20 Best High School Graduation Gifts for Your Favorite Scholar

For a kid fresh out of high school, learning to cook even modest meals can be a daunting task. This handmade stoneware egg maker lets them microwave the perfect egg in the comfort of their dorm room in under a minute—and with minimal cleanup.

Concerned they’ll stop eating vegetables the second they’re out of sight? Pair it with this microwave veggie steamer to complete the set.

Whether they’re heading off for college, starting their first job, or preparing for another adventure, there are few gifts more practical (or well-received) than an iPad. And while other models can run you over a grand for more storage and special features, this slightly pared down version is uniquely budget-friendly.

It has a 10.2-inch display, 64GB of storage, an ultra-wide front camera, stereo speakers, touch ID, and more. Best of all, it’ll help them stay in touch as they head out into the world.

When you’re leaving home to launch your life, creature comforts mean that much more. This handcrafted pick-stitch cotton and linen quilt lends a grown-up feel to any space, and works with just about any décor.

For more great bedding upgrades, check out our picks for the best bed-in-a-box sets.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 brings back the fun and nostalgia of Polaroid cameras with a newer, more modern look. Your grad will love capturing and keeping memories in analog form—a real novelty in the hyperconnected world of social media.

This particular bundle comes with a range of accessories: three 60-sheet twin packs of film, a camera case, camera strap, and a 64-photo album.

There are lots of smart digital picture frames on the market these days, but the Aura Carver Luxe HD is a particular standout. The frame does a beautiful job of displaying all of your favorite photos, all while making it simple to send images remotely via the streamlined app.

Your grad is stepping out into the great unknown—so why not help them prepare for the adventure? The Osprey Kyte 46 Pack is expertly constructed to be at once roomy, lightweight, comfortable, and versatile—perfect for longer treks or weekend adventures.

With an internal frame, multiple zippered compartments, side compression straps, and an integrated rain cover, it’s sure to handle whatever they throw at it. Just beware as you buy that mot trekking backpack models are generally sold in two styles—one geared toward men and one geared toward women—so make sure your giftee's measurements line up with the one you're eyeing.

Throughout high school, parents often act as a backup alarm. Luckily for parents—and unluckily for teens—that all ends at graduation.

This smart alarm clock from Loftie wakes you up with the gentlest of sounds, and functions as a built-in white noise machine for more soothing sleep.

Don’t be fooled by its size—this little Bluetooth speaker from JBL packs a big punch, delivering their favorite tunes on the go. Simply clip it on, connect wirelessly to a phone or tablet, and enjoy crisp, rich sound quality.

It’s durably constructed and fully waterproof, meaning it should stand up to the elements and everyday wear and tear. Choose from 12 colors to find the perfect one for your grad!

After four years of high school, your grad has more than earned some serious R&R—and that’s why this essential oil diffuser is such a great gift.

It has a sleek design with a matte ceramic finish that’s right at home on any shelf, dresser, or nightstand. It’s also simple to use: Just fill with water, add your favorite essential oil drops, and select between a four- or eight-hour runtime with the touch of a button.

Air Force 1 sneakers are among the Nike's most popular shoes of all time—and they’re still going strong in 2022. They’re practical, comfortable, and look cool paired with just about every outfit.

Go with a classic all-white look, or for an extra $20, you can custom design your own color scheme. If you’ve got the budget for it, you can also wow the fashion-forward teen in your life by opting for an upgraded edition from the Air Force 1/Supreme collaboration.

Giving your grad a weighted blanket is like sending a hug when you can’t be there. This one from Casper is especially calming and cozy, made with breathable, 100 percent cotton on the outside and glass beads on the inside.

It’s available in 10-, 15-, or 20-pound weights, and it comes in a sweet and sophisticated—albeit somewhat limited—color palette. They’ll love cuddling up at the end of the day with this soothing home accessory.

The summer after graduation is a popular time to travel, making this cute sunglasses organizer an especially handy gift. It has five sturdy compartments to keep their favorite sunnies safe, and works just as well for other accessories.

Rolled up, this organizer fits conveniently in a suitcase or a large purse, or they can open it and hang it on display in their bedroom.

Who says practical gifts can't be fun, too? This adorable llama lamp adds a bit of whimsy to any room, and is sure to make them smile, whether they're using it at home or as a means of brightening up their college dorm.

It has a Victorian-inspired shade with playful tassels, and a gold-toned llama posing serenely at its gilded base.

With a mini projector like this adorable model from KHQ, your grad can take to the quad and share a movie night with friends under the stars. Aren’t those some of the best memories of our young years?

This LED mini projector is easy to use, has high picture quality, and is compatible with a range of smartphones, streaming devices, and video game consoles.

Frame your favorite memory together in this romantic, Victorian-inspired frame. The classic floral design has an ornate feel—perfect for the cottagecore lover in your life.

Choose from a range of sizes and shapes, including our favorite: the tri-fold frame set.

Your grad didn’t get where they are today without reading a thing or two. So why not grow their love of books without weighing down their backpack with this Kindle Paperwhite Signature e-reader?

It has a flush-front design and 300 ppi display that feels more like paper than a screen, even in broad daylight. The key difference? With your gift, they’ll be able to bring their whole library wherever they go.

If your grad is heading off to college, they’re going to need a new backpack big enough to hold their laptop and other daily necessities. This 15-inch pack from Fjallraven is both cute and utilitarian, with a unisex design that makes it universally wearable.

For more great bags for your favorite grad, check out our picks for the best laptop backpacks.

If you’re thinking of buying a smart watch for your favorite high school grad, you can't go wrong with an Apple Watch. While there are more advanced (and far pricier) editions of the Apple Watch on the market, the SE has all the must-have features.

With a focus on fitness tracking, this smart watch can also run thousands of other apps. You can text, make calls, select music, and more using this tiny device; it can even contact emergency services in case of an accident, giving you some added peace of mind.

For a sentimental spin on graduation gifting, look no further than this retro reel viewer. Put your favorite photos from their childhood into an online album, and the company will mail you a custom hardcopy reel to go with your retro viewer.

Kids will love having their old photos on hand, and the nostalgic nature of the gift makes a big impact on a small budget.

This top-rated mini fridge is compact, but roomy enough for all of their essentials. It runs quietly, keeps food cold, and fits comfortably under a dorm desk.

However, what really separates this fridge from the crowd and makes it so very giftable is its cute, vintage look. They’ll enjoy its convenience and be happy to show it off.