Friends & Family

Say ‘Congrats’ with These Graduation Gifts for the Class of 2024

written by BRETT NICOLE HAYDEN

The Everymom’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

Graphics by: Caitlin Schneider
Graphics by: Caitlin Schneider

Graduations are major milestones. They mark the achievement of one part of life and the transition to the next. For that reason, they deserve to be celebrated. When they come around, maybe your plans include a family dinner at the graduate’s favorite restaurant. Or maybe you go big and plan a party with friends and family. No matter what your plans may be, celebrating the accomplishment can always be accompanied by the perfect gift. The graduates may have some ideas of their own, but to prevent the all too common “I don’t know” response, having some of the best graduation gifts up our sleeves can’t hurt.

Fifth and eighth-grade graduations from elementary and middle school are certainly cause for celebration and a little something to reward a job well done. High school and college graduations, however, may lend themselves to a bit more fanfare and with that, potentially higher ticket gifts. High school graduates may benefit from some dorm room essentials if they’re heading off to college. The college graduates in our lives are ready to conquer the world and the workforce, and there are plenty of gifts we can give to assist in their journeys.

No matter what age your graduate is—from tween to young adult—there’s a way to say “Congratulations!” on their big day. Scroll on to find the best graduation gifts below.

Graduation Gifts for Middle Schoolers

Celebrate the young academic achiever in your life at their fifth or eighth-grade graduation with a little token of congratulations. Treat them to something they’ve been asking for over and over or something that will benefit their next year in school.

Target | Owala
Stainless Steel Water Bottle

A quality water bottle is a must have, and this is the one everyone’s talking about currently! Plus, there are eight adorable color combinations to choose from.

Shop now
calpak
Insulated Lunch Bag

Pair a coveted water bottle with a chic lunch bag—available in more than 15 colors and patterns—and they’re sure to have the best lunchtime experience come next school year!

Shop now
Birkenstock
Arizona Sandals

Want to gift a pair of shoes they’ll wear all summer long and beyond? Look no further than these classic Birkenstocks.

Shop now
Walmart | Sony
Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

Upgrade their old headphones with a pair of trendy wireless bluetooth headphones that won’t break the bank.

Shop now
Walmart | Spalding
Basketball Hoop

Practice, exercise, and time outdoors—say no more! This is a great gift that will keep your young athlete outside all summer and get them ready for high school tryouts.

Shop now
Casetify
Camera Phone Case

No tween will ever turn down a new phone case—which, if you’re feeling really generous, pairs perfectly with an upgraded phone.

Shop now
Amazon | Fujifilm
Instax Instant Camera

Polaroids are all the rage again. Grab the camera and plenty of extra film so they can snap pictures all year long.

Shop now
Target | Nintendo
Switch Lite

Rainy days, road trips, and late night summer gaming are made complete with the lightweight Nintendo Switch.

Shop now
Lululemon
Everywhere Belt Bag

A belt bag is basically a must have at this point. They’ll use this lululemon one each and every day. Choose from 12 colors to best match their personality.

Shop now
Amazon | Razor
Lux Kick Scooter

Now that the hard part’s over, the fun can begin. A Razor scooter is just as fun now as it was back when we were kids.

Shop now
Etsy | Ink Wilde
Scalloped Stationery Set

For a kiddo heading to summer camp or simply wanting to keep in touch with friends and family in a creative way, this personalized stationary set couldn’t be cuter.

Shop now
Best Buy | Ultimate Ears
Portable Bluetooth Mini Speaker

A quality bluetooth speaker is the type of gift they’ll hang onto for years to come and use again and again.

Shop now

Best High School Graduation Gifts

High school graduation is always an exciting achievement. It opens a world of possibilities. Whether the high schooler in your life is going onto college or heading into the workforce, there’s a gift to celebrate their achievement.

Uncommon Goods
Collegiate Pouch

Help them show their future school spirit in style with one of these adorable pouches, which are available for more than 30 major schools.

Shop now
Kate Spade Outlet
‘Pearls of Wisdom’ Necklace

Because they’re sure to gain plenty “pearls of wisdom” during their university days, help them get the ball rolling with a beautiful necklace.

Shop now
Etsy | Custom Empire Shop
Monogrammed Laundry Bag

Personalize the laundry bag they’ll be coming home with filled to the brim every few weeks.

Shop now
Etsy | Wandering Heart Signs
‘Man in the Arena’ Sign

Start their dorm room decorating off right with a print of this inspirational quote by Theodore Roosevelt.

Shop now
Amazon
Digital Camera

Documenting their new adventures to share with family and friends back home is a must. This camera is the perfect way to do just that.

Shop now
Amazon
Personal Safe

A place to keep their personal items protected when they’re out of their parents’ house is something they’re sure to thank you for later.

Shop now
Anthropologie
Tulip Table Lamp

Make late night studying more enjoyable by lighting the room up with a gorgeous table lamp, which comes in pink or white to match their decor.

Shop now
YETI
42oz Straw Mug

Whether they’re headed to school or work, keep them hydrated with a quality water bottle. As an added bonus, it can be customized!

Shop now
BÉIS
The Weekender

For all of their weekend visits back home, a handy weekender bag is a must.

Shop now
Amazon
Homesick Candle

When they’re missing home, they can light up their Homesick candle for a little bit of comfort.

Shop now

Best College Graduation Gifts

There’s no doubt that graduating college is a big deal. College graduates are ready to set out to see the world, achieve their goals, and get to work. Set them up for success with either a practical gift or something to commemorate their achievements.

Etsy | SAIGON Leather Store
Custom College Campus Map

Honor their alma mater with this chic and personalized custom light-up collegiate map.

Shop now
Samsonite
Pivot 3 Luggage Set

College graduates are ready to take on the world. With this luggage set, they can do so in style.

Shop now
Mark & Graham
Personalized Travel Jewelry Case

There’s something about a monogrammed gift that exudes sophistication—especially for a college graduate. They’ll feel like they have it all together with this travel jewelry case.

Shop now
Nordstrom | Longchamp
Le Pliage Tote

Working graduates will be ready to conquer their next endeavor with this highly rated tote bag. It comes in seven chic colors, from neutral to fun.

Shop now
Hatch
Restore 2

Adulting tends to mean getting up a bit earlier. This gentle alarm clock is exactly what they need to ease into the transition.

Shop now
Sur La Table | Nespresso
Evoluo Deluxe

Somedays, a latte just won’t cut it. Give the gift of caffeine with a popular Nespresso machine.

Shop now
Brooklinen
Classic Percale Core Sheet Set

Now that they’ve graduated from college housing, a new set of “adult sheets” is in order. This set from Brooklinen is one they’ll thank you for again and again.

Shop now
Amazon | Apple
Series 9 Watch

A grown up watch is always a good idea, and it doesn’t get much better than the latest Apple Watch. More intuitive, faster, and brighter than previous models, this is an investment gift they’ll use each and every day.

Shop now
Tangerine
Block Island Paddles

Remind them that they can still have fun, even with new adult responsibilities, with a chic pickleball paddle.

Shop now
New York Times
Gift Subscription

Keep them up to date on the need-to-knows with a subscription to the New York Times.

Shop now