10 Must-Have High School Graduation Gift Ideas for 2024
Shopping for gifts can be difficult, especially when you still can’t believe your not-so-baby is growing up!
Don’t worry, we did the legwork so you wouldn’t have to – we asked on our socials which high school graduation gifts seniors really wanted.
So here are 10 of the best high school graduation gift ideas for your 2024 seniors!
1. Ugg Mini Boot
If your senior doesn’t have them yet, the Ugg Minis are a great place to start when it comes to graduation gift ideas. They’re comfortable and warm, lined with sheepskin, and wick away moisture so they’re great for wearing indoors or out. Born on the beaches of California, these boots are iconic – everyone knows someone with a pair.
Some might opt for the Ultra Mini Boots, so we consulted the comment sections of various social media accounts — and it's safe to say the Minis are not only adorable, they're also comfortable, practical, look a little less like indoor slippers, and overall, are here to stay. The perfect fit for a trip to class or on a long-haul flight to your new home away from home!
2. Drunk Elephant
This skincare brand is known for high-quality ingredients and their dedication to being a natural, clean brand, so you can feel great about giving it as a gift!
Drunk Elephant is one of the fastest-growing prestige skincare companies in history. According to Vogue, every 60 seconds, a bottle of Protini Polypeptide Cream is popped open around the world.
Not sure where to start? Drunk Elephant's best selling product list includes its Protini™ Polypeptide Cream, D-Bronzi™ Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops, or Day Dream Duo (a travel-size pairing of a brightening vitamin C day serum and an ultra-quenching hydration serum for a one-step morning skincare routine). Any of these items are sure to make your glowing graduate shines just a bit brighter this summer.
3. Lip oil
Studying, late nights with friends, long summer days before heading off to the next chapter — the demanding schedules of young adults calls for a little extra skincare TLC.
According to TikTok, it’s all about the lips these days. #lipcare has a wild 1.2 billion views and #lipoil is sitting pretty at over 325 million.
Remember the Y2K lip gloss craze? Well, yeah, it's back. Sort of.
Typically made from natural oils, lip oils blur the line between being both a moisturizer and a form of make-up – which means they're technically a cross between lip balms and lip glosses.
There are so many lip oils out there, but we have three recommendations for you:
ILIA Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil
Clarins Lip Comfort Hydrating Oil
And, of course, Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil
Your senior can throw it in her purse, for quick and easy access to that up-for-anything smile you love so much.
4. Sol de Janeiro Fragrances
Warning: may cause excessive compliments. Dubbed the "iconic scent of summer all year round" the Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist, specifically, carries delicious notes of pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla. Yes, please?!
5. Diamonds
They say that diamonds are a girl's best friend, and they also say that some things never change. In this case we can confirm both to be true, as a recent ask for current high school juniors and seniors to submit their wishlist included dainty, fine jewelry across the board.
We recommend shopping with Gorjana, a local-turned-global jewelry sensation that was founded right here in Laguna Beach, CA. You can read more about their journey into fine jewelry here.
Gift your senior the gift of meaningful sparkle that she can add to any outfit!
6. Travel/Trip to Europe
If you've been waiting for the right moment to pack your bags and take your family on a well-deserved trip, this is your chance! When asked, more than 75% of high school seniors prefer the gift of travel in place of a tangible graduation gift.
Whether it be a weekend-long staycation, road trip, or a trip to Paris — be sure to take a moment of pause and relish in the celebration of what has passed and what is to come.
Plus, making memories with your kiddo before they head off into the world is a no-brainer!
7. Macbook Air
Perfect for the soon-to-be-college-freshman in your home. The MacBook Air is a lightweight and portable laptop with a long battery life that can last up to 12 hours. It has everything they’d need with a Retina display, Touch ID for secure authentication, and runs on the M1 chip with up to 16GB of memory.
From a best-fit standpoint, this is likely the best option for students who simply need a reliable laptop for note-taking, web browsing, and light photo and video editing. For more demanding electronic hobbies, checkout Apple's Pro options.
If your senior already has a laptop, consider getting them the AirPods Max instead!
8. Weekender Bag
Back when I was a student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, I was partaking in weekend road trips to and from campus like it was my job. This chapter of life can be full of trips, spontaneous adventures, concerts, and of course, much needed trips home to see family. Why not treat your senior to the gift of chic, fits-everything luggage with a Beis Weekender bag?
9. Dorm Essentials
For the practical girly who loves to be clean, organized, & uber-prepared, surprise her with a basket full of these must-have dorm room essentials! You could even start with the shower caddy, and fill it with smaller items, like an ice roller, pencil case, and portable packs of hand sanitizer.
10. Hatch Restore — The Smart Sound Machine Alarm Clock
Think of this little gadget like your senior's future bedside sleep guide, ready to help her get her best rest from sunrise to sunset. It's designed to help her sleep the way nature intended, with a gentle sunrise alarm and soothing sleep sounds, all rolled into one beautiful dream machine. No more shocking alarm wake-ups, no more sleepless nights.
Trust me, I have one myself, and I could never, ever bring myself to wake up by iPhone alarm or fall asleep without the 2-hour rainfall setting again. Like, ever.
So while this is a bittersweet time, seeing your senior grow up and move on to the next chapter, it’s a time to be celebrated! And no matter which high school graduation gift you choose, always remember to leave a hand-written note. Share your favorite memory with the graduate, what you’re most excited to see them do next, and remind them where they can reach you if they need anything. Cheers to the graduates!
Need some more ideas? This list has a few honorable mentions you should check out, too!
Images from brand sites or socials.
