23 of Our Favorite Graduation Gifts for Students

From cards to laptops and everything in-between.

Vintage George Washington college pennant on newspaper background and care package subscription box filled with munchies and sweets

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

Custom Mug 2023

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

Water bottle with words 2023 on it

The perfect gift for summer and beyond. These custom bottles are perfect for matching the colors to your high school or future college!

Buy it: Custom Water Bottles at Etsy

3. Vintage college pennant

Custom pennant flag

Choose from a variety of fun vintage pennants for dozens of colleges and universities.

Buy it: Pennant at Etsy

4. Custom video montage

Instructions for making a Tribute 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 Montage at Tribute

5. Lovepop graduation card

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Pop up graduation card -- best graduation gifts for students

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

Framed map of the world with push pins inserted in various locations

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

Collage of audiobooks with headline Give the gift of Audible

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

Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle 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 Tablet at Amazon

9. Photo keepsake

Heart photo collage on cork board -- best graduation gifts for students

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

Custom planner -- best graduation gifts for students

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

Custom 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

Gray weighted blanket -- best graduation gifts for students

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

Teal Keurig single serve

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

Fujimax 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

Chromebook graduation gift

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

Apple iPad mini

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

Apple Watch -- best graduation gifts for students

Help your student stay organized and healthy with an Apple Watch.

Buy it: Apple Watch at Apple

18. AirPods Pro

AirPods Pro for graduation gifts

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

Zen doodle pad

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

SnackSack Subscription Box on a yellow background with individually wrapped munchies and sweet, as an example of graduation gifts for students

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

Pupple Roku Express 4K+ box showing streaming device and remote

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

Three piece Samsonite luggage set in navy

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

Amazon gift card -- best graduation gifts for students

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.

This has been quite the school year! So we've gathered up the top graduation gifts for students. Congrats, grads!