Graduation marks an important milestone in your high schooler’s life. He’s moving on to a new job. Or, she’s starting college far away. Maybe, both!
If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate your grad’s accomplishments, here are a few high school graduation gift ideas – big and small – that will make the occasion even more special.
Surface Book 3
What it is: A do-it-all laptop
Price: $1,599.99
Where you can find it: microsoftstore.com and computer outlets
Why it’s unique: The latest and most powerful Surface Book has the versatility of a laptop, tablet and portable studio. It’s good for studying, gaming and everything in between.
Graduation Throw
What it is: A 48″ x 60″ personalized blanket
Price: $59.99
Where you can find it: personalcreations.com
Why it’s unique: Send in your grad’s name and high school to Personal Creations. They’ll add it to a large blanket that features an oversized graduation hat and a message: Congratulations. Your grad can study for her college tests and read through homework assignments while snuggling under her blanket.
Quest 2L Hydration Pack
What it is: An innovative backpack
Price: $49.99
Where you can find it: dickssportinggoods.com and Dick’s Sporting Goods Stores
Why it’s unique: Backpack, meet water bottle. That’s the idea behind this hydration pack – there’s room for your new college freshman to stash his books and then a bag he can refill with water. As he’s rushing around campus, he won’t have to stop to drink. Instead, there’s a tube from the backpack he can use to take a quick sip.
E-Motion
What it is: A specialty writing pen
Price: $32
Where you can find it: fabercastell.com and select craft stores
Why it’s unique: An elegant writing pen signifies your grad is ready for bigger and better things. It’s a traditional gift with a modern design – and a smooth grip that will help your teen take all the notes he needs in statistics class, European history, marketing 101 and even English literature.
Nutri Ninja Auto-iQ Compact System
What it is: High-performance blender
Price: $149.99
Where you can find it: Amazon, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Walmart, Target and other major retailers
Why it’s unique: Even if your grad doesn’t have a kitchen, she’ll have enough space in her dorm room for this powerful blender that makes smoothies, salsas and even cookie dough. She can whip up a power green smoothie with grapes, pineapple, and spinach to keep her energized for a night of studying.
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Nixplay Frame
What it is: A digital photo frame
Price: $69.99
Where you can find it: Amazon and the Nixplay Shop
Why it’s unique: Here’s a fun way to reach out to your grad – send him pictures, but not through Facebook or Snapchat. With this Nixplay Seed Wi-Fi digital photo frame you can load pictures and they’ll pop up on the screen. That’s not all – the frame is motion activated so when he enters his dorm room the pictures will start playing. Frames come in several sizes and colors.
What it is: Wireless sports earbuds
Price: $79.99
Where you can find it: jabra.com and select retailers
Why’s unique: There’s no need for your grad to connect her earbuds into her smartphone with these wireless ones. The earbuds fit securely and are connected to an app so that she can record her workouts, pair them with a playlist, track her pace, and see her path, too.
This post was originally published in 2016 and is updated regularly.