This post may contain affiliate links. If you click one and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the site so I can continue to offer great content to you!
I’m amazed that I’m now the mother of a high school senior. It all feels so surreal, but I’m excited to see what the future holds for my child. As I plan for the upcoming graduation party and wait for more details on their college choices, I’ve started putting together a list of practical gifts for high school graduation in case anyone asks me for suggestions.
The prices listed below may have changed since this article was written.
Things to consider
It’s a good idea to ask a few questions before attending the high school graduation of your family members or friends this year. This way, you can learn more about the teenager’s living situation for the upcoming year.
For instance, if they will be living in a dorm without a kitchen, it’s best to avoid giving cookware and similar items as gifts.
It can also be helpful to know what school they will be going to to understand what stores and restaurants might be nearby. If it is someone close to you, you may also ask the parents about some of the child’s personal preferences.
Pro tip: Always include the gift receipt. Young people don’t have much money to waste and may want to return or exchange unwanted items.
Gifts for high school graduation
Food and Drinks
Basic dishes
You want to go for unbreakable but microwave-safe dishes. Although they do not need a ton, I like a set of four so that they don’t have to clean it each time. This set is pretty and colorful and only $24.99 on Amazon.
Electric stir fry and ramen pan
This super clever idea is perfect for teens with minimal cooking skills. You can make a wide variety of food, even eggs. It is easy to clean and store. I think this is a brilliant gift! Currently on sale on Amazon, but the regular price is around $60.
For the teens with access to a kitchen, don’t miss this amazing article with one week of meals for college students with a grocery list included.
Keurig mini coffee maker
College kids can’t afford daily Starbucks. This mini Keurig gives them a super affordable alternative. It brews a single cup in minutes and is compatible with reusable K-cups making it a more sustainable option. Currently on sale on Amazon but normally priced around $99.99.
Add this perfect leakproof and reusable coffee mug to complete the gift.
Mini Fridge
Most dorms, if organized currently can fit a small and compact mini fridge. This will give the teen more flexibility around mealtime and remove the need to go out for every meal and snack. We have had this mini fridge for over 8 years and it has been a great purchase. You can find it on Amazon for $299.99.
Crave box
This company offers a variety of snack boxes from healthy to holiday-themed. You can send one snack box or repeat it a few times per year as a unique and useful gift for high school graduation.
Comfort
Fleece blanket
This sherpa and fleece blanket is sure to offer plenty of comfort to anyone. It comes in several different colors and sizes. For about $28 on Amazon, this makes for a great gift.
Sheets
Good quality sheets can make a world of difference in our sleep quality. Although dorm beds aren’t always the most comfortable, make the best of it with these high-quality and greatly reviewed bamboo sheets.
Reading pillow
Teens spend a lot of time in their beds in a dorm. A reading pillow is a great way to add to their comfort and help with their posture. This particular one has fantastic reviews and includes side pockets which can be convenient for those on a high bunk. Consider adding this idea to your gifts for high school graduation list.
Lap desk or bedtable
Once again, young adults like to work in bed. Having a bed “desk” or “table” is highly useful. Having used both, I prefer the bed table. I find it more comfortable for long working sessions. The table folds and still offers a compact alternative that can be stored easily. Currently $35.59 on Amazon, this is a great gift.
Organization
Toiletry bag organizer
We love this toiletry bag organizer. It is waterproof, has a hanger, and is very spacious! It comes in different colors and sizes (large or extra large). This is a fantastic travel bag as well. The extra large option is only $22.99.
Door organizer
This door organizer with multiply the available storage in a dorm without using any floor space. It is a much more convenient option than the pocket-only alternative. It is sturdy and can hold a lot of supplies. We also like its clean and minimalistic look. Grab it now for only $22.99.
Bed shelf
A bed shelf is a clever idea for top bunks. It allows you to keep electronics, drinks, or other useful items at arm’s length. We like this option best, selling for $39.99 on Amazon, because of its surrounding raised border to keep items from falling.
Compact dresser
This small and easy-to-assemble dresser can add some much-needed organization to a small room or closet. It comes in three colors and we find it quite stylish. Grab it on Amazon for $44.99.
Daily planner
Give the gift of productivity with one of our favorite daily planners for teenagers. A tool like this will help them keep track of all of their responsibilities, obligations, and appointments. They can set goals for themselves and track their own success.
If your teen needs help with goal setting and organization, make sure to have them read this blog post that offers great strategies to improve effectiveness.
Rolling laundry bag
This laundry bag is next level! It can be rolled to the laundry room or carried to the car like a tote. It is water-resistant and free-standing. We love that it can be used to transport back neatly folded clothes when the laundry is finished. Snag it now on Amazon for only $45.99.
Laptop backpack
This laptop backpack earns its spot on our gifts for high school graduation list because of its great reviews but mostly key features. This bag is roomy, comes in two sizes and many colors, has a strap to attach it to a suitcase (helpful for teens traveling via plane), offers a built-in USB charger, and is water resistant. You can find it on Amazon for $42.99.
Travel duffle bag
This built-to-last duffle bag is perfect for the weekend trip back home. We love the ventilated side pockets for shoes, easy-to-grip padded handles, luggage attachments, and versatile straps. You can choose from 5 different sizes and many colors. The prices vary based on the size selected.
Electronics & more
Compact vacuum
Whether they like it or not, they’ll have to vacuum from time to time. We searched for the most effective vacuum that would be small and easy to keep in a dorm room. This 3 in 1 option is extremely light, but very powerful. Because dorms are small, we intentionally didn’t pick a cordless option that would need to be charged between uses. You can buy this vacuum on Amazon for $35.
Charging station (Apple products)
With so many electronic devices and so little space, a charging station is a lifesaver. This station to charge Apple devices is not only a space-saver but it can also help someone stay more organized. You can buy it on Amazon for $149.95. It’s a bit pricey, but well worth the money, we have 2 of them!
Here is a different option selling for $43.99 if the configuration of our recommendation isn’t working.
Personal safe
Because dorms aren’t always the most secure place for some unreplaceable, a personal safe is another of many great gifts for high school graduation. We love the brand SentrySafe and have the one in the picture. A high school grad likely doesn’t need something that big and I’d recommend the one linked about selling on Amazon for $42.46.
Bluetooth Speaker
From the brand ANKER (same as the charging station above) this Bluetooth speaker is a great option for only $29.99. It’s waterproof and has a 24-hour battery life.
Gift cards
If you prefer to play it safe, gift cards are great options. Make sure to be intentional with the gift card that you select. Some high school grads favorites include:
- Target
- Ikea
- Walmart
- Doordash
- Restaurants: Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Qdoba, Chipotle, Noodles, Panera, McDonald’s, and Olive Garden.
- Amazon
- Gas Station
- Uber or other shared ride services
Gift basket
If you still haven’t found the perfect gift, we have one last suggestion. Create a unique and custom gift basket with useful items selected with care for your graduate.
Below is a list with tons of gifts for high school graduation ideas that could be added to a gift basket.
In conclusion
Make graduation time extra special for your loved ones by finding the perfect gift. I hope this compilation of the best practical gifts for high school graduation was the key to your success.
Thank you for reading.
Cat xx