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

Non-boring adult necessities here.

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Cosmopolitan/Khadija Horton

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So your fave teenager is all grown up (cue the tears!). 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 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 practical 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. 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.

SHOP EVEN MORE GIFT IDEAS HERE

1
this viral camera

CAMKORY Digital Camera

Digital Camera
1
this viral camera

CAMKORY Digital Camera

$50 at Amazon

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.

2
this skincare necessity

Easy-Take Skincare Fridge

Skincare Fridge
2
this skincare necessity

Easy-Take Skincare Fridge

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).

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
this lounging essential

Mookundy Sofa Buddy

Sofa Buddy
4
this lounging essential

Mookundy Sofa Buddy

If the couch or their bed is their fave place, then they need this lil cushion that holds all the snacks, remotes, and bevs they could possibly need.

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

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 gratitude journal

The Five Minute Journal

On Sale
The Five Minute Journal
7
this gratitude journal

The Five Minute Journal

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.

8
this chic necklace

Monica Vinader Birthstone Necklace

Birthstone Necklace
8
this chic necklace

Monica Vinader Birthstone Necklace

You can’t go wrong with this dainty necklace with their birthstone inside. It also makes the perf layering piece and comes in both gold and silver colorways—obsessed is an understatement!

9
A coffee maker

Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker

On Sale
 K-Mini Coffee Maker
9
A coffee maker

Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker

Now 15% 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.

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10
This bedside must-have

Hatch Restore Reading Light, Sound Machine & Sunrise Alarm Clock

Restore Reading Light, Sound Machine & Sunrise Alarm Clock
10
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.

11
A modern carry-on suitcase

Away The Bigger Carry-On

The Bigger Carry-On
11
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...

12
this microa

Ecolution Microwave Popper

Microwave Popper
12
this microa

Ecolution Microwave Popper

Snacking just got sooo much easier thanks to this lil popcorn device. It comes in a bunch of cute colors and will be perf for late-night snacks in the dorm.

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13
this blowout tool

T3 AireBrush Hot Air Blow Dry Brush

AireBrush Hot Air Blow Dry Brush
13
this blowout tool

T3 AireBrush Hot Air Blow Dry Brush

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.

14
This helpful laptop riser

SOUNDANCE Laptop Stand

Laptop Stand
14
This helpful laptop riser

SOUNDANCE Laptop Stand

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.

15
A pair of pink wireless headphones

Zihnic Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones

Amazon’s Choice
Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones
15
A pair of pink wireless headphones

Zihnic Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones

Now 27% Off

Wireless headphones are truly a lifesaver, whether they're writing papers late in the night or just wanting to tune out the world for a sec.

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16
these chunky hoops

Artizan Joyeria Bagel Hoop

Artizan Joyeria Bagel Hoop
16
these chunky hoops

Artizan Joyeria Bagel Hoop

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!

17
this phone lanyard

Pearl Phone Charm - Classic Pearl

Pearl Phone Charm - Classic Pearl
17
this phone lanyard

Pearl Phone Charm - Classic Pearl

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

18
this staple purse

JW PEI Women's Joy Shoulder Bag

JW PEI Women's Joy Shoulder Bag
18
this staple purse

JW PEI Women's Joy Shoulder Bag

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

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19
this internet-loved light

Newmowa LED High Power Rechargeable Light

Newmowa LED High Power Rechargeable Light
19
this internet-loved light

Newmowa LED High Power Rechargeable Light

Don’t underestimate the power of professional lighting! This clip-on light is ideal for Zoom meetings, selfies, and any other camera content. This will come in v handy, trust.

20
these sporty shoes

Adidas Gazelle Bold Platform Sneaker

Adidas Gazelle Bold Platform Sneaker
20
these sporty shoes

Adidas Gazelle Bold Platform Sneaker

They will be thanking you each time they throw on these everyday sneakers. Their outfits just got a major upgrade with these trendy and celeb-loved kicks.

Headshot of Jasmine Hyman
Jasmine Hyman
Assistant Shopping Editor

Jasmine Hyman is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan where she covers all the best things you can add to your cart. She loves writing about everything from fashion to politics, and you can definitely find her listening to Harry Styles' entire discography on loop while doing so. She’s also probably in bed either reading or endlessly scrolling through TikTok (most likely the latter). Feel free to follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.

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. 

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