It’s that time of year again: graduation season. If you have a high school graduate in your life this year, you want to give them a gift that is both worthy of this milestone and something that won’t just sit on a shelf. If you are stuck for graduation gift ideas, check out some of ours below!
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Celebrate Their College Pick with Spirit Wear
Help your recent grad feel at home at their new school by getting them some college spirit wear, such as hats, hoodies, or pajamas. Other options are travel mugs, Christmas ornaments, umbrellas, and pillows.
Luggage Makes for a Great Practical Gift
Maybe your grad is taking a year off and plans to travel. Whether they are traveling first class or backpacking across the country, they need something to hold their things. For daily use, consider purchasing a book bag for walking around campus or a duffel bag for the gym. You can also add on items, like a neck pillow or a lock for the locker room.
Check out some of our picks:
- Wrangler Smart Spinner Hard Side Luggage, 2-Piece Set
- Swissgear Signature Hardside Expandable Luggage with Spinner Wheels
- Ukein Luggage Set, 3-Piece, Carry-on Suitcase with Travel Backpack
- ADIDAS 4.0 Unisex Gym Duffel Bag
Gift Them a Tool Kit for Their Dorm
Tools are the things that are often overlooked on a college freshman’s move-in list. They are needed for putting together new furniture, taking the backs off battery compartments, and decorating a new space. A basic toolkit includes screwdrivers, pliers, a hammer, measuring tape, and other handy tools. You can find a ready-made toolkit at your local hardware store or online.
Check out these online picks:
- Amazon Basics 142-Piece household Tool Kit
- 39-Piece Pink Household Tool Set for Home Repairs, DIY, and Crafts
Put Together a Care Basket
Whether your grad is starting out in their first apartment or headed to the dorm, they will appreciate a basket full of essentials. Fill a laundry basket with snack foods, toiletries, Command Strips, first aid items, cold medicines, earplugs, sleep masks, lightbulbs, batteries, a dry erase calendar, a water filter, and a roll of quarters for the Laundromat.
Help Them Get Cooking with Dorm Room Appliances
Cafeteria food at college gets old after just a couple of days. If allowed, many students choose to make meals in their rooms. The gift of an appliance might seem strange, but believe me, they will thank you later. If a microwave or mini fridge is already in the room, consider crockpots, personal blenders, a coffee maker, an electric kettle, an air fryer, or an electric frying pan.
Check out these appliances:
- Bella 4 QT Slim Air Fryer
- Bella 2 Slice Slim Toaster
- Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker
- Crock-Pot 6 Quart Cook & Carry Slow Cooker
Keep Them Entertained with Recreational Items
When your student has time off from class, they may appreciate some things they can do with their new friends. Send them to college with a basketball, pickleball rackets, cornhole, a hammock for the quad, a yoga mat, an Amazon Fire Stick, card games, crafting items, video games, or a small cooler for picnicking or tailgating.
Get Them Something Personalized
Everyone likes to see their name on something, especially those with unique names or spellings. There are dozens of options that you can order from Etsy or Personalization Mall, but if you are crafty, you can make some for yourself. Consider travel mugs, toiletry bags, key/ring trays, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, lanyards, and water bottles.
Let Them Choose Their Gift With a Gift Card
Gift cards are a one-size-fits-all type of gift. New college students might appreciate a gas card or a gift card to Walmart, where they can pick up food, toiletries, or household items. Other ideas include DoorDash, GrubHub, Uber, and Lyft. Check the local area for restaurants and coffee shops before purchasing to make sure those types of cards are accepted. You can never go wrong with Amazon, which delivers everywhere.
Gift card ideas:
When in Doubt, Go with Money
The most popular gift for grads is cash. The question is always, “How much should I spend?” A Google search for this question will give you a large range — $20 to $100 for a high school graduate. The range is based on your relationship with the graduate and whether you live in a city, suburb, or more rural area. If you haven’t been to a graduation in a while, it is best to ask other graduates (and their parents) what the customary gift is in your area.
Celebrating the Class of 2026
However you choose to celebrate your grad this year, the right gift is one that meets them where they’re headed next — whether that’s a dorm room, a first apartment, or a gap year adventure. A little thought now can make their transition that much smoother, and that’s a gift in itself.
Of course, the gift is just one part of the celebration. If you’re also hosting a party to mark the occasion, check out our Graduation Party Tips for ideas on planning a celebration as memorable as the milestone itself.
