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36 Best High School Graduation Gifts They Won’t Be Able to Live Without

Non-boring adult necessities here.

By Daisy Maldonado and Lauren Alexis Fisher
grad gifts teenpinterest icon
Khadija Horton

So your fave teenager is all grown up (cue the tears and all the pomp and circumstance!). Perhaps you’re among those who don't remember how major a milestone this is, but we’re here to remind you that it's huge—so it's time to help them really celebrate. You could send something small or practical, sure: No grad is gonna be mad at a card and some cash or maybe even a gift card (hello, college/life expenses!). But if you hate the idea of just mailing money, there's always the option to go for something more creative. And, let's be honest, coming up with perfect graduation gifts they'll be grateful for and use every day is kind of an art. So let's help you brainstorm some ideas.

First, don't overthink it. You could get them a practical present—like a life-changing book, a new backpack for college, or a work bag for a new job. Or you could treat ’em to a fancy perfume or luxe makeup set to make them feel the most ready for their new gig. When in doubt, treat them to a special something for making it through what miiiiiight be one of the most stressful times in their life. Ideally, these keepsakes will make up for all the sleepless nights of studying, right?? No matter what, it should be a unique way to commemorate your grad's big accomplishment. So scroll through for the top 36 high school graduation gift ideas that ~every~ teen would love.

SHOP EVEN MORE GIFT IDEAS HERE

1
This helpful laptop riser

SOUNDANCE Laptop Stand

On Sale
Laptop Stand
1
This helpful laptop riser

SOUNDANCE Laptop Stand

Now 20% Off
$30 at Amazon
Credit: Amazon

Their spine will thank them (and you) when they are working on a school essay for over 4+ hours. This handy laptop stand will help them sit up straight and prevent further back pain.

2
A modern carry-on suitcase

Away The Bigger Carry-On

The Bigger Carry-On
2
A modern carry-on suitcase

Away The Bigger Carry-On

Credit: Away Travel

A nice suitcase is always a great gift. And this neon green spinner comes with allll the must-have perks, such as a protective lock, built-in charging port, and tons of space for packing. Perf for a trip home...

3
This secure lock box

Master Lock Personal Safe

Personal Safe
3
This secure lock box

Master Lock Personal Safe

Credit: Amazon

If they’re dorming next year, this personal safe will keep all of their valuables protected when they’re not home.

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4
A coffee maker

Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker

On Sale
 K-Mini Coffee Maker
4
A coffee maker

Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker

Now 40% Off
Credit: Amazon

They’ll quickly learn that caffeine might be one of the only things that'll get them through their day, and now they can do it in style.

5
A portable waterproof speaker

Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2

Amazon’s Choice
WONDERBOOM 2
5
A portable waterproof speaker

Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2

Now 10% Off

This tiny speaker produces A LOT of bass, and its waterproof shell means your giftee can take it in the shower or to the beach without worrying about water damage.

6
A cute but functional backpack

Lululemon Crew Backpack 22L

Crew Backpack 22L
6
A cute but functional backpack

Lululemon Crew Backpack 22L

Credit: lululemon

That school backpack is probably so worn out from carrying all those heavy textbooks, so upgrade them with this durable water-repellent backpack that goes with everything.

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7
This bedside must-have

Hatch Restore Reading Light, Sound Machine & Sunrise Alarm Clock

Restore Reading Light, Sound Machine & Sunrise Alarm Clock
7
This bedside must-have

Hatch Restore Reading Light, Sound Machine & Sunrise Alarm Clock

Whether they have to make it to an 8 a.m. class or a 6 a.m. shift, this all-in-one reading light, sound machine, and sunrise alarm clock will make getting a good night's sleep and waking up on time a liiiittle easier.

8
A polaroid camera

Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera, Cobalt Blue

Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera, Cobalt Blue
8
A polaroid camera

Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera, Cobalt Blue

Make instant memories with a cute Polaroid camera they can take with them to the grad party, on a road trip, off to college, and beyond.

9
A leather crossbody

MARC JACOBS The Snapshot Crossbody Bag

On Sale
The Snapshot Crossbody Bag
9
A leather crossbody

MARC JACOBS The Snapshot Crossbody Bag

Now 26% Off
Credit: Courtesy Image

I mean, a bag that could double as a clutch? Yes, please! Your grad can also sling it over their shoulders with the detachable crossbody strap to go hands-free.

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10
This viral water bottle

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
10
This viral water bottle

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Credit: Amazon

It seems that every year a new water bottle goes viral on TikTok and this time around, the hottest buy is this one.

11
A pair of trendy sneakers

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lift High Top Platform Sneaker

Chuck Taylor All Star Lift High Top Platform Sneaker
11
A pair of trendy sneakers

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lift High Top Platform Sneaker

Credit: Courtesy Image

These platform sneakers will keep a grad looking cute all year long. And if they're heading to college come fall, these shoes will make running across a college campus a little easier (and chicer).

12
A pretty brass picture frame

Minted Brass Geometric Picture Frame

Brass Geometric Picture Frame
12
A pretty brass picture frame

Minted Brass Geometric Picture Frame

Credit: Minted

Give them somewhere fancy to frame nostalgic photos from high school. They’ll appreciate this simple gold design—and it pairs perfectly with the camera.

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13
These cozy slippers

olukai Pūpū Mua

Pūpū Mua
13
These cozy slippers

olukai Pūpū Mua

Credit: OluKai

Okay, so these might make them never want to wear actual shoes again buttttt we swear it’s worth it. Wrapped in genuine fuzzy shearling, who could blame them?!

14
A chic charm bracelet

Bon Bon Whims Tinker Bell Tennis Bracelet

Tinker Bell Tennis Bracelet
14
A chic charm bracelet

Bon Bon Whims Tinker Bell Tennis Bracelet

Customizable charm bracelets are a classic high school grad gift idea, but make it feel a little more modern and way more their style with this sparkly and fun version.

15
A stunning wallet

JW PEI Stella Wallet - Ice Croc

Stella Wallet - Ice Croc
15
A stunning wallet

JW PEI Stella Wallet - Ice Croc

It’s time for your grad to start being fiscally responsible (sort of), and a new wallet will help. This leather style has plenty of compartments and a zip-up pocket for peak organization—plus it's vegan and durable.

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16
This meaningful ring

Ikaika Studios 11:11

11:11
16
This meaningful ring

Ikaika Studios 11:11

Credit: Ikaika Studios

If 11:11 means a lot to them, this ring will warm their heart. It has a sweet bb angel on it, serving as a sign to help them reconnect with higher power.

17
Some greenery

The Sill Philodendron Green

Philodendron Green
17
Some greenery

The Sill Philodendron Green

Credit: The Sill

Help that high school grad update the faux greenery hanging on their walls with this houseplant. Also? They're incredibly easy to care for—pet-friendly, low-light and drought-friendly, yes pls—JIC your grad's the forgetful type.

18
A cute laptop cover

Chic Geeks Lavender Faux Crocodile MacBook Case

Lavender Faux Crocodile MacBook Case
18
A cute laptop cover

Chic Geeks Lavender Faux Crocodile MacBook Case

Make sure that school laptop doesn’t get any scratches with this chic protector. It's so cute, they'll want to carry it around everywhere.

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19
A luxe lipstick

PAT McGRATH LABS Lipstick Fleur Fatale

Lipstick Fleur Fatale
19
A luxe lipstick

PAT McGRATH LABS Lipstick Fleur Fatale

Credit: Sephora

What’s the easiest way to make ’em feel like you splurged? A fancy lipstick, of course. This one has the cutest bow design on it.

20
Fresh new bedding

West Elm Build Your Own Set Velvet & TENCEL Bedding

Build Your Own Set Velvet & TENCEL Bedding
20
Fresh new bedding

West Elm Build Your Own Set Velvet & TENCEL Bedding

Credit: Courtesy Image

Their future room is going to look freaking adorable with a picturesque comforter. This create-your-own duvet and sham set (hello, velvet) is a huuuuge upgrade that you can personalize to your grad's fave color scheme.

Headshot of Daisy Maldonado
Daisy Maldonado
Associate Shopping Editor

Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram. 

Headshot of Lauren Alexis Fisher
Senior Editor

Lauren Alexis Fisher is the Senior Editor at Cosmopolitan, overseeing digital content across fashion, lifestyle, beauty, sex, and culture. Previously, she was the Market Editor at Harper’s BAZAAR and has written for publications including WWD, Bustle, and W Magazine. When she’s not busy taste-testing her way through every dirty martini in New York, you can follow her on Instagram for bad jokes, good outfits, and annoying vacation pics. 

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