best graduation giftsDoes finding the best graduation presents have you feeling like you’re the student who’s cramming to get through finals? Breathe easy, because these ideas will have you acing the grad gift-giving game faster than you can say, “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Whether your favorite graduate is exiting high school or claiming victory on a college degree — wrapping a grad gift for a son, daughter, friend or even parent should be as inspiring and exciting as the student-of-honor’s next big step. But what is a good graduation gift, exactly? And more importantly, as your grad strides across that stage with confident hopes and big ambitions — do your graduation gift ideas complement this momentous occasion with just as much poise and pizzazz?

If you’re willing to spoil your star student with gifts for high school or college grads that go beyond the norm, encourage larger-than-life dreams, and/or are perhaps just downright practical — then the answer is YES! From extra-useful essentials to epic ‘n’ unforgettable experiences, these grad gift ideas prove it.

top gift ideas for high school graduate

17 Graduation Presents That are Top of the Gift-Giving Class


1. A New Bike

This is a great gift idea for grads headed to the big city or a widespread campus! Make someone’s commute to class or work quick and reliable, with wheels that are easy to maintain. Not only that, but a present for graduates like this also offers a fun way for them to get in some regular exercise and enjoy some fresh air.

great graduation presents for college grad

 

2. Plane Ticket Home

This is a great high school graduation gift for a son or daughter who’s trekking across the country in pursuit of higher education dreams. A college student’s pockets often aren’t that deep, making this an ideal way for parents to celebrate a child’s new chapter. Whether the return home is for a special occasion or “just because” — both the giver and the receiver are sure to delight in this type of present for grads!

gift ideas for graduates

 

3. Race Car Driving Graduation Gift Ideas

Give a grad a jump on making big moves by granting this bucket list wish! He/She can let loose on a professional race track and put the pedal to the metal. Let ‘em squeal with absolute delight as fast cars and freedom leave daunting academic obligations in the dust! Choose from hot rides like stock and Indy cars, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Formula 2000 cars, and more at tracks across the U.S.

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4. Dive with Sharks

Graduation presents don’t get much gutsier than this! Extend the invitation to take the ultimate plunge into uncharted territory. Exploring below the water’s surface, surrounded by the ocean’s most fierce ‘n’ fascinating inhabitants, will make tests and interviews feel like a walk in the park. And will give your lucky recipient a great story to tell new roommates or coworkers!

cool gifts for grads

 

5. Cuff Links

Hold the eye-rolling! A set of cool cuff links is actually one of the best high school graduation gifts for a son that he could receive. This idea can hold a good deal of sentimental value commemorating a major life milestone. And as an added bonus, cuff links are a great male accessory for looking poised and polished in an interview down the road, to help him land that internship or new job!

graduation gifts for son

 

6. DaVinci’s Gold Scavenger Hunt

Put that diploma-worthy brain-power to work with friends or family! This uniquely customized experience gift for grads is the perfect way to embark on a fun, urban adventure in a favorite city. Celebrate an academic job well done by engaging in a clever, carefree excursion full of enticing clues and riddle-solving.

what is a good graduation gift

 

7. Cash ‘Cake’ Graduation Present

If there’s one thing that any high school or college grad is grateful for, it’s a nice wad of spending money. Add some presentation flair to the mix by rolling bills and arranging them side-by-side and in cake-like tiers. And voila! The ‘cake’ fits nicely into the festive scheme of a party, sporting none of the calories and all of the enthusiastically-welcomed cash flow for essentials or weekend fun.

best high school graduation presents

 

8. Gift Cards

This high school or college graduation gift can’t be underestimated. While some may label it cliché, it’s a guarantee your recipient will appreciate it! Graduation gift cards are great for helping folks get on their feet in new surroundings. Starting college of a new job can get pricey — especially if relocating. Gift cards relieve some of the financial stress that comes with settling in to a dorm or apartment, or even footing a bill for basics like gas or groceries.

great graduation gifts

 

9. Laptop

Movin’ on up in the world often requires keeping top tabs on tech advancements. Whether it’s someone’s first personal laptop or time to upgrade to the latest and greatest model, nothing will help them crank out top-notch papers or resumes quite like this graduation gift idea.

cool high school graduation gifts

 

10. Flying Lesson

It goes without saying that graduation is a time for encouraging students to spread their wings. Take this encouragement to a literal level by putting them right into the pilot’s seat of an airplane or helicopter! A little hands-on flight instruction will go a long way in conveying that the sky’s the limit when it comes to what’s ahead.

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11. Pots ‘n’ Pans

Hold back that yawn! Because graduation presents like this are exceptional for two reasons. One: a college graduate may easily adore a generous kitchen upgrade of this sort, especially if it involves a high-quality brand. And two: plenty of high school grads head to college with virtually no culinary tools. As a result, they spend ridiculous amounts of money on dining out, and their diets hit some dire straits (in other words, the ‘freshman 15’ isn’t a myth!).

gifts for grads

 

12. Gym Membership

Speaking of the slip of healthy lifestyles, here’s one of the best graduation gifts to help prevent that! At many traditional colleges, students have access to rec centers with plenty of fitness-oriented bells and whistles. So this gift idea is ideal for recent college grads who may be cutting back on certain lifestyle perks to make ends meet or pay off loans. This often means a gym is the first to go. So why not gift a membership to help someone keep stress low, spirits high, and holistic health at its very best!

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13. Coffee Maker

Nothing sparks productivity quite like a nice hot cup o’ caffeinated joe! Surprise them with a standard way to brew beans or go all out with a top-of-the-line espresso number. Rest assured that grad gift ideas like this will keep them well-fueled for impressive, long nights of studying; or for starting the day strong to tackle an internship or the real world grind. Their hearts are sure to forever race in gratitude!

college graduation gifts

 

14. Hot Air Balloon Ride

Let’s talk about magic. If you’re looking for graduation presents that exemplify a delightful mix of relaxation and adventure, then hot air balloon rides are the way to go for your grad! Send ‘em on an enchanted wander to reach new heights, inspiring their future ambitions to do the same.

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15. Luggage

This gift for high school grads says, “Out with the hamper-packing tactics, in with real luggage!” As a bonus for gift-giving parents, a solid suitcase makes it easy for kids to come home to visit, especially if they are scooting all the way across the country for school. A present like this also comes in handy for college grads who may face frequent work-related travel for meetings or interviews.

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16. Tool Kit

All hail, another valuable grad gift idea that screams ‘adulting,’ particularly for those exiting the cozy college bubble. Your graduate may not show immediate enthusiasm about this gift. But rest assured, the time will come when they’ll do a happy dance for having it! Once home or dorm life is over, it becomes exponentially important to be independently handy. Sure, some landlords are top-notch. But when they’re not, it’s often much easier to take matters into one’s own hands to fix the little things.

what to get a high school graduate

 

17. Weekend Getaway Graduation Presents

Celebrate someone’s grand academic accomplishments by giving them a mini-trip to kick back and unwind, body and mind. Think along the lines of hot spots that feature entertainment they’re keen on ranging from relaxation to recreation: spa treatments, amusement park fun, outdoor adventures, live music, vineyard hopping, and so forth.  Nothing will be more appealing than an escape like this — except for perhaps a cap, gown, diploma, or job offer!

best graduation gift ideas