31 Unique High School Graduation Gifts to Celebrate Their Huge Milestone

Do you have a high schooler who is about to graduate? Congratulations!

Now it's high time to reward them for all their achievements.

After all, the graduate's graduation is a bittersweet event as it marks the end of one sentimental life stage and the beginning of the next. And who doesn't want to feel cherished on their big day?

So, surprise them with presents they will never forget.

However, finding the right gift for a high school graduate can be intimidating.

Here's a list of practical and perfect gifts that everyone will love to have.

1. Ramen cooker

It's an open secret that college students live on ramen. And there can be no other convenient appliance than a ramen cooker for a high-school graduate about to move out to another city for higher studies. Be it for late-night study sessions or for a too-lazy-to-leave-the-room day, this will make it super easy to whip out a meal in minutes.

On top of that, a creative one can use it to make other things like soup and mac and cheese, except ramen. So, you can prefer to give these ramen cookers to your graduate so they can have their first shot of 'adulting' without overwhelming them.

2. Compact backpack

Give them a functional and stylish backpack. It is an essential tool for any student. No matter whether they are heading to class, going to the gym or packing for a hiking trip, a backpack adapts to every scenario.

Especially for college students who live in dorms or shared apartments, a compact backpack makes it easy to store as space is often a luxury for them. Make sure it is lightweight and designed to be tough, unlike bulky and traditional backpacks.

3. AirPods

AirPods are convenient as they are small, lightweight and wireless! There are no tangled cords left to deal with. No matter they are rushing to class, heading to the gym or running errands, using the AirPods they can easily catch up on their favourite music or podcasts.

No matter how much busy they are, they can simply pick up calls, skip songs or talk to Siri with just a single tap.

4. Smart steamer

It will be a game changer as it is all about making life easier and healthier. This compact and easy-to-use appliance can be used not just to cook veggies but to steam rice, dumplings, eggs, fish, chicken and even desserts like pudding. As it doesn't need any stove, and takes very minimal counter space, it is very perfect for any small spaces.

5. Luggage

A good luggage is a must-have for a graduate, whether they are heading off to college or planning a weekend gateway with friends. This will be an investment that will last for years while handling everything from cross-country flights to road trips. It will be a gift they'll keep using. Gifting a luggage is more like saying "Go out there and see the world!"

6. Smartwatch

A smart watch is not just a gadget but a personal assistant, fitness trainer and style accessory. From hitting the gym to going for a run, it is a perfect accessory to put on. As graduates go through under busy life, it is always a smartwatch that help them stay on top offering features like calendar reminders, to-do-lists, alarms, voice call and more.

7. Personalised photo book

A personalised photo book can be a creative way to capture memories. You can fill the book with pictures from their schools' years, childhood, family moments or their most recent adventures. If you want to add more effort, write captions, dates or even quotes so that when the receiver flips through the pages, they can relive their favourite moments.

8. Gratitude Journal

As graduates are embarking on a new chapter, a gratitude journal will be a perfect gift. It will allow them to focus on the positives while jotting down daily things they are thankful for. And over the time, it will become their source of inspiration that will encourage them to live with gratitude.

9. Laptop or tablet

For a college going student, a tablet or a laptop can be a life saver. It will be their constant companion. For easy portability and complex assignments, try to gift them a lightweight and powerful laptop. From doing online courses to working on projects to binge-watching their favourite shows, they can use this gift for any regular purpose.

10. Personalise keychain

This will be a small yet sentimental gift. Customise it with their initials or graduation year so that whenever they hold this key, it will remind them of their accomplishments.

11. Gift cards

Sometimes when you can't choose a particular gift, you can simply let them choose. It can be from their favourite restaurant, store or online platform. When you give them the freedom to choose anything they need or want, they will enjoy the most. For example, a gift card from a popular store like Amazon can be very versatile as one will ask for.

12. Concert or event ticket

If you know about the graduates' favourite artists, sports teams or theatre shows, buy a ticket to the shows to let them celebrate. If possible buy them an extra so they can take anyone from friends and family to enjoy the event. It will be a gift they will cherish forever. Imagine them singing along at a live Coldplay concert, it will a memory waiting to be made.

13. Polaroid camera

It always feels magical when you get the chance to capture a moment and hold it in your hand instantly. If your graduate is someone who loves capturing their lives in a creative and tangible way, a Polaroid camera will be a perfect gift.

Unlike the digital photos that often remain buried in phones, Polaroid pictures are perfect for pinning on dorm rooms to create a sense of nostalgia in the near future.

14. DIY scrapbook kit

A DIY scrapbook kit can be a heartfelt gift that graduates can use to create something very personal. They can either fill it with photos, handwritten notes, ticket stubs or any memories from their high school years and beyond. It is a great way to preserve memories, A graduate can keep it as a keepsake they will treasure forever.

15. Streaming service subscription

From Netflix to Spotify to HVO max, you can gift them a subscription to any of their favourite streaming service. You can even try on adding a list of must-watch shows to make it more personal.

16. Customised Jewellery

If you want to add a personal touch in your gift, you can give a piece of personalised jewellery. Think of a bracelet engraved with their initials or a necklace with their name or a personalised charm. Every time they wear it, they will remember you.

17. Portable mini projector

For those graduates who love watching movies or gaming, there can no other gift than a portable mini projector. It will allow the graduates to turn any place into a personal cinema, be it a dorm room wall or a backyard.

They can also host movie nights with friends during any hangout. This gadget will be easy to carry anywhere and add a wow factor in every gathering. 

18. LED light stripes

With LED light stripes, graduates can create a personalised, cosy and stylish space. Lining those in dorm room walls, desk or bedframe can set the mood for studying, gaming or relaxing. Despite being small, this is an impactful gift to make any space feel like home. LED light stripes with colour changing options works great to customise the ambiance.

19. Gaming console or accessories

If your graduate is a gaming enthusiast, a new console or cool accessories like controllers, headsets, or a gaming chair can be a dream gift. It will allow them to connect with friends, enjoy a favourite hobby and unwind after a busy day.

20. Customised phone case

A phone case can be both a practical and sentimental gift. It is not just functional but a great way to show off their personality. You can customise the phone case with any of their favourite quote or even a photo of a cherished memory.

Every time your graduate will use their phone, they will think of you and the thoughtfulness behind the gift.

21. Desk organiser set

A functional desk organiser can be a lifesaver to keep a workspace tidy and productive. It helps graduates to keep organised as it comes with compartments for pens, notebooks, gadgets and more. This gift will encourage them to focus while making the space look more effortlessly cool.

22. Motivational books

A good motivational book can be a wise gift for a graduate who is about to step into the real world. Pick some books that offer insights on personal growth, productivity and navigating early adulthood. It will be a timeless and thoughtful gift that will empower them to thrive.

23. Personalise water bottle

A water bottle is a must have for any student. So, gift it with their name, initials or favourite quote to make it more special and make it a perfect one for busy days, gym workouts or long study sessions.

24. Custom photo plaque

A custom photo plaque will be a meaningful gift to celebrate your graduate. It can be their graduation photo, a favourite group picture with friends or a snapshot of a special place. They can display it on a desk, shelf, or bedside table, adding a touch of sentiment to their space.

25. A new hoodie

Everyone loves a cosy hoodie. You can gift a customised hoodie featuring the college logo, favourite brand or even a custom design. They can wear this gift everywhere, be it during chilly study sessions, casual hangouts or lazy days at home. It will be a great combination of comfort and style. Who knows it could end up as their go-to wardrobe staple.

26. Power bank

In today's digital world, running out of battery is a nightmare. A power bank ensure that they are always connected, no matter they are on campus, travelling or stuck in back-to-back classes. Being compact and portable, it is a practical gift anyone will appreciate. So, when buying one, choose a high-capacity model to make it one of their favourite gadgets.

27. Portable coffee maker

If your graduate is a coffee lover, this gift will be a game-changer. Whether they are rushing to an early class or empowering through late-night study sessions, they can have their favourite brew anywhere they go. It is an ideal gift for dorm rooms, road trips or even their first office job.

28. Memory jar

A memory jar is a heartfelt gift to let them reflect on their journey. The idea will be very simple, just write down the memories, achievements or notes of gratitude on small pieces of paper and store them in the jar. Over the time, it will be a personal time capsule filled with positivity and nostalgia.

29. Graduation-themed pop-up card

This is a perfect example that proves sometimes it's the little things that stand out. With intricate designs and a fun 3D surprise when opened, a graduation-themed pop-up card can go beyond the standard congratulatory message. You can add a heartfelt note so that they can treasure it as a keepsake even after the celebrations are over.

30. Quirky alarm clock

If your graduate is someone who struggles to wake up for early classes or work shifts, a quirky alarm clock can be the right gift. Think about the clock that rolls off the nightstand, or you can choose those with amusing sounds. It will surely wake them up laughing. To add some humour, imagine gifting them an alarm clock in the shape of food or any animal.

31. Mini indoor plant

Choose a small and low-maintenance plant like a succulent or peace lily as a gift. It will brighten their space and add a touch of nature to their new environment. It will a symbol of both growth and resilience.

Final words

No matter what gift you choose, remember that what matters is not the price and size of the present, what matters is the thought and sentiment behind it.