Graduation is right around the corner, and it’s pretty hard to believe we all made it through the school year. It certainly wasn’t easy for kids of any age, let alone their parents. Properly commemorating important milestones, such as the move into first grade, middle school, high school, and beyond—andcelebrating the class of 2021—makes a great memory for the entire family. Here are options for the ultimate preschool, middle school, and high school graduation gifts:
Preschool Graduation Gifts
GeoSafari Jr. Kidscope
What better way to reward your future first-grader than by promoting their STEM skills and exploring the world around them? Tiny grads can get up-close while learning more than 200 facts about various animals, plants, insects, and more. The GeoSafari Jr. Kidscope features a robust learning guide, double-eye viewer, focus knob, rotating dial stage, LED light, and slide storage drawer.
Don't Limit Me On What I Can Be
This illustrated rhyming ABC book explores different careers that children may not know about. It makes a perfect graduation gift for that little one who is still thinking about what they want to be when they grow up, and fosters healthy conversation. Motivate and encourage your child to think big!
Little Passports
This subscription features hands-on activities and games that inspire kids' knowledge of the world without the use of technology. Gift the curiosity of exploration and travel, which are brought to life through each monthly shipment.
Elementary School Graduation Gifts
Collegiate and Education Ornaments
The decorations from Old World Christmas are a classy gift that reminds students of their hard work and achievements from that year. The ornaments can be like keepsakes that are displayed year round on a stand, or taken out for the holiday season.
Cross Botanica Ballpoint
Have your child stand out with a boldly original pen that is sure to capture the attention of others. If Mom or Dad have a favorite and very important pen, gifting one to your child will make them feel all that more special and older—and help them understand the responsibilities of starting their next chapter.
Just Bead It Jewelry
This beaded jewelry line is made for the fun at heart. With trendy patterns and custom designs, the bracelets, necklaces, and lanyards can be customized with your child’s favorite colors in mind. It makes a great statement and is the perfect keepsake.
Middle School Graduation Gifts
Best of Seven Essential Pouch
The Essential Pouch is a zip-top leather pouch that is the right size for basics, walking to class, and keeping essentials neat and secure. With a new school and more a dedicated concentration on classes, it will definitely come in handy!
Planners, planners, planners!
The gift of organization is truly unmatched. Young men and women alike can benefit from knowing their schedules and being held accountable for practice, classes, homework, and other extracurriculars. We like this one from Erin Condren, this one from Blue Sky, and this one from Plum Paper.
Send a Gift Card with a Special Message
Punchbowl now also offers a digital greeting card option that lets you add in a gift card! Have your family far and wide create a special message for the new grad! Choose from a big variety of graduation-themed cards and take advantage of the new video functionality that allows users to upload a 2-minute video to any greeting. Gift cards can be selected from more than 20 national retailers including Target and Amazon.
High School Graduation Gifts
Personalized Cuff Bracelet
If you have the opportunity to splurge on nice jewelry, this personalized cuff by Elise Paige Jewelry will hit the spot! Make their big day even more memorable by shopping this awesome design.
Weatherman Umbrella
College means walking (or bussing!) in between classes, dining, and other activities. The last thing your child needs is a subpar umbrella for when the weather is the same. These umbrellas are made from fabric woven with Teflon for superior water resistance, and industrial strength fiberglass to prevent inverting and breaking in winds as high as 55 miles per hour. The brand offers a college collection so they can sport their school pride!
Personalized Decor
Celebrate the incredible accomplishments of your high school grad with a personalized motivational canvas wall decor piece they can pack for their college adventure. This female-owned printing company in Iowa creates personalized pieces to commemorate milestones. Plus, in the spirit of personalization, KicksBySammy founder Samantha Handler creates custom home and fashion products. The company’s College collection features more than 50 colleges and their affiliated colors, so freshmen can show off their school spirit in a creative way.
FAQs
Moving on to kindergarten is a big deal for a young grad and a milestone that should be celebrated. It's important you show them just how proud you are, whether it's with a big party or a preschool graduation gift.
Do you give gifts for middle school graduation? ›
Get them a little something to show how proud you are. Whether the tween in your life is excited about entering high school, graduating is a big milestone to celebrate. One way you can congratulate the young graduate this year is with an 8th grade graduation gift.
What are some good graduation gifts? ›
Best Personalized Graduation Gifts
- Graduation Personalized Photo Keepsake Box. ...
- MYKA Personalized Graduation Charm Necklace. ...
- Mark & Graham Terminal 1 Carry-On Luggage. ...
- Uncommon Goods Personalized Champagne Milestone Vase. ...
- Personalization Lab Custom Leather Jewelry Organizer Box. ...
- Hydro Flask Custom Water Bottle.
Something personal
The best gifts are often those that are personalized, like an engraved necklace, photobook, a family cookbook or custom wall art. Consider fun memories you've made with the graduate, as well as their hobbies, passions and even future career field.
Do you bring flowers to a pre K graduation? ›
Whether it's from high school, college, a trade school, or preschool, graduation is a significant milestone in someone's life that's worthy of celebration. Flowers make a wonderful celebratory gift for your graduate.
How much money should you give your child for graduation? ›
If the graduate is: A child of parents: $100-500. A child of close relatives (for instance, grandparents): $50-300. A distant relative: $50-100.
How much should you give for an 8th grade graduation gift? ›
Close friend or sibling: $25-$75. Niece, Nephew, Grandkid: : $50- $100. Son or Daughter: $100- $500.
Do people give gifts for 8th grade graduation? ›
Whether you're looking to buy a small, thoughtful gift or something splurge-worthy for your favorite middle schooler's graduation gift, we've got fantastic options. If they're the sentimental type, how about jewelry or a stuffed bear. Practical teens may want a journal or planner.
How much money should you give for 8th grade graduation? ›
Schools.org suggests giving movie passes, spa vouchers, gift certificates, or spirit wear instead of cash to middle school grads. If you are giving cash, about $10-30 is appropriate.
Is $25 enough for a graduation gift? ›
If you decide to gift cash, here are suggested amounts: Acquaintances $10 – $25. Friends $25 – $50. Close friends and family $75 – $100.
They'll appreciate useful gifts from parents that will help them with their professional endeavors. Whether it's tech-savvy work gear, an impressive degree frame for their office, or a professional-looking wardrobe, you're sure to find the best graduation gifts for your graduate.
What do high school graduates want for gifts? ›
You could get them a practical present—like a new backpack for college, or a work bag for a new job. Or you could treat 'em to a fancy perfume or piece of jewelry to make them feel super special for making it through what might've been the most stressful years of their life.
What flower symbolizes graduation? ›
Choose flowers that symbolize graduation, such as roses or lilies. Arrange them in a stylish vase or in a bouquet wrapped with elegant ribbons. Your graduate will cherish this thoughtful, blooming gift.
Is $1 000 a good graduation gift? ›
According to this piece, financial planners say the gift should be equal to approximately one month's rent or mortgage payment, somewhere around $1,000. The article said parents should give their children between $1,000 and $5,000 when they graduate from college.
When should you give a graduation gift? ›
If you attend the commencement ceremony, you should send a gift. According to the Emily Post Institute, if you can't attend the graduation in person, but wish to send a gift, give it near the graduation date or have it delivered in advance with instructions to wait until the day to open.
Do you give gifts to preschool teachers at the end of the year? ›
While giving a gift at the end of the school year isn't required, it's a nice way to tell teachers THANK YOU for being there for our kids every day.
What happens at a preschool graduation? ›
There are many different ways to celebrate a preschool graduation. The preschoolers will celebrate their achievements and all their learning and growth over the year (or years). They may do this with songs, a slideshow presentation, being presented with a diploma, or wearing a child size cap and gown.
Do you bring a gift to a kindergarten graduation? ›
Kindergarten graduation is an exciting accomplishment for a young child. It's the first of many educational milestones to come, and one that is definitely worth celebrating. One way you can show the kiddo in your life just how proud you are about them moving on to first grade is with a fun (and thoughtful!) gift.
What do you say at a preschool graduation ceremony? ›
Speeches: The preschool administrator or director generally congratulates children on their hard work and dedication to the school. They can talk about what their children have learned in the past year and how it has helped them grow.
