21 Best High School Graduation Gifts (2025)

• A Point-and-Shoot Camera

  Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

  I recently went to a bar with some friends and couldn't believe the number of point-and-shoot cameras people were using for selfies and group photos—there wasn't an iPhone in sight. It's likely your grad would love a digital camera. I've been using this one from Kodak for about a year now. It has a 16-MP CMOS sensor, a 27-mm wide-angle lens (with 4X optical zoom), along with face detection and red-eye removal. It can record 1080p video as well. It produces really fun, retro-looking photos that bring me back to when I was in high school.

• A Travel-Friendly Kindle

  Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

  Amazon

  Kindle (2024, 11th Generation)

  If your grad always has a book in their hand or never travels without one, this Kindle is the perfect choice. It's lightweight, easy to hold with one hand, and fits into a small purse or bag (so it's easy to travel with). The high contrast ratio, bright front light, and faster page-turn rate make it a joy to read on for long periods. It also comes in a really cute Matcha color that's tough not to love. You should also check out our Best Kindle Accessories guide to tack on a few more fun items.

• A Bluetooth Speaker

  JBL's Clip 5 is a great Bluetooth speaker for summer outings—your grad can attach it to their bike, belt loop, or backpack using the wide carabiner. There's rich detail and definition in the sound quality, which can be tweaked using JBL's Portable app. With a dust- and water-resistant body, they won't have to baby it. Buy two, and they can pair them via Auracast for stereo sound.

• Noise-Canceling Headphones

  Whether it's for travel, reading, or studying, a solid pair of noise-canceling headphones can make all the difference. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (9/10, WIRED Recommends) are currently our favorite in our Best Noise-Canceling Headphones guide. They deliver top-tier noise canceling, clear and punchy sound, and good customization options, built into a sleek and elegant design. These are headphones that they can keep using for years.

• Stylish Flip Phones

  Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

  Motorola

  Razr Ultra and Razr (2025)

  What's old is gold, and the kids now love flip phones. Except they're not dumb flip phones (those are popular too). No, these are smartphones that bend in half, making them easy to stuff in ever-shrinking pockets and purses. Motorola's latest Razr 2025 phones are our current favorite folding flip phones (8/10, WIRED Recommends). The Razr 2025 is a great place to start, and it sells at a shockingly reasonable $700. But if your grad is particular about photo and video quality, you may want to upgrade them to the Razr Ultra. They can even hold it in Camcorder mode to capture fond memories, like the good old days.

• A Digital Notebook

  For the grad who is constantly jotting down random thoughts, mapping out to-do lists, or prefers hand-written notes, a digital notebook is an excellent choice, and they won't run out of pages. The ReMarkable 2, the top pick in our Best Digital Notebooks guide, has a matte screen that feels like paper, and writing on it is quick and responsive. They can organize different notebooks or quick sheets and sort them via folders and tags.

  The stylus doesn't need to be recharged, and it attaches to the side of the tablet magnetically. For an extra $50, there's the Marker Plus upgrade, which adds an eraser on the other end of the stylus. ReMarkable offers a keyboard attachment ($199) as well, which feels satisfying to type on (distraction-free) and doubles as a notebook cover.

• A Next-Gen Gaming Console

  Photograph: Julian Chokkatu

  You could buy your grad the Nintendo Switch we all know and love, or you can surprise them with the next-gen Switch 2. It launches on June 5, and it's going to be the hot item of the summer. The catch is you'll have to try and snag a preorder one now, and stock is thin (though there have been restocks). We have a preorder guide you can follow to try and get one, and if you succeed, you'll forever be in their good graces.

  The Switch 2 may not look all that different from the original, but it has a larger and sharper 7.9-inch screen, a more powerful processor, and graphics to bring it up to speed for modern-day games. We have not reviewed the console yet, but you can read our in-depth hands-on experience here. Make sure you snag the bundle with Mario Kart World so they can play with their friends all summer long.

• A Portable Charger

  Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

  PopSockets

  MagSafe PowerPack

  Portable batteries are great for when you need to juice up your phone while on the go. But they can feel awkward to hold when attached to the back. PopSocket's MagSafe PowerPack comes with a grip. That way, your grad can hold their phone comfortably while it's charging. The battery has a 5,000-mAh capacity along with an LED on the side to see how much power is left. It recharges via USB-C. Read our Best MagSafe Power Banks guide for more.

• A Digital Photo Frame

  Graduating from high school can be bittersweet, as everyone goes their separate ways to start new lives. With a digital photo frame, grads can pack it with photos from their high school years and summer adventures. Aura's digital frames have high-quality displays and unlimited photo storage. The device is controlled through the app, so they don't have to mess around with the unit itself. They can heart photos or scroll through them using the touch bar on top. With support for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, some features can be controlled via voice assistant.

• A Wireless Car Charger

  Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

  Casetify

  Wireless Car Charger

  If your giftee received a shiny new car for graduation (lucky!), then this wireless car charger is the perfect accessory. It's easy to install into the car vents, has MagSafe support (with a USB-C cable), and an adjustable ball joint to set it at various viewing angles. With Qi2 support, it'll charge the iPhone at a 15-watt rate, which is speedier than most wireless chargers. The best part, however, is all the fun designs you can pick from.

• A Fun Smart Lamp

  Smart lighting panels are great, but they're not ideal for dorms, as there's a risk of damaging the wall when moving out. This smart lamp can be placed on a desk or nightstand instead. It's easy to set up, and the 3-inch hexagonal panels can be reconfigured into any shape. Using the app, your grad can pick from a range of solid colors and effects. The panels will also react to music and voice commands.

• A Classic Backpack

  Fjällräven Kånken 13-inch Laptop Backpack

  There's nothing like getting a new backpack for the start of college. This Fjallraven bag can fit a 14-inch MacBook Pro in its laptop pocket, while the large compartment can hold a notebook, a thick planner, and lunch. The small front pocket can fit an e-reader, chargers, or other accessories. It's a great bag for upcoming summer travel as well. You can even customize it with colors you know your giftee will like.

• A Hybrid Workstation

  Photograph: Medea Giordano

  I would've loved to have the Logitech Casa Pop-up Desk (9/10, WIRED Recommends) in college, specifically for those long nights at the library. This portable system has a small keyboard, trackpad, and a carrying case that doubles as a laptop stand. All the accessories have a dedicated slot in the case that keeps everything neat and makes it convenient to travel with. The ProtoArc XKM01 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is a more affordable option that isn't as cute, but also comes with a keyboard, mouse, and laptop stand that folds neatly into a carrying case.

• A Compact Mirror

  Photograph: Louryn Strampe

  SimpleHuman

  Sensor Mirror Mini

  Your grad may soon be living with roommates for the first time in their life. When I did, I rarely had access to the bathroom to do my makeup. Investing in a makeup mirror was a game changer because I could get ready on my own accord, without knocking on a bathroom door. This smart mirror from SimpleHuman has a built-in sensor that automatically illuminates a ring light around the mirror when your grad moves in front of it, and the light is adjustable. With 10X magnification, it's great for detailed makeup that requires precision (like applying eyeliner or blending eye shadow).

• A Weekly Planner

  Whether it's for a summer job, a fun trip, or their freshman semester of college, a new grad can't turn away a new planner. The A5 from Plum Planner offers several different layouts and covers to pick from, with the option to customize it by adding their name or the year. You can also have it start on any month, so they won't have to skip months or wait to use it.

• A Trendy Phone Lanyard

  Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

  Bandolier

  Bodie Crossbody Phone Case with Mini Zip Pouch

  This is the only phone lanyard that isn't ugly. Plus, it's Taylor Swift-approved in case your grad is a Swiftie. The case has a cardholder built into the back, along with a mini pouch attached to the strap that can hold earbuds, keys, and chapstick. Most importantly, it looks super chic and eliminates the need for a purse. I prefer the black and gold version because it's easy to match with most outfits, but it's also available in black/silver and pastel matcha.

• A Cute Tote Bag

  BAGGU

  Horizontal Zip Duck Bag

  Baggu's Duck Tote has a horizontal design that fits a larger laptop (up to 15 inches) but still leaves room for additional things like a book or planner, a 32-ounce water bottle, a phone, and more. Your grad can carry it using the top handles or across their body with the adjustable strap. It's machine washable, which is great for accidental coffee spills or stains.

• A Weighted Blanket

  Helix Knit Weighted Blanket

  Although summer is usually the best time for relaxing, some grads might already be feeling the anxiety that comes with starting a new school or job. A good weighted blanket can help ease that. This one from Helix has an open-knit design that's breathable but rigid. That way, the weight doesn't drape itself off you and drag toward the floor. With plenty of airflow, it doesn't get too hot either. You'll have the choice between 10 and 15 pounds, along with a bunch of color options.

• A Popcorn Maker

  Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

  A popcorn maker can be used for many different occasions: movie nights, game nights, study sessions in college, sleepovers—the list goes on. This one from Dash is a great kitchen companion. Scoop the kernels in, add butter to the tray (the measuring cup doubles as a melting tray), press the button, and watch kernels turn to popcorn. It's also compact, so it won't take up too much room on a countertop. These retro popcorn containers (which I use exclusively when I make popcorn) make for a fun add-on.

• A Nice Water Bottle

  Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

  Brümate

  Era 30-Ounce Tumbler

  This water bottle is a lifesaver for the giftee who is clumsy and prone to spilling drinks. It comes with a leakproof straw lid that has three modes, including open, locked, and centered (which allows you to remove the straw). BrüMate claims it's 100 percent leakproof, but some water might spill out from the sides if they're mixing flavored powders into it. Aside from that, it won't spill if they accidentally knock it over or carry it in a bag (propped up). It's cup-holder friendly and dishwasher safe as well.

• A High-Powered Blender

  Graduation is usually followed by a busy summer of parties and hangouts before everyone leaves for college, where the schedule is even more hectic. Having a powerful blender on hand is great for making quick, protein-filled smoothies for when they don't have time to sit down for a full meal. Nutribullet's 1200 Pro+ has 1,200 watts of power that crushes ice, berries, nut butter, and more. There's also a separate pulse setting that offers more flexibility when blending.

Brenda Stolyar is a product writer and reviewer at WIRED, where she specializes in a wide range of consumer tech products including laptops, tablets, desktop PCs, smart home devices, beauty gadgets, and more. Prior to joining the Gear Team, she reviewed consumer electronics at Mashable, PCMag, and Digital Trends. She ... Read more