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30 8th Grade Graduation Gifts
1. Custom Photo Banner, From $3.97 at VistaPrint
The early teen years are often when kids start personalizing their bedrooms. These custom graduation banners are the perfect way for them to do just this. Consider choosing a photo with all their friends for bonus points. Custom Photo Banner, From $3.97 at VistaPrint
2. Wood Block and Prints, From $22 at Artifact Uprising
Likewise, this playful wood block photo holder is a fun gift for a graduating teen. Fill it with photos of family and friends. It’s like a frame for their dresser, but they can easily take the photos out to pass around to their buddies. Wood Block and Prints, From $22 at Artifact Uprising
3. KODAK Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera, $49.99 at Target
Chances are, the teen in your life is going to up their photo game in high school. Get them started with this instant-print camera from Kodak that has a special zero-ink technology. The most fun part is that the photos have an adhesive back, so they’re all set for scrapbooks, lockers or wall collages. KODAK Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera, $49.99 at Target
6. Personalized Leather Bookmark, From $13.20 at Etsy
High school is when the serious reading assignments really start, so a personalized leather bookmark is both a thoughtful and useful gift. Personalized Leather Bookmark, From $13.20 at Etsy
7. Personalized Academic Planner, From $29.90 at Etsy
Sports, clubs, study sessions, social plans—the life of a high schooler can get pretty darn busy. This beautiful monogrammed planner will not only help them stay organized, but it’ll keep them grounded, too. It’s full of positive enforcement sections, such as weekly happy goals planning, daily gratitude, exercise or meditation reminders and space for doodles. Personalized Academic Planner, From $29.90 at Etsy
8. Apple 10.2-Inch iPad, $329.99 at Best Buy
Graduating eighth grade means a teen is probably getting into technology, so an iPad is a very generous gift. They can use it for reading, researching, watching videos and (dare we say) social media. Apple 10.2-Inch iPad, $329.99 at Best Buy
9. Monogrammed Leather Tablet Case, $149 at Mark & Graham
To go with their new tablet (or if they already have one), a monogrammed leather case is a beautiful gift. Monogrammed Leather Tablet Case, $149 at Mark & Graham
10. Classic Backpack XL, $59.99 at Herschel
Teens moving on to high school are usually ready to go a little more mature with their hallway style. Help them get there with a practical yet posh backpack from popular brand Herschel. Their classic XL design comes in 35 hues and has water bottle pockets, a laptop sleeve and extra storage. Classic Backpack XL, $59.99 at Herschel
11. Apple Watch Series 3, From $199 at Apple
Techie graduates will jump for joy over an Apple Watch. The Series 3 model is the least expensive, but it has plenty of features for a teenager, including activity trackers, calling and texting, a music player, maps, Apple Pay and much more. Apple Watch Series 3, From $199 at Apple
12. Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Buds, $149.99 at Best Buy
Wireless earbuds are a must today, and Beats by Dr. Dre are probably the most coveted brand. This pair is also noise-canceling, which will come in handy for studying. Beats by Dr. Dre Studio Buds, $149.99 at Best Buy
13. Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker, $149.99 at Best Buy
You can’t go wrong with Bose when it comes to anything audio-related, and this reasonably priced portable Bluetooth speaker is just what a teen needs to kick off summer. Take it to the beach (it’s waterproof!), on a hike (it’s dustproof!) or just use it in the house when friends come over. The 12-hour battery life is another selling point. Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker, $149.99
14. Restore Smart Sleep Assistant, $129.99 at Hatch
In a lot of places, high school starts earlier than middle school. Make the transition easier and more tech-friendly with this cool alarm clock from Hatch. It’s part alarm clock, part sound machine, part smart light and part meditation app. Your teen will thank you when they’re feeling super refreshed when the first bell rings. Restore Smart Sleep Assistant, $129.99 at Hatch
15. 10-in-1 Flip Pillow, $49.99 at Sharper Image
Teenagers sure do love to sleep, and this 10-position pillow will make the experience that much better. The special two-piece design means it can be used as a backrest for watching tv, a stomach pillow for studying or a standard bed pillow. 10-in-1 Flip Pillow, $49.99 at Sharper Image
16. LapGear Home Office Pro Lap Desk, $49.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond
Speaking of laying in bed, this lap desk makes using the laptop while lounging super comfortable. It even has a cushioned wrist rest, built-in mousepad and smartphone slot. LapGear Home Office Pro Lap Desk, $49.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond
17. The Tassel Was Worth The Hassle Mug, From $15 at Etsy
There’s a decent chance coffee or tea will enter the picture in high school. This cheeky mug can be personalized, so those early mornings will have a friendly reminder. The Tassel Was Worth The Hassle Mug, From $15 at Etsy
18. Peace Out Middle School T-Shirt, From $12.90 at Etsy
Retro style is back, and this fun t-shirt nails the trend without being overly kitschy. It would be cool to get them for a group of friends and take a social media-ready graduation photo. Peace Out Middle School T-Shirt, From $12.90 at Etsy
19. Monogrammed Vegan Leather Square Wallet, $79 at Mark & Graham
High school might be the first time teens have the need to carry a wallet, so why not make it personalized. We like that the monogramming on this vegan leather wallet is done in a colorful shadow print that feels more youthful. And the zip-around closure will help prevent anything from getting lost. Monogrammed Vegan Leather Square Wallet, $79 at Mark & Graham
20. Engravable Graduation Cap Duo Charm Bangle, $49 at Alex and Ani
Know an eighth-grader who loves Alex and Ani bracelets? Well, here is the perfect gift (it’s also a perfect way to start a young lady off on the charm bracelet trend). The affordable set comes with a graduation cap charm and a plain circle charm that you can engrave with a special name or date. Choose from silver or gold. Engravable Graduation Cap Duo Charm Bangle, $49 at Alex and Ani
21. Graduation Necklace, $68 at Dear Ava
Give your daughter a beautiful, dainty necklace that will also be a reminder of how much you believe in her. Available in plated gold, rose gold, or silver, it comes packaged with a lovely inspirational message. Graduation Necklace, $68 at Dear Ava
22. Pandemic Graduation Socks, $17.65 at Etsy
Virtual school, mandatory testing tons of uncertainty—getting to graduation hasn’t been easy for the class of 2022. Add a little levity with these silly socks. Pandemic Graduation Socks, $17.65 at Etsy
23. Grogu Plush Graduation Robe Gift Set, $57.50 at Build-A-Bear-Workshop
Stuffed animals aren’t just for kids… when they’re based on The Mandalorian! For your special superfan, this graduation-themed Grogu is a fun collectible. Grogu Plush Graduation Robe Gift Set, $57.50 at Build-A-Bear-Workshop
24. Threshold Campaign Wood Writing Desk, $170 at Target
Graduating to high school means more papers, exams and college prep, so they’ll need somewhere to sit and get it all done. This desk is simple (it’ll work well in small spaces) but its style fits with classic or mid-century decor. Threshold Campaign Wood Writing Desk, $170 at Target
25. Piper Acrylic Desk Chair, $399 at Pottery Barn Teen
How cool is this acrylic desk chair?! Though the ’70s style packs a punch, it’s neutral enough to pair with a range of desk styles. For practical purposes, it has an adjustable height and 360-degree rotation. Piper Acrylic Desk Chair, $399 at Pottery Barn Teen
26. Saruhan Solid Wood Ladder Bookcase, $143.99 at Wayfair
Ladder bookcases are so playful and lend themselves well to fun decorating ideas. Give the graduate a place to store textbooks, their favorite novels and fun mementos. This shelf also comes in brown or espresso finishes. Saruhan Solid Wood Ladder Bookcase, $143.99 at Wayfair
27. Faux-Fur Unicorn Bean Bag Chair, $308 at Pottery Barn Teen
Whether they’re cramming for an exam or gossiping with friends, there’s no better place to chill out than a comfy bean bag chair. This unicorn-patterned pouf would work well for boys or girls. Faux-Fur Unicorn Bean Bag Chair, $308 at Pottery Barn Teen
28. Class of 2022 Gift Box For Her, From $39.78 at Etsy
A lovely gift box for a lovely young lady—this sweet, personalizable set from Etsy comes with a soy candle (and box of matches), bath bomb, vanilla lip balm, scrunchie and the option for cute add-ons like chocolate orange slices or a face mask. The relaxation-themed box is an especially nice gift for anyone who’s a bit stressed about their summer job or high school. Class of 2022 Gift Box For Her, From $39.78 at Etsy
29. Way to Go! Gift Box, $50 at Knack
This gift box from Knack is suitable for any graduate, with a lemon and coconut-scented “Congratulations!” candle, hip-hip-hooray matches, chocolate truffles and a set of 30 inspirational quote cards. Way to Go! Gift Box, $50 at Knack
30. Mini Melanie’s Graduation Sugar Cookies, $69.95 at Goldbelly
Teenagers seem to always be hungry, and nothing says celebration like a sweet treat. Brooklyn-based bakery Mini Melanie ships a set of eight graduation-themed sugar cookies that are sure to impress. Mini Melanie’s Graduation Sugar Cookies, $69.95 at Goldbelly Next up, The 50 Best Graduation Gift Ideas
