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The 25 Best High School Graduation Gifts of 2023

Teenagers are tricky to shop for, let alone keep up with, but we're here to give you a serious assist.

By Mark Stock
best high school graduation gifts
Courtesy of Retailer

SPRING IS in the air, which means so too is pollen, summer planning, and the conclusion of another school year. For many, that means graduation time. And graduates deserve to be celebrated, preferably with a thoughtful gift.

High school graduates are a special bunch. Many of these teens are about to embark on career-defining journeys, trying out life on their own away at college or taking on trade school. It's a bittersweet time, witnessing these former kids blossom into adults and prepare to take on the world.

Well, that seems like pretty good reason to celebrate. But don't just hand out mixtapes or inspirational posters to the high school grad in your life. Instead, give a graduation gift that they'll truly want and will put to good use in the dorm or wherever it is they're off to next.

We've put together a standout list of the best high school graduate gifts, from tech items to clothing they'll be excited to wear. We know, teenagers are tricky to shop for, let alone keep up with, but we're here to give you a serious assist. These 20 gifts are guaranteed to impress even the most discerning of grads.

Best Graduation Gifts for Her | Best Gifts for Men | Best Graduation Gifts for Him | Best Gifts for Dads | Best Gifts for Teen Boys | Best Food Gifts

An All-purpose hoodie

Lululemon x Madhappy Expeditionist Anorak

Lululemon x Madhappy Expeditionist Anorak
An All-purpose hoodie

Lululemon x Madhappy Expeditionist Anorak

$188 at Lululemon

This collaboration is an ideal gift for the style-forward graduate. It's a hybrid design, set up to take on whatever the weather throws your way, built for the mobile lifestyle and set up with a slim-fitting hood. Rain or shine, working out or just out walking, it's a fine top to throw on.

A pair of trending slides

Crocs Spray Camo Clog

Spray Camo Clog
A pair of trending slides

Crocs Spray Camo Clog

Kids these days love crocs, especially stylish ones. Yep, the shoes once reserved for kitchen workers are now the talk of campuses. Set your graduate off on the right foot with this spray paint-themed pair.

High-tech sunglasses

Ray-Ban Stories Wayfarer

Stories Wayfarer
High-tech sunglasses

Ray-Ban Stories Wayfarer

Everything is smarter these days, not just phones and watches. You'd never know it looking at these timeless wayfarer sunglasses but they are set up with all the modern bells and whistles, from a handsfree camera to open-ear speakers and voice control you can hook up with your phone.

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A post-graduation trip

Airbnb Gift Card

Gift Card
A post-graduation trip

Airbnb Gift Card

One of the best ways for a grad to celebrate their educational achievement is a road trip. And every road trip requires a good destination. You don't have to know exactly where you're going with this useful gift card, but you can count on having a great home or apartment to crash in when the destination is reached.

A drone for the budding filmmaker

DJI Ultralight and Foldable Drone Quadcopter

Ultralight and Foldable Drone Quadcopter
A drone for the budding filmmaker

DJI Ultralight and Foldable Drone Quadcopter

Here's the perfect gift for the grad off to art school. It's an aspiring filmmaker's best friend, set up for pro-level footage and a sleek design. If you didn't film it effortless from the air with a drone, it didn't happen.

A hoodie he'll never take off

Anti Social Social Club Buzzkill Hoodie Black

Buzzkill Hoodie Black
A hoodie he'll never take off

Anti Social Social Club Buzzkill Hoodie Black

Gift your grad some dry humor with this witty hoodie from Urban Outfitters. It's clever, comfy, and made for just about anything, from studying at the library to hanging out with friends.

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A grown man cologne

Versace Men's Eros Perfume

Men's Eros Perfume
A grown man cologne

Versace Men's Eros Perfume

He's a graduate now, meaning no more cheap cologne that lingers long after he left the room. Instead, a layered batch of men's perfume that will have him feeling fresh and eager to meet new friends. This one offers complex woody notes and comes in a Medusa-inspired bottle.

A cool golf shirt

Rhone Delta Pique Polo

Delta Pique Polo
A cool golf shirt

Rhone Delta Pique Polo

This polo will keep your grad classy and cool, even as the summer heats storms in. The fabric breathes like a charm and controls odor, all while offering a great feel and fit.

A great dorm room decor

Nanoleaf Shapes WiFi and Thread Wall Lights

Shapes WiFi and Thread Wall Lights
A great dorm room decor

Nanoleaf Shapes WiFi and Thread Wall Lights

Nanoleaf is behind some genuinely cool wall decor that can bring a ton of life to a dorm or different room. Better, the lights sync up to a cool app and can work in tandem with whatever music you're streaming, movie you're watching, or computer game you're playing.

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A top-rated electric razor

Braun Electric Razor for Men, Series 9 Pro

Electric Razor for Men, Series 9 Pro
A top-rated electric razor

Braun Electric Razor for Men, Series 9 Pro

Maybe its his first razor or maybe it's just an upgrade, either way the Series 9 Pro is an excellent choice for the fledgling grad. It's easy to use, offers a clean shave, and can stand up to the wear and tear its practically destined to withstand.

A useful gadget for studying

Amazon Kindle Scribe

Kindle Scribe
A useful gadget for studying

Amazon Kindle Scribe

It's never too early to start getting his college supplies in order. Enter this high-tech notepad, which lets him jot down notes, edit slideshows and PDFs with the stroke of a pen.

A quality TV

Hisense 50-inch ULED U6 Series Quantum Dot QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV

50-inch ULED U6 Series Quantum Dot QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV
A quality TV

Hisense 50-inch ULED U6 Series Quantum Dot QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV

For the grad who is setting up shop elsewhere this fall, a quality tv is where it's at. This 50-inch model brings a cinematic feel to the home front, with built-in Fire TV and a display that will blow their mind. It'll impress at all levels, from video game playing to show streaming and movie nights.

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The ultimate cushioned trainer

HOKA Clifton 9 Sneakers

Clifton 9 Sneakers
The ultimate cushioned trainer

HOKA Clifton 9 Sneakers

The best running shoes appeal to hardcore joggers and comfort fans alike. Here's a great example, ready to be laced up by the most athletic grads or just those wanting more cushion and support in their step. Light yet durable, these shoes are instant favorites (plus, there are tons of great color combos).

A pair of luxe slides

APL Men's Lusso Slide

Men's Lusso Slide
A pair of luxe slides

APL Men's Lusso Slide

The slide is a must for the on-the-move grad, easy to throw on throughout the day. We can't think of a better statement of luxe athletic leisure. And the pillowy nature of this pair will cradle your feet like a baby.

A slick pair of earbuds

Beats True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds

True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
A slick pair of earbuds

Beats True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds

Maybe you had headphones when you were a grad but it's 2023. Set the next generation up with what they'll use most with this slick pair of buds from Beats. They're noise-cancelling and hug the ear great, whether employed for a jog or crosstown commute.

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A classic pair of sneakers

Adidas Stan Smith

Stan Smith
A classic pair of sneakers

Adidas Stan Smith

Fashion moves lightning fast but some things stand the test of time. The Stan Smith is a great example, a sneaker that epitomizes the less is more philosophy. They add a touch of dressy-ness to casual, resulting in an overall sharp-as-a-blade look that accompanies all manner of outfits.

A computer chair that's made to last

Branch Ergonomic Chair

Ergonomic Chair
A computer chair that's made to last

Branch Ergonomic Chair

Now 10% Off

Much will change in the coming months for the eager grad in your life but they can get used to one thing: sitting. Yes, they'll be sitting often, be it in a dorm room, home office, or apartment. Fortunately, you can offer the gift of superior sitting with this ergonomic chair that will be kind to their back and keep them from inheriting your poor posture.

The ultimate gift for gamers

PlayStation PlayStation 5 Console

PlayStation 5 Console
The ultimate gift for gamers

PlayStation PlayStation 5 Console

College-bound grads will be hitting the books, but there's a lot of free time nestled in that schedule (not to mention a whole summer in between). Keep them highly entertained with the PlayStation 5, the best way to beat a scorching day or wind down after a study session.

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A reliable skincare set

Geologie Deluxe Skincare Routine

Deluxe Skincare Routine
A reliable skincare set

Geologie Deluxe Skincare Routine

A quality skincare routine is a gift they'll want to live with forever after. This set from Geologie can take on the dark circles and breakouts that tend to accompany the teenage and young adult lifestyle. A grad may up for nights on end studying but they don't need to look the part.

A carry-everywhere mug

yeti Rambler 20 oz Tumbler

Rambler 20 oz Tumbler
A carry-everywhere mug

yeti Rambler 20 oz Tumbler

For hydration or caffeination (or both), there's nothing better than the Rambler. It's durable, insulates well, and can pack easily into a backpack or messenger bag. Fill it with coffee in the morning, water in the afternoon, and your camping drink of choice come the weekend.

Lettermark
Mark Stock

Mark Stock is a food, drink, and outdoors writer from Portland, Oregon. He spent years making, selling, and sipping Pinot Noir in the Dundee Hills before a full return to his journalistic roots in 2016. In addition to Men's Health, he writes for SevenFifty Daily, Sip Northwest, The Somm Journal, The Drake, Willamette Week, Travel Oregon, and more.  

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