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It’s that momentous time of year when our high school seniors cross the threshold from youth to young adulthood. It’s bittersweet watching your child step boldly, individually into the wilds of the world. Naturally, we want to celebrate the confetti out of it, and if you’re like me — notoriously bad at selecting gifts — we need all the help we can get finding the best high school graduation gifts.
Read more from Mom.com: 7 Ways to Celebrate Your Graduate
How to select a great grad gift
“Graduation gifts are a way to congratulate the new graduate,” Felecia Parker, a gift expert and founder of Any Occasion Baskets said in an interview. “It’s also an opportunity to help the graduate with household items, monetary gifts, or tech gifts, which assist in preparation for adulthood. There is nothing better than receiving essential gifts that take the stress out of a new move-in, relocation, new job, or a new academic endeavor.”
There are definitely bad gifts to give. There are some you should avoid, and universal gifts like cash, gift cards, and more cash that is universally appreciated by graduates. The key is finding essential gifts that also appeal to the graduate’s specific situation and personality that amp up your power towards giving unique high school graduation gifts.
“I’ve had two sons graduate from high school and it’s important to consider your child’s individual interests and needs,” one of our readers, Marcia Mickelson, told Mom.com. “My oldest son loves to wear a watch, so we bought him one and had it inscribed with a personal message. This wouldn’t work for my second son, who does, however, appreciate a good cell phone, so a new updated phone was the perfect present for him.”
Unique high school graduation gifts
Graduating from high school is a big deal, so get your grad a unique gift that surprises and delights them—and will help make this moment last. Chances are they’ll think of you whenever they use their special gift, so it’s also a gift for yourself.
1. MasterClass subscription
For the student who loves to learn, classes have increased and breadth and depth from experts in whatever field or interest your grad might have.
2. Curated box subscription
There are so many different subscription services and there’s one for every interest; cooking, skincare, books, international foods, clothes and so much more. It’ll be easy to find unique high school graduation gifts if you go this route.
3. Costco membership
This is perfect if they’re near a Costco and love buying in bulk, or enjoying the budget eats in the Costco food court.
4. Amazon Prime student membership
Free shipping and easy access to everything a brand new high school graduate would need, and want. It's a parent-approved way to help make their lives a bit more convenient.
5. Personal blender
So that they can make healthy smoothies from a crowded dorm or their own apartment.
Best practical gifts for graduation from high school
These gifts are guaranteed to be what any grad will need, and likely want, too. There’s a reason why they are tried and true. They’ll satisfy the practicality of brand new adulthood, and actually be something they’ll feel grateful to have and use on the daily.
7. Cash
YES. This is all they really need.
8. Laptop
This staple is especially useful for graduates moving on for further education and careers.
9. Music or TV streaming service
There’s an endless possibility of services, from music, to books to binging TV shows and movies; this gift is a slam dunk choice.
10. Tool kit
Easily empower graduates with all the tools they might need for their first fix.
11. Noise cancelling headphones
Whether they’ll have roommates, or just for when they need to get away from the hustle and bustle, they’ll be able to find peace amid chaos.
12. Electric kettle or Coffee Maker
Perfect for busy days and saving money making tea or coffee at home or in their room.
13. Weighted blanket
For that extra bit of comfort and help getting to sleep on stressful evenings, or homesick moments.
14. Portable phone charger
Because we need them to be able to reach us, and allow us to reach them.
15. First aid kit
Accidents are inevitable, preparation is key.
Ultimately, the right gift for your grad will depend on how much you learn about your grad, what they need, what they like, and what’s in your budget. Consider your relationship with your grad, and decide what message you want your high school graduation gifts to convey.
