Your Teen Will Actually Love These Unique High School Graduation Gifts

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If there's one person who understands the importance of picking the right gift for the right occasion, it's Ree Drummond. After all, Ree has been in charge of so many gifts for her kids' many birthdays, graduations, and other major milestones, which is how we know her high school graduation gift-giving advice is pure gold. "High school grads seem to appreciate things they can use right away—like gift cards, electronics, or cold hard cash," Ree says. "But I gravitate toward gifts with a little more meaning, something that will last a long time." Whether that go-to meaningful gift is an engraved sterling bangle or a funky custom print for them to hang on their wall, there are so many ways to tailor a gift to your high school grad!

Ahead, we've curated a list of graduation gift ideas that are perfectly age-appropriate—and don't you worry, we've included great recommendations for 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. 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."

The Pioneer Woman Brilliant Bloom Wool Floral Rug

How fun are these bright, floral blooms? If your teen is headed off to a dorm room in the fall, the odds are that they could use a new accent rug!

Waffle Knit Sweatsuit Set

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

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.

Keurig Single Serve K-Express 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 Keurig brews a cup of joe with single-serve pods—and it'll look so cute in their new space.

'The Pioneer Woman Cooks—Dinner's Ready!'

Don't send them off to college without at least a few winning recipes! There are a whopping 112 included in Ree's latest cookbook, including hearty pastas, delicious desserts, and more.

'Oh the Places You Will Grow' Canvas Plant Pot

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

Lululemon Everywhere Backpack 22L

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

Gold-Plated Butterfly Necklace

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

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.

Frigidaire Mini Refrigerator

Whether they use it to keep their skincare products cool or just 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 their desk. It has LED lights that they can dim with a touch, magnified mirrors, and swivel capabilities.

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 their favorite 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.

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 to 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!"

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!

'How to Cook Without a Book'

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

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."

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.

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!

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!

'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?

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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