Is it really already time to leave high school behind? With college on the horizon, the high school grad in your life is facing a whole new world where she can make a fresh start. Give her the gifts that’ll help her start those four years off right – and thrive every step of the way!
UNDER $25
Dream Big Art Print, $6.95 at Paper Source
If there’s one thing every college-bound high school grad needs, it’s dorm room décor. Brighten up the walls of her new place with an inspirational poster like this gem from Paper Source. Dare to dream big!
The Her Campus Guide to College Life: How to Manage Relationships, Stay Safe and Healthy, Handle Stress,
and Have the Best Four Years of Your Life, $11.40 on Amazon
College is full of unknowns. It’s all about facing challenges, meeting new people and finding yourself. So yeah, we know that college can seem scary, and that’s why we’ve made it easy with the official Her Campus book. Give the grad in your life a leg up on all things college with this insider info and must-have advice!
Garance Doré Leopard Weekly Desk Pad, $12 at Catbird
Help that college freshman you know stay on top of everything; this weekly desk calendar will do the trick! Plus, its cute pattern makes it more than a calendar – it’s a statement piece of dorm décor.
Les Notebooks, $12.95 at Anthropologie
You don’t have to be a Francophile to fall in love with these notebooks and planners from Anthropologie (though fans of the French will certainly fall the hardest). Organized? Oui. Très chic? Oui.
I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban, $14.44 at Barnes & Noble
Give your grad an extra dose of inspiration – motivate her to stand up for what she believes in and stand up for what’s right. The incredible story of Malala Yousafzai is one of a heroine any recent high school grad can look up to.
‘Hello Beautiful’ Glass Trinket Tray, $16 at Nordstrom
Sure, she needs a place to put all of her trinkets (no more lost rings!). But she also might need a daily dose of affirmation. Send her a ‘hello beautiful’ message every day.
The Happy Family, $28 at The Her Campus Shop
Note-taking at its finest! This set covers everything she’ll need for her first day of classes (and beyond). Plus, it’s got all the spirit and positive vibes she needs for that extra boost of confidence in the classroom.
UNDER $50
Golden Glam Desk Accessories, $12-29 at PB Teen
We’re all about the metallics these days, and these golden desk organizers are hitting the spot.
Gridart 16-Opening Picture Frame, $29.99 on Amazon
You make tons of memories in college – but it’s even more important to hold onto the good times from your high school days, too. This frame lets a college freshman keep all her favorites memories in one place, brightening up her dorm room and reminding her of the people who know her through and through.
S’well Bottle in Gold, $35 at MoMA Store
Like we said, we’ve got a gold addiction this year, and that’s why we’re beyond obsessed with this S’well bottle. S’well is basically the coolest thing in water bottle trends since, well, ever, and our jaws dropped when we saw this new gilded version. Wish list status, achieved!
Goccia Studs in Rose, $38 at Anthropologie
Ooh la la, rose gold! Every girl deserves a gift that’ll help her remember her high school graduation day forever, and these gorgeous earrings are the perfect pick.
Bead + Chain Multi-Wrap Bracelet, $42 at Chloe + Isabel
Meet the friendship bracelet’s grown-up, college-aged sister: this sophisticated Chloe + Isabel wrap bracelet. It has all the comfort and color of her old camp bracelets, but enough sophistication to take her into the big college pond.
Magical Thinking Odette Medallion Tapestry, $49 at Urban Outfitters
Every dorm room needs a tapestry, period. After your college apps, essays and tuition payments, this is college requirement #1.
UNDER $100
Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful Triangle Earrings, $68 at Dogeared
The best gifts are the ones that have thought behind them – and this pair of earrings from Dogeared have just that. The brand’s positive message and self-love reminders are just what a recent grad needs to take the leap into her next chapter.
GLAMGLOW Get Glowing Set, $69 at Sephora
Help her put her best face forward in college – literally! This must-have skincare set gives you a fresh start and a glam glow to get going on your new adventure.
Vera Bradley Large Duffel Bag, $85 at Macy’s
It’s no secret that most college girls don’t pack light. But when she does need to pack, whether for a weekend away or a visit home during break, this colorful Vera Bradley pick will be her new best friend.
OVER $100
Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera, $100 at Urban Outfitters
Here’s to making marvelous memories in college! Forget Facebook and Instagram – take pictures you can actually keep. This instant camera is cute and compact, and we’re loving the idea of a dorm room decorated with an instant photo collage!
Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth Speaker, $129.99
Let her play her music in style. This Bluetooth speaker is exactly what she needs for her calm study music and her fun, impromptu dance parties with friends (spoiler alert: Taylor Swift will be on that playlist).
Kate Spade New York Cedar Street Monday Cross Body Bag, $148 at Shopbop
Calm, cool and collected – this Kate Spade bag embodies all three. It’s the little black bag every college girl needs in her accessory arsenal, and it makes a major style statement.
Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses in Gold/Blue, $170 at Lord & Taylor
Her future’s so bright, she needs shades (But seriously, she’ll actually need these shades for sunny days on campus).
Apple iPad Mini 16GB $249 at Target
This is a big-budget gift, but it’s also a tool that she’ll use every day in college, whether she’s researching her assignments or getting some much-needed R&R from a night in with Netflix. It’s the present she wants and needs, so it’s the ultimate winner.