High School Graduation Gift

High School Graduation Gift Ideas

Useful Gifts

For graduates who will be continuing their education, college supplies make helpful gifts. Some ideas include:

• Writing utensils like pens, pencils, and highlighters
• Paper products like notebooks, folders, index cards, and notepads
• Reference books
• A desk lamp or fun decorative lighting like a glitter lamp
• A microwave
• A small refrigerator
• A fan if your climate makes a warm dorm room likely
• Basic cooking supplies
• Shower supplies like shower shoes and towels
• Laundry supplies
• Bedding
• Blankets, pillows, and throws for comfy lounging around the dorm room
• A computer chair, a beanbag chair, a TV/video game lounger, or some other seating suitable for a dorm room

You can even make the wrapping part of the gift. Present laundry supplies in a laundry basket, or put school supplies in a new backpack.

Cash is always a welcome graduation gift. Whether graduates are heading off to college or starting a job, they will be facing unexpected new expenses.

If you aren't sure exactly what to buy, but you don't like the idea of giving cash, gift certificates are a great option. Gift certificates can also encourage the recipient to splurge. While a gift of cash may be used on practical things like books, a gift certificate to a favorite teen clothing store or a local movie theater allows the student to have some fun. Gift cards from gas stations, fast food restaurants, and major retailers will get the most use. If you're giving a gift certificate with the idea that it will be used at college, make sure the store, restaurant, or movie theater chain is available near campus. Also consider giving a flexible gift card. For instance, get a gift certificate for the mall as a whole rather than one specific store in the mall.

Phone cards were once a standard high school graduation gift for students attending college in the fall. They provided the means for important phone calls home and to friends and significant others at distant schools. However, with the proliferation of cell phones and online communication, they can be less helpful. It may be best to ask the student's parents, or the student if you're not worried about ruining the surprise, if such a gift would be useful. If he or she uses a pay-as-you-go cell phone plan, prepaid cards for this service may be another option.

Symbolic Gifts

Some gifts are designed solely to commemorate the special occasion:

• Oh, The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss is a popular high school graduation gift. The book's message rings true for new graduates - there is untold potential in all of us as we set out on new adventures. Check your local bookstore for additional graduation-themed books with quotes and inspiring messages.
• A gift featuring the student's graduation year can be a great way to mark the occasion. From key chains to t-shirts to stuffed animals, you can find just about anything with the graduation year printed on it.
• Graduation-related figurines can be a great memento. Brands like Precious Moments offer characters dressed in the graduation cap and gown, and you may also find paperweights, book-ends, and small knickknacks featuring diplomas, caps, and tassels.
• If you know which college the student will be attending in the fall, a shirt, hat, or other item with the name of that school on it can be a good high school graduation gift.
• Browse stores near graduation time for additional ideas. Gift shops, card shops, and even discount retailers offer a variety of items with inspirational messages.

Gifts for Friends

When you're planning high school graduation gifts for your friends, sometimes the standard gifts just don't fit, and you need some more sentimental ideas. Instead of just another gift certificate, consider giving your lifelong friends:

• A photo album or scrapbook of your favorite times together
• Coupons for activities you can enjoy during your last summer together or IOUs for time together in the fall
• A mix CD of songs that remind you of your senior year
• A poem, song, painting, or other creative project made by you