When someone finishes middle school, they do more than cross a stage at a semi-silly graduation. They’re entering into a point in their education where they have almost all the responsibility.

There isn’t such a big transition, not until they get to college and they only have one summer to prepare. So get them a gift that will make them feel ready to face the high school halls.

Want inspiration for great graduation gift ideas? We’ve got five below.

Monogrammed Backpack

If you’re shopping for a to-be high school girl, what’s a better gift than something she’ll use every day? A monogrammed backpack isn’t just a cute gift, it’s practical.

You can get them in special patterns and order from a company that specializes in backpacks. Or, you can buy a backpack and take it to your local embroidery specialist.

You have a few choices when it comes to monogram styles. The circle style is popular right now. But you also have the more classic cursive style with a bigger middle letter.

Before you have them put it down in thread, make sure you check the name order. Monogram order is first initial, last initial, middle initial.

Locker Accessories

In high school kids have a lot more freedom than they did in middle school. Maybe they used their lockers in middle school or maybe they didn’t.

Either way, they will in high school. They make some unbelievable locker accessories nowadays. You can get everything from shelves to dividers, to magnets, to a locker chandelier.

If you want to go above and beyond, get them some locker accessories and a little care package to go in them. Pencils, snacks, extra lead – the like.

Laptop or Tablet Case

If the school your new high schooler is going to allows laptops and tablets, why not get them a cute case? Things get banged around in a backpack, so everyone could use a little extra padding.

Look into getting a custom case made with something they love. Do they have a favorite pet? All you need is a picture to upload to a website that specializes in custom gifts.

Make sure you ask their parent/double check what laptop or tablet model they have. The shapes and sizes differ. If you custom order something, you can’t send it back!

Funny Pencils or Erasers

Have you ever heard of an ear-aser? It’s an eraser that’s in the shape of an ear. They make all sorts of funny accessories that your student will be thrilled to show off at school.

Maybe stay away from the giant pencils, since they won’t get used, but everything else is fair game. Search the internet for novelty supplies or go support your local toy store.

These types of items are more common than you think.

Gift Cards

If your student’s school has vendors or an open campus, get them gift cards they can use for lunch. The easiest way to see what is there is to google map restaurants around the school location.

For example, you could google Lake Mary Prep Admissions and type “restaurants near” in the map search.

Most chains let you buy online and send a card via email.

The Best Graduation Gift Ideas

All in all, the best graduation gift ideas for someone going into high school are functional with a touch of fun. Get them something they’d need anyway, but with a personal touch.

A little silly and a lot of usefulness and you can’t go wrong! Want more gift ideas? Click here.