Connect with us

Shopping

Best high school graduation gifts for 2024

Published

on

Best high school graduation gifts for 2024

Thoughtful graduation gift ideas that start at $36

Article content

Summer is just around the corner, which means that families across the country are gearing up to celebrate the high school class of 2024.

If you’re on the hunt for a gift to congratulate the grad in your life, there are plenty of options that would be sure to impress: according to my 18-year-old cousin, you can never go wrong with “something sentimental that would be important” to the grad in question. That said, he was also equally excited by the idea of a practical gift that could help make the transition into the “real world” just a little bit easier.

Advertisement 2

Article content

Article content

So whether they’re heading off to postsecondary school, a gap year adventure or straight into the workforce, shop some of our favourite gifts for high school grads in 2024. 

Best tech gifts for high school grads

soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones,
soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones. Photo by Amazon

A pair of headphones can make all the difference when it comes time to focus – especially if you’re investing in a noise-cancelling pair. This set has two internal and two external mics that work to detect external sounds and reduce up to 90 per cent of background noise (including noisy roommates). They also offer long-lasting playtime, with up to sixty hours of use per charge.

Price: $90
Where to buy: Amazon

HP Stream 14″ HD BrightView Laptop

HP Stream 14-Inch Laptop
HP Stream 14-Inch Laptop. Photo by Amazon

Students heading to college or university in the fall will surely appreciate the gift of a new laptop, while parents will enjoy the moderate price tag of this HP device. Starting at $369, it offers a lightweight design coming in at not even five pounds. This laptop works well for a wide range of uses, from gaming to note-taking to streaming movies and music.

Price: From $369
Where to buy: Amazon | Walmart

Article content

Advertisement 3

Article content

Happrun Portable Projector

Happrun Portable Projector
Happrun Portable Projector. Photo by Amazon

Gone are the days when you had to stream movies or TV shows on your tiny phone or laptop screen when you were away from home. Instead, this portable indoor-outdoor projector allows for full HD viewing anywhere there’s a blank wall available. Enjoy up to a 200-inch screen and full stereo sound when you connect it to your Apple or Android device.

Price: $123 | Was: 143
Where to buy: Amazon

JBL Clip 4 – Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker

JBL Clip 4 - Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker
JBL Clip 4 – Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker. Photo by Amazon

Don’t let this speaker’s compact size fool you – it’s powerful enough to impress even the pickiest audiophile. A built-in clip makes it easy to attach to a belt, bag or strap, and a long-lasting battery delivers up to ten hours of continuous use on a single charge. Plus, it comes in tons of fun colours, including turquoise, orange, pink and red.

Price: $100
Where to buy: Amazon | Best Buy

Best travel gifts for high school grads

Monos Carry-On

Monos Carry-On
Monos Carry-On. Photo by Monos

For many students, the summer after high school offers an opportunity to travel for the first time as an adult. A carry-on can help them along on their adventures and keep things organized on the road. I’m partial to the Monos Carry-On, which has a sturdy exterior that doesn’t scuff easily, smooth wheels, and a telescoping handle that adjusts to four different height settings.

Advertisement 4

Article content

Price: $285
Where to buy: Monos

Lonely Planet Europe 4th Ed.

Lonely Planet Europe 4th Ed.
Lonely Planet Europe 4th Ed. Photo by Amazon

Depending on where they may be headed, a Lonely Planet guidebook has tons of information and travel inspiration that a new grad might want before embarking on their next adventure. In addition to a complete guide to Europe, you’ll also find guidebooks for popular regions like Southeast Asia and South America, or country-specific guides.

Price: $36
Where to buy: Amazon

Apple AirTags

AirTags
AirTags. Photo by Apple

It’s never fun to lose valuables on vacation, which is why the rise of tracking devices has been such a win for travellers. AirTags can be used to keep tabs on your suitcase, keys, wallet or other items through the FindMy app for added peace of mind. Plus, with the option for free engraving at Apple, they can be personalized with initials or emojis for a special touch.

Price: From $39
Where to buy: Apple | Amazon

Solgaard Venture Backpack

Solgaard Venture Backpack
Solgaard Venture Backpack. Photo by Solgaard

While this backpack works well for travel, school or a day at the office, it really shines when you’re on vacation. It comes with a removable shelf system that helps organize your belongings and lets you unpack in seconds, as well as an expandable main compartment for extra storage. Add in a padded laptop pocket and you have the recipe for just about the perfect travel bag.

Advertisement 5

Article content

Price: $271 CAD ($199 USD)
Where to buy: Solgaard

Best home gifts for high school grads

Silk & Snow Hand Knitted Weighted Blanket

Hand Knitted Weighted Blanket
Hand Knitted Weighted Blanket. Photo by Silk & Snow

Studies have shown that using weighted blankets can lead to better sleep, higher daytime activity levels, and reduced symptoms of fatigue, depression, and anxiety, making this a great gift idea for students heading off to school this fall. This one from Silk & Snow comes in weights ranging from eight to 25 pounds (aim to choose one that’s roughly 10 per cent of your body weight), and eight stunning colours.

Price: From $161 | Was: From $190
Where to buy: Silk & Snow

Hamilton Beach Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker

Hamilton Beach Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker
Hamilton Beach Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker. Photo by Amazon

Dorms aren’t necessarily known for their homey ambiance, so multipurpose kitchen gadgets can go a long way in making them feel more comfortable. In place of a hot plate or other bulky appliance, this breakfast sandwich maker is a versatile choice that can help make breakfasts more exciting. Just add bread, meats, cheese, veggies and eggs to enjoy two hot sandwiches in five minutes.

Price: $50
Where to buy: Amazon

Custom LED Neon Sign

Custom LED Neon Sign
Custom LED Neon Sign. Photo by Amazon

You can never go wrong with a little personalized decor, and a custom neon sign is about as personal as it gets. You can choose just about anything to be written out on this sign, including names, quotes or school mottos. Before you place your order, choose your sign’s size, font, colour and phrase to get started.

Advertisement 6

Article content

Price: From $39
Where to buy: Amazon

Owala 24oz FreeSip Water Bottle

Owala 24oz FreeSip Water Bottle
Owala 24oz FreeSip Water Bottle.Baby shower gifts: Top products for expecting families Photo by Owala

A water bottle that comes in tons of fun colours and is super functional? Sign us up. This one from Owala has a unique mouthpiece that’s designed for either sipping upright through the built-in straw or tilting back to swig from the spout opening. It also has a leak-proof lid with a snap closure to keep germs out, a carry loop that can be clipped onto a backpack, and it keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours.

Price: $39
Where to buy: Owala | Amazon

Recommended from Editorial

Shopping Essentials is a category written by research-obsessed shopping experts. Explore product reviews, recommendations and launches — plus behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and hidden gems — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter.

Article content

Continue Reading