20+ Unique High School Graduation Gift Ideas | Not Your Mom's Gifts (2024)

Making it through high school is an accomplishment that deserves to be celebrated. With everything going on in the world, the grads of 2021 especially deserve something that shows how truly proud of them you are. That’s why we put together this list of unique high school graduation gift ideas.

If you’re looking for a unique grad gift to celebrate that special new adult in your life, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for twenty plus great ideas your grad is sure to love!

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Related: Free Graduation Card (Half-Fold)

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Gifts for Any Grad

Gifts for the Grad Who Deserves to be Pampered

Gifts for the Grad Who’s Leaving Home

Gifts for Any Grad

1. “Way to Go Grad” Jar of Notes ($55)

These jars of notes are the cutest thing for any grad! You can choose from a list of premade notes in the message category of your choice (inspirational, away to college, positive thoughts, love, etc.) for your grad to open or choose blank papers to create notes from all their family and friends. This beautiful keepsake is one your grad is sure to love forever!

2. Sentry Leather Watch from Nixon | Men’s ($165)

This elegant timepiece for men has been described as “black tie meets block party” & it’ll ensure your grad will have a watch to wear no matter what event he’s heading to. And, he’ll have no reason to be late for work or classes in the fall!

Nixon is my personal favorite watch brand because the quality & customer service are totally outstanding. Nixon offers free engravings, plus you can even customize this watch for a slightly higher price. Btw, joining the Nixon email list will get you 10% off on their website!

3. Arrow Leather Watch from Nixon | Women’s ($150)

This gorgeous women’s watch is “a perfect balance between fashion and function,” making it a classy & extremely useful gift for the young lady in your life. I actually received this watch as a graduation gift myself and I still wear it every day!

Like I mentioned before, Nixon’s quality & customer service are seriously amazing. They offer free engravings + you have the option to customize this watch for a slightly higher price. And in case you didn’t see my note above, joining the Nixon email list will get you 10% off your purchase 🙂

4. 22Studio Ballpoint Pen ($90)

If your grad is heading off to college in the fall, this pen should be at the top of your list of gifts. The best thing about this pen is that it will contour to the user’s hand, which is sure to minimize hand cramps while your grad is taking notes in class! (Also, get an extra 15% off with the code GRAD21)

5. Roam: A Portable Waterproof Smart Speaker from Sonos ($229)

Whether your grad likes to listen to audiobooks, have music playing in the background while studying, or they just like to party, this portable speaker is sure to be a winner! It’s waterproof, drop resistant, and has been labeled “the best-sounding portable speaker” by GQ, making it a no-brainer for unique high school graduation gift ideas.

6. Black Lacquer Fountain Pen Medium Point ($59)

If you’re looking for a sophisticated present for your grad that’s sure to make them feel like an adult, this fountain pen set is a great choice! The complete set includes everything your grad needs to get started using a fountain pen, including six refill cartridges. (By the way, get an extra 15% off with the code GRAD21)

7. “You Did It” Mountains 3D Card ($13)

Lovepop is full of amazing cards that are sure to make your grad feel special. This “You Did It Mountains” popup card is one of our favorites, but there are lots to choose from, ensuring you can find the one that suits your grad best!

Related: The Ultimate Amazon Prime Gift Guide for Women

Gifts for the Grad Who Deserves to be Pampered

8. Grove Beauty | Clean & Natural Beauty, Makeup, & Skincare ($3.95+)

Grove Collaborative is my favorite online marketplace for natural & eco-friendly products, and their beauty collection is nothing short of awesome. Grove Beauty has an amazing selection of beauty, makeup, & skincare products that are all-natural and make wonderful gifts, especially for a high school graduate blossoming into a new adult.

Plus, when you give your grad the gift of pampering with Grove Beauty products, you can get a FREE purifying skincare set worth over $55! This gift set comes free with your first order of $20+ and includes the following:

• Rooted Beauty Purifying Facial Cleanser
• Rooted Beauty Purifying Daily Moisturizer
• Rooted Beauty Purifying Facial Towelettes
• Grove Konjac Sponge
• Grove Hydrating Bar Soap
• Free Shipping & VIP Trial

Click here to claim your free gift set & start shopping with Grove Collaborative! (I’ve been a VIP member for years & I seriously can’t recommend them enough.)

9. CURATEUR Membership ($99.99)

This membership is for an up-scale subscription box that gives your grad an awesome selection of five seasonal essentials that are sure to bring a smile to their face. The products featured range from wearables to skincare and beauty, and the best part is that you can choose to pay quarterly or yearly. Use the code SUMMER25 to get $25 off! (Offer ends 08/10/21)

10. Art Therapy Adult Coloring Book Gift Basket ($69.95)

If your grad has found themselves stressed out while they were finishing their last year of high school, this coloring book gift set is sure to provide a great way to help them destress! Additionally, the yummy snacks & comforting soup mix make this high school graduation gift the perfect choice for students moving away for college.

11. Ultra Plush Weighted Blanket ($49.99)

Weighted blankets have been proven to help people sleep and leave them feeling more well-rested when they get up for the day. Give your grad the gift of a great night’s sleep, and they are sure to thank you! This weighted blanket also provides comfort & security, which makes it a great gift for the high school graduate who’s leaving home for the first time.

12. “Believe in Yourself” Jar of Notes for Her ($44.95)

If your grad often feels unsure of themselves and their choices, this jar of notes is sure to boost their morale and remind them that you’re cheering them on. You can choose to personalize the notes that you include with this gift or choose from a selection of pre-written notes in the category of your choice (inspirational, positive thoughts, love, away to college, etc.).

13. Extravaganza Food Gift Basket ($108.95)

What grad doesn’t love to eat? This food gift basket comes with a sophisticated selection of cookies and sweets that are sure to make them feel more grown-up and mature. You can even customize this gift basket with add-ons that range from balloons & cards to stuffed animals & games for an even more personalized graduation gift.

Related: The Ultimate Amazon Prime Gift Guide for Men

Gifts for the Grad Who’s Leaving Home

14. KIND Snacks Subscription ($9.99+)

Do you worry that your grad isn’t going to be eating the right kinds of foods after moving out on their own? Give them the gift of a KIND subscription. Choose the snacks your grad is going to love the most and have them delivered at the frequency that works best! Plus, get 10% off your purchase when you sign up for emails from KIND.

15. Zwilling Enfinigy Personal Blender ($129.95)

It’s no secret that teens & young adults aren’t always eating properly. If your grad loves to have smoothies & protein shakes in place of meals or if they could use a little more fruits & veggies in their diet, this perfectly-sized personal blender will definitely come in handy. (Btw, get $15 off your first order from Sur La Table by joining their email list.)

16. Grove Collaborative | Ultimate Laundry Essentials Set ($69.95)

Grove Collaborative has a great selection of all-natural cleaning products, and among them is this fabulous, eco-friendly bundle of laundry essentials. It comes with everything your grad will need to keep their laundry fresh this fall, including a collapsible, 100% organic cotton laundry tote. Additionally, you can use this link to get a free gift set (worth up to $55) for yourself with your first purchase from Grove Collaborative!

17. Grove Collaborative | Personal Care & Household Products ($2.95+)

In addition to their incredible line of laundry & cleaning products, Grove Collaborative also has an awesome selection of natural personal care + household products that you can have delivered to your grad every month. This will give you peace of mind to know they always have toothpaste, soap, & toilet paper in their home! (Don’t forget to grab your free gift set if you’re making a purchase from Grove Collaborative for the first time.)

18. Capresso 5-Cup Coffee Maker ($39.95)

With the newfound freedom of living on their own, your grad is likely going to stay up too late every now & then, whether it’s for studying or playing games. This programmable coffee maker will help ensure there’s always coffee ready to go when they are in the morning! Plus it comes with a reusable filter so your grad doesn’t have to buy paper coffee filters. Get $15 off your first order from Sur La Table when you join their email list.

19. Ultimate Coffee Gift Basket ($104.95)

Nothing goes better with a new coffee maker than a gift basket full of coffee and treats! Give your grad a chance to figure out their favorite coffee flavors with this basket that includes over twenty different kinds of coffee.

20. White Folding Caty Desk ($229.99)

Whether your grad is moving out on their own while they go back to school or they’re heading out into the working world, a new desk is sure to wow them while also giving them the space they need to stay organized. In addition, this desk is foldable which makes it easy to move with your grad no matter where their adult life takes them.

21. Super Soft Faux Fur Saucer Chair ($40)

Likewise, no matter if your grad is moving into a house, apartment, or dorm room, this ultra-soft saucer chair will add a fun & cozy touch to their new home. You can choose between 13 different color options, plus it folds up for easy storage when not in use.

PS: Don’t forget the card! (Etsy has the cutest unique high school graduation cards!)

Also Read:

• Free Graduation Card (Half-Fold)
• The Ultimate Amazon Prime Gift Guide for Women
• The Ultimate Amazon Prime Gift Guide for Men

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we make a small commission when a purchase is made after clicking through a link. This comes at no additional cost to you. We value your trust & only recommend brands/products we truly love. Thanks for your support!