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The 25 Best High School Graduation Gifts of 2023

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Teenagers are tricky to shop for, let alone keep up with, but we're here to give you a serious assist. dog plush pillow

The 25 Best High School Graduation Gifts of 2023

SPRING IS in the air, which means so too is pollen, summer planning, and the conclusion of another school year. For many, that means graduation time. And graduates deserve to be celebrated, preferably with a thoughtful gift.

High school graduates are a special bunch. Many of these teens are about to embark on career-defining journeys, trying out life on their own away at college or taking on trade school. It's a bittersweet time, witnessing these former kids blossom into adults and prepare to take on the world.

Well, that seems like pretty good reason to celebrate. But don't just hand out mixtapes or inspirational posters to the high school grad in your life. Instead, give a graduation gift that they'll truly want and will put to good use in the dorm or wherever it is they're off to next.

We've put together a standout list of the best high school graduate gifts, from tech items to clothing they'll be excited to wear. We know, teenagers are tricky to shop for, let alone keep up with, but we're here to give you a serious assist. These 20 gifts are guaranteed to impress even the most discerning of grads.

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This collaboration is an ideal gift for the style-forward graduate. It's a hybrid design, set up to take on whatever the weather throws your way, built for the mobile lifestyle and set up with a slim-fitting hood. Rain or shine, working out or just out walking, it's a fine top to throw on.

Kids these days love crocs, especially stylish ones. Yep, the shoes once reserved for kitchen workers are now the talk of campuses. Set your graduate off on the right foot with this spray paint-themed pair.

Everything is smarter these days, not just phones and watches. You'd never know it looking at these timeless wayfarer sunglasses but they are set up with all the modern bells and whistles, from a handsfree camera to open-ear speakers and voice control you can hook up with your phone.

One of the best ways for a grad to celebrate their educational achievement is a road trip. And every road trip requires a good destination. You don't have to know exactly where you're going with this useful gift card, but you can count on having a great home or apartment to crash in when the destination is reached.

Here's the perfect gift for the grad off to art school. It's an aspiring filmmaker's best friend, set up for pro-level footage and a sleek design. If you didn't film it effortless from the air with a drone, it didn't happen.

Gift your grad some dry humor with this witty hoodie from Urban Outfitters. It's clever, comfy, and made for just about anything, from studying at the library to hanging out with friends.

He's a graduate now, meaning no more cheap cologne that lingers long after he left the room. Instead, a layered batch of men's perfume that will have him feeling fresh and eager to meet new friends. This one offers complex woody notes and comes in a Medusa-inspired bottle.

This polo will keep your grad classy and cool, even as the summer heats storms in. The fabric breathes like a charm and controls odor, all while offering a great feel and fit.

Nanoleaf is behind some genuinely cool wall decor that can bring a ton of life to a dorm or different room. Better, the lights sync up to a cool app and can work in tandem with whatever music you're streaming, movie you're watching, or computer game you're playing.

Maybe its his first razor or maybe it's just an upgrade, either way the Series 9 Pro is an excellent choice for the fledgling grad. It's easy to use, offers a clean shave, and can stand up to the wear and tear its practically destined to withstand.

It's never too early to start getting his college supplies in order. Enter this high-tech notepad, which lets him jot down notes, edit slideshows and PDFs with the stroke of a pen.

For the grad who is setting up shop elsewhere this fall, a quality tv is where it's at. This 50-inch model brings a cinematic feel to the home front, with built-in Fire TV and a display that will blow their mind. It'll impress at all levels, from video game playing to show streaming and movie nights.

The best running shoes appeal to hardcore joggers and comfort fans alike. Here's a great example, ready to be laced up by the most athletic grads or just those wanting more cushion and support in their step. Light yet durable, these shoes are instant favorites (plus, there are tons of great color combos).

The slide is a must for the on-the-move grad, easy to throw on throughout the day. We can't think of a better statement of luxe athletic leisure. And the pillowy nature of this pair will cradle your feet like a baby.

Maybe you had headphones when you were a grad but it's 2023. Set the next generation up with what they'll use most with this slick pair of buds from Beats. They're noise-cancelling and hug the ear great, whether employed for a jog or crosstown commute.

Fashion moves lightning fast but some things stand the test of time. The Stan Smith is a great example, a sneaker that epitomizes the less is more philosophy. They add a touch of dressy-ness to casual, resulting in an overall sharp-as-a-blade look that accompanies all manner of outfits.

Much will change in the coming months for the eager grad in your life but they can get used to one thing: sitting. Yes, they'll be sitting often, be it in a dorm room, home office, or apartment. Fortunately, you can offer the gift of superior sitting with this ergonomic chair that will be kind to their back and keep them from inheriting your poor posture.

College-bound grads will be hitting the books, but there's a lot of free time nestled in that schedule (not to mention a whole summer in between). Keep them highly entertained with the PlayStation 5, the best way to beat a scorching day or wind down after a study session.

A quality skincare routine is a gift they'll want to live with forever after. This set from Geologie can take on the dark circles and breakouts that tend to accompany the teenage and young adult lifestyle. A grad may up for nights on end studying but they don't need to look the part.

For hydration or caffeination (or both), there's nothing better than the Rambler. It's durable, insulates well, and can pack easily into a backpack or messenger bag. Fill it with coffee in the morning, water in the afternoon, and your camping drink of choice come the weekend.

Mark Stock is a food, drink, and outdoors writer from Portland, Oregon. He spent years making, selling, and sipping Pinot Noir in the Dundee Hills before a full return to his journalistic roots in 2016. In addition to Men's Health, he writes for SevenFifty Daily, Sip Northwest, The Somm Journal, The Drake, Willamette Week, Travel Oregon, and more.  

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