The 19 Best High School Graduation Gifts
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Whatever your grad’s plans are after walking the stage, they’ll likely need a few essentials to transition to this new phase in their life.
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Maybe that looks like a duffle bag for a year of traveling, or a new iPad Air for taking notes in class. Perhaps they’re in the market for a portable projector and popcorn maker for movie nights in the dorm. We’ve done the digging for the best gifts to give your high school grad this year — so you don’t have to. Check out what we found below:
Baggu Cloud Travel Tote
Baggu is the perfect mix of playful and functional. Their cloud bag is big enough to store clothes and essentials for a weekend away but versatile enough for a beach or office day. The tote comes in three fun patterns depending on your giftee’s style: Indigo Trippy Checker, Raisin and Black.
Baggu Laptop Sleeve (30% Off)
If your grad is going off to college, they’ll need a stylish way to store their laptop during their trek to classes and coffee shops. This puffy recycled laptop sleeve from Baggu will keep your grad’s tech safe with its plush lining but will look sleek doing so. Plus, it’s currently 30% off on Urban Outfitters right now.
Longchamp Le Pliage 21-Inch Expandable Travel Bag
A good weekender bag is something that will last them a long time. It’s sure to come in handy for weekends home from college or getaways with friends. This classic Longchamp duffle is just the right one. It’s made with sturdy fabric that’ll even hold up on a luggage carousel, while the contrasting faux leather trim adds sophistication. The innovative design allows you to expand and contract the size with the zipper based on your needs, even flattening into a compact square for storage.
Olivia Rodrigo ‘Sour’ LP
Chart-topping tracks such as “Good 4 U” and “Deja Vu” have been praised for showcasing the 18-year-old’s vulnerable lyrics and powerful falsetto, being unabashedly teenager in the way that obvious influences such as Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift did before her. If your grad is a Rodrigo super-fan (and chances are, they definitely are), then this vinyl LP should be top of the list — especially if they weren’t able to snag tickets to her ongoing tour.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 (6% Off)
Whether your new grad is off to college or a summer Europe trip, they’ll need something to help them capture all the memories. Gift them an updated version of a vintage polaroid camera so they can snap and shoot all their adventures — and pin their best photos as decor in their new digs.
Popcorn Popper
There’s nothing like a college movie night. Help them curate the vibe with this effortless popcorn popper which allows you to pour the kernels in a chute and fill a shareable bowl in minutes.
Marshall Emberton II
Marshall’s brand new Ember II portable speaker sold out fast upon its initial release but thankfully they’ve just restocked. The retro design makes for the perfect decor piece in any dorm room or apartment. But its sleek style doesn’t sacrifice functionality. Two full range drivers and two passive radiators bring the rich, clear and bass-heavy sound Marshall is known for.
Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WHCH710N (35% Off)
Study sessions call for noise-cancelling headphones. These best-selling headhones from Sony featre ANC (active noise cancellation), which uses microphones and speakers to reduce background and surrounding noises. While drowning out distracting noises like keyboard typing or office chatter, they also deliver crystal clear audio. Plus, they’re a total steal for less than $100 on Amazon right now.
Buy: Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones $98.00
2022 Apple iPad Air
The brand new iPad Air hits the sweet spot in terms of versatility, design and manpower. Just like the Pro, the newest tablet iteration from Apple boasts the exact same capabilities as a laptop computer — at a fraction of the cost and size. Whether your new grad needs an easy way to take notes in class, practice their graphic design skills or simply stay connected while on the road, the iPad does it all.
Mini Projector
Anything that saves space is a must for a new grad that will likely live in close quarters for the next few years. This compact projector is slim thin (weighing just one pound) and uses DLP CinemaTechnology for sharp and clear images.
Ugg Fluff Yeah Slides (40% Off)
Walk on a cloud every morning thanks to Ugg’s newest best-selling style, which come in their classic white and black hues, in addition to their new rainbow-striped colorways for Pride Month. Made out of their plush sheepskin, the Fluff Yeahs are a cozy statement shoe that work just as well as indoor slippers as they do slip-ons for quick errands.
Supernova Electric Aromatherapy Diffuser (60% Off)
You definitely don’t want to write this in the card, but dorm rooms can sometimes smell a little… funky. This aroma diffuser takes care of the problem in an elegant and subtle way, and lasts a lot longer than a spray. The striking yet simple design only needs water and the essential oil of your choice. Then a ceramic resonator uses ultrasonic vibrations to turn the scented water into a mist, which it releases into the air. There’s no need to worry about leaving it on for too long, since it has a built-in timer with 60-, 90- or 120-minute options, along with automatic shut-off.
Apple AirTag
Does your graduate struggle with keeping tabs on certain things say their keys, umbrella, bike, luggage, purse or backpack? Stop fretting and gift them the Apple AirTag. This simple tracking device connects to the “Find My” app (which can identify multiple tags if you have more than one). Once activated, the fob can be instructed to play a little sound to help you locate it. If your missing item is even further away the tag will appear on a map and use precision finding to help you locate whatever it is you lost. Available on a leather key ring or without. And if your graduate doesn’t have an Apple phone, no worries, there’s always the classic bluetooth tracker Tile.
Echo Dot Alarm Clock With Smart Plug
Just because your graduate is staying in a cement block of a dorm room, that doesn’t mean they can’t install their domain with the latest and greatest tech. The fourth generation of the Amazon Echo Dot has come a long way from simple speaker. Compatible with Alexa, this alarm clock is a tiny smart home all rolled into one esthetically pleasing ball. The plug allows your voice-controlled Echo to turn on lights, adjust thermostats, and lock doors with bluetooth compatible devices. Set reminders and timers via your phone or just ask Echo to set it out loud, and don’t worry there’s a snooze button right on top. The latest generation is also enabled with privacy protections and controls, including a microphone off button that will disconnect all microphones connected.
Vogek Five-Port Charging Station
Between a phone, laptop and tablet, being a student requires a lot of battery power — and so does life in general. Make sure your grad’s devices always have a full battery with a charging station. This five-slot USB charging station keeps it all tidy and organized, too. It comes with four lightning cables, two micro USB cables, two USB C cables and can juice up as many as five smartphones and tablets at the same time. This little guy is speedy at replenishing the batteries too, thanks to a 50W 10A powerful output.
Ugg Coastline Plush Throw Blanket
Whether your fresh grad is moving into a dorm in the fall or their first home on their own, you never know what to expect from those thermostats – or aggressive air conditioners! That’s why a cozy blanket is a must. This one is equally perfect for curling up on a couch or bed. The super plush flannel blanket is incredibly soft. Even better, it’s machine washable, making it practical, too.
Mancio Slim Vintage Laptop Backpack (36% Off)
No matter if they’re going to class, work, the gym or even an overnight getaway, everyone could use a fresh backpack. This unisex style is sleek and chic, plus functional. Made from sturdy yet lightweight Oxford nylon material that’s tear-resistant, it has plenty of pockets to stash all the necessities, with five compartments total. The laptop sleeve holds up to a 15.6-inch laptop, plus there’s an external USB charging port and built-in charging cable inside so you don’t have to worry about your phone dying. Padded and adjustable shoulder straps ease the load no matter how much you’re lugging around.
Bodum Brazil French Press
Coffee and college go hand-in-hand. When your grad is up all night studying, long after the coffee shops have closed, this French press will be their best friend. It only takes four minutes to make coffee or tea. It doesn’t require an outlet, making it dorm-safe, and it’s equipment-free, since no paper filters or capsules are necessary. The base and handle are made of BPA-free polypropylene, the carafe is made of German heat-resistant borosilicate glass and the plunger is made of stainless steel, so it’s built to last.
Mavogel Cotton Sleep Eye Mask (58% Off)
Grads are at the age when their sleeping schedule tends to be anything but regular, and just wait until they get to college. Help them catch more zzz’s with a top-notch sleeping mask. This unisex sleeping mask is ergonomically designed to deliver a comfy fit while blocking out light from every angle. It’s handmade from five layers of extra breathable materials — including cotton, elastic sponge and modaire — to feel soft on the skin, delivering an ultra soft and fresh touch on the eyes.
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