25 High School Grad Gifts That They'll Actually Want to Bring to College

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Among the many exciting happenings in May, graduation is typically at the top of the list. After all, ‘tis the time to celebrate a great achievement, so here are our high school graduation gifts that all incoming college freshmen will actually appreciate now as much as they will in a few months when they’re off at school. Whether you want to snag something cheeky and affordable or go all out and splurge, you’ll find something celebratory on our list. Luckily, everything is House Beautiful shopping editor-approved. We even have a few of these top picks in our own homes.

From a set of Champagne-flavored candy from Sugarfina to a hotel-quality customizable terry cloth bathrobe, there are a lot of goodies to consider. In fact, some of these gifts are so good you may even be tempted to snag one or two for yourself. After all, these aren’t gifts for kids; they’re gifts for young adults about to fly the coop, so you can trust they’re nothing if not incredibly useful. Think a keyboard and mouse combo that’s pretty enough to eat, a reed diffuser that can make an entire room smell like a garden, and an ergonomic suitcase you’ll actually want to wheel around the airport terminal.

Now that May is finally here, it’s time to start thinking about high school graduation gifts, so consider this your guide. Go ahead, start shopping, and don’t forget to wrap it!

Cabana Stripe Jewelry Case

Mark & Graham is famous for its collection of monogrammed leather goods and this striped jewelry case is hardly an exception. "I got this as a gift when I graduated from high school more than 10 years ago and I still use it every time I travel," Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner admits. "There are plenty of compartments for small earrings, ring holders, and the mirror folds down to reveal a large pocket for necklaces or anything precious you may not want floating around."

Champagne Bears Candy Set

Nothing says celebration like a bottle of crisp Champagne, but sadly, high school grads aren't yet old enough to legally enjoy it, so this Champagne-flavored candy set will have to do. Luckily, it's just as delicious. Complete with the brand's Champagne gummy bears; strawberry Champagne gummy bears, Bubbly Bears, and Venus strawberry candy, this delicious set is worthy of any grad soirée.

Jasmine & Lily Reed Diffuser

"I gifted this to myself after finding it in the best-smelling hotel bathroom I've ever visited," Cherner says. "I have one in my bathroom and one in my bedroom, and I'm obsessed. It smells so light and fresh and lasts for at least three months. Just be sure to flip the reeds every few days." If you're not into florals, opt for any of the other scents.

Signature Candle

If you want to gift your grad something a bit more luxurious, opt for LAFCO's signature candle. It's hard to get a sense of scale from this photo, but know that it's massive, so you get a lot of bang for your buck. Our favorite scent is the Marine, which recalls the scent of sea air complete with water lily, jasmine, and rose. It smells like a luxurious day on the beach.

Philodendron Birkin

College dorms are hardly chic, so help your grad spruce up their space with an easy-to-care-for perennial. This one comes in a beautiful planter and is almost difficult to kill. Just place it in an area where it can get medium to bright indirect light and be sure to water it every few weeks.

The Carry-On Roller

Everyone—especially college students coming home for long weekends and holidays—can use a luxury rolling carry-on suitcase. This one from Béis is easily one of our favorites because it's designed to make wheeling it and stowing it in the overhead bins super easy. From the 360-degree smooth-rolling wheels to the cushions silicone trolley handle, this is a bag you'll have for a long time. If bright pink doesn't do it for you, go for any of the more neutral shades, including beige, black, or navy.

Classic Turkish Cotton Slipper

Dorm rooms aren't usually the cleanest spaces in the world, so give your grad a pair of plush Turkish cotton slippers so they can avoid wading around on the wall-to-wall carpeting, which we can assume isn't brand new. These ones may look like simple hotel slippers, but they feel like memory foam pillows.

Graduation Shortbread Cookies

Keep it simple with crowd-pleasing cookies decorated for the occasion. These ones are made from scratch by the bakers at Dallas-based Le Gourmet. They're tender, cakey, and buttery, the way shortbread cookies should be. Oh, and they're nearly an inch thick!

Phone Camera Lens

Let's face it, social media has basically turned kids into professional photographers and smartphones just aren't cutting it anymore. Give your incoming college freshmen the gift of a high-grade camera without actually having to spend on one. This three-in-one lens clips right onto the phone and takes better photos than plenty of cameras.

Sophie Faux Fur Throw Blanket

The easiest way to make a dorm room feel homier and more personal is with a cozy throw blanket. This faux fur one, which comes in eight colors, is one of the softest on the market. Plus, it's big enough to cover the whole bed (as long as it's a classic college twin size).

Signature Short Sleeve & Shorts Pajama Set

"I got these pajamas the day they launched because they're made of the same silky smooth and cooling material as the sheets, which I have and love," Cherner notes. "They're just as soft and comfortable as the sheets." Get them in four configurations, including the shorts and short sleeve top pictured here.

Sonix Case for iPhone

Is it just us or does snapping on a new case feel like you basically got a new phone? This pearly case, which also kind of looks like pink flowing water, is much stronger than it looks. In fact, it's designed to withstand a 10-foot drop and absorb any shock when it gets banged around in your purse.

Colorblock Notebook

Whether they use it as a journal for self-care or as a place to keep track of their assignments, they'll love this chic color-blocked notebook, which can be customized with names, initials, or anything else to make it feel a bit more personal.

Long Signature Robe

"I got this for myself a few years ago because I basically live in a bathrobe and I have a weakness for anything monogrammed," Cherner notes. "The cuffed rolled sleeve is the best part because it doesn't get soaked when you wash your face." It also comes in two lengths and a few colors. Trust us; your grad will live in this bathrobe as well.

Makeup Towels, Set of 2

Another Weezie find we couldn't leave off the list is this set of makeup towels, which are basically extremely cute washcloths. Snag them with the signature eyelash embroidery, the word "makeup" or something personal.

Down Pillow

A down pillow may be a strange gift for a friend or distant relative to gift a high school graduate, but for anyone in the inner circle or immediate family, there is nothing an incoming college student will love more than a plush pillow filled with fluffy down clusters. Get it in a set of two or four, or just grab one.

The Best Coffees, Set of 4

If there is anyone in more need of strong coffee than a college freshman, we'd like to know. After all-nighters in the library and late nights at parties, coffee is basically a lifesaver for new students. This set includes four 1.8-ounce artisan coffees, four culinary-inspired chocolate bars, and tasting notes for pairings. Chocolate and coffee? Yes, please.

Ui Mug & Warmer Set

Skip the cheap mug decorated with a pun. Opt for this one that includes a charger that harnesses magnetic induction energy to heat up the metallic layering on the bottom of the mug. How's that for a morning cup of Joe? Can we even call it morning coffee if it stays hot all day?

Portable Compact Personal Fridge

Is there anything more college than a mini fridge? This one, which is shockingly affordable, is from a trusted name, which makes it a great find for college freshmen in need of somewhere safe to store their beverages and beauty products. It also comes in green, pink, and white.

Ice Roller for Face

Something they'll want to pop in their mini fridge aside from beverages is this extremely relaxing ice roller, which stimulates the lymphatic system, deflates puffiness, rids toxins, stimulates blood flow, and reduce muscle tension.

Acrylic Home Office Accessories

If they'd rather work from their dorm than the library, snag this acrylic desk organizing set. We'd recommend setting the bin on the floor and using it for textbook storage, and keeping the tray and mini lazy Susan on the desk for easy access.

Small Train Case

Whether or not they have a complex beauty routine, they'll need somewhere compact to keep their essentials, including face cleanser, toothpaste, and anything else they use on the regular. We're loving this pebbled leather top handle bag with four sizes, 12 colors, and a customizable option.

Wireless Mini Keyboard and Mouse Set

We're not sure if we love this keyboard because it makes hacking away at our inbox more enjoyable or because it looks like a giant piece of candy, but either way, it's on our list for a good reason. It also comes with a miniature mouse that's small enough to fit right in the palm of your hand.

Traybo

If the idea of sitting at an uncomfortable desk for hours on end working on essays just doesn't sound appealing, work from bed with this pillow-top tray. There's a slot for your iPad or tablet and plenty of space for the keyboard.

Pen Set

A classic pen may make for a good gift, but four pens make for a great gift. This affordable set from Anthropologie will definitely make late nights in the stacks a bit less boring. After all, that's what four punchy shades are good for!

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