Completing high school is a significant achievement, and understandably, we all desire to present the ideal gift to recent or soon-to-be high school graduates. The finest graduation gifts not only acknowledge this significant milestone but also assist the new graduates in taking their primary steps toward their upcoming venture.
A fantastic present can equip your graduate, whether they are taking a break, commencing a fresh profession, or going off for advanced education to face whatever challenges life presents. Ideally, your gift should demonstrate to your new graduate that you endorse their choice and are thrilled about their embarkation on this new journey.
While cash is an easily-given gift that high school graduates appreciate, the most meaningful gifts are those that come from the heart. A gift that is both useful and sentimental will likely be more cherished than one that is quickly spent on everyday expenses like gas and groceries.
We have curated a selection of functional and distinctive gift suggestions that surpass the sentiment of simply giving cash. Ranging from must-have necessities for college dorms to sentimental treasures, these gifts will prepare them for what lies ahead.
Amazon
Nutribullet Personal Blender
For Fast and Easy Nutrition
If your graduate is headed off to live on their own, maintaining healthy eating habits might be a challenge. The Nutribullet blender is the perfect solution for incorporating fruits and veggies into their daily diet. It’s simple to use, powerful, and requires much less clean-up than a traditional blender. Plus, it comes with a flip-top lid so they can take their smoothie on the go.
You have set up price alerts for the Nutribullet Personal Blender and are being notified of its availability at $58 on both Walmart and Amazon.
James Martin/CNET
Amazon Echo Show 5
A Smart Display that Fits Anywhere
Instead of going for the larger and more expensive Echo Show 10 as a gift for your graduate, consider the Echo Show 5 that is more suitable for a dorm room or a small apartment. Just like the larger version, the Echo Show 5 can function as an alarm clock and is perfect for making video calls, streaming movies and music. Moreover, it’s a plus point that your graduate can personalize it by displaying photos of loved ones.
Check out our review of the Amazon Echo Show 5.
Available for $30 on Amazon. You are currently subscribed to receive price notifications for the Amazon Echo Show 5.
Amazon
Breville Bambino Espresso Machine
For the Starbucks fanatic
If your graduate frequents Starbucks on a daily basis, they will surely love the Breville Bambino Espresso Machine. This machine can create Starbucks-quality cappuccinos, espressos, lattes, and so much more. Not only is it simple to operate, but it also won’t take up much room on their kitchen counter. Additionally, the steaming wand produces a rich, creamy froth that is picture-perfect for Instagram.
$339 at Walmart, $346 at Amazon, and $350 at Best Buy.
$25 on Amazon, $25 on Walmart.
Spikeball
Spikeball is the perfect summer activity for those looking for a fun and exciting game. This game, which has gained popularity recently, is a high-energy combination of volleyball and four square. Unlike traditional volleyball, Spikeball uses a smaller, softer ball and a bouncy, ringed net, with gameplay resembling tetherball but without the string. To win, players must showcase their agility and maneuvering skills. Spikeball is also easy to pack up and transport, making it a great game to bring to the beach, park, or any other outdoor location. If you’re looking for a fun way to start your summer, Spikeball is the perfect choice!
You are receiving price alerts for Spikeball: $70 at Walmart, $60 at Amazon.
Amazon
Thick Mattress Topper
For a Comfortable Night’s Sleep
If you’ve ever had the misfortune of sleeping on a mattress in a dorm room, you know how terribly uncomfortable it can be. If your beloved graduate is moving into a dorm room this fall, they will appreciate an upgrade. This mattress topper is an excellent gift that will provide them with extra padding, transforming their sleeping experience. Additionally, it makes cleaning up spills after late-night snack attacks much easier.
Make sure to purchase a Twin XL as it is the common mattress size for most college dorms and residence halls.
The Extra thick mattress topper is priced at $85 on Amazon and you are getting price alerts for it.
DoorDash
DoorDash gift card
For late-night pizza runs
While nothing can replace the comfort of Mom or Dad’s home cooking, a recent graduate on a tight budget would surely appreciate having more food options beyond the limited offerings of the campus cafeteria. Dorm setups may not always include cooking facilities, making a DoorDash gift card an ideal gift for those seeking a diverse range of meal options. As such, it would make for a great high school graduation gift.
DoorDash is an increasingly popular food delivery app that we highly recommend due to its user-friendly interface and extensive selection of restaurants. Their gift cards are fantastic for graduation gifts as they can be customized with a graduation theme and sent directly to the recipient via mail, text, or email. You can select any amount between $25 to $500 for the gift card.
Look at DoorDash.
David Carnoy/CNET
Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones
For blocking out noisy roommates
Product specifications
Battery life: Up to 32 hours
Noise canceling: Yes (ANC)
Multipoint: Yes
Headphone type: Over-ear wireless headphones
Water-resistant: No IP rating
College graduates who are leaving their homes and staying with roommates might have to face the issue of unwanted noises. Sony’s latest version of top-notch noise-canceling headphones can help to eliminate unwanted noise and assist graduates in focusing on their studies or enjoying music. The WH-1000XM5 by Sony, with its superior battery life, comfortable and refined sound quality, has earned the prestigious Editors’ Choice award. While the XM4 models are slightly older, they remain a great option and can be found at a discounted price, sometimes as low as $280.
Check out our review of Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.
They are available for $348 on Amazon, $350 at Best Buy, and $348 at Crutchfield.
Cuddle Clones
A fluffy memento of their cherished pet
Parting with a dear pet can be a tough experience when you’re leaving home. If you’re looking for a gift for a recent graduate who loves their pet, think of gifting them a soft Cuddle Clone to offer solace and a ceaseless memory of their treasured furry companion.
The process of ordering from Cuddle Clones is quite easy. Just begin by providing the pet’s name, followed by the pet type and breed. After that, respond to a few uncomplicated inquiries, share some photos, and within eight weeks, your graduate will receive a furry replica of their beloved pet.
$249 available at Cuddle Clones.
Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite is the perfect gift for bookworms who are recent graduates. Moving into a smaller space is common after graduation, which means less space for their beloved book collections. The Kindle Paperwhite offers a similar experience with warm light settings and a long-lasting battery. It is also completely waterproof, making it a durable choice. Although the retail price is $140, it is often sold at a discount, sometimes as low as $80.
$140 on Amazon, $140 at Best Buy, and $140 at Target.
Lunya Sleep Mask is the perfect gift for recent graduates who prioritize getting a good night’s sleep. Made of silk, this mask is not only washable but also comes with a wide band that provides complete light-blocking coverage. Additionally, the mask is designed to muffle noise, as the band fits snugly over the ears.
$48 at Lunya can be rephrased as “Lunya sells it for $48”.
The Away Carry-On is a great option for those who want to visit home. This durable roller bag is perfect for weekend getaways and longer vacations, as it can fit in most overhead bins. In addition, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty that covers any damage to the suitcase’s shell, wheels, handles, zippers and more. Saying goodbye to your new grad is never easy, but giving them an Away Carry-On can offer a good reason to visit.
The regular carry-on is priced at $275, but if you wish to include a USB charger to juice up your phone while traveling, it’ll cost you an additional $50. Furthermore, if you opt for a customized luggage tag with your initials, it will set you back another $35.
$275 spent at Away
Zappos
Adidas Adilette shower shoes
Perfect for showering or pool trips
For anyone moving into a dorm room in the fall, shower shoes are an essential item. Wearing flip-flops or slides can prevent the spread of fungus and bacteria that are commonly found in shared bathrooms (gross).
The Adidas Adilette shower slides are a classic for a good reason – they are extremely popular. They are comfortable, durable and have textured traction to prevent slips on wet tiles. Their prices begin at $25.
$30 on Zappos
Homesick
Homesick candle
For the graduate feeling homesick,
If your loved one has graduated and is relocating to another state, gifting them a Homesick Candle can offer a gentle reminder of their home. These 13.75-ounce candles are made with a natural soy wax blend and scents that are associated with the landmarks of each state. Therefore, regardless of where your graduate ends up residing, they can light the candle and reminisce sweet memories of their hometown.
$34 available at Uncommon Goods.
Cameo
Cameo video message
A customized message from a beloved celebrity
The graduate must have a beloved movie, TV show or sports team. Receiving a personalized video message from their favorite celebrity or reality star congratulating them on their graduation day would make any graduate beam with happiness. With Cameo, you can find the celebrity who you believe would bring the most delight to your graduate and pay for a quick customized video from them. The prices differ greatly, but the final outcome is always genuine bliss.
Cameo can be seen at.
Things Remembered offers a range of personalized gifts for various events, including high school graduations. One of the best gift ideas for high school graduates is their personalized picture frame, which serves as a sentimental keepsake to commemorate their achievements. With frames starting as low as $20, you can choose from multiple options to capture and cherish this special day forever.
Visit Things Remembered.
Bed Bath & Beyond
Personalized Laundry Bag
For Expert Laundry Day
Adulting can be daunting, especially when you’re responsible for washing and carrying your own laundry from a dorm room to a laundromat. You can make this tedious task easier for a graduating loved one with a personalized laundry bag. This bag is spacious enough to accommodate a week’s worth of laundry, and the robust backpack straps make it effortless to transport from one place to another. To further convey your thoughtfulness, you may consider adding essential laundry items such as coins, detergent pods, or fabric softener to the front pocket.
$28 at Personalization Mall
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