Celebrate Your Teen's Big Day with These High School Graduation Gifts

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Ree Drummond has been to her fair share of graduations over the years, so it only makes sense that she'd have some good advice when it comes to high school graduation gifts. "High school grads seem to appreciate things they can use right away—like gift cards, electronics, or cold hard cash," she admits. "But I gravitate toward gifts with a little more meaning, something that will last a long time." One of her go-to meaningful gifts? An engraved sterling bangle. "You can find a phrase, scripture, or prayer that fits the graduate," she says.

Ahead, we've curated a list of more than a dozen other graduation gift ideas that are perfectly age-appropriate—and don't you worry, we've included a great rec for one of those engraved bangles. We've got graduation gifts for boys and graduation gifts for girls, plus plenty of gender neutral options. Whether you're in need of a gift for teens who are headed off to college or a trade school, taking a gap year, or navigating the real world right away, we've got ideas that will help them step into their next phase of life. There are gifts for teen boys and gift ideas for teen girls and if you're still stumped, you can always take a cue from Ree's other favorite graduation gift idea: a real-life experience, such as a cooking class or tickets to a concert. "The event is temporary," she says. "But the memory will last forever."

Frigidaire Mini Refrigerator

Whether they use it to keep their skincare products cool or want to have a few snacks on hand (we don't blame them), they'll love having this nifty mini fridge in their dorm.

Recycled Essential Laundry Backpack

Make laundry days a little more bearable for your teen with a stylish laundry bag. This one is also a backpack which means hauling it down to those communal dorm laundry rooms won't be so bad. Just be careful, this pick will make it easy for them to bring their laundry to you whenever they come home. 😆

Tri-Fold Lighted Vanity Mirror

Trust us, this option will make getting ready each morning so much easier. The compact tri-fold design will fit right on her desk. It has LED lights that she can dim with a touch, magnified mirrors, and swivel capabilities.

Knit Sweatsuit Set

Let's face it, sweats will probably become her new best friend in the upcoming months. Especially for early morning classes! This comfy and cute set with a puff sleeve crop top and drawstring shorts will certainly get lots of wear.

KODAK Step Wireless Mobile Photo Mini Color Printer

Here's a way to make moving away from friends and family a little easier! This device allows them to instantly print images straight from their smartphone to hang up in their new space. They can even add a little personal flair with filters, stickers, and borders.

CalPak Packing Cubes 5-Piece Set

Packing is never fun, but it can be made a little better with this packing set. The durable travel pouches (including a water-resistant envelope pouch) fit perfectly into luggage and drawers to help keep their life in perfect order. You can grab them in a variety of fun colors and patterns!

Master Lock Personal Safe

If they're going to be living with roommates, this portable (and waterproof) safe will definitely come in handy to store all of their essentials and personal items. They just have to set their own four-digit combination.

Collegiate Pouches

How cute are these pouches? They're beautifully embroidered with a unique design representing their new school. The creators took collaborative input from passionate alumni, fans, faculty, and locals to come up with the best motifs. Your grad can use it to carry anything from pencils and makeup to their ID and keys.

Hatch Restore Alarm Clock

Not only does this neat gadget work as an alarm clock that's designed to wake you up naturally, but it also offers sleep sounds and light. They can control it by touch or with an app that also allows them to download even more sounds like meditations and sleep stories.

UGG Tasman Slipper

These super popular and super cozy shoes have been all the rage for months! Trust us, she'll be so excited to get her hands (er, feet?) on them. Just look at that embroidered design! Plus, a durable outsole means she can wear them around campus as well.

Custom College Necklace

She can arrive to campus in spirited style with this custom necklace! Just send the seller a picture of her new school's logo then wait as it's crafted into a beautiful charm.

Positive Affirmation Cards

After they leave the nest, you won't always be available to cheer them on when times get tough. So, gift this set of daily affirmation quotes that they can turn to whenever a little pick-me-up is needed. It also includes a wooden holder so they can display the cards on their desk.

Brooklinen Weighted Throw Blanket

Weighted blankets are said to help reduce anxiety and bring an overall sense of calm—something that's definitely needed when starting a new chapter of life. Grab this super soft option in several different colors.

Custom Neon Sign

Just imagine how cool their new dorm or apartment will look with one of these neon signs hanging on the walls! You can choose personalized text, color, and font!

Red Rally Gameday Pouch & Stadium Bag Set

For those high school grads headed to college, they'll probably be enjoying a lot of game days in the near future. Make sure they're ready to cheer on their team in style with this bag set. It's stadium approved! Plus, you can find the confetti pouches in several school colors.

Amazon Prime Membership

Who wouldn't want an Amazon Prime membership? They can easily order everything they need from groceries and dorm essentials to textbooks—all with fast and free delivery.

The Pioneer Woman FlexBrew Single-Serve Coffee Maker

Every time they wake up early for class or a new job, they'll be thanking you for this present. The easy-t0-use coffee maker from Ree's line brews a cup of Joe with single-serve pods or ground coffee—and it'll look so cute in their new space.

Ultimate Ears Portable Bluetooth Speaker

They'll enjoy being able to listen to their music wherever they go with this bluetooth speaker! Hook it to a backpack for walks around campus, put on some study tunes in the dorm, or jam out in the shower! Yep, it's waterproof, too.

Personalized Best Friends Graduation Print

How sweet is this personalized print? Customize it to show them with their high school besties and we guarantee it'll be the first thing they hang on the wall in their new home.

The Quencher H2.0 FlowState™ Tumbler | 40 OZ

Alex Drummond raves about these Stanley tumblers! Seriously, she has a whole cabinet full of them! Thanks to their ability to keep drinks hot and cold (for 7 and 11 hours, respectively) and that nifty design, we think your recent grad will love them, too.

The Doorstep Necklace

We have a feeling they'll shed a tear or two when they unwrap this delicate charm necklace, which can be custom engraved with the numbers of their first home.

Travel Duffel Bag

It'll be that much easier to pack up their belongings and head off to a new school with this adorable duffel in tow. It just so happens to meet TSA travel standards and it's water-resistant.

The Pioneer Woman Blossom Jubilee Recipe Box

Send them off to college with some of their all-time favorite recipes! This box from Ree's Walmart collection is roomy enough to hold desserts, mains, and more.

Rise Gardens Personal Garden Starter Kit

The sleek design of this miniature "garden" is perfect for countertops or windowsills—all the better for toting along to their new dorm. Fresh produce will be theirs for the taking!

Long-Distance Friendship Lamps

Gift them and their bestie a pair of these special lamps. When one is touched, the other's emits a glow—as if to say, "thinking of you!"

Dr Pepper Candle

Yes, there's a candle inside of that can! This Dr Pepper-themed accessory is just the thing to present to any soda-loving grad. (We know Ree would appreciate it, for one!)

'The Pioneer Woman Cooks―Super Easy!'

Don't send them off to college without at least a few winning recipes! There are a whopping 120 included in Ree's latest cookbook, including breezy skillet meals, speedy soups, and ready-in-minutes dinners.

Le Classique Undated Daily Planner

Not only is a daily planner a necessity for any college-bound grad, but this one is undated—so they can start using it whenever they please. You can personalize it, too!

Gold-Plated Butterfly Necklace

This necklace is simply gorgeous, and it's just over $20. We like the sound of both of those things.

The Pioneer Woman Percale Starburst Geo Sheets

How fun is this bright, peppy pattern? They're headed off to a dorm room in the fall, so odds are they could use a new pair of sheets.

'How to Cook Without a Book'

Ree says this is one of her "very favorite cookbooks ever." Not a shabby recommendation!

Kate Spade New York Three-Hand Watch

This watch's black band with gold accents gives it a lovely, classic feel. It's also partially water-resistant, though the manufacturer warns against fully submerging it. You can even find several other colors and patterns.

Vera Bradley Hardside Rolling Suitcase

Pardon us while we order ourselves one of these stylish suitcases. A hardshell case offers protection.

The Pioneer Woman Sweet Romance 16-Piece Journal Set

Avid notetakers will flip for this best selling 16-piece journal set from Ree's Walmart line. It's as charming as it is useful.

Personalized Silver Bangle

Crafted by hand, each of these beautiful bracelets can be personalized with coordinates, a name, or an entire phrase. Time to get creative!

Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Yes, they're just plain beautiful, but that's not the only reason we love these headphones. They also feature two listening modes—"active noise cancelling" and "transparency."

Original Sherpa Trucker Jacket

We pulled this idea straight from Ree's closet: a fluff-lined trucker jacket! Any grad will adore this comfy wardrobe staple while walking around their new campus.

Victrola Bluetooth Suitcase Record Player

Their college dorm deserves an accessory as cool as this record player, don't you think? There are tons of different colors to choose from, too, so you can really make it their own.

Gordon Ramsay Teaches Cooking

A cooking class with a seven-star Michelin chef is a memorable present indeed. In this virtual lesson, Gordon Ramsay himself will teach your grad how to shop for ingredients and make delicious meals.

'Oh the Places You Will Grow' Plant Pot

Remind them of their never-ending potential with this sweet, funny little plant pot. It's a fabulous find for green thumbs.

Old-Fashioned Locket

It doesn't get much more classic or timeless than a brass locket. Make it feel a little bit more "theirs" with a hand-stamped initial charm.

'New World Sourdough'

This cookbook is just the gift for any aspiring baker grads out there. Fingers crossed you'll get to sample some of the things they bake. 😋

Actual Handwriting Bracelet

Send in a photo of your actual penmanship to this maker, then watch as it transforms into a stunning wearable charm. It's a true one-of-a-kind gift!

Women's Cotton Backpack

If their old backpack is looking a little scraggly, opt for something nice and new—and add florals while you're at it! We love the look of this lightweight, roomy option.

Personalized Scratch-Off World Map

Oh, the places they'll go—but how to document all of those places? With this pretty scratch-off map, that's how!

'Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones'

There's a reason this book is so popular: It offers proven ideas for forming better, longer-lasting habits. The perfect present for a recent grad!

'You Got This' Stretch Bracelet

These sorts of beaded bracelets are very "in" right about now, so you can be sure you're making the right choice—and isn't that motivational message sweet?

Brooklinen Mulberry Silk Eyemask

After graduation, a little shut-eye is in order! This darling eye mask made of a luxurious charmeuse weave will have them even more excited for their well-deserved nap.

'Boba: Classic, Fun, Refreshing'

Whether you call it "boba" or "bubble tea," one thing remains true: Your teens probably love this stuff. This charming, boba-centric cookbook was written by the founders of a popular women-owned boba business, and covers the whole process: brewing tea, making tapioca balls, adding toppings, and more.

Custom Pet Portrait

"Commissioning an original piece of art" might not sound like a budget-friendly gift—but thanks to Etsy, it's actually easy to connect with local (and not-so-local!) artists and do just that. Just send in a photo of your grad's dog, then wait for the magic to begin.

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