High School graduation is a moment for celebration as family and friends take a look at their senior and marvel at just how much they’ve grown up.

Graduation is just around the corner, so here’s a few gift ideas for that graduate in your life!

AirPod Pros

There is a reason why you see more and more people using AirPods – they are simply amazing and the AirPod Pros have a noise-cancelling capability making them one of the very best grad gifts. Your teen would thrilled to receive a pair. 

Noise-Cancelling Headphones 

Having a way to block out noise from a roommate or hall mates is key for college students. 

Laptop

If your new graduate has an outdated computer, there is no gift that they will appreciate more than a new laptop. Although expensive, look for student discounts offered by Apple, Microsoft or at stores like Best Buy. Here’s the fine print:

Apple offers a discount to college students, seniors who have their admission letters, or college parents. Two of the most popular models are the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.

Microsoft also offers discounts to students and their parents here.

iPads are great gifts for students who prefer to take notes in class, read textbooks online back at the dorm and, later, for working the real world. For many students it replaces notebooks.

A Kindle Paperwhite is also a very popular e-reader for students who prefer to read their textbooks digitally. These lightweight and compact devices hold loads of memory and are waterproof, too!

Books

The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College 

Harlan Cohen is the dean of advice to college students and The Naked Roommate, his bestselling book, is an excellent go-to guide for all things related to college life, academics, friends and more.

Do Your Laundry or You’ll Die Alone: Advice Your Mom Would Give if She Thought You Were Listening 

Becky Baldes, author/illustrator (and mom of two daughters) is the genius behind this adorable book. You’ll be giving your grad what she wants but doesn’t know she needs: her mother’s loving counsel. The beautifully illustrated book covers topics from laundry to forgiveness to creative living.

Apple watch

These amazing devices are so much more than just a way to tell time. Each generation of Apple watches has increased functionality and this latest version, the Series 6, has the fitness tracker, voice assistant, GPS, heart rate monitor and more. Your student will be able to take calls and reply to texts on their phones.

Now, get three months free of Apple Fitness when you buy a watch. This would be an amazing gift that can help your college student monitor their own health and fitness levels in their new college life.

Pet pillow

We know it can be painful for your teen to say goodbye to their pet when they leave for college. Submit a favorite photo to Uncommon Goods and their artisans in Brooklyn will sew a handmade, personalized throw pillow which will be a wonderful reminder of their buddy waiting for them back home.

Weighted blanket

Getting a good night’s sleep may be the single most important goal for our college kids to help them stay well. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most elusive for them in loud dorm rooms where they are paired with a stranger whose study and sleep habits may be vastly different than their own. Consider a “mini” weighted blanket that is machine washable and can go in the dryer; duvet covers are also available.

Desk lamp

A desk or nightstand lamp that is dimmable and has a built-in high-speed charger for a phone is a practical gift that your teen can use in dorms or apartments for years to come. 

Mobile charger

One of the best ways for your kid to stay safe at college is to have an always-charged phone. Having one of these small, lightweight, and high-speed battery bank chargers in a backpack is invaluable.

Diffusers

Dorm rooms are tiny, messy and smelly with the scent of wet towels, sweaty gym clothes, and last week’s pizza box. UGH. Many forbid the use of candles. Diffusers are a great alternative - they last for months and can keep a dorm room smelling much nicer until winter break.

Dorm Essentials

At some point every recent grad finds themselves browsing the college decor section of Bed, Bath, & Beyond or Target searching for Twin XL sheets and an array of storage units. Gift cards from one of these national retailers will get them on their way.

When your teen uses a valid email address and registers at the Target College Registry, friends and family can chose gifts from their list of all the things they will want and need to buy for school. Plus, there’s an offer for 15% savings that you will want to take advantage of.

Two wheels

College kids on bicycles is an idyllic image, but not if your kid’s bicycle was the small one they got for the holidays in sixth grade. If they are going to attend a university that is suited to a bike, and most are, this may be the single most useful gift you can give, after their laptop. Don’t forget to add a bike repair kit for helping to keep the bike in tip top shape.

Coffee time

Students waking up early for class or pushing though late-night studying will appreciate their own single serving coffee maker. 

Money lei

Feeling crafty? Take those dollar bills and make a traditional lei. One part origami, one part Hawaiian necklace. A quick search on Pinterest will show you 100 different styles with instructions.

Tools

Unassembled furniture? A hinge that is coming loose? A small but well-equipped tool set will last for all four years and beyond.