37 High School Graduation Gifts Your Teen Will Actually Use All the Time (2024)

So your fave teenager is all grown up (cue the tears!). Walking across the stage in a cap and gown is a major accomplishment that def deserves to be celebrated…perhaps in the form of a special gift?! You could get something practical, sure. No grad is gonna be mad at some cash or maybe even a gift card (hello, college/life expenses!). But if you wanna get creative and find them something they’ll actually love (and actually use), we’re here to brainstorm some ideas.

You could get them a useful present—like a new backpack for college, or a work bag for a new job. Or you could treat ’em to a fancy perfume or piece of jewelry to make them feel super special for making it through what might’ve been the most stressful years of their life thus far. Ideally, these keepsakes will make up for all the sleepless nights of studying, right?! No matter what, the gift should be a way to commemorate your grad's big accomplishment.

Scroll for the best high school graduation gift ideas that every teenager / young adult / soon-to-be college student would love.

Chances are they’re obsessed with lululemon, and this fanny pack will store their wallet, phone, keys, and whatever else they might need while on the go. Not to mention, the mainstay accessory is super stylish and comes in a bunch of fun colors. Their hot girl walks just got so much cuter.

Yep, a smart device without a screen! This ring keeps track of all our important activities like steps, exercise, sleep, heart rate, and soooo much more. Not convinced? Check out assistant shopping editor Hannah Oh’s love letter to the accessory that changed her daily life!

These cosmetic bags take the coquette aesthetic to the next level. They can use one as a pencil case, one for all their chargers, and one for their toiletries/makeup/skincare. The possibilities with these fab bags are truly endless (and practical!).

This candle warmer is the perf way to smell their fave candle without any open flames. Super dorm-safe and super cute!

Make sure their phone is on them at all times with this beaded phone charm. It’s equal parts stylish and useful.

An everyday bag = an adulthood must-have. Not only is this top-rated bag on Amazon super chic, but it’s also under $100!

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.

What better way to cherish all their memories than with physical photos?! This mini device connects via Bluetooth to any phone and prints images in minutes. Plus, you can customize pics with collages, graphics, and more. I wish I had this lil printer back in college!

These have probably been on their wishlist for quite some time now… and what better time to spoil them than graduation?! These noise-cancelling headphones will be perf for commutes, studying, the gym, and whatever else adulthood might throw their way.

You can’t go wrong with a self-care gift (especially if they’re headed into the throes of adulthood), and this lightweight device boasts the capabilities of spa-like treatments. They can get red light therapy, facial massages, and more, all at their fingertips! Dorm room spa nights? Say no more.

A pajama set is an unfailing gift. Who wouldn’t wanna be super cozy all night long?! With more than 8,000 five-star reviews about its soft and breezy fabrication, this ensemble will def keep your graduate super comfy all night long—no night sweats here!

Is it a phone case? Is it a wallet? Is it a crossbody? Well, it’s actually all three! This will keep their phone and credit cards secure and on them at all times during long shifts, game days, or whatever else post-high school life may bring.

They'll be carrying their laptop, books, and all the other college necessities in style with this durable and stylish backpack right here.

What better way to document all of their upcoming memories than with this digital camera?! And yes, the pics really do look better than our phone’s camera.

If they’re allll about their skincare regimen (as they should be), then this mini refrigerator is *the* ultimate self-care gift. And it’s v multifunctional with its built-in LED mirror—we love a space-saving gadget! (Because let’s face it, their vanity is cluttered).

Who knew that taking just a few moments out of your day to reflect could actually change your entire mood?! Not us! Until we tried this life-changing journal. Let them set some goals and decompress with the daily prompts.

Give them the gift of salon-level blowouts in the comfort of their own dorm. This blow dryer is not only super easy to use but provides the hair with tons of volume in minutes.

Because everyone needs a leather jacket to complete any outfit.

Um, we wish we had these everyday hoops when we were 18. Your grad will def be thanking you every time they put these trendy earrings on!

Gen Z is obsessed with just about anything with a bow on it. Make sure their phone is protected in style with this coquette phone case.