Gifts That High School Grads Will Actually Want

High school graduation is always an exciting time for students (and their parents), but for the Class of 2021, circumstances are a lot different due to the coronavirus pandemic. While some graduates might not get to stride across the stage or host a graduation party, proud parents and family members can still help them celebrate a bright future with one of these gifts, many of which don't come with a high price tag. 

Prices and availability are subject to change.

Related: Unique Gifts for College Grads

For a Brush With Fame

Price varies from Cameo

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Give a graduation gift they will never forget: a personal video message from their favorite actor, athlete, musician, reality TV personality, or other celeb — which can then be shared on their social media platform of choice. There are literally thousands of famous (and not-so-famous) people to choose from on Cameo, and prices vary accordingly. A custom video from Ezekiel Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys will cost $450, while one from TikTok sensation Jon Dretto will set you back just $20. 

Related: Gifts for Teenage Boys Who Are Tough to Impress

For Staying Cozy
$89 and up from Amazon
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A soft robe is a dorm-living must — perfect for cozy mornings, comfy evenings, and for getting to and from the showers. Even non-college-bound grads will appreciate this luxe microfiber robe that's warm, lightweight, and machine-washable.

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For Dorm Room Decor

$20 from Amazon
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This illuminated mini marquee is perfect for advertising their current mood, celebrating a special day, or issuing a reminder to their roommates.

Related: Gifts for Teen Girls (That They'll Actually Like)

For Asking Why

$12 from Amazon
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They're never too old for the hypothetical questions in this clever and amusing book from the webcomic creators of "xkcd." The queries include those ranging "from merely odd to downright diabolical." 

Related: Thoughtful Gifts for Sisters

For Feeling Good About Themselves
$15/month
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With this monthly subscription box, you can surprise your grad each month with a selection of sample skin and hair care products and cosmetics. There is also a $10 Birchbox Grooming subscription option for young men.

For a Good Night's Sleep
$15 and up from Amazon
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These 100% polyester sheets come in tons of colors and patterns to work with any dorm room or apartment decor and are inexpensive enough that you can pick up at least a couple of sets. They're also highly rated by buyers, who say they're soft, comfortable, and durable.

For Tunes On-the-Go
$80 from Amazon
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This best-selling portable speaker is waterproof and supports up to 12 hours of playtime, and the design provides 360-degree sound. It can be used in a dorm or apartment, taken out onto the quad, or hauled to the pool and parties for around-the-clock tuneage.

For Weekends Away
$26 and up from Amazon
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A bag like this is perfect for both quick trips home and fun weekend getaways with friends. It's durable and made with waterproof, tear-resistant polyester fabric and has side pockets that can be used for shoes or dirty laundry. Available in three sizes and multiple colors.

For Instant Smiles
$170 from Amazon
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They might not admit it, but they'll miss you, and of course you'll miss them. These paired lamps are designed to communicate with one another, alighting in a pre-selected color when touched to let your grad know you're thinking of them.

Related: 29 Smart Home Products That Are Worth the Money

For Happy Feet
$29 and up from Amazon
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These unisex foam shower slides come in six different colors and are a comfortable way to get to and from the showers. They can be worn outside on summer break.

For Staying Alert
Price: $32 and up from Amazon
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This double-walled French press doesn't just make a great cup of coffee that stays warm longer — the stainless steel design means it's also unbreakable. And with no filters or K-Cups required, it'll be appreciated by eco-conscious young adults.

Related: Perk 'Em Up with These Great Gifts for Coffee Lovers

For Entertainment's Sake
$9 and up
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Chances are good that high school grads have been using the family Netflix account at home. As they prepare to go off into the world, give them their own streaming account that they can use to watch shows and movies on a laptop, phone, tablet, and more.

For Safe-Keeping
$13 from Amazon
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Dorms and apartments can be busy places, with people roaming in and out. Encourage your graduate to keep valuables safe with this covert "dictionary" safe. It comes in options that lock it via a key or combination.

For Staying on Track
$400 and up from Amazon
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Sure, it'll help them be on time to class or work, but this decidedly 21st-century timekeeper also lets them listen to tunes, connect with friends and family, track their fitness levels, and more.

For Unlimited Genres
$10/month
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Give a grad the gift of endless musical selection with a premium Spotify subscription. The plan lets them download music and play just about any song they can think of, even offline, with no ad interruptions. If they're not moving out just yet, for just $5 more, you can even buy a subscription that allows up to six accounts for family members living under the same roof.

Related: 50 Student Discounts They Won't Want to Miss

For Reliable Technology
$870 and up from Amazon
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That beat-up Chromebook they've been lugging around for years might still work, but post-high school life is probably going to demand more of their computing capabilities. This Surface Pro has a quick eighth-generation Intel Core processor, 8 GB of RAM, and a 128 GB hard drive. It also features a touch screen and can be converted into a tablet by removing the keyboard.

For Looking Sharp
$13 and up from Amazon
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Whether they're hauling dirty laundry home or to the laundromat, this backpack-style bag lets them carry up to three loads. Plus, it has a mesh pocket for storing detergent and an inner, zip pocket for storing wallets, phones, and other small items. It comes in three colors.

For Less Clutter
$15 from Amazon
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This hanging toiletry organizer has five pockets to store cosmetics, skincare products, and other self-care accessories to reduce clutter and the chance of misplacing items. Its nylon exterior is water-resistant, and it comes in a number of cute color combos and patterns.

For Good Advice
$13 from Amazon
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Learning to become a self-sustaining adult can be tough, and any tool that helps do it in a fun, entertaining way is perfect for high school grads. This hardcover book contains 101 charts and answers that help provide solutions to questions ranging from "Do I need to cancel my credit cards?" to "Can I keep it alive?" and "Am I going to regret this?"

For Powering Up
$23 and up from Amazon
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The busy life of a young adult pretty much demands having a portable charger on hand. This small, lightweight bestseller comes in four colors and can charge Apple and Android products more than once. It comes with a micro-USB cable, travel pouch, and 18-month warranty.

For Quick Commutes
$430 from Amazon
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Sure, lots of college students still ride bikes to and from class, but the lightweight, foldable Glion will get them there just as quickly and with a bit less effort — not to mention take up less space. Features include a built-in headlight and pedestrian bell for safety, and an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame and never-flat tires for durability.

For Keeping School Supplies
$32 and up from Amazon
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Buyers love this pack for its many compartments that allow for easy organization, durability, and compact size (despite the amount of stuff you can cram into it). As a bonus, it's a great backpack for travel, too, and it comes in a few colors.

For a Gift That Keeps on Giving
$59/year from Amazon
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A Prime membership will score your high school grad lots of perks as they enter into early adulthood, including free and fast shipping, access to deals, Prime video, and free games and tunes with Twitch Prime and Amazon Music.

For Music and Podcasts
$200 from Amazon
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If there was ever a time to splurge on wireless earbuds, that time is now. Show your graduate how much you appreciate his or her hard work and dedication with a set of these. Features include noise-cancellation, transparency mode, three sizes of silicone tips for a comfortable fit, and they're sweat- and water-resistant for use at the gym or pool.

Related: Cool and Creative Gift Ideas for Music Lovers

For Tidying Up
$140 from Amazon
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Great for dorm rooms and small apartments, this lightweight cordless vacuum can also be used to clean car upholstery with its detachable handheld attachment. Its components are even washable, and the brush head is completely flexible.

For Game Night

$30 from Amazon
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Though the game makers note that "humorless" parents can remove any card they find objectionable, most of the more than 7,000 reviewers appear nonplussed at the content, noting that Kids Against Maturity offers "real-deal laughs" and is "suitable for all ages." 

Related: Entertaining Gifts for People Who Love Board Games