#Best graduation gift ideas 2021: 25 useful gifts

While this is yet again another year where graduation certainly looks different, that doesn’t mean the class of 2021 should be celebrated any less.

So while you may be opting for Zoom ceremonies and socially distant grad parties, there’s still plenty of ways to show the graduates in your life how proud you are.

One way to do so is with an epic graduation gift.

In an effort to help you find the perfect present to honor the accomplishments of the grad in your life, we searched the net for a variety of different options, at all price points and for all ages and genders.

Ahead find great graduation gift ideas for college, high school, middle school and even kindergarten — including tech items, jewelry, toys, books and so much more from Amazon, Nordstrom, Baublebar, Yeti and others.

College Graduation Gift Ideas

1. Apple Watch Series 6, $374, original price: $399

The newest edition of the Apple Watch is a great gift to help the college grad in your life stay on track with their health and fitness goals. It can track steps, heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen levels and so much more.

2. Maya Brenner Asymmetrical Letter Necklace, $240

For something extra special, consider buying your grad this customized Maya Brenner letter necklace from Baublebar. You can choose the metal, chain length and up to three different letters to create a personalized jewelry piece. Note: It takes up to three weeks for this item to ship, so plan accordingly!

3. “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle, $16, original price: $28

“Untamed” is a powerful memoir written by Glennon Doyle that explores the joy and peace we discover when we stop striving to meet others’ expectations and start trusting the voice deep within us.

4. Longchamp “Le Pliage” Large Nylon Tote, $190

This Longchamp nylon tote is the perfect commuter work bag for the newly graduated gal in your life who’s about to step foot in the workforce. It’s sleek, holds a ton of items and is made of nylon, so it’s easy to clean, too.

5. Brooklinen Luxe Move-In Bedding Bundle, starting at $402, original price: $538

If they’re moving into their first real apartment, then a luxury Brooklinen bedding bundle is an awesome gift they’re bound to love and appreciate. It comes with a set of sheets, two pillows, a comforter and laundry detergent.

6. Cosori 5.8-Quart Air Fryer, $120

If they don’t have a lot of experience in the kitchen, a quality air fryer is a great gift, since it’s easy to use and can make hundreds of different meals!

7. Ninja Blender, $80, original price: $100

A small but powerful blender is another must-have in a young adult’s kitchen. This one from Ninja has blades that rotate at high speed to liquefy ingredients into smooth nutrient juices, smoothies and purees.

8. Allbirds “Tree Dashers,” $125

You can’t go wrong with gifting a new pair of sneakers for either him or her! These Allbirds running shoes are breathable and durable, have a supportive high- and low-density midsole, are made of renewable materials including sugarcane, and are machine washable!

High School Graduation Gift Ideas

1. Gorjana Bespoke Plate Gold Bracelet, $60

For a personalized gift that the high school graduate in your life will treasure forever, consider getting them this gold plate bracelet from Gorjana. You can customize the plate with their initials, a quote, declaration and so much more.

2. Victrola Portable Record Player with Bluetooth, $50, original price: $60

Not only will this vintage-looking record player make for good decoration in their dorm room, but it’s also versatile: They can play all their favorite tunes through Bluetooth, or invest in a few vinyls.

3. Apple AirPods Pro, $219, original price: $249

AirPods are a great buy for someone going to college, as they come in handy while they walk around campus. The Pros are noise-canceling, connect easily to Bluetooth and have up to 4.5 hours of listening time. Plus, they’re currently discounted!

4. Homesick candle, $34

Gift them a candle that will remind them of home. The Homesick candles come in a variety of different states and cities with scents that have key tones from their favorite place.

5. Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker, $80

With long study session and overnighters, a good coffee machine is a must. This Keurig K-Mini machine is great because it’s fairly thin, small in size and comes in plenty of fun colors.

6. Ultraideas Memory Foam Slippers, $17+

These foam slippers from Amazon are budget-friendly, comfy and perfect for your high school grad to wear in their dorm.

7. TilePix, $45 for a 3-pack

Gift them something they can use to decorate their space freshman year. These TilePix are easy to hang thanks to the sticky backing, and will add a touch of personality to their dorm.

Middle School Graduation Gift Ideas

1. Nintendo Switch Lite, $199

If your middle school grad is a bit of a video game junky, then it’s likely that they already got their hands on a Nintendo Switch Lite. In case they didn’t already score one, it would make a great gift for graduation.

2. Erin Condren x Wonder Woman “Starstruck LifePlanner,” $28, original price: $55

Get your little girl ready to organize and prep for her high school years with this totally awesome “Wonder Woman”-themed planner from Erin Condren.

3. Yeti “Rambler” Tumbler, $35

Inspire your eighth grade graduate to stay hydrated with this fun and trendy Yeti tumbler that will keep their beverage of choice cold or hot for hours on end.

4. Baked by Melissa “Congrats” box, $39

Who doesn’t love cupcakes? Better yet, bite-size cupcakes!

5. Sony Wireless Headphones, $38

These Sony headphones will definitely come in handy during Zoom calls or when they’re listening to their favorite music.

Kindergarten Graduation Gift Ideas

1. Personalization Mall Custom Graduation Teddy Bear, $30

What kindergarten graduate wouldn’t love a customized teddy bear for their most recent accomplishments?

2. PlayMonster “My Fairy Garden: Lily Pond,” $20

Introduce your little one to the magical world of gardening with this fairy-inspired set that teaches them how to plant, grow and play.

3. “First Grade, Here I Come!” by D.J. Steinberg, $11

“First Grade, Here I Come!” takes your kindergarten graduate through all the exciting things they’ll experience in their next school year.

4. Handheld Karaoke Microphone, $20

Warning: Your child — or, let’s be honest, you — may not put this microphone down after opening it on graduation day. It’s a wireless, Bluetooth microphone that allows them to sing along to their favorite tunes or go solo and belt their heart out.

5. Truck and Race Car Toy Set, $14 for 20-pack, original price: $19

If they love anything to do with automobiles, your younger grads will be thrilled to open up a box of almost two-dozen mini trucks and race cars.

For more recommendations, check out: