10 Inexpensive High School Graduation Gift Ideas

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Graduation season is a time of celebration and achievement as high school seniors bid farewell to their adolescent years and embark on a new chapter of their lives. However, with the excitement of graduation comes the pressure of finding the perfect gift for your favorite graduate. 

Fear not, because you don’t need to break the bank to show your support and appreciation. For you, we’ve rounded up the most inexpensive yet thoughtful graduation gift ideas to help you commemorate this special occasion without breaking the bank. So whether you’re shopping for your sibling, friend, or child, these affordable and creative gifts will make their graduation day even more memorable.

Wallet-friendly graduation gift ideas for high schoolers: Score big without spending big!

A great gift is always there on every parent’s graduation checklist! You don’t have to spend a lot of money to show a high school graduate that you’re proud of them. With a little creativity and some thoughtful planning, you can find a gift that’s both meaningful and affordable.

1. “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss

This classic book is a beloved gift for graduates. It offers inspiring and uplifting words of wisdom that encourage the reader to follow their dreams, overcome obstacles, and embrace new experiences.

The book’s colorful illustrations and playful rhymes make it a fun and engaging read for all ages. Plus, the hardcover or paperback editions make for a lasting keepsake that the graduate can revisit time and time again.

2. Stainless Steel Water Bottle

A reusable water bottle is a practical gift that will come in handy for the graduate’s new adventures. This stainless steel option by Simple Modern is not only functional, but it also comes in a variety of colors and patterns to suit any style.

The bottle has a double-walled vacuum-sealed design that keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 8 hours, making it perfect for long hikes, gym sessions, or study sessions.

3. Charging Station Organizer

As the graduate prepares to move into a dorm or their own apartment, they’ll likely have multiple electronics to keep charged and organized. This charging station organizer by Pezin & Hulin is a great solution.

It features multiple USB ports to charge smartphones, tablets, and other devices, while also providing a designated spot to keep everything organized. The compact design also makes it easy to take on the go.

4. Personalized Keychain

A personalized gift is a thoughtful way to show the graduate that you care. This stainless steel keychain by Stamps of Love can be customized with their name, graduation year, or a special message.

It’s a small but meaningful reminder of their accomplishment that they can carry with them wherever they go. Plus, the durable material ensures that the keychain will last for years to come.

5. Scratch-Off Map

For the graduate who loves to travel or has plans to explore the world, a scratch-off map is a fun and unique gift. This one by Earthabitats is designed to scratch off the countries and regions that the traveler has visited, revealing colorful and detailed graphics underneath.

The map comes with a scratching tool and flags to mark visited destinations, making it an interactive way to keep track of their adventures. The high-quality paper and laminated finish also ensure that the map will last for years of travel to come. 

DIY your way to high school graduation gift

While store-bought gifts can be convenient, there can be times when you might think that they lack a personal touch. That’s why DIY graduation gifts can be a great alternative. Not only are they affordable, but they also offer a unique and personalized way to celebrate the graduate’s achievements. At the same time, one can also think about some fun graduation lunch ideas for that extra touch! 

1. Memory Jar

A memory jar is a unique and sentimental way to give a gift that will hold memories from the graduate’s high school years. You can use any type of jar, but a Mason jar works well for this project. To decorate the jar, you can wrap a ribbon or twine around the top, add a tag with the graduate’s name, or use stickers to add a design to the jar.

To create the memory jar, have the graduate write down their favorite high school memories on slips of paper. They can write down anything that they want to remember, such as a favorite teacher, a special event, or a memorable moment with friends. Once they’ve written down their memories, they can fold up the slips of paper and place them in the jar. The graduate can read the memories whenever they want to revisit their high school years.

2. DIY Photo Collage

A DIY photo collage is a fun and creative way to showcase the graduate’s high school memories. You can use any type of cardboard or poster board for this project, and decorate it with stickers, ribbon, or other decorative elements. To create the photo collage, simply print out the graduate’s favorite photos from high school and arrange them on the board. You can use different sizes and shapes of photos to create a unique design.

Handwritten comments or notes about each photo can be used to provide a personal touch. You can also use stickers or other embellishments to create a one-of-a-kind design for the board. After completion, the collage can be hung on the graduate’s wall or displayed on a shelf as a memento of their high school years.

3. Personalized Graduation Cap

A personalized graduation cap is a fun and creative way to celebrate the graduate’s achievements. You can use fabric paint, glitter, or stickers to add a design to the cap. To make it personal, you can add the graduate’s name, graduation year, or an inspiring quote that has meaning to them.

To create the design, start by sketching out the design on a piece of paper. Once you’ve finalized the design, use fabric paint or glitter to create the design on the cap. You can also use stickers or decals to create a unique design. Once the cap is complete, the graduate can wear it during their graduation ceremony to show off their personality and creativity.

4. Decorated Graduation Diploma

A decorated graduation diploma is a unique and personalized way to commemorate the graduate’s achievements. You can use stickers, ribbons, or decorative paper to create a unique design around the edges of the diploma. To make it personal, you can include a handwritten note of congratulations or a special message for the graduate.

 Begin by picking the decorations you want to use for the diploma. To make a one-of-a-kind design around the margins of the diploma, use stickers, ribbon, or ornamental paper. After you’ve finished decorating the diploma, roll it up and tie it with a ribbon for a finishing touch. The diploma can be hung on the graduate’s wall or kept in a particular spot to remind them of their accomplishments.

5. DIY Graduation Lei

A DIY graduation lei is a fun and creative way to celebrate the graduate’s achievements. You can use colorful paper or tissue paper to create a unique and personalized lei that the graduate can wear during their graduation ceremony. To make it personal, you can attach handwritten notes or small gifts to the lei.

To create the lei, start by cutting the paper into strips. You can use different colors to create a unique design. Once you’ve cut the strips, fold them in half and twist them to create a rope-like effect. Once you have enough strips, you can braid them together to create the lei.  

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether you’re looking to buy a gift or make one yourself, there are plenty of affordable and meaningful options available for high school graduation gifts. These can also be clubbed with some great wishes for your niece, your child, or even a friend who is graduating from high school.

From practical items like a journal or water bottle to sentimental keepsakes like a memory jar or photo collage, there are many gift ideas that can help a graduate celebrate their achievements and look forward to the future. Whether you choose to buy a gift or make one yourself, the most important thing is to show your support and congratulations for the graduate’s hard work and accomplishments.