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50 Graduation Gifts They’ll Actually Use and Love in Their Next Chapter

Whether they're celebrating high school or college graduation, they'll love one of these gifts.

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graduation gifts

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Graduation season is here, and our editors are ready to help you celebrate those in your life who are tossing their caps in the air and stepping into a new chapter. Whether it’s a high school senior or a college grad ready to take on the world, it's nice to give a gift that matches their big moment, or something to help prep them for the next step.

Not only am I a shopping editor, I’m also the mom of a recent high school grad—so it’s safe to say I’ve been in your shoes before. In my experience, the best gifts are a mix of thoughtful, practical, and—of course—a little fun. Think dorm essentials, tech gadgets, or even a sentimental keepsake to remind them of all they’ve accomplished. There’s nothing wrong with a generous gift card, but if you need ideas for something more personal and unique, read on.

High School Graduation Gifts

a dark squiggly line

The bulk of their note-taking days are ahead if they’re headed to college, and this smart reusable notebook will make it so much easier. It has a paired app for digitizing their notes after every class, and then the page can be wiped clean for the next one. One notebook for all classes, year after year, is pretty cool.

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This season of life is filled with so many fun moments. You know they're going to be taking photos constantly, so this gift will be perfect. They can easily connect the Kodak printer to their phones and print their their favorite photos to hang in their room or share with friends.

A new Stanley will be nice to have for their next big move. These flip-straw lids are completely spill-proof and you can choose from more than 40 colors to find one that matches their aesthetic. If they’re not into the Stanley trend, the Hydroflask is another solid choice.

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for the tailgate parties

SPARTER Backpack Cooler

Backpack Cooler
Now 15% Off

Your graduate will be all set for a tailgate, beach trip, or picnic on the quad with this stylish cooler backpack. It's lightweight and fits 33 cans, more than enough room for a few sandwiches and drinks.

perfect for small spaces

Keurig Single-Serve Coffee Maker

On Sale
Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Now 30% Off

Save your grad a trip to the coffee shop (and some money!) with this single-serve Keurig. Its compact size makes it just right for small spaces. Ask if they're planning a color scheme for their dorm room or apartment kitchen, because this one comes in five fun colors.

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10 essential tools

Dowell

Tool Kit

Tool Kit

Whether they're headed off to college or moving into an apartment on their own for the first time, a tool kit is a must. They’ll get the essentials (including a measuring tape), and the case is the size of an average notebook so it won't take up too much space.

Waterproof and Dustproof

JBL Go 4 Bluetooth Speaker

Go 4 Bluetooth Speaker

Meet the life-of-the-party speaker that goes anywhere. The Go 4 is just under 4x3 inches, but the sound it delivers is big. It’s waterproof, dustproof, and they can take it on their adventures or keep it on their dorm room nightstand, where it won’t take up much space at all.

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The look of each pouch was crafted using input from alumni, faculty, fans, and locals, with the goal of giving you a sense of school pride from the woven (not printed) design. Choose from one of 29 colleges and universities.

for the important stuff

Master Lock Small Personal Safe

On Sale
Small Personal Safe
Now 25% Off

Bringing all your personal items into a dorm can be a little vulnerable. Make sure your they're keeping some of their most important items as safe as possible with this personal safe. Keep passports, extra cash, and more safe in this lockbox that only they have access to.

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doubles as a phone charger

Wooden Alarm Clock

Wooden Alarm Clock

Even though everyone warned them not to take an 8 a.m. class, they probably still signed up for one. This clever gadget serves double duty as an alarm clock and wireless charger, so your grad can thank you for keeping them on time.

for healthier snacks

NutriBullet Pro Blender

Pro Blender

Give them a space-saving blender, and you’ll be encouraging them to make a few healthy swaps in their diet. Morning smoothies or post-gym shakes are easy to make and the set comes with a to-go cup, too.

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for late-night study sessions

LapGear Pro Lap Desk

On Sale
Pro Lap Desk
Now 20% Off

This sleek design is both stylish and smart. The built-in mouse pad, laptop bar, and phone slot are nice touches that keep them comfortable no matter where they end up working.

a great first set of luggage

SHOWKOO 3-Piece Luggage Set

On Sale
3-Piece Luggage Set

Gift your high school grad a nice starter set of luggage that they can call their own. They’ll get a carry on and a medium and large suitcase for checking, TSA locks, and plenty of packing room thanks to the expandable sides.

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A robe is a must-have with roommates, and this unisex waffle-weave gives major spa day vibes. It’s soft and absorbent, has a hood, and dries quickly. Choose from a dozen beautiful colors.

to help them relax

Weighted Blanket

Weighted Blanket
Now 16% Off

Anxieties will come, whether it's the stress of an upcoming final or just navigating their new life. Help them ease stress and sleep soundly with this cozy weighted blanket.

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On Sale
Adulting for Beginners
Now 50% Off

This useful book will help recent graduates figure out the stuff they most likely didn't learn in school, like what to look for before signing a lease and how to negotiate a salary—all with a sense of humor they'll appreciate.

College Graduation Gifts

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customizable sounds and lights

Hatch

Restore 3

Restore 3

It may be hard adjusting to this new season, so help them get some better rest by treating them to this best-selling alarm clock that's also a favorite among Country Living editors. The Hatch wakes you up in the morning by mimicking the natural light of the sunlight. They can choose between peaceful sounds to wake them up, or fun personalized sounds they can choose from in the free Hatch app. It also has nighttime routines that allow the user to choose between different soothing sounds and calming night lights to help whisk them away into a dreamy sleep.

free personalization

Papier

Undated Daily Planner

Undated Daily Planner
Now 30% Off

There’s nothing like a fresh start in life and a blank planner to keep them inspired for whatever comes next. This undated book lets them customize their to-do lists, goals, and more. You can even get it personalized with their name, and there are dozens of beautiful designs available.

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