Graduation day is a momentous occasion for students and families, but especially when you're in high school. The anticipation and work leading up to the commencement ceremony is stressful enough, but celebrating their accomplishments with a practical graduation gift (and perhaps a party!) will be well worth the hassle.
From college essentials to personalized keepsakes, consider sending your favorite graduate some well wishes to commemorate this momentous achievement — and perhaps something from our curated collection of high school graduation gifts.
Real Simple Editor-in-ChiefLauren Iannotti previously stopped by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna to share ideas that they'll appreciate, even when far from home. Keep reading to see those picks and more.
Gifts seen on Hoda & Jenna | Gifts for her | Gifts for him | Unique gifts
Our top picks
Bestselling gifts for high school grads
High school graduation gifts, as previously seen on Hoda & Jenna
Chamberlain Coffee Lavender Matcha Latte
Whether they’re waking up early to jet across campus for morning classes or staying up all night to study, they’re going to need caffeine to power them through.
Chamberlain Coffee, (whose founder your teen may recognize), offers a variety of matcha and coffee, as well as drinkware and accessories to help them not only get their caffeine fix, but take it on-the-go as well.
Gerber 12-in-1 Multi-Tool
From pliers to a bottle opener, this compact and miniature 12-in-1 tool set will help them in a pinch. Made out of stainless steel and weighing in at less than three ounces, this lightweight and durable tool can fit in any desk drawer, pocket or backpack compartment.
Catstudio Collegiate Zipper Pouch
Intricate, detailed drawings are on display in a zippered pouch that easily holds essentials such as cash, keys, cosmetics and more. Decorated to include nods to their new school, Catstudio also has a cities collection with zippered pouches that can help them reminisce on their hometown.
Ban.do I Can Fix That Tool Bag
Chances are they’re going to want to rearrange their dorm room after a couple of weeks, and a tool bag full of the necessities can help them do just that.
This tool bag has a can-do slogan emblazoned on the front and includes a basic toolset they’ll need for simple and beginner-friendly tasks.
Horti Plant Subscription
If your grad has a green thumb (or even if they don’t!), gift them with a subscription that will keep their dorm room looking like a greenhouse, thanks to Horti.
Pick from hard-to-kill plants that can withstand your new grad’s jam-packed schedule. They arrive in a terracotta pot, ready to stick in a windowsill.
Calpak Luka Duffel
Made out of polyester, this weekender bag will prove to be durable and spacious enough for trips back home or while traveling to visit friends. With nine pockets to store and keep everything organized, it can be worn as a crossbody or held in their hands.
One of the pockets is a large shoe compartment, that can hold up to two pairs of shoes. It’s available in 18 different colors, from pastels to basic neutrals.
Aura Carver Digital Frame
A splurge-worthy dorm room accessory, they can send photos from their phone straight to this digital photo frame and it will display an unlimited number of pictures at any given time.
They can update it through the Aura app, to add new photos of their college adventures or refresh it with some familiar faces when they’re missing home.
High school graduation gifts for her
House Day Space Saving Hangers
College dorms are not always the most spacious for their much-loved dresses and garments, so these space-saving hangers will definitely come in handy. The folding design allows her to fit up to five hangers at once.
Letters To My Future Self
This nostalgic gift is one your grad can look back on one day. They can leave themselves a personalized message to read years down the road.
Engrave My Memories Graduation Tumbler
Personalize a graduation gift for your loved one! Designed to keep drinks either warm or cold, this bestselling tumbler comes in eight vibrant colors and you can even customize the artwork.
Rechargeable Travel Makeup Mirror
Help them feel (and look) their absolute best before they step onto campus thanks to this compact lighted makeup mirror. With three adjustable dimming options, they can get ready while their roommate snoozes without disturbing them.
With more than two hours of use on a single charge, according to the brand, even the most forgetful of young adults will remember to always charge this new addition to their getting ready routine.
Ultraideas Memory Foam Slippers
These memory foam slippers were styled to keep their feet comfortable and warm, making it perfect for days spent lounging around their dorm room.
Master Lock Personal Safe
This portable safe keeps their personal documents and belongings secure no matter where they are. The sleek design can hold their phone, passport and other important documents.
Jenn Loryn Designs Monogrammed Laundry Bag
Make laundry a little easier with this bestselling personalized bag. Designed for easy trips to the laundry room, this unique Etsy graduation gift can be personalized with different colors, patterns and embroidery options.
Soundance Laptop Stand
They’re going to need a sturdy, ergonomic-friendly laptop stand when they’re typing up term papers and theses. Available in trendy hues like gold, red and navy blue, this laptop riser with 43,000+ verified five-star ratings is made with an aluminum alloy that’ll prevent their computer from overheating.
Little Words Project Collegiate Bracelet
If they already knows where they’re going to school, get them in the spirit with a Little Words Project friendship bracelet. Can’t find your school? An on-trend zodiac bracelet will fit the bill.
"Cooking at Home," by David Chang and Priya Krishna
Whether she's a novice in the kitchen or is simply facing time constraints with new responsibilities and priorities, this cookbook from chef David Chang and food journalist Priya Krishna is filled with plenty of quick meal inspiration.
LoveVook Laptop Backpack
Created to be both spacious and fashionable, this backpack was made to hold all of her belongings — including her laptop! One Shop TODAY writer said it was the perfect companion for her 15-hour flight to Japan.
Homesick Candle
Wherever your grad ends up, this candle will make sure they have a little piece of home with them. Each candle comes with its own unique scent that's meant to remind people of their home state and nostalgic memories.
The Comfy
This Shop TODAY editor-approved gift combines the comfort of a blanket with the style of a hoodie — so your graduate remains comfy no matter where they are!
The Forged Word Rose Gold Necklace
Senior year is full of hurdles, but they made it to the finish line! Surprise them with an inspiring piece of graduation jewelry to congratulate them.
Kendra Scott Ashton Gold Pearl Stud Earrings
When she graduated high school, associate editor Allie Wise was gifted a pair of beautiful pearl earrings by her parents. "I remember opening it up and being so excited that I finally had a nice designer pair of earrings to wear," she says.
This option from Kendra Scott is the perfect gift for any grad and it looks luxe without the high price tag.
Mark & Graham Dual Travel Organizer
This is an excellent organizer for the grad that travels a lot and needs to keep their makeup and jewelry in one place. It features a bottom compartment for jewelry and a top compartment for cosmetics. For the element of surprise, add a touch of personality with a monogram.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Camera
This mini camera is perfect for capturing memories on their special day. It instantly prints the picture out for them to share and enjoy!
Georgetown Cupcake Bestseller Cupcake Dozen
Any time is a good time for a cupcake, but we bet any high schooler will appreciate a dozen classic sweet treats from Georgetown Cupcake to celebrate this milestone.
Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve Coffee Maker
For the coffee lover in your life, surprise them with their very own single-serve Keurig. The brand considers this model to be one of its most compact designs yet, making it perfect to store in small places.
Kate Spade Card Case Wristlet
For a wristlet that will fit in their backpack or day bag with ease or to simply cling onto when at tailgates, a friend's dorm or out and about, this slim option from Kate Spade has room for eight cards, plus a zipper interior that can hold cash and coins.
Béis The Carry-On Roller
Oh, the places she'll go! Prep her for any upcoming travels with this roomy carry-on luggage with 360-degree rolling wheels, a cushioned grip and an expansive interior. Plus, this pick from Beis was voted Best Overall Suitcase in last year's Shop TODAY Travel Awards.
High school graduation gifts for him
Personalization Mall Custom Fishing Lure
The fishing enthusiast in your life may enjoy a lure that you can customize with a message of your choice. No matter where they end up, they’ll be sure to think of you with this special gift.
“F in Exams," by Richard Benson
Tests may have been a constant struggle during high school, but at least they can laugh about it now. They’ll also get a kick out of this compilation of over 250 hilariously wrong test answers from real-life exams.
Haundry Mesh Shower Caddy
If he’s moving into a dorm with a shared bathroom, he’ll definitely need a durable and waterproof shower caddy to help carry his toiletries.
Stay Fine Engraved Wallet
Now is the perfect time to surprise your graduate with a personalized wallet to keep their belongings in.
Bagail Packing Cubes
These packing cubes would make a great gift for the frequent traveler. The variety of sizes will keep all of their clothing and belongings neatly organized in their suitcase, or they can use them for storage in their dorm. They're also a favorite of Shop TODAY associate editor Kamari Stewart who loved how much she was able to fit in them for a two-week trip.
Tree Town Paper Monogrammed Cuff Links
For those interviews and formals that your graduate will eventually attend, provide them with a pair of cuff links customized just for them. You can add their initials for a personalized touch.
Things They Don’t Teach You Game
Put his school smarts to the test with this game full of random facts and trivia about subjects they probably didn’t learn in class.
Kai 11-Inch Noodle Bowl with Chopsticks
If they're planning on eating ramen every night for dinner, you might as well give them a sleek vessel (and a proper set of chopsticks!) for them to enjoy it.
Bare Home Twin XL Sheet Set
Every grad needs a comfortable set of sheets to make their dorm feel a little cozier. The brand designed it with ventilation and breathability in mind for a comfy night's sleep.
TheWoodDecor Custom Docking Station
A handy place to keep all of their belongings, this dock station features a charging station for phones, and side hangers for watches, keys and more. To make it more personalized, you can choose to have the recipient's name or initials engraved.
Waowoo Weighted Blanket
Help bring some relaxation to your loved one with a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets are known for their soothing benefits and comforting sensation. This option is made with breathable bamboo, which aims to help keep you cool.
Uncommon Goods MLB Ballpark Traveler's Map
If the grad is a huge baseball fan, they'll love this interactive MLB map. They can add a corresponding MLB Club sticker for each ballpark they've visited.
Newhey Men's Messenger Bag
This handy messenger bag was designed to be spacious enough to hold everything from papers to laptops. It comes in six different colors that each have their own vintage flair.
Apple HomePod Mini
Even if they have a sweet speaker system in their bedroom, they'll need a quality one for their dorm room. Enter Apple's small but mighty HomePod mini, measuring under four inches tall but providing rich, 360-degree audio that'll sound great wherever they may be.
Unique high school graduation gifts
Dr. Seuss "Oh! The Places You'll Go!" Pen
Former SEO intern Dominique Tolliver was gifted this pen after graduating at the start of the pandemic. "A family friend gifted this to my sister and I when we graduated from college and high school, respectively, and I’ve used it ever since," she shares. "Not only does it write smoothly, it's also metal so it survives many drops. I love to use it when I’m goal setting and planning for the future."
Welly Camp Cup
For seniors who struggle with their morning brew, this mug is the best leak-proof product that won't spill their drink. It'll also keep their beverages warm for up to six hours.
Smart Design Over-The-Door Organizer
If there's one thing we know about dorm rooms, it's that they're often cramped and lack storage. This thoughtful space-saver can fit on their bathroom door to provide a little extra space to keep them organized.
Hey Dewy Wireless Facial Humidifier
This is a useful gift your recent grad will appreciate. The facial humidifier is easy to carry, portable and can be transported practically anywhere.
Zenithen Bungee Chair
Woven bungee cords threaded throughout this chair means it can adapt to any way they’re sitting and still provide comfort. A fun addition to any dorm room or lounge area, this chair is available in six colors and is currently on sale.
Clearly Filtered Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
While it may seem like a bit of a splurge, especially for a water bottle, thanks to the Affinity Filtration Technology included on the interior, their ordinary tap water will be filtered with each and every sip. "The filter is super easy to use and the result is great tasting water,'' said one reviewer.
Spikeball Weekender Set
They'll likely want to spend every moment of their summer with friends before going their separate ways to college. This portable Spikeball set will encourage them to get outside and play together instead of staring at screens all day.
Relax Sacks Bean Bag Chair
Whether they're moving into a dorm room or staying at home, they'll want to cozy up in this supportive bean bag chair while they're playing video games or cramming for future exams.
Rylee Johnston
