Graduation is almost here, and it’s time to think about what to get the graduates in your life! Of course, high school teachers can’t be on the hook for gifts for all of their students—that would add up pretty quickly! But there are times when you might want to give students a special token, or you might have a graduate in your own family to celebrate. We’ve rounded up some inexpensive DIY projects here as well as our favorite graduation books for students. And below, find our favorite 2023 graduation gifts for students at a variety of price points.
(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)
1. Custom graduation mug
The 2022–2023 school year was one for the record books for sure! Why not commemorate it with a customized coffee mug?
Buy it: Custom Mug at Etsy
2. Personalized water bottle
The perfect gift for summer and beyond. These custom bottlesare perfect for matching the colors to your high school or future college!
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Buy it: Custom Water Bottles at Etsy
3. Vintage college pennant
Choose from a variety of fun vintage pennants for dozens of colleges and universities.
Buy it: Pennant at Etsy
4. Custom video montage
What a thoughtful way to send off your student! You can assemble your own video montage, or use a service like Tribute. Their easy-to-use tools allow you to do it yourself or you can pay a little more and have a professional put together something spectacular.
Buy it: Tribute Video Montageat Tribute
5. Lovepop graduation card
Need a unique card that makes an awesome keepsake? These graduation cards are stunning! A pull-out insert provides a place for a personalized message.
Buy it: Goodbye & Good Luck Card at Lovepop
Discount: Get five cards for $50 with code 5FOR50.
6. Pushpin travel map
Is your student heading off to travel the world? This personalized pushpin map lets them track their travels with pushpins.
Buy it: Travel Map at Push Pin Travel Maps
7. Audible membership
Does your student love to listen to audiobooks? During summer downtime and perhaps even into fall, Audible gift memberships make a great graduation gift. They’re available from one month to a year, so there are options for all price ranges.
Buy it: Audible Gift Membership at Amazon
8. Kindle Paperwhite or Fire
Amazon’s e-readers and tablets are perfect for the tech-loving student on the go. If your student already has one, consider a Kindle Unlimited membership.
Buy it: Kindle Paperwhite and Fire HD 8 Tabletat Amazon
9. Photo keepsake
Does your student love to keep images tacked above their desk or all over the wall? Why not make them a custom photo keepsake they can take with them!?
Buy it: Photo Heart at Minted
10. Custom planner
What student doesn’t need to keep track of their schedule and assignments? This personalized custom planner is perfect for fall. You can even get a custom journal!
Buy it: Planner at Minted
11. Class ring
These custom class rings allow you to choose ring color, gemstone, text engraving, and so much more. Your student will wear it and save it as a keepsake for years!
Buy it: Class Ring at Etsy
12. Weighted blanket
When it comes to relaxing, weighted blankets are perfect for soothing and keeping your student warm. This twin-size blanket works well for dorm beds!
Buy it: Weighted Blanket at Amazon
13. Keurig machine
If your student starts (and maybe ends) the day with coffee, this single-serve Keurig is small and versatile. Perfect for dorm rooms or apartments. Also, it comes in multiple colors.
Buy it: Keurig at Amazon
14. Instant camera
Retro is in! This instant camera is one of our top graduation gifts for students and it’s perfect for capturing memories post-graduation. Available in multiple colors, and you can purchase extra ink and film.
Buy it: Camera at Amazon
15. New laptop
Is it time to upgrade your student’s laptop? Consider this Acer Chromebook spin convertible laptop.
Buy it: Chromebook at Amazon
16. iPad and Apple pen
A lot of students are shifting from taking their notes on paper to using an iPad and pen. It’s a great way to organize and digitally transform homework and notes.
Buy it: iPad at Apple
17. Apple Watch
Help your student stay organized and healthy with an Apple Watch.
Buy it: Apple Watch at Apple
18. AirPods Pro
Whether they need to drown out the noise around them to focus, or listen to a virtual class, AirPods are a necessity for most students today!
Buy it: AirPods at Amazon
19. Zen board
Want something really original? Check out this Zen board for painting fleeting designs. It’s like an Etch a Sketch for creating beautiful designs with just water and the included brush. Perfect for doodling and relieving stress.
Buy it: Zen Board at Amazon
20. Care package subscription box
Subscription boxes are the graduation gifts for students that keep on giving throughout their first year of college. Check out Cratejoy for loads of options to match their interests. They’ll know how much you care every time a new box is delivered to their dorm room.
Buy it: SnackSack Classic and TheraBox Self Care Box at Cratejoy
21. Streaming device
Do you have a grad in your life who loves watching movies and TV shows? A new Roku is the perfect gift if they’ll be leaving behind the family streaming devices when they move out on their own.
Buy it: Roku Express 4K+ at Amazon
22. Luggage set
Most new grads have plenty of travel in their future, such as moving into college, going on spring break, and studying abroad. A new set of luggage is a practical gift that will be used for many years to come.
Buy it: Samsonite Luggage Set at Amazon
23. Gift card
Not sure what to get them? All students love a gift card! Amazon makes it easy to buy just what they need when they need it.
Buy it: Gift Card at Amazon
Have any ideas for graduation gifts for students? Share them in the comments below!
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Plus, check out these inexpensive gifts for students.
