I put together a few gift ideas for upcoming graduation celebrations you might have- both high school and college. Hopefully some of these ideas will work for the special person in your life. I will have my first high school grad in 2025 and I am already sick just thinking about it. Hugs to all the parents that are watching your kiddos graduate this year.
I think most new grads just want money or maybe gift cards so many of these are smaller gift ideas so you can give the person something to unwrap along with the cash etc…
Adjustable Desk. A small adjustable desk is SO handy for dorm rooms, small apartments, working from home. I bought one to pull up to my bed for late night computer work and my girls were constantly taking it. They use it to prop up a laptop to watch tv shows, to hold snacks and meals, a portable homework station…. I actually bought a second one for myself and the best part is that it is on wheels so I roll it in my closet with bills and calendars and everything on it and I don’t have to see clutter.
Gorjana Jewelry. If you have a teen that loves jewelry, Gorjana is nicer quality while still being affordable. I love this little heart bracelet for $58 but there are so many other pieces that are beautiful and would be fantastic gifts.
Clear Stadium Bag. For a teen off to college, a clear stadium bag is perfect for football games etc.. This bag is affordable and you might also tuck inside something practical like a bookstore gift card for school or for sports fans, tickets to a local sporting event, concert etc…
Vintage College Sweatshirts. Every teen probably has a school sweatshirt but I love the more unique, vintage looking school shirts/hoodies. These are from Nike but you can find really cool vintage collegiate clothing from Etsy here or check out Ebay here. I can see so many cool jerseys that are basically one of a kind. One of my daughter’s teammates signed at Stanford and there is a fantastic old t that says Beat Stanford that would be perfect for a Cal grad or a high schooler headed to Berkeley.
Hair Product Gift Set. Ok this is a really fun pampering idea for a student that could use a little indulgence. Instead of a manicure or massage why not gift a certificate for a Japanese Hair Spa. This is a trendy thing that looks so wonderful and relaxing. Get deep hydrating scalp treatments, neck and shoulder massage, deep steam etc… this is something I really want to do with my girls and I think gifting it with a lovely hair gift set or product would be an amazing gift. My younger daughter is obsessed with her hair and I think she would absolutely love something like this. (Check you tube or tik tok for Korean Hair Spas or Japanese Hair Spas to see what the experience is like).
Budget Planner. Boring and practical but some sort of budget or financial planner would be a great idea for a kid that is out on their own for the first time. There are a bunch of options and you might consider tucking cash in or gift cards for practical expenses like grocery stores, Amazon etc…
Digital Camera. A real camera would be a great gift for a grad that plans to do some travellng, study abroad etc.. These cameras used to be total trash when I was a teenager but small, inexpensive digital cameras these days give you amazing photographs and videos.
Smartphone Projector. This would be a really fun idea for a dorm room in particular. Project movies , sporting events and shows onto a dorm room wall right from your smart phone. Perfect as most teens aren’t taking large tvs to college with them. If you’d like to add a bit more to this gift, a gift card to cover a year of Netflix, Prime or something like ESPN+ would be a great gift idea.
Birdie Personal Alarm. This is a must for anyone that is navigating the world on their own. A personal alarm that can attach to a key chain or backpack. When activated this thing has a siren, strobe light etc… to attract attention and hopefully scare off any unwanted attention. Fantastic gift idea for runners, travelers… really everyone. Consider paying for a parking pass along with this alarm or a gym membership etc…
Hatch Alarm Clock. This is a nice gift for college grads in particular as it feels a bit more adult-y to me. It is a sound machine, has a dimmable clock, sunrise alarm that can be customized and includes an app so you can easily customize settings from your phone.
Noise Cancelling Headphones. These are a must for a new college student. My daughter travels with her teammates to showcases etc.. and all 15 girls wind up staying in AirBnBs together. I figure it is very close to what the college experience will be like for her and trying to study, concentrate or even zone out for naps or to watch tv is very difficult in a busy environment. Really good quality noise cancelling headphones will be a staple for a student.
Room Sprays. Some dorm rooms don’t allow candles and they can obviously smell delightful from all the students coming and going. A really quality room spray is a great gift- this is a great gift idea for boys or girls. If you have a boy off to college- the room sprays and plug ins from Bath and Body Works can be a great gift.
College or Degree Specific Candle. These are so fun and inexpensive if you really aren’t sure what to get someone. School specific candles, city candles, degree candles or I love this one that says “One Degree Hotter” that is perfect for someone transitioning from a community college to a four year or entering a Master’s program etc.. With this I might include a gift card for car washes, food delivery or laundry services etc… anything to make life a little easier for that busy person.
Hopefully one of these ideas work for your new grad!
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