Graduation Gifts High School and College Grads Will Actually Love

Don’t you just love graduation season? School is out and the air is full of promise. And all those late-night cramming sessions and monotone lectures (and for parents of college kids, massive outlays of cash) have finally amounted to something. A shiny degree! That can hang on the wall! It is an achievement worth celebrating, and the best way is with a gift, preferably something that they will actually use. Sorry, Aunt Betty, but an engraved acrylic plaque just won’t cut it…

We’ve pulled together a selection of can’t-miss gifts for grads that we know will be cherished from day one. So, congrats, grads, and onward!

Amazon cash to spend as one sees fit will always be well-received. This gift card comes nested inside an adorable grad cap box.

This delicate gold-plated layered necklace comes personalized with the wearer’s initial — a nice keepsake that is sure to get lots of use.

Not your average fitbit, the Versa can store 300 songs, has a plethora of exercise modes and can be integrated with a smartphone, letting you know when you have texts, calls and appointments while also giving you access to apps. It also comes in black. 

Full of down-to-earth advice and wisdom for handling life’s challenges, both big and small, this book is an ideal gift for nest-leavers.

It is a big world, and when you’re heading out into it you’re going to need a good carry-on — the can’t-go-wrong gift for adventuresome grads.

Rugged, spill-proof (yeah, that’s key) and versatile, this Chromebook is perfect for students in and out of the classroom and also comes in handy for resume senders. Also included: 100 GB of free storage on Google Drive.

Even though she’s graduating, she’s still your baby. And who really ever grows out of an uber plush robe adorned with rainbows and smiley-face clouds?

The only way to have privacy or get some studying done when you’ve got a boatload of roommates is with some noise-canceling headphones. This set comes with a microphone, so they can still take your calls!

A nice way to personalize a cash gift is to include some festive candy. This box includes Bubbly Bears, Champagne Bears and Chocolate Confetti. Yum.

No kitchen, no problem. This multi-tool is the dorm- and tiny apartment-dweller’s indispensible item.

Present your grad with a keepsake jar of full of hand-written well wishes for them and hear everyone say “awwww.” Now quickly pass the tissue box to mom.

This handy little electric kettle heats up water faster than you can say “ramen noodles.”

This motivating and cheerful day planner is just what a busy grad needs.

Signify graduation day with a personalized signet ring. And you can customize plating and engraving to your exact specs.

This light box is the ideal dorm décor and will help keep your grad on message.

Something they really want, a turntable because even when you’re adulting you still need to kick back and have some fun.