40 Best High School Graduation Gifts That Teens Actually Want
When cold hard cash just won’t do!
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
That cap toss is more than just a photo op: it marks the start of your favorite teen's next big adventure! With high school in the rearview and adulthood straight ahead, emotions are running high (for both of you). Feeling the pressure to find a high school graduation gift that's both thoughtful and useful? Take a cue from Ree Drummond, who, after celebrating many major milestones, including high school and college graduation, with her kids, has learned what grads really appreciate. "High school grads seem to appreciate things they can use right away—like gift cards, electronics, or cold, hard cash," Ree says. "But I gravitate toward gifts with a little more meaning, something that will last a long time." Think meaningful trinkets, durable bags, and decor that brings personality to their dorm or first apartment.
Ahead, you'll find a curated list of graduation gift ideas that are perfectly age-appropriate, with plenty of great recommendations for graduation gifts for boys and graduation gifts for girls, plus a whole host of gender neutral options. Whether you're in need of a gift for teens who are headed off to college or a trade school, taking a gap year, or navigating the real world right away, we've got ideas that will help them step into their next phase of life. And if you're still stumped, you can always take a cue from Ree's other favorite graduation gift idea: a real-life experience, such as a cooking class or tickets to a concert. "The event is temporary," she says. "But the memory will last forever."
For more graduation ideas:
- Show Them How Proud You Are With These Inspirational Graduation Wishes
- These Graduation Outfits Will Look So Pretty With Your Cap and Gown
- Kick Off Graduation Season by Listening to These Ultra-Nostalgic Songs
Not only does this neat gadget work as an alarm clock that's designed to wake you up naturally, but it also offers sleep sounds and light. They can control everything by touch, no app needed!
Don't send them off to college without at least a few winning recipes! There are a whopping 112 included in Ree's latest cookbook, including hearty pastas, delicious desserts, and more.
The end of their childhood can also mean the end of spending every waking moment with their childhood pet. Luckily, they can be reminded of their face whenever they please with this custom pet stamp based on a portrait of their beloved furry friend!
For a practical present that they'll thank you for time and time again, give them a pack of AirTags! These tracking tags will prevent them from losing important items like keys, wallets, and even bikes.
If they're headed to college, they'll need a simple pair of shoes to slip on and off between class and dorm hangouts, and these stylish rubber Birkenstocks fit the bill. They come in a variety of fun colors and are so easy to clean!
After they leave the nest, you won't always be available to cheer them on when times get tough. So, gift this set of daily affirmation quotes that they can turn to whenever a little pick-me-up is needed. It also includes a wooden holder so they can display the cards on their desk.
Marshall Emberton III Portable Bluetooth Speaker
They'll enjoy being able to listen to their music wherever they go with this Bluetooth speaker! Throw it in a tote for walks around campus, put on some study tunes in the dorm, or jam out in the shower! Yep, it's dust and waterproof, too.
This cute stuffed croissant will make the transition from Sunday brunch at Mom's to the dining hall a little easier. While it's not as tasty, the smiling croissant, complete with chocolate corduroy boots, makes for a sweet start to the day!
Remind them of their never-ending potential with this sweet, funny little plant pot. It's a fabulous find for green thumbs.
Ree says this is one of her "very favorite cookbooks ever." Not a shabby recommendation!
The Pioneer Woman Faux Leather Tooled Shoulder Handbag
Add this tooled faux leather shoulder bag from Ree's line to their bag rotation for the upcoming semester! It has plenty of pockets to hold all their stuff and even a removable shoulder strap, so it can be worn as a shoulder or clutch!
If your high school graduate's next step is leaving the nest, equip them with a perfect weekend travel bag so they have something to carry all their stuff in when visiting home! This spacious tote is complete with a bottom zip compartment to keep shoes, toiletries, or anything else separate.
Send in a photo of your actual penmanship to this maker, then watch as it transforms into a stunning wearable bracelet. It's a true one-of-a-kind gift!
How fun are the scalloped edges and teal hue of this rug? If your teen is headed off to a dorm room in the fall, the odds are that they could use a new accent piece!
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Yes, they're just plain beautiful, but that's not the only reason these headphones are so popular. They also feature two listening modes—"active noise cancelling" and "transparency."
A daily planner is a necessity for any college-bound grad! This one is big enough to plan out the whole school year, plus it has sections for celebrations, notes, and contacts, too.
Since they’ll be doing their laundry now, give the gift of at-home dry cleaning! Pair it with a cozy cashmere sweater that they can test out the technology with right in their own (or communal) dryer.
Let's face it: loungewear will probably become their new best friend in the upcoming months. Especially for early morning classes! This comfy and cute set with a soft, stretchy long-sleeve top and foldover flare pants will certainly get lots of wear.
This beautiful bracelet can be personalized with names and special characters, including hearts, peace signs, and more. Time to get creative!
Nostalgia is the new wave, so they'll definitely appreciate a film camera to capture all those college memories. It's lightweight, easy to use, and captures the most beautiful photos on 35mm film.
Nitya Rao is the editorial assistant at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, news, and more.
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