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You're going to have tons of emotions when your son, daughter or grandchild graduates from high school. On one hand, having more time for yourself is wonderful, but you might experience a bit of empty-nest syndrome as the big day approaches. So after you plan an awesome graduation party, send your teen off with the perfect gift, too. Here, you'll find the top high school graduation gifts, whether they are college-bound, headed to nursing school, taking a gap year or starting their first job.

While cash and gift cards are always a good idea, our list has a mix of unique and thoughtful picks, including dorm room essentials to set them up for an enjoyable college experience. There are some great tech gifts here as well, because no matter where they're going, you'll need to stay connected. And if your teen is the type to want a fistful of cash, never fear, because we've included a literal "money cake" that'll make all their post-grad dreams come true.

Whatever you pick, we know your high school grad will love it. Now all that's left to do is decide what sweet message you're going to write in their graduation card!

Graduation Money Cake

Give them what they really want — this graduation cake, which has three tiers of rolled-up bills. The best part? It'll only take about 30 minutes to set up, so planning their graduation party will be a breeze.

Graduation Bookmark

This stainless steel bookmark is a great blend of practical and sentimental. It comes engraved with an inspiring message, and will be perfect for holding their place in all those textbooks they'll need to study during exams.

Compass Graduation Gift

They'll never lose their way with this special copper compass, which comes in a real leather pouch for safekeeping. A quote by Thoreau is engraved on the inside, making it the perfect gift for a budding English major.

Personalized Jewelry Box

Dorm life will come with new challenges, but she'll be able to keep her favorite pieces organized (and away from her pesky roommate) with this personalized jewelry box. It's made of faux leather and can be customized with her initial. Plus, it has slots for rings, hangers for necklaces and dividers for earrings.

Compact Mirror

With its beautiful rose gold finish and inspiring engraving, this compact mirror is two gifts rolled into one. It'll fit right in the palm of her hand so she can carry it with her wherever she goes.

Travel Backpack

Whether they're heading to campus for a full day of classes or traveling home for the weekend, they'll get tons of use out of this backpack. The Good Housekeeping Institute especially loves the amount of pockets to keep items in order as well as the compression straps, making it easy to pack as much as possible while meeting the personal item size limit of most U.S. airlines. And as if that's not enough, there's even a shoe compartment and a handy waterproof section.

RELATED: The Best Travel Backpacks of 2024

Graduation Makeup Bag

This sweet makeup bag is the gift she didn't know she needed. It's water-resistant and will hold all of her cosmetics, plus other essentials like her phone, wallet and keys when she travels.

Portable Charger

Honestly, they are going to use this way more than you think. The bonus is that it's so compact, they can throw it in their purse or bookbag.

Personalized Docking Station

He's got a lot more going on now, so help him stay organized with this docking station that has room for his phone, glasses, keys, wallet and watch. And that's not all. You can get it monogrammed, too!

Essential Oil Diffuser

This doesn't just diffuse essential oils. It mists to add moisture to their space and it changes seven different colors — just the thing to boost their room's visual appeal.

RELATED: 8 Best Essential Oil Diffusers to Fill Your Space With Spa-Like Scents

Custom Neon Sign

Even if they aren't leaving the nest, bedroom decor is a must-have at this age. You can go with their name, nickname or a fun saying when you customize this neon sign.

Apple AirTag

They can put this tag on literally any item (bike, bags, etc.), and they will never lose track of it. Once the AirTag is situated, it'll show up on their phone, so they know exactly where it is.

Phone Holder

Clip this holder onto anything to be hands-free while watching Netflix, taking an online class or FaceTiming with you.

Mattress Topper

Our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute named this the best value mattress topper, thanks to the soft feel and gel-infused memory foam. They'll definitely need this to make dorm life as comfortable as possible.

RELATED: The Best Mattress Toppers of 2024

Sheet Set

You know they aren't going to be sleeping like they used to, but at least you can help them try with this top-rated sheet set. Available in so many different colors, our Good Housekeeping Institute textile experts found them to be soft, smooth and shrink-resistant.

RELATED: The Best Sheets for Your Bed, According to Expert Testing

Gift Card

You can't go wrong with a gift card, especially one that comes in such a nice box. And you know they'll love whatever they get since they picked it out themselves.

The Naked Roommate

College will be a whole new world, so help them prepare early. This New York Times bestseller tackles every issue they might encounter while adjusting to dorm life, from dating to roommate drama.

Monogrammed Laundry Bag

Now there will be no confusion between roommates as to whose clothes are whose. You can choose from a cream or black laundry bag, and the monogram comes in more than 45 colors.

The Everyday Wireless Headphones

These wireless headphones will be great for blocking out dorm noise to help them study. Amazon reviewers describe them as super comfortable, and note that they're great for everyday use.

I Wrote A Book About You

With over 15,000 ratings on Amazon, this fill-in-the-blank book is a sweet gift for a high school grad. Use your creativity to fill in the prompts about their life. Reading it will be a great pick-me-up whenever they're feeling down.

Hatch Restore

They thought their smartphone alarm was good enough, but that was before they met Hatch. Not only will it gently wake them up with a sunrise alarm clock, but it also offers different light options (a soft glow for late-night studying, for example), soothing sounds and white noise.

Custom Graduation Cap Tassel

This custom graduation cap tassel is highly rated on Amazon, for good reason. It can be personalized with a photo of someone special who can't be with them on their big day.

Graduation Necklace

For convenience, this graduation necklace comes with a customizable card that'll reinforce just how proud you are of their accomplishments. Made of gold-plated stainless steel and under $40, it's a little bit of luxury she'll treasure for years to come.

You Got This Bracelet

This wearable reminder will encourage her on the days she needs it most. It'll even offer just the right amount of sparkle and shine against her watch, bangles and other bracelets.

Memories Photo Holder

Here's a fun way to show off their best graduation snaps! This holder comes with eight wooden clips to keep their photos secure, and reviewers say the farmhouse-inspired design is "well-made" and "good value for the money." It will be especially meaningful if their friend group is going in different directions.

Graduation Bracelet

Made of stainless steel with a rose gold finish, this bracelet features so many cute charms, including her initial. The buckle clasp closure is adjustable, too.

Pillow Slides

Because shower shoes are a must, whether they're living in a dorm or heading to the gym. This pair will protect their feet, and the thick sole and wide strap make it look cool enough to wear out and about.

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

While this temperature-control smart mug is a bit of a splurge, their hard work deserves to be rewarded with this gift. It'll keep their beverage at the right temperature, and our testers particularly loved that the 360-degree opening lets you drink from any side.

RELATED: 6 Best Heated Mugs, According to Expert Testing

Eileen French Press

French press coffee makers are perfect for late-night study sessions when the dining hall is closed. To caffeinate, just add some hot water and coffee grounds — no outlets necessary.

RELATED: The Best French Press Coffee Makers, According to Testing

The Five Minute Journal

With their new busy schedule, they might not have as much time to sit down and reflect. This journal only takes five minutes to fill out, and it will keep them looking on the bright side, no matter what challenges they face.

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