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Gift baskets full of fun little goodies are an easy way to show high school seniors of that you care. These are our favorite grad gift basket ideas to help you get inspired!
I wanted to do something nice for some of the teens I know that are graduating to hopefully lift their spirits a little bit since they are missing out on so much.
I decided to put together some fun gift baskets with small items that they might like. Gift baskets are an easy and inexpensive gift. Grads will love to receive a gift (even if it’s small) and know that someone is thinking of them. I put a call out to my friends on Facebook to see who has kids that are graduating this year and then I asked for a list of things they are into, like hobbies and different snacks that they like.
Want to give that grad of yours’ a send-off in style? These luxurious hand-loomed Turkish towels are a fashionable and unbelievably comfortable accessory they can take with them on their first, much earned trip to the beach! You could use something like this as inspiration for a luxe beach-themed summer gift basket, too!
See also: Thinking more about what goes into your gifting? These are the best zero-waste gifting tips for greener celebrations and presents!
What to Include a Grad Gift Basket
Items similar to what you would put in a stocking at Christmas time are perfect to give in your grad gift basket. I shopped at my local grocery store and dollar store and found items that were on clearance or really cheap that I thought teens would like.
Candy
You can’t go wrong with candy when it comes to gift baskets, but that can’t be more true for one made for a grad. Grab a bunch of their favorite treats for a sweet way to celebrate. If you’re not sure what they like choose an assortment so you know something will hit!
Soda/Energy Drinks
Teens really love boutique sodas and energy drinks. Since grad season is the start of their last summer before college, it’s perfect timing to help stock the fridge with something cold and refreshing.
Gum
Gum is another great basket filler for grads whether they’re finishing high school or college. It’s that perfect combo of being consumable (no clutter or things to keep), a non-food item, and loved by most people.
Nail Polish
If the grad likes to paint their nails some new colors (or extras of their favorites) are a fun addition to gift baskets. You could add one in alone, or create a nail painting themed basket complete with tools and accessories.
Make up Items
Another popular one for young people graduating high school or college, make up! It’s something that you go through a lot of you wear it so you know it will be put to use if make up is their thing.
Shaving Cream
Shaving cream and shaving supplies are great for filling gift baskets if you’re not sure what to get. This is a great excuse to get the grad something nice that will make them feel a little more grown up.
Key Chain
Whether it’s a Chapstick holder like these keychains or something more personal, you can never have too many keychains as you enter the next stage of your life. Even if they don’t drive, these are handy for house keys or backpack zipper pulls.
Journals
From taking notes in college (if they’re a high school grad) to just musing about life, journals are always handy to keep around. Find something fun and unique to add to your gift basket.
Art Supplies or Pens
This can go alongside an art book or journal, or just be given on their own. You can give something special if the young adult in question in an artist but almost everyone will appreciate some new pens or markers.
Essential Oils/Oil Diffuser
Make the dorm room or their new home smell great as they move into the next stage of life. Great for setting the mood for relaxation and making everything smell great.
Inexpensive Jewelry
You can save the expensive stuff for personal gifts but that doesn’t mean inexpensive fun jewellery isn’t a great idea for grad gift baskets. If you want to be sentimental, choose something with an inspirational message like this necklace.
Picture Frames
So many memories over the past few years for your graduate! Photo frames give them an excuse to display those memories or keep treasured family photos nearby wherever life takes them next.
Items Needed to College
If your grad is finishing high school and starting college next year you can’t go wrong with supplies that make college life a little bit easier. This backpack phone charger is a great one!
Items For Their Car (If They Drive)
Young people are still getting set up with all those life “must haves”. If they’re a driver, include some handy accessories or safety devices to keep in the car.
Fun Socks
Available in so many colors and style options, fun socks are always a hit in your gift baskets. This is also a nice gender neutral option and gift for someone who you don’t know very well.
Cool Rocks or Crystals
Rocks and crystals are a unique gift basket addition but for the right grad could be something special. If you already know they’re into this sort of thing you can also get them some cool hobby supplies, like this kit. It’s a bit kiddie, yes, but still really fun for any age.
Gift Cards or Cash
There’s never a bad time to give someone a gift card or cash, but it’s especially helpful at graduation. Regardless of what their next step is in life there is bound to be something they need; this will help get them started.
How to Wrap Your Gift Basket
I don’t really like to use traditional wrapping paper or gift bags. I know that gift bags are re-useable (and I do reuse them) but I prefer to just pay a dollar for a canvas shopping bag. They always come in handy and your recipient can use it over and over again rather than just having a gift bag laying around.
Another idea is to place the items in a collapsible storage box or plastic container that they can re-use when they head off to college. Tie a couple of helium filled balloons to the bag to make it extra festive.
If you are using tissue paper or wrapping paper try to use their school colors or the colors of the college they will be heading off to.
How to Give Your Grad Gift Basket
During these times of social distancing, it’s perfectly acceptable to leave the gift basket at the doorstep. You can let the recipient know you’ll be stopping by or just leave it on the porch with a card or gift tag as a surprise. Ever wondered what shouldn’t make its way into a gift basket? We’ve got you covered!
What are your ideas to include in a gift basket for high school graduates? Let us know in the comments!
Adrienne Carrie Hubbard is a DIY and travel blogger living in Washington State. She helps people tap into their creativity to solve every-day problems around the home and garden.
