32 Best High School Graduation Gifts Teens Will Love (and *Actually* Use)
32 Best High School Graduation Gifts Teens Will Love (and *Actually* Use)
So your fave teenager is all grown up (cue the tears!), and you’ve just received their high school graduation announcement. You might not remember how major a milestone this felt, but it's huge—so it's time to help them really celebrate. You could send something small or practical, sure: No grad is gonna be mad at a card and some cash or maybe even a gift card (hello, college/life expenses!). But if you hate the idea of just mailing money, there's always the option to go for something more creative. And, let's be honest, coming up with perfect graduation gifts they'll be grateful for and use every day is kind of an art.
No matter what, it should be a unique way to commemorate your grad's big accomplishment. So scroll through for the top 32 high school graduation gift ideas that ~every~ teen would love.
Restore Reading Light, Sound Machine & Sunrise Alarm Clock
Hatch
amazon.com
$129.99
Whether they have to make it to an 8 a.m. class or a 6 a.m. shift, this all-in-one reading light, sound machine, and sunrise alarm clock will make getting a good night's sleep and waking up on time a liiiittle easier.
<i>A Field Guide to Getting Lost</i>
Rebecca Solnit
amazon.com
$13.49
This book is a series of autobiographical essays that explore issues of uncertainty, trust, loss, memory, desire, and place, emphasizing how to find—or lose—yourself in life’s experiences. Gorge.
Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera
Fujifilm
amazon.com
$74.99
Make instant memories with a cute Polaroid camera they can take with them to the grad party, on a road trip, off to college, and beyond.
Blue and Gold Pattern Notebook
Coboll
amazon.com
$7.39
Yes, yes, normal notebooks are fine, but if they're gonna be writing their hopes and dreams down don't they deserve a little sparkle? This blue and gold-toned version will give your grad a rush of joy when they spot it in their bag.
Gala Mug
Jonathan Adler
amazon.com
$24.00
So, let’s face it: They’re going to be drinking a lot of coffee post-graduation, whether they're starting a new job or continuing school. They might as well enjoy it in a cute and cheerful mug.
Medium Dakota Neoprene Backpack
Dagne Dover
amazon.com
$185.00
That school backpack is probably so worn out from carrying all those heavy textbooks, so upgrade them with this durable neoprene backpack that goes with everything.
Faux Fur Pillow Cover
Phantoscope
amazon.com
$11.99
A fuzzy throw pillow covered in faux-fur always looks chic, and during the cold months, it'll make their bed feel a little warmer and cozier.
Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones
Zihnic
amazon.com
$22.09
Wireless headphones are truly a lifesaver, whether they're writing papers late in the night or just wanting to tune out the world for a sec.
Ring Light Kit
Neewer
amazon.com
$110.99
If they're looking to make their social media hobby more of a career, then they're gonna need one of these. This LED ring light has over 48,000 rave reviews and everything they need for that perfect camera lighting.
Flower Stud Earrings
glahorse
amazon.com
$13.99
These chic floral earrings make a sparkly statement with a stunning chain and cubic zirconia studs.
WONDERBOOM 2
Ultimate Ears
amazon.com
$81.49
This tiny speaker produces A LOT of bass, and its waterproof shell means your giftee can take it in the shower or to the beach without worrying about water damage.
14k Gold Initial Letter Necklace
JEWEE DIAMOND
amazon.com
$36.00
You can never go wrong with a simple gold necklace with their initial on it. This one features 14k gold and sideways lettering.
K-Mini Coffee Maker
Keurig
amazon.com
$59.99
They’ll quickly learn that caffeine might be one of the only things that'll get them through their day, and now they can do it in style.
Tinker Bell Tennis Bracelet
Bon Bon Whims
bonbonwhims.com
$65.00
Customizable charm bracelets are a classic high school grad gift idea, but make it feel a little more modern and way more their style with this sparkly and fun version.
JW PEI Stella Wallet
JW PEI
jwpei.com
$33.00
It’s time for your grad to start being fiscally responsible (sort of), and a new wallet will help. This leather style has plenty of compartments and a zip-up pocket for peak organization—plus it's vegan and durable.
The Ring That Smiles Back
Tristen Ikaika
tristenikaika.com
$50.00
Just imagine it: They're stressed out, typing away, then look down and their ring is literally smiling at them. This '90s throwback style also leaves the faintest smiley stamp on their finger after they take the ring off. Good vibes for days.
PU Team Baseball Jacket
Edikted
edikted.com
$70.40
Let's say your grad wants a graphic jacket—but they already have a bunch of gear with the name of their college on it. No prob! Get them this jacket with all the logos. Even if they don't watch baseball, it'll literally go with all their outfits.
Chuck Taylor All Star Lift High Top Platform Sneaker
Converse
nordstrom.com
$70.00
These platform sneakers will keep a grad looking cute all year long. And if they're heading to college come fall, these shoes will make running across a college campus a little easier (and chicer).
The Easy Care Bundle
The Sill
thesill.com
$45.00
Help that high school grad update the faux greenery hanging on their walls with this duo of (real!) houseplants. Also? They're incredibly easy to care for—pet-friendly, low-light and drought-friendly, yes pls—JIC your grad's the forgetful type.
Lavender Faux Crocodile MacBook Case
Chic Geeks
chicgeeks.com
$95.00
Make sure that school laptop doesn’t get any scratches with this chic protector. It's so cute, they'll want to carry it around everywhere.
BlitzTrance Lipstick
Pat McGrath Labs
sephora.com
$38.00
What’s the easiest way to make ’em feel like you splurged? A fancy lipstick, of course. This one has extra glitter with a fabulous case for the person who loves to ~sparkle~.
Lilly Ring in Rose Gold
Adore Adorn
adoreadorn.com
$325.00
If high school class rings aren't really their thing, a rose gold-plated piece of jewelry with quartz or topaz would be the perfect graduation gift (and a nice upgrade from their costume-y stuff).
Hypernature Rhubarb Smoke Scented Candle
Boy Smells
$39.00
With notes of soothing incense, rhubarb, violet leaves, smoked papyrus, and much more, this candle is the perfect balance of floral and spicy. But enough about the way it smells! Can we talk about how cute the packaging is?? Your grad will love it.
Not A Perfume
Juliette Has a Gun
sephora.com
$100.00
If the teen is on TikTok (and there's a solid chance they are), then they've heard of this warm, woody fragrance, and they want a bottle of their own. What better occasion to gift it to them??
Dreamy Pajama Set
Dana Scott
shopdanascott.com
$188.00
If they love wearing old T-shirts and shorts at home, then they'll definitely love lounging in something a bit more chic that feels just as comfy. The color-block design makes this set even better.
Build Your Own Set Velvet & TENCEL Bedding
West Elm
westelm.com
$170.00
Their future room is going to look freaking adorable with a picturesque comforter. This create-your-own duvet and sham set (hello, velvet) is a huuuuge upgrade that you can personalize to your grad's fave color scheme.
CeraVe Skin Barrier Restoring Kit for Acne Prone Skin
CeraVe
ulta.com
$41.99
You can’t beat the gift of great skin. This set includes a retinol serum, daily facial moisturizer, and a nighttime moisturizer to help restore a compromised skin barrier that comes with acne-prone skin.
Everynight Eyeshadow Palette
Mented Cosmetics
ulta.com
$30.00
Let’s just say this eyeshadow palette will be a new go-to. It has all the classic shades needed for a big interview, plus some sparkly tones that will come in handy for a night out. (Oh, and they work with a bunch of different skin tones.)
The Snapshot Crossbody Bag
MARC JACOBS
nordstrom.com
$221.25
I mean, a bag that could double as a clutch? Yes, please! Your grad can also sling it over their shoulders with the detachable crossbody strap to go hands-free.
The Mani System
Olive & June
oliveandjune.com
$80.00
If you know someone who loves having their nails done and also loves to get crafty, this at-home manicure kit would make their graduation day.
Brass Geometric Picture Frame
Minted
minted.com
$28.00
Give them somewhere fancy to frame nostalgic photos from high school. They’ll appreciate this simple gold design—and it pairs perfectly with the camera.
The Carry-On
Away
awaytravel.com
$295.00
A nice suitcase is always a great gift. And this pink spinner comes with allll the must-have perks, such as a protective lock, built-in charging port, and tons of space for packing. Perf for a trip home...
Here are some of the best graduation gift ideas for teens—from cute class ring alternatives, to stylish laptop accessories, to new sheets, to a new camera.