The 22 best high school graduation gifts even picky teenagers will love | CNN Underscored (2024)

Active grads with packed schedules need to stay hydrated, and one of the best ways to make sure they’re drinking enough water is by giving them a water bottle. Durable enough to survive camping and hikes, on top of the rigors of everyday use, this Yeti bottle has a built-in straw that’s easy to sip from even when you’re walking. It keeps ice water cold for up to 18 hours, and it can even be customized with the grad’s name or initials.

Whether your graduate is headed to college or traveling the world, notebooks are a must for recording all their observations about the world and plans for the future. This classic set of three lightweight Moleskine notebooks can be slipped into backpacks or tote bags and taken everywhere so your favorite grad never misses a thought or idea.

Whether they’re running between classes or working late at an internship, it seems like post-high school life is busier than ever. A fully charged cell phone is a necessity, but there isn’t always time (or a place) to stop and plug in your phone — that's why this portable and compact power bank will be much appreciated. It has two USB-C ports and even doubles as a wall outlet.

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For some young people, graduating from high school means leaving behind their hometown. This 14-karat gold bar necklace is a unique and stylish way for the grad to carry a reminder of home with them wherever they roam — whether that’s the coordinates of the house they grew up in or a significant spot in the city where they lived.

Part of entering adulthood means leaving the days of clutter and mess behind. One way to instantly get more organized is with this convenient pouch that holds their tech-related gear. It fits charger cords and cables, earbuds and power banks, and there’s also a pocket for a slim external hard drive. This way, all the grad’s accessories are in one place — no more rummaging around a cluttered drawer to find a phone charger.

Adjusting to life away from home might mean learning how to cook. In the meantime, this egg cooker will make sure the recent grad always has a healthy snack on hand for breakfast or lunch. It makes six hard-boiled eggs in a matter of minutes and comes with trays to whip up omelets and poached eggs too.

Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

No matter where life takes your high school graduate, a quick cup of coffee is almost always the best way to start the day. Dorm rooms and first apartments will all have space for this slim single-serve coffee maker, which can serve up a 6- to 12-ounce cup of coffee in just a few minutes. This way, even if they’re about to be late for class, they don’t have to skip caffeine.

A durable, spacious bag for toiletries and cosmetics is essential when living in a dormitory or with roommates. With its 9.5-liter capacity, this Calpak case can fit nearly every hygiene product your grad needs. Plus, it's clear, so they can easily see what’s inside. The handles on top make it travel-friendly, and since it's made from waterproof PVC, it can be stored in the bathroom without any worries about damage.

A stylish but practical backpack is one of the best gifts for a high school graduate who’s starting college or a new job. The Lululemon Everywhere backpack is one of the best options out there: The sleek exterior is made from water-repellent nylon, and it has an internal sleeve for a laptop. Plus, it’s spacious enough to accommodate gym clothes, a pair of headphones and a water bottle.

The graduate who is moving into a shared apartment or dorm might appreciate a small appliance where they can store a stash of their favorite drinks without having to share. This mini fridge fits 15 cans, but it can also be used for small lunches and snacks. Plus, there’s a handle at the top so it can be transported to a friend’s place where cold drinks are in short supply.

Long days, piles of homework and constant socializing are going to leave your high school graduate exhausted, but sleep might not always be restful or easy to come by. This bedside table lamp offers a soft glow to help ease them into sleep. It can be programmed to gradually wake them up with a soft light, and at night when they’re reading in bed, they can adjust the brightness with a simple twist.

Herschel Novel Standard Duffel

This Herschel duffel will come in handy for weekend getaways and short trips home to visit family. The minimalist design is sure to impress the fashion-conscious graduate. Plus, there's a built-in shoe compartment and the handles are reinforced, making it more durable and easier to carry.

A pair of comfortable over-ear headphones will be almost priceless to the new grad. Studying in a bustling library or cafe suddenly becomes bearable thanks to the noise-canceling power of this pair. And with its impressive sound quality and 34 hours of battery life, you’ve got a present that your favorite grad will take with them everywhere.

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WD My Passport SSD

With so many class papers and assignments to keep on hand, this external hard drive will come in handy for those headed to college. This one can fit up to 250,000 photo files and has a durable exterior that can withstand being jostled around in a backpack.

Just because the recent grad is moving out of their home and into a dorm room doesn’t mean they can’t be comfortable. The super-soft robe is so luxurious that their dorm room might start to feel like a hotel. It’s also perfect to throw on while trekking back and forth to the communal showers.

In high school, there probably weren’t many teenagers who were skilled at keeping their spaces clean. But in their post-grad life, they might want to improve their tidying skills. With its sleek, minimalist design, this is one of the best-looking handheld vacuums out there — and it’s designed to whisk away all sorts of small, troublesome messes from kitchen crumbs to cat litter.

Any grad who has transformed into a self-proclaimed bookworm over the years (or has simply resolved to read more books in their post-high school life) will appreciate the Kindle Paperwhite. Thanks to its slim design, it can be tucked away in any bag and transported everywhere, from college classes to vacations. It can hold thousands of books, has a built-in light so they can read at night and has a 6.8-inch glare-free display.

A Polaroid camera lets the new grad record memories with friends and family before they embark on new adventures, and it also captures moments with their new friends. The classic Polaroid will always feel like a piece of vintage nostalgia in a world that seems increasingly filled with advanced technology, giving your graduate a simple way to embrace the slow moments in life.

Young people have a ton of competing interests, such as careers, sports teams, student government and a full roster of college classes. Help them feel less stressed about getting dinner on the table with this air fryer toaster oven. It’s extremely stylish with its matte design and square shape, and it has settings for air frying, baking, toasting and more.

Leaving home can feel uncomfortable and even scary, which is why this chunky knit blanket is such a welcome gift. Even in an unfamiliar place, your graduate will be able to cuddle up in a warm embrace that feels like home. It’s a weighted blanket, so it can help them fall asleep faster, and the breathable fabric means it’s comfortable in any season.

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Ugg Tasman Slipper

Running between sports practice, class and work means there isn’t always time to put together the perfect outfit. That’s where these trendy Ugg slippers come in. The fluffy lining feels so soft and warm, while the grippy sole allows them to run between appointments and errands comfortably, without sacrificing style.

Once high school is over, the adult responsibilities seem to pile up — and that means it's even more important to show up well rested and on time. The Hatch Restore sunrise alarm clock facilitates a gradual (rather than abrupt and jarring) wake-up by playing soft sounds and emitting a light that mimics sunlight. On top of that, it also serves as a dimmable bedside lamp and a white noise machine.

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