Nothing truly prepares you for the transition after high school, but these useful finds from popular brands like L.L Bean and Owala will certainly help. (Getty)
Congradulations are in order! After what feels like a lifetime of classes and homework assignments, it's time for your high schooler to turn their tassel and move on to whatever's next. And while it's hard to watch them go, this monumental moment is cause for celebration. So, show them just how proud you are with one of these high school graduation gifts that they can use in the years to come.
Let me get one thing straight: Most grads would be happy with cash or gift cards, so you can always play it safe and take that route. But if you want to get them something tangible, tailor the graduation gift to their next step. If they're heading to college or trade school in the fall, then make sure they have all the essentials like a laptop backpack or a cooling comforter (in Twin XL, of course). Are they entering the working world? Set them up for success with 9-to-5 necessities, including the cold brew coffee maker that came out on top in our testing. Practicality is your best bet here, but there are also plenty of picks that'll help you tap into your emotional side, whether it's a timeless piece of Mejuri jewelry or a Lego bamboo tree that symbolizes luck.
In this guide, gift ideas are broken up by the following: Best high school graduation gifts overall | Best high school graduation gifts for him | Best high school graduation gifts for her
He’s had his sweatpants longer than you’ve been alive — and that’s saying something. Out with the old, in with the new: These joggers from Vuori are lightweight, moisture-wicking and just as comfortable — if not, more — than his go-to pair.
Oh, and have I mentioned that the Luka isn't just for traveling? It's not just for traveling! Reviewers have used it as a gym bag, school tote and diaper holder.
There's a lot of stuff to keep track of in the real world. Set 'em up with a pack of four AirTags, so they can easily track down their valuables — gadgets, keys, wallets, you name it — when they inevitably misplace them.
Money talks — and this three-tier cake will tell your grad just how much you love them. Instead of sticking a wad of cash inside a card, roll up dollar bills (it fits up to 200!), pile them on each tier and make 'em work for their reward. Go in on it with a few friends or family members, so you can sprinkle in a few tens or twenties for a fun surprise.
Anyone would love opening up this travel-friendly Bluetooth speaker. It's waterproof, dustproof and boasts 12 hours of battery life so that you can bring it along on all of your adventures. Pro tip: Make your Valentine a playlist they can listen to on their new speaker to put this gift over the top.
One reviewer raved, "I love loud music but didn’t want to pay for a big [speaker,] so I figured I would try this model. It will definitely exceed your expectations. This little speaker gets loud and doesn’t sound muffled like other speakers. I use it on job sites and they’re super easy to move, hang places and change. I bought one for my boyfriend and loved his so much that I had to get myself one."
Out with the old, in with the Twin XL. If they're heading to the dorms, then a bedding refresh is in order. Our Home Writer Kristin Granero took a bunch of duvets for a spin — er, slumber — and this popular pick from Buffy earned the coveted title of best cooling comforter. It's lightweight enough for all seasons, plus it's sweat-wicking and temperature-regulating. Snag it in one of 11 colors, or go for a basic white and pair it with a duvet color in a bolder hue (also $120).
A little Birdie (get it?) told me you're kinda nervous about your baby leaving the nest. Give them this personal safety alarm so you can both have some much-needed peace of mind. If they ever feel uneasy while being out and about, they can pull the top pin on this keychain to activate an ear-piercing alarm and flashing LED light. "My daughter just moved to a big city so I got her this," one parent penned. "It makes her feel safe when walking out to her car by herself and gives her security while jogging."
Make sure they have enough fuel to hit the grounds running. If coffee is their fuel of choice, then this cold brew maker is your best bet, especially since it can also make hot coffee in a pinch. It topped our tests, with Home Writer Kristin Granero writing that it's "not only easy to use, but easy to maintain — all the parts are top-rack dishwasher-safe." It's a foolproof process: Fill the pitcher with water and put coffee grounds into the filter, then lower the filter into the water and let it brew for 12 to 24 hours.
The more he has, the more he has to lose. So, if his wallet is attached to his phone, then he only has to keep track of one (very important) thing. This one even has a spot for his school or work ID, along with a pop-up stand for when he's watching videos on his phone.
Now that he's on his own, he'll learn one of life's hard truths: that he'll spend the rest of his days figuring out what to eat next. And while you can't be there to whip up homemade meals on the fly, you can make sure his snack stash is fully stocked. This box is the ultimate starter pack, with 50 snacks that'll satisfy every craving — salty, sweet or a bit of both.
His backpack has carried him through the bulk of his school years, but college calls for something new. The North Face has first-rate offerings with all the bells and whistles like this top-seller, which has a 15" laptop sleeve and more pockets than he could ever need. It also has a water-repellent finish (to protect the aforementioned laptop) and a coveted stamp of approval from the American Chiropractic Association — that's probably something you care about more than him, but I digress!
The next time he hits the road, he can pack his shampoo, conditioner and shaving essentials in different compartments in this handy organizer. It’s made with a water-resistant nylon fabric that’s built to last — and the glowing reviews prove it to be true. “I wore out the regular-sized one after about 25 years. This one should last me the next 25 years,” one five-star fan wrote. Add Dad's monogram for an additional $8.
Chinese tradition says lucky bamboo plants are, well, lucky. While two stalks typically symbolize luck in love, three are associated with longevity, wealth and happiness. This 325-piece Lego set will bring a lifetime of luck — no water or sunshine needed.
Having roommates is fun and all — until one of you has to get up and out the door before the other. Getting ready can be a bit of a juggling act, but this light-up mirror will make it easier for her to see what she's doing without bothering a sleeping roomie. It comes with a USB charger (no batteries needed!) and folds flat, so she can store it away in a drawer and take it with her when she travels.
I think bubble baths are a tad overrated. There, I said it. A long, hot shower is way more my speed. When I want to turn my shower into a spa-like experience, I reach for these aromatherapy-packed steamers. Just stick a tab in the corner of the shower and it'll emit calming scents like lavender, chamomile or jasmine.
I always stock up when they're on sale (they're 25% off right now) since they make great gifts for the impossible-to-shop for. You can crack open the tube to divvy up the steamers between gift baskets and stockings.
Mejuri is one of those "if you know, you know" jewelry destinations. Its pieces are delicate and elegant, and they look extremely luxe. This bracelet has real freshwater pearls layered in thick 18-karat solid gold on sterling silver, also known as gold vermeil. It lasts longer than other gold plating but is more affordable than full gold.
"Excellent quality bracelet," one shopper wrote. "I wear it every day!"
Those gold star stickers that got her through elementary school? Well, this book is packed with 700 (!) colorful options to add a bit of joy and whimsy to even the most heady subjects.
There's a time and a place for a great big Stanley Quencher cup, but the Owala FreeSip is the answer if she wants to throw her bottle in her bag before she heads to class. The lid is completely leak-proof, plus it has a built-in straw so she can sip comfortably during lectures. There are dozens of color combos to choose from, but this Urban Outfitters exclusive, with its cute print, is my top pick. It's an instant mood booster.
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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