necessities for doing laundry into the basket, including $100 worth of quarters, detergent, a bag for delicates, new towels–and most importantly, instruction on how to wash anything. We thought it was a brilliant, useful gift.

We also loved the idea of gifting a subscription service, such as Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime to the new graduate on a budget!

The I Don’t Know How To Cook Book: 300 Great Recipes You Can’t Mess Up!Always Prepared Premium Roadside Emergency Kit for Car – Car Safety Kit, Tools, First Aid, Visibility Gear & More – Perfect Roadside Assistance Kit Gift for New Drivers (125 pc)28PCS Kitchen Wheat Streaw Dinnerware Sets for 4, Wheat Straw Plates and Bowls Sets, College Dorm Dinnerware Dishes Set for 4 with Cutlery SetVisa $100 Gift Card (plus $5.95 Purchase Fee)Mini First Aid Kit – 150 Piece Small Waterproof Hard Shell Medical Kit for Home, Car, Travel, Camping, Truck, Hiking, Sports, Office, Vehicle & Outdoor Emergencies- Small First Aid Medical Kit (Red)ECEEN Solar Backpack 7 W Solar Panel Charger for Smart Cell Phones Outdoor Sports Backpack SuppliesHomeHacks 2-Pack Large Laundry Basket, Waterproof, Freestanding Laundry Hamper, Collapsible Tall Clothes Hamper with Extended Handles for Clothes Toys in the Dorm and Family-(Gradient Grey, 75L)How to Cook Everything: The Basics: All You Need to Make Great Food–With 1,000 Photos: A Beginner Cookbook (How to Cook Everything Series, 2)iPhone Charger 3pack 10FT Apple MFi Certified Nylon Braided Lightning Cable Fast Charging Long USB Charging Cable High Speed Transfer Cord for iPhone 14 13/12/11 Pro Max/XS MAX/XR/XS/X/8/7/Plus/6SAnker USB to USB C Cable [2 Pack, 6FT], USB A to USB C Charger Cord for Samsung Galaxy S10 S10+, LG V30, Beats Fit Pro and More (USB 2.0, Black)Apollo Tools Original 39 Piece General Household Tool Set in Toolbox Storage Case with Essential Hand Tools for Everyday Home Repairs, DIY and Crafts Red/Black – DT9706Samsonite UpLIFT 20Luxtude Portable Charger iPhone Built in Lightning Cable (MFi Apple Certified), Ultra Slim Portable Phone Charger Thin Battery Pack, 5000mAh Power Bank for iPhone 14/13/12/11/10 etc. (Metal Black)Handheld Garment Steamer for Clothes, Portable Clothes Steamer Remove Wrinkle, 180ml Water Tank, 12 minutes Continuous Steam, 2.3 meter Cord, Ideal for ALL Fabrics, One button Design (Light White)Mid 2019 Apple Macbook Air with 1.6 GHz Core i5 (13.3 inches, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) Space Gray (Renewed)Amazon Basics Portable Digital Luggage Scale for Travel, Hanging Baggage Scale, Suitcase Weight Scale with Battery Included, Digital Display, Flexible and Sturdy Strap, 110 LBS Load, one Size, BlackGOAUS Passport Holder for Travel with Airtag Card Slots, Money Pocket, Women Men RFID Blocking Wallet Book Case BlueShe’s Birdie–The Original Personal Safety Alarm for Women by Women–Loud Siren, Strobe Light and Key Chain in a Variety of Colors (Blossom)JALL Sound Machine White Noise Machine with 22 Soothing Sounds, 17 Night Lights, Bluetooth Speaker, Sleep Timer, Wake Up Light Sunrise Alarm Clock for Bedrooms, Ideal Gift for Baby, Kids, SeniorsAmazon.com Gift Card for any amount in a Gold Dot RevealCRAVEBOX Snacks Box Variety Pack Care Package (55 Count) Easter Gift Basket Adults Kids Guys Girls Women Men Boyfriend Candy Birthday Cookies Chips Teenage College Student Food SchoolHeavy Duty Large Storage Bags, XL Blue Moving Bags for College Dorm Room Essentials, Moving Supplies Compatible with IKEA Frakta Cart, 4 Packs

High School Graduation Gift Ideas For Teenage Girls

If you’d like a graduation gift that just for her, there are so many beautiful ideas for the teenage girl in your life. An inspiring key chain or bracelet engraved with a favorite quote. A compass necklace so she always finds her way or a stylish watch to keep her on time for those important classes. Oh, and let’s not forget all those memories she will be making, help her capture them for always with an Instax polaroid camera.

igvean Class Of 2025 Graduation Keychain Gifts for Him Her Inspirational Graduation Keepsakes Gifts for Student Teen Boy Girl Son Daughter Phd Master Degree High College Christian KeyRing1OAK Vanilla Scented Candles Gifts for Women – Graduation Candle Gifts – 2025 Graduation Gifts for Her, Him – College, High School Senior 2025 Gifts – Graduation Gifts 2025Sterling Silver Compass Necklace, Enjoy the Journey, Travel Necklace, Best Friend Gift, Graduation Gift Necklace, Retirement Gift Necklace,18 inchesDaughter… I Want You to Know This by Douglas Pagels, A Sentimental Gift Book for Birthday, Graduation, Christmas, or Just to SayPenneed Rollerball Pen Liquid Ink Pens for Women Luxury Box Gel Pen Black Ink Fancy Pen Refillable for Executive, Office, Professional, Birthday Gift G5 (Rose Gold)AMGSH 5.7RZKING Graduation Gifts for Her Arrow Bracelet Class of 2023 College Graduation Presents for Classmates Bestie Sister (Aim High: Arrow)Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera Lilac Purple + Minimate Custom Designed Case + Fuji Instax Film 10 Sheets & Photo AlbumAlex and Ani Wave Charm Bangle Bracelet, Path of Symbols, Shiny Argentium Silver Finish, 2 to 3.5 inClass of 2025 Graduation Gifts for Her Him Senior High School College University Graduate Keychain for 2025 Masters Cool Middle School Graduation Gift for Boys Girls Students Be Confident Key ChainGraduation Quote Wood Box Sign Decor Desk Sign Positive Behind You All Your Memories Wooden Box Block Sign Rustic Home Shelf Wall Decoration Grad GiftChambom 2025 Graduation Gifts for Him Her – Class of 2025 Graduation Keychain, Inspirational Gifts for Boys Girls Middle High College School StudentTONY & SANDY Friend Gifts for Women Be Brave Be Strong Be Badass Inspirational Bracelet Daughter Granddaughter Motivational Anxiety Sober Sun Moon Easter Basket Stocking StuffersStanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle and Straw 40 oz | Flowstate 3-Position Lid | Cup Holder Compatible for Travel | Insulated Stainless Steel Cup | BPA-Free | Matcha Cream

High School Graduation Gifts for Teenage Boys

And for the young man in your life, there are many graduation gifts that are just made for him. An engraved wallet or personalized compass. Inspiring words on keychains, bracelets or wall decor. Books to help them embrace this new world they are venturing forth into with everything from crazy college roommates to real questions of character and maturity. A Swiss Army knife might come in handy or a car emergency kit for the unexpected challenges life throws their way. And when their own the go an insulated tumbler for their beverage of choice to take with them and a leather duffel for their adventures.

Easycosy Custom Photo Wallet for Men Personalized Engraved Picture & Name Gifts for Men Boyfriend Fiance Husband Dad Birthday GiftsFunny graduation mug for him | Original gift mug for men | Congratulatory present for brother, boyfriend, son, grandson, best friend. | Dude You Did ItBtysun Graduation Gifts for Him Class of 2025 Leather Bracelet for Men Black Graduation Bracelet College Graduation Gifts 2025 High School Grads Birthday Christmas JewelryENGZHI Son Card Son Gifts from Mom Dad, Inspirational Gifts for Boys Men Birthday Graduation Fathers Day, Metal Wallet CardThoreau’s Go Confidently Quote Engraved Nautical Compass with Stamped Leather case, Camping Compass, Boating Compass, Gift Compass, Graduation Day Gifts Rustic Vintage Home Decor GiftsThe Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College (Essential College Life Survival Guide and Graduation Gift for Students, Banned Book)ExpressDesigns™ – Personalized Pens Gift Set – 2 Pack of Soft Touch Metal Pens w/gift box – Luxury Ballpoint Pen Custom Engraved with Name, Logo or Message | Perfect for Him or Her (Black)Hot Sox Women’s Fun Pop Culture & Celebration Crew Socks-1 Pair Pack-Cool & Funny Novelty Gifts, Graduation (Black), Shoe Size: 4-10The Manual to Manhood: How to Cook the Perfect Steak, Change a Tire, Impress a Girl & 97 Other Skills You Need to SurviveVictorinox Swiss Army Tinker Pocket Knife, Red, 91mm (53101)Always Prepared Premium Roadside Emergency Kit for Car – Car Safety Kit, Tools, First Aid, Visibility Gear & More – Perfect Roadside Assistance Kit Gift for New Drivers (125 pc)Motivational Quotes Posters Set – Gift for Los Angeles LA Lakers, Basketball, Sports Fans, Men, Boys, Teens – Bedroom, Living Room, Office Wall Decor – Inspirational Wall Art Decorations 8×10 printsKomalC Leather Duffel Bags for Men and Women Full Grain Leather Travel Overnight Weekend Leather Bags Sports Gym Duffel for Men (Tan, 20 Inch)UMIPHIMAT Custom Engraved Wooden Watches for Men – Annviersary Wedding Valentines Gifts for Husband BoyfriendGift for Him, Personalized Gift, Docking Station, Charging Station, Phone Dock, Cell Phone Stand, Desk Organizer, Engraved Docking StationSOUHONEY Proud of You Gifts Scented Candle, Funny Congratulations Graduation Gifts for College High School Graduation 2025, Scented Candle for New Job/Sober Sobriety (White)Personalized Leather Toiletry Bag for Men – Shaving Dopp Kit with Name & Initial – 4 Canvas & 12 Designs – Ideal Gift for Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Boyfriend for Anniversary, Birthday & Father’s Day-HandmadePersonalized 20oz (17 Colors) Powder Coated Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler with Lid, Custom Etched, Customized Engraved Gift Idea for Women Men Her Him, Halpert Monogram Initial Name (Navy Blue)Amazon.com Gift Card for any amount in a Gold Dot RevealHIWX College Dorm Decor,Funny Have Fun Be Safe Make Good Choices Call Your Mom Decorative 18 x 18 Throw Pillow Cover,Call Your Mom Pillow,Throw Pillows for Dorm Bed Room Student Decor PillowcaseSon Keychain From Mom: Keychain for Son Christmas Valentines Day Birthday Gifts for Sons Inspiration Key Ring(To My Son-Black)

Remember, gifts for high school graduates don’t have to be expensive! Sometimes the best gift is simply being there and supporting them in whatever way you can!

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