The BEST list of high school/college graduation gift ideas for guys and girls I’ve seen. And…you don’t have to click through an annoying slide show to see everything!
List below is updated for 2020 and
for an even MORE extensive list of vetted ideas, click here!
These are in no particular order and I haven’t taken time to separate by gender, so scan the list and see if anything jumps out at you. I’ve covered the price range from modest to obscene; I’m guessing you’re planning on spending somewhere in between :).
(And a little reality check: in talking with high schoolers, those little inspirational books specifically for graduates didn’t make anyone’s list….)
If you know the graduate’s style, jewelry is a fun option. Classic pearl studs or a piece of jewelry that carries inspiration and meaning are popular among some. There’s a , too. (I LOVE this tiny, simple pendant!)
- fitness tracker.
- Patagonia Synchillas are in; probably the style you like the least is the one they’ll most prefer (voice of experience 🙂 ).
- Cordless Screwdriver
- Quality umbrella
- Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Hammock. (My daughter received one, and though it’s not something she’d ever think to ask for, it might just be her favorite gift of them all. Which is saying something!!)
- Melamine plate, bowl & plastic tumbler for eating a thousand packs of Ramen noodles :).
- Laundry Hamper (they have the cutest ones at Charming Charlie’s and they’re affordable, too)
- Digital camera
for a kid who might want more than a cell phone can offer.
Back-of-door full length mirror
- Bedrest (husband) pillow
. A must-have for comfort-studying :).
- A deck of restaurant gift cards in their college town.
- Twin size feather bed or thick Mattress Topper
; institutional beds can use the help!
- iPad, Fire or a Kindle (the price has really come down!)
:).
- Laptop sleeve
. Most students will need a laptop on their way to higher education; a good protector is necessity. Talk to their parents to make sure you purchase the correct size.
University stadium blanket
- Stadium seats or foldable chairs.
- Sports watches are a fun option and you don’t have to get an Apple Watch to get a good one.
- A quality bookbag (my kids prefer a Patagonia pack. They’ve never ripped.
- An adventure–sky diving, hang gliding, etc., if it’s offered in your area
- College license plate
- Portable fan (best white noise of all time)
- Bulletin board and thumbtacks or a FUN letter board great way to leave notes and statuses for roomies and visitors)
- Pocket knife (I’d vote for a Swiss Army Knife
over a Leatherman tool but those are good, too)
Luggage! A set of luggage
is something they’ll use for years, whether or not college is in their future; look for sets they can add to (hard size seems to be edging out soft these days), and chose a bright color that’s easy to spot in a crowd.
- A doc in a box! Or go beyond a traditional first aid kit and include a container full of assorted sized band-aids, Neosporin, rubbing alcohol, Benedryl cream, tweezers, scissors, gauze, tape, Advil, Tylenol, cold remedies, Pepto Bismol, etc. Anything their mama would have in her medicine cabinet!!
- Cooler with wheels
. Great for tailgaiting, road trips and camping–bet they’ll be one of the few with one of these.
- Over-sized beach towel.
What have I left off? DO shout out YOUR best suggestions!!
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Those are all fabulous ideas! 🙂 One thing I’d add is Starbucks gift cards. Danyelle has lived off of coffee for the past three years of college, with all the late night studying/studio work she’s had to do! We also bought her a small coffeemaker for her dorm room, but it’s a nice treat to be able to hit Starbucks with your friends for some study time, too. Congrats to your daughter! What an exciting new time in her life!
all great ideas and i agree with Liddy on the Starbucks card! when i made my first big move far away from home my dad bought me a Starbucks card, registered it online, and put $10 or $15 on it from time to time. it was such a nice treat and reminded me that he was always thinking of me! 🙂
Such a great list…thank you!
The only item that I would add is that I like to give graduates a portable caddy that is filled with all the items needed for taking a shower…don’t forget the flip flops…you can also add towels and that all important robe!
Thought the list was great. I’d add a one cup Keurig coffee maker with cute travel mug and a pair of fuzzy slippers!
Those are good ideas. My husband laughed at me when he first heard me call those pillows “husbands!” I’m glad I’m not the only one that calls them that.
Fabulous list. One thing to add might be an in-room recycle bin (but not, of course, your ordinary recycle bin). It’s practical but it can be oh-so-cute! It will also start or reinforce a good, earth-friendly habit!
I’m struggling to come up with a graduation gift for my son-in-law who will complete his medical residency!
Oh, she is NOT graduating from high school. She is not, and I am in denial that you need to be buying graduation gifts.
Because you are not.
And I love Lisa Leonard.
I guess electric screwdrivers are more appropriate gift for men especially for father. In giving gifts, you should know what are the likes of the person you’ll be giving gift.
I just found the perfect graduation gift and had to share it with everyone. This company just launched and its such a cool concept. I am buying it for my kids who are graduating this May from High School. http://www.tasseltoppers.com
Great Idea to give this gifts to graduating kids. I am sure they like this gifts. you have started a good campaign for this good job. you can add more gifts like this. 🙂
If you are looking for a unique Graduation Gift try http://www.gratefulchics.com. This Houston based company founded by two “Mompretreneurs” feature gifts that are centered around Gratitude. It’s a great way to help new graduates focus on the good in their life during this time of exciting transition. Grateful Chics have lots of inspirational gift items for him or her and even a NEW Graduation Gift pack set for only $18 each.