Today is Day 8 high school graduation gift ideas for the updated 10 days series for planning a homeschool graduation. Also, look at more ideas on my how to homeschool high school page.
I love thinking up gift ideas for a high school graduate, but sometimes it is not so easy. I believe in ideas that fit a variety of budgets.
Too, sometimes it depends on your relationship to the graduate and his or her personality too.
My boys are more close to those that have been in our homeschool group that they see on a regular basis than even some of their cousins.
Whatever the budget, I know I was asked quite a bit what Mr. Senior 2013 wanted and it can be quite awkward to answer, but people really want to know.
High School Graduation Gift Ideas
Our close friends know that he likes things like classical music, techie things (don’t most kids) and loves books.
So I decided to make a list with both inexpensive, but thoughtful gifts and ones that cost a bit more if you are closer to the graduate.
1. Cold Hard Cash.
I think cash still tops the charts for grads of any age. We put a pretty decorated box on the gift table for those with a card and cash.
2. Amazon E- Gift Cards.
Whether I live by the grad or not, an Amazon e-gift card can be sent and personalized to suit your style.
It’s still acceptable to send one even to a close friend and I’ve not met a teen yet that does not love receiving one. No gift wrapping involved.
3. Jewelry.
Whether you want to buy a birthstone piece, a vintage item, or new modern piece most teens love a beautiful piece of jewelry.
For example beautiful pearl piece is timeless. And one of my sons got a bracelet similar to this bracelet which he loves.
4. Beats Wireless Buds
Beat air buds are timeless and have changed through the years.
But all my kids grad and post grad love them and it’s a perfect gift that is both practical and loved by teens.
Mr. Senior 2013 got the red set of these elite earbuds from his uncle. He had been swooning over them for a while. So it makes a great gift for either boy or girl because they come in a lot of colors.
5. Travel Bag/Luggage for all those exotic places (like college).
Travel Bag – For An On The Go Graduate My sister got Mr. Senior 2013 a beautiful leather back pack.
She knew we were moving to South America, plus he will be doing some traveling to New York to work on a volunteer building project.
Now, he has a beautiful leather bag to take with him.
I think this always makes the best practical gift whether the graduate is going to college or traveling, they will need something like this.
6. Unique Photo Album
This idea came from one of the ladies in my facebook group, but she said get a photo album.
And once a week put a $5, $10, $20 (whatever you can afford) into a slot along with a picture of your child and a little note with something you did together during the week.
You can start this whenever. By the time your child reaches graduation he’ll have a gift worth over $10,000 and years of memories. Instead of storing the actual cash in the album I realized it’d be a lot safer to put into some sort of account. Therefore you can stick the deposit slips in the bottom slot all while gaining interest.
7. Nintendo Switch
My kids still love their Nintendo Switch games and it’s a fun whimsical gift that teens still love.
8. Cast Iron Pans to last a lifetime.
Most of value life skills and if you’re teen is moving away or even staying in the house for a while, nothing beats a beautiful set of timeless cast iron pans.
My grandmother was a practical person and gave me my first set which I still have. I value it way more now than I did then but what a beautiful treasure keep.
More Homeschool High School Graduation Planning Resources
- Start the Planning Day 1.
- High School Senior Portraits Day 2
- Invitations Day 3
- Graduation Menu and Party Venue Day 4
- Home Graduation Ideas Day 5
- DIY Decorations Day 6
- Table Decoration Ideas Day 7
- High School Graduation Gift Day 8
- Free Editable High School Diploma Template Day 9
- Graduation Celebration Day 10
9. 100 THINGS TO DO AFTER I GRADUATE Journal
Next, this is a fun gift. A bucket full of adventures.
10. Q and A a Day: 5-Year Journal
Love this. Q and A a Day: 5-Year Journal I fell in love with this gift and have been eyeballing it for the next gift when something comes up. It is a 5 year journal.
But it is so cool because all 5 years are on the same page.
You can reflect back and see what has been going on the last 5 years. Isn’t that so cool?
Just enough lines to write without being too exhaustive to maintain. This would be good for the writer too or for your kids first few years away from you.
I think of course one of the best gifts are a few Andrew Jacksons.
Any kid would love a few extra 20 dollar bills.
But the best gifts have to be from grandma and grandpa.
You know I told you Mr. Senior 2013 didn’t want a graduation ring, so my parents just got him a regular, but beautiful gold ring.
One that he truly will use throughout his life and not take off later or put in the bottom of his drawer. I love that idea.
Did you get some ideas for when the time comes to buy a high school graduation gift? What do you normally buy?
Shahzad says
I love your post, Tina! It’s always difficult to come up with gift ideas for graduates, and your suggestions are both thoughtful and budget-friendly. I especially like the idea of the photo album with deposits that accumulate over time. Thanks for sharing your great ideas!
Tina Robertson says
For sure it’s hard I know. Love having you here Shahzad♥♥ and you’re so welcome for it.