High School Graduation Gift Ideas on a Budget (2024)

Graduation season is here! It is so important to honor those special graduates in our lives, but it can get expensive too. I always want to celebrate graduations so we came up with some inexpensive gift ideas for graduation that won't break the bank. Gifts on a budget are the best! These are also great end of year gifts for students.

Check out our list of high school graduation gifts on a budget. It really helps when you can save money on gifts for many. Be sure to check out our Graduation Gift Basket ideas too!

We happily receive announcements from friends and family that are graduating from preschool to high school. While I wonder, how does it all happen so fast? I am also thinking, how can I acknowledge them all?

While I realize that the gift of money is probably the most popular (and maybe the most desired), my budget is telling me to look for other options. I have some great inexpensive ideas to give graduation gifts on a budget.

Most of the announcements I received this year are for high school graduations. I thought I would share with you some other inexpensive gift options that are still very useful and all the suggestions are less than $15.

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Graduation Gifts on A Budget

• Journal book - for their notes, action items, bullet journals, and other thoughts with a sentiment written inside.
• Travel Mug - with some coffee, tea, or hot chocolate packets. Nice for those study sessions they will be having in college.
• Books - a finance book or local guidebook (if the recipient is going away to college). Also books by legends in their field are great for inspiration.
• Speaking of books, this college cookbook could be super helpful!
• Make your own book of recipes for them. Think of easy recipes that just take a few ingredients.

• Instant coffee packets or flavored water packets.
• Tote or sports bag - people always need these for the gym, beach, or hiking explorations.
• Weekend getaway bag - something for them to take what they need on a weekend trip.
• This mini hot pot cooker can help them save money by making a meal in their room.
• Gift cards for Amazon - they are sure to use them on so many things.
• Fitness equipment: such as a yoga mat or weights.

• School supplies for college such as highlighters, pens and notebooks
• Packs of gum, dried fruit and/or mints.
• Individually wrapped salty snacks like nuts or crackers.
• A gift of faux succulents to decorate their place.
• Snack board - buy them a small cutting board and a grocery gift card to make their own charcuterie snack.

• Gift Bag or Basket - with highlighters, post-its, and supplies from the dollar store. See our full article on this for ideas.
• Gift cards to fast food eateries near their home (or college). Dorm food gets old fast and it is a nice way to treat them to a meal out. Think coffee, sandwich and ice cream places.
• A set of small holiday decorations so they can decorate their dorm room for the holidays.
• Stationery or note cards.
• Advice Jar - collect advice from friends and family on index cards and put them all in a jar to send off with the student. See photo below.

• Battery-operated candles - so they can enjoy candlelight without flame.
• If they are moving, get them a guidebook about their new city.
• A small tool kit with the basics - screwdrivers, nails, and a hammer.
• Slippers or slipper socks.
• A stand for their phone or tablet. Even better is one with a charging station.

• A small jewelry box or valet box.
• A tote bag for books or shopping
• A small fan or heater.
• Photo frames - a few of different sizes that can be hung
• Make them a bracelet (see below)

Another fun gift idea is these DIY Charm bracelets - so easy and less than $10 if you have the tools.

• DIY memory book - Create a DIY memory book filled with photos, quotes, and souvenirs from their high school years. This is a meaningful and heartfelt gift that won't cost a lot of money.
• Subscription box to something they love - coffee, journaling, teas, ramen etc...There are so many to choose from these days.
• Inspirational wall art- Print out an inspiring quote or message and frame it for the graduate to hang on their wall. This is a thoughtful and inexpensive gift that they can enjoy for years to come.
• Laptop case - A high-quality laptop case can help protect a student's valuable computer during transport to and from class.

Acknowledging the accomplishment is really what it is about. There is no need to spend a lot of money to let someone know you are proud of them. Consider the student's lifestyle and interests when selecting a gift, and look for items that can make their college experience easier, more enjoyable, cheaper or more productive.

We hope you found this list of inexpensive graduation gift ideas helpful. We are all about saving you time while enjoying the moments.

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What are your suggestions for low-cost graduation gifts?