--- title: 27 Great Graduation Gift Ideas for College-Bound High Schoolers description: The authors of the popular Grown and Flown blog offer 27 thoughtful high school graduation gifts from the practical to the whimsical. authors: - name: Mary Dell Harrington and Lisa Heffernan, Grown and Flown url: https://money.com/author/mary-dell-harrington-and-lisa-heffernan-grown-and-flown/ at_money_since: 2016 articles: 4 covers: - Education former_staff: true published: '2016-05-12T15:35:06.000Z' modified: '2024-05-07T10:43:19.000Z' section: Education tags: - College - graduation - graduation gifts - Grown and Flown word_count: 1855 canonical: https://money.com/high-school-graduation-gift-ideas/ type: Article source: structured-blocks --- > **Disclosure:** We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. [Learn more](https://money.com/page/disclaimer/). ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_Bike](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_bike.jpg) *Bikes are big on most campuses, but check on sharing programs before you buy.* Searching for a great, personal, useful and affordable gift for a new high school graduate? Look no further. Here are gift ideas that were hits for many readers of [Grown and Flown](http://grownandflown.com), a popular site for parents of teens, college students and recent college grads. ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_Backpack](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_backpack.jpg) *Send your student packing with a new backpack.* ### **1 College backpack** It's time to get rid of that disgusting, dirty, crumb-infested backpack that your teen has been carrying for four years. Great options from standard-bearers like [Jansport](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006ML7JXC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B006ML7JXC&linkId=0ab8d04955f5cd0ff38563cdf462e66c) or [North Face](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OS67V6S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00OS67V6S&linkId=f2b9327abaa1953120c315364826cd67) start at $30, while trendier brands like [Herschel](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0077BYLKK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0077BYLKK&linkId=74d2f8fedbdcb0ce8e40334f2eafb283) or [FjallRaven](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018EF0C1O/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B018EF0C1O&linkId=5b10a9f2ed43f89cfe6bc8a0eefdbea2) can run north of $150. Just remember that whatever you buy will be disgusting, dirty, and crumb-infested four years from now. ![Filson Medium Duffle in Navy](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_duffel.jpg) *A duffel bag is easier to stow than a suitcase. This one is by Filson.* ### **2 Duffle bags** Luggage may seem like a great graduation gift, but it has real drawbacks for the college-bound. Teeny dorm rooms generally don’t have any place to store empty suitcases. Solution: A set of [duffle bags](https://money.com/shopping/) that can be combined, compressed and stuffed under a bed when not in use. Students typically need at least one large bag for packing linens, towels and winter clothes, and a smaller one for weekend trips back home. Sturdy [L.L. Bean](http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/904?page=duffles-and-gear-bags&nav=ln-904), and [Patagonia](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N4P3W1D/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01N4P3W1D&linkId=ce686fd144066ffb741a3a0846deae6c) duffels start at less than $40. If you want to go high-end, stylish [Filson](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L3ZE98A/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00L3ZE98A&linkId=d1df5cdedb4fdcbdc7f2173ba023f3bb) bags start at $150. ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_Laptop](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_laptop.jpg) *Ask about student discounts at the [f500link]Apple[/f500link] Store and other retailers.* ### **3 Laptops** Laptops are one of the most popular and useful gifts for graduating teens. Some college bookstores have deals that come with tech support but, before you make a final decision, see what student discounts you can get from [Apple](http://www.apple.com/shop/browse/campaigns/education_pricing?afid=p238%7CsluRwONwG-dc_mtid_1870765e38482_pcrid_89939943127_&cid=aos-us-kwg-edu-slid-), [Microsoft](http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/edu?tid=sjXw91T9O_dc&cid=5250&pcrid=82549831373&pkw=microsoft%20%2Bstudent%20discounts&pmt=b&WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=pointitsem+Google+Adwords+5+-+Microsoft&WT.term=microsoft%20%2Bstudent%20discounts&WT.campaign=5+-+Microsoft&WT.content=jXw91T9O&WT.source=google&WT.medium=cpc&s_kwcid=AL!4249!3!82549831373!b!!g!!microsoft%20%2Bstudent%20discounts&invsrc=search&ef_id=VKqPxAAAAc5mkD8R:20160425192811:s), and [Best Buy](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=492045.1&type=10&tmpid=13127&RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fclp%2Fcollege-student-deals%2Fpcmcat276200050000.c%3Fid%3Dpcmcat276200050000&u1=my). When shopping for laptops, or other items from national retailers, parents should be aware that they can generally use college student discounts even if their student does not yet have a college ID card. Retailers often ask for a college email address that many schools issue over the summer, and some will give discounts with a college acceptance letter. Consumer Reports [recommends](http://www.consumerreports.org/products/laptop/acer-spin-1-sp111-31-c2w3-388639/overview/) the Acer Spin 1 which retails for about $250. MacBooks with enough memory and computing power for undergraduates start at about $1,100. ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_Towels](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_towels.jpg) *Monogrammed towels are easy to track down.* ### **4 Monogrammed Towels** Every student goes off to college with towels. But few return with them. Solution: A set of towels with your student’s monogram is a personalized gift likely to survive the college years. [Bed Bath & Beyond](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8147966/type/dlg/sid/my/https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/s/monogramed-towels?ta=typeahead&_requestid=3038350) offers personalized bath towels for less than $25. ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_Toolbox](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_toolbox.jpg) *A tool kit will make your student the envy of the dorm.* ### **5 Tiny toolbox** For students moving into a dorm or an apartment, a small tool kit for minor repairs or assembling flat-boxed furniture is a sought-after resource on the hall or in the apartment complex. Hardware stores sell [tool kits](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RF9J8DY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00RF9J8DY&linkId=4d4113ac7755bcd323cad09e9caea376) starting at less than $30. ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_BedPostShelf](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_bedpostshelf.jpg) *An attachable shelf keeps bedside essentials within easy reach.* ### **6 Bed shelf** If your kid’s bed is on the top bunk, where will he or she store glasses or a phone? Solution: Attachable, portable shelves. [Dormco](https://www.dormco.com/Bed_Post_Shelf_Dorm_Room_Sized_Shelf_p/fg-bps.htm) sells plastic ones for just $13 apiece. ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_PersonalSafety](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_personalsafety.jpg) *A tiny alarm, like the Robocopp seen here, can make a big racket when needed.* ### **7 Personal safety device** The top concern for parents sending their kids to college is personal safety. A number of new portable safety devices can help with those worries. [Robocopp](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ISMRXVK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01ISMRXVK&linkId=bb439f04ed505a8e3d1dff276d75da51) ($10) for example, is described by the company as a sound grenade. It is a small handheld device that is set off by pulling a plug, releasing a 130-decibel alarm, comparable to an ambulance siren. For a higher price, and small monthly fee, they offer a model that can contact 911. [Revolar](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EIS49S8/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01EIS49S8&linkId=7c723e76c142b996eb3dd6f0b3e2ead9) ($60) is one of a new breed of devices where users can “Check-in” with 1-click, ask for back-up with the 2-clicks (Yellow Alert), and signal an emergency with the 3-clicks (Red Alert). Revolar also has a “Ring Me” feature, which lets wearers call their own phones to provide an excuse to exit a situation. ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_CoffeeMaker](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_coffeemaker.jpg) *Perk your student up with a personal coffeemaker (but make sure the dorm allows it).* ### **8 Coffee machine** [Single serving coffee makers](https://money.com/shopping/) allow students to make a cup of coffee easily in a dorm room. [Real Simple](https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/tools-products/appliances/single-serve-coffee-makers/mr-coffee-single-serve) recommends the [Mr. Coffee Single Serve](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JNNQ6Q/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B007JNNQ6Q&linkId=9816fdf0992a99126dcccb3dabcc0f65) for $72. This gift will save money if students skip expensive take-out coffee every morning. Important: check your student’s college website first to see if the appliance is allowed in their room. ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_BoxStores](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_boxstores.jpg) *Bed Bath & Beyond and other national retailers have aisles of dorm room essentials.* ### **9 Gift card to a big-box retailer** The K-12 back-to-school shop may have seemed expensive, but the dorm room shop is the one that breaks the bank. [The National Retail Federation](https://nrf.com/news/infographic-top-10-trends-back-school-and-college-2015) estimates that families spend almost $900 a year outfitting their students for college. For high school graduates moving into a dorm or an apartment, a gift certificate to [Bed Bath & Beyond](http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8147966/type/dlg/sid/my/https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/?utm_source=gemini&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=bed%2520bath%2520and%2520beyond&mcid=PS_gemini_brand_brand_&device=c&matchtype=e&network=s), [Target](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=93xLBvPhAeE&subid=0&offerid=436138.1&type=10&tmpid=19903&RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2F&u1=my), or other national retailers will help them to outfit their room. Remind them to look for special in-store college evenings and deep discount coupons before they buy. ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_FirstAid](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_firstaid.jpg) *Create your own first-aid kit based on your kid's needs.* ### **10 First-aid/medicine kit** Here’s a gift that students will appreciate the first time they are sick at 2 a.m. [Put together a kit](http://grownandflown.com/first-aid-kit-college-students/) that includes first aid supplies and over-the-counter medications that your teen is likely to need. Steer away from prepackaged kits; no one knows what your kid needs better than you. Consider: cough drops, cold remedies, eye drops, thermometer, hydrocortisone, antacids, analgesics, antibacterial creams, and other things your college kid will need. ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_Battery](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_battery.jpg) *An external battery, like the Mophie, can keep your student charged up.* ### **11 External battery** With days filled with classes, activities, socializing, and more, students may not have time to recharge their phones. A [Mophie](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AD5KY6W/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00AD5KY6W&linkId=c59e756c20f7a798798a37de042d8a56) charging case starts at $20. And an external battery from [Jackery](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DTXA578/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00DTXA578&linkId=658ed55fa4c48d372199bb9693399188) (as little as $15) can extend the life of a cell phone battery by several hours. ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_Headphones2](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_headphones2.jpg) *Noise-canceling headphones give your student one less excuse to avoid studying. These are by Bose.* ### 1**2 Noise (or roommate) canceling headphones** Life in dorms can be noisy. Solution: A pair of over-the-ear noise-cancelling headphones will do double duty by allowing your college student to enjoy music or study in peace no matter what the circumstance. [PC Magazine](http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2498579,00.asp) and [CNET](https://www.cnet.com/products/akg-n60-nc/) both recommend the $200 [AKG N60 NC](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015HDS5TC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B015HDS5TC&linkId=189f257f7d406d1f5711c37990718273) for overall value and quality. ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_sip_well](https://img.money.com/2017/04/160511_coll_gradguide_sip_well.jpg) *S’ip by S’well* ### **13 Fitness tracker** Once the daily PE classes or high school sports teams wind down, it becomes all too easy for college students to lower their level of physical activity. Sometimes it takes a bribe, in the form of a tech gadget they covet, to get them moving again. Some gift options include, a fitness tracker ([Fitbits start at $100](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01K9S260E/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01K9S260E&linkId=e8c78a11f4a985027f97d92d0be4c7b2)) Bluetooth earbuds (The [Wirecutter](http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-wireless-exercise-headphones/) recommends the [$100 Jlab Epic 2](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EZ86SLW/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01EZ86SLW&linkId=343fc91742cadb90e4b6778c703664fc)), insulated water bottles like [S’ip by S’Well](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E9ATEN0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01E9ATEN0&linkId=f67e57f6e18de2097af470b4c3295038) ($25 each) or a new gym bag. ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_Smathers](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_smathers.jpg) *Items like this Bowdoin key fob from Smathers and Branson also make good gifts for friends' kids.* ### **14 College-logo pillow, belt, or key fob** Many useful items can be needlepointed with college logos or class year. [Key fobs](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018PQPHAI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B018PQPHAI&linkId=5ec9f075cad7cc11b3df0e1fedc26c73) start at less than $30, and are a personalized, moderately priced gift for friends’ kids or your kid’s friends. ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_LocalEatery](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_localeatery.jpg) *Give your student a break from the college cafeteria.* ### **15 Gift card to an off-campus eatery** Cafeteria meals wear thin very quickly. Most kids will be thrilled with the chance to splurge at [a local restaurant](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PG84W32/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00PG84W32&linkId=2abe5316227695c1640c21269d116e40). ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_Bike](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_bike.jpg) *Bikes are big on most campuses, but check on sharing programs before you buy.* ### **16 New bike** Biking is the best way to get around many college campuses. [The gift](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EMKLSSM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00EMKLSSM&linkId=2a39a6d8d904994955a9c207d8697b8b) of this cheap, healthy form of transportation should be much appreciated over all four years. Before splurging, however, check first if the campus has a bike-sharing program. ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_MonthClub](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_monthclub.jpg) *Give a gift that keeps giving, like this Republic of Tea monthly tea package.* ### **17 You-name-it of the month club** What's more fun than finding a gift in your real-life mailbox every month? For kids going off to college, consider sock-of-the-month clubs like Soul Sock ($12/month) [Harry’s shave plan](https://www.harrys.com/trial) (starting at $3/month) Mixcups (for that new coffee maker, starting at $13 a month), [BustedTees monthly](http://www.bustedtees.com/shirtofthemonth) (3 months for $50), or hundreds of others. ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_Necklace](https://img.money.com/2017/04/160511_coll_gradguide_necklace.jpg) ### **18 Jewelry** Whether it’s a family heirloom or a new gift, a piece of jewelry can be deeply personal, with meaning for both the recipient and the giver. Alex and Ani have a [2017 graduation charm bracelet](http://www.pntrs.com/t/8-9045-131940-86994?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alexandani.com%2F2017-graduation-cap-charm-bangle.html) ($28) and Monica Rich Kosann has [beautiful necklaces with personal messages](http://www.monicarichkosann.com/collections/poesy-rings.html) ($130 for sterling silver). Two ideas with a bit of home are jewelry personalized with the latitude and longitude of a special place, like [Lat and Lo](https://www.latandlo.com/), and [Dogeared](http://www.dogeared.com/necklaces-state-of-mind) for necklaces with a home state-shaped charm. ![Yale Campus Store](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_collegestore.jpg) *Expect your student to spend a lot of time (and money) at the college store.* ### **19 Gift card to college store** On many campuses, the college bookstore is the go-to spot for far more than books. Whether buying gear to rep their new school or snacks for their dorm room, it is nice to start the year with a gift card to use on campus. ![A person wearing the new Apple Watch Sport, as Apple celebrates its 40th birthday on April 24, 2015.](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_watch.jpg) *Watches are a timeless classic for graduation gifts.* ### **20 Watch** This is *the* classic gift, but you can make it trendy with the purchase of a [Timex](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VR9HP2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B004VR9HP2&linkId=7754c9529cea72be5c6b76c239efa9f2) (starting at about $30) [Shinola](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EYOGHAK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00EYOGHAK&linkId=f56a168bd5d58551bbc0daf95d90dfa2) (starting at $550), or [Apple](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZP6939/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01LZP6939&linkId=9cf824084a7e1f1d5b555a8f4cb86542) ($370). ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_AmazonEchoDot](https://img.money.com/2017/04/160511_coll_gradguide_amazonechodot.jpg) *Amazon Echo Dot* ### **21 Digital Assistant** There is no more up-to-date gift than a digital assistant. This year Google came out with [Google Home](https://madeby.google.com/home/?utm_source=en-offnet-na-sem&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=googlehome) ($100) and Amazon with [The Dot](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DFKC2SO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01DFKC2SO&linkId=34426664ff02b0abba7247e6790d47c6) ($50). Both devices can give the weather report, offer calendar reminders, etc. Beware, though: these machines can also answer math questions. It’s probably just a matter of time before they can write essays too. ![Repat T-shirt blanket](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_tshirtblanket.jpg) *Wrap your student in memories with a T-shirt blanket.* ### **22 T-shirt blanket** Saying goodbye to the teams, schools, and activities they loved is part of going away to college. But parents can take the stack of T-shirts kids earned over the years and have a quilt made for their new dorm. It is a way for kids to take a bit of home with them to college. One company that does this is [Project Repat](https://ambassadors.projectrepat.com/ref/FZctXGiJ) (starting at $75). ![ABCs of Adulthood by Deborah Copaken, photographs by Randy Polumbo (Chronicle Books, 2016)](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_abcadulthood.jpg) *The ABCs of Adulthood was written for the author's own college-bound kids.* ### **23 The ABCs of Adulthood** Literary and sentimental, this book is both. [Author Deborah Copaken](http://www.deborahcopakenkogan.com/the-abcs-of-adulthood/) (with artist Randy Polumbo) wrote this volume as a missive to her son and daughter as she sent them off to college. It includes everything she wishes she had been told when she headed to college herself. ($9.19 at [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1452151911/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1452151911&linkId=461e67e041ed09cdd2f2f1d119c521e4).) ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_DoYourLaundry](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_doyourlaundry.jpg) *Author Becky Blades' advice to her (and everybody else's) kids.* ### **24 Do Your Laundry or You'll Die Alone** You want your kids to heed wise parental advice, but you’re not there to nag them about cleaning their clothes. Solution: a copy of “Do Your Laundry Or You’ll Die Alone.” This beautiful, clever little book by [Becky Blades](http://laundryordie.com/) includes 270 wise, wry gems of parental advice, like “You can tell a lot about a man by the way he treats the server at Applebees.” (The newer hardback version is available for $9.29 on [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1492635154/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1492635154&linkId=1c6e57648dc4b260b970c7191fbf618b).) ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_TheGirlsGuide](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_thegirlsguide.jpg) *The Girl's Guide offers insight and reassurance.* ### **25 The Girl's Guide: Getting the Hang of Your Whole Complicated, Unpredictable, and Impossibly Amazing Life** While author Melissa Kirsch aims her clever and comprehensive book of advice at women entering the real world, any female undergrad will find insight, understanding, and reassurance among these pages. ($8 at [Amazon.](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761180125/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=0761180125&linkId=ba61b3057d15d1e4c9ca4b0e121fc1b4)) ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_TheNakedRoommate](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_thenakedroommate.jpg) *Harlan Cohen uncovers the bare facts of college life.* ### **26 The Naked Roommate** Author Harlan Cohen, a familiar face on the Money College Planner website, has been in the college advice business since his own undergraduate days and has released six editions of this classic how-to and what-if guide to college. This is a reliable, practical, and up-to-date resource for both college women and men. ($9.26 at [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1492613320/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=money018f-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=1492613320&linkId=7e712b147923cea944a773e86b1cbc49).) ![160511_COLL_GradGuide_RollsofQuarters](https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_rollsofquarters.jpg) *Your college student will go through a lot of these in the laundry room alone.* ### **27 And everybody's favorite: Money** One of the most popular graduation gifts is simply money. Here are varied ways to give the gift of funds: rolls of quarters inside a laundry bag, a deposit in the college account that is linked to a student’s ID card, a check for $20.17, a check or cash slipped between the pages of a meaningful book. Lastly, [a deposit in the student’s 529 Plan account](https://money.com/collection-post/best-college-savings-plan-529/) works too. *Mary Dell Harrington and Lisa Heffernan are co-authors of* [*Grown and Flown*](http://grownandflown.com)*, where they write about all aspects of parenting kids 15-25 years old. Heffernan is also the author of three books, including the New York Times best seller* Goldman Sachs: The Culture of Success *(Simon and Schuster, 2000).* *We’ve included affiliate links in this article. Click* [*here*](https://money.com/page/disclaimer/) *to learn what those are.* ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "@id": "https://money.com/high-school-graduation-gift-ideas/#breadcrumb", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://money.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Education", "item": "https://money.com/education/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "High School", "item": "https://money.com/high-school/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "27 Great Graduation Gift Ideas for College-Bound High Schoolers" } ] }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://money.com/#website", "url": "https://money.com", "name": "Money", "publisher": { "@id": "https://money.com/#organization" } }, { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://money.com/high-school-graduation-gift-ideas/#webpage", "url": "https://money.com/high-school-graduation-gift-ideas/", "name": "27 Great Graduation Gift Ideas for College-Bound High Schoolers", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://money.com/#website" }, "datePublished": "2016-05-12T15:35:06.000Z", "mainEntity": { "@id": "https://money.com/high-school-graduation-gift-ideas/" }, "inLanguage": "en-US", "breadcrumb": { "@id": "https://money.com/high-school-graduation-gift-ideas/#breadcrumb" }, "dateModified": "2024-05-07T10:43:19.000Z" }, { "@type": "Article", "headline": "27 Great Graduation Gift Ideas for College-Bound High Schoolers", "articleSection": "Education", "image": [ { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_bike.jpg", "width": 2100, "height": 1400, "caption": "160511_COLL_GradGuide_Bike" }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_backpack.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 357 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_duffel.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_laptop.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_towels.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 397 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_toolbox.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_bedpostshelf.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 511 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_personalsafety.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_coffeemaker.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_boxstores.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 420 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_firstaid.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_battery.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_headphones2.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2017/04/160511_coll_gradguide_sip_well.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 353 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_smathers.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_localeatery.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_monthclub.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2017/04/160511_coll_gradguide_necklace.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_collegestore.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 374 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_watch.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 350 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2017/04/160511_coll_gradguide_amazonechodot.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_tshirtblanket.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 412 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_abcadulthood.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_doyourlaundry.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 562 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_thegirlsguide.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 840 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_thenakedroommate.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 786 }, { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://img.money.com/2016/05/160511_coll_gradguide_rollsofquarters.jpg", "width": 800, "height": 373 } ], "author": [ { "@type": "Person", "name": "Mary Dell Harrington and Lisa Heffernan, Grown and Flown", "url": "https://money.com/author/mary-dell-harrington-and-lisa-heffernan-grown-and-flown/", "@id": "https://money.com/author/mary-dell-harrington-and-lisa-heffernan-grown-and-flown/#author" } ], "publisher": "https://money.com/#organization", "datePublished": "2016-05-12T15:35:06.000Z", "description": "The authors of the popular Grown and Flown blog offer 27 thoughtful high school graduation gifts from the practical to the whimsical.", "abstract": "The authors of the popular Grown and Flown blog offer 27 thoughtful high school graduation gifts from the practical to the whimsical.", "@id": "https://money.com/high-school-graduation-gift-ideas/", "inLanguage": "en-US", "dateModified": "2024-05-07T10:43:19.000Z", "wordCount": 1855, "keywords": [ "College", "graduation", "graduation gifts", "Grown and Flown" ], "about": [ { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Education", "sameAs": [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education" ] }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "High school in the United States", "sameAs": [ "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_school_in_the_United_States" ] } ] } ] } ```