We can all agree that those in school have had a rough go of things. But for some, it’s a time to celebrate the hard work – whether in-school or at home, and this year’s graduates deserve more than virtual applause.
The perfect graduation gift is hard to define, and it can differ depending on what school/grade-level the student is moving on from. To help you find the perfect option, we’ve rounded up gift ideas (almost) as exciting as their new diploma!
Preschool
Try not to cry as your little one moves onto kindergarten! No matter what you choose, your gift will show the mini-graduate that you’re proud and excited for the next steps in their education journey.
Kindergarten, Here I Come!
from Indigo
Highlights what can be expected in their next chapter in light, fun prose and adorable illustrations. Plus, 1% of net proceeds from this book go to the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation!
Koala Crate
from KiwiCo
Let the learning continue for your little one as they use new materials and tools to build, explore and create with this seriously fun hands-on learning experience!
Kindergarten
Inspire your soon-to-be first grader’s creativity, and put a big smile on their face, with one of the gifts below.
Lego Creative Brick Box
from LEGO Canada
Work on fine motor skills with building supplies that may just inspire a future profession.
Crayola
from KimmyShop.com
A Crayola gift is the perfect way for your little Picasso to put their inner, imaginative world on paper.
Elementary School
Make your little scholar’s momentous day even better with a gift that puts their hard-earned knowledge to the test.
Brain Games the Game
from shopDisney
Challenge your lil’ intellectual to a match of logic, language, and physical coordination! As a bonus, it’s a great way to spend time together.
Tab M10 HD Tablet
from Lenovo
Toy and learning tool collide with this gift! Includes Google Kids Space with 10,000+ teacher approved apps and games, free books and so much more for children to discover, learn from and create with.
Middle School
Whether there’s a ceremony or not, congratulate your graduating 8th grader with one of these gifts. Sure to be a hit, no matter what they’re into these days!
FUJIFILM instax Mini Instant Camera
from The Source
Gift them with a bit of nostalgia. They can capture summer memories and then hang the photos around their room – or locker, once they’re back in-school!
Wireless Headphones
from Sennheiser
Encourage your teen’s evolving taste in music with a pair of quality headphones for an immersive listening experience! Might as well pretend they’re at a concert until they actually can be.
High School
Instead of a high five give them one of these!
Reusable Tumbler
from David’s Tea
Whether your graduate is more cold brew or steeped tea, this is the perfect gift for their morning (or afternoon) fuel.
Cozy Lounge Set
from Roots
Time to relax! A sweat set is perfect to lounge in after four years of hard work.
Post-Secondary School
A post-secondary degree or certificate is a major milestone that deserves recognition. So, it only makes sense to honour this day with an equally special gift.
Nintendo Switch
From Best Buy
They’ve worked hard…. with this gift they’ll play even harder!
Essential Oil Diffuser
from Well.ca
One of the best gifts you can give – the gift of relaxation! A diffuser is the perfect zen gift for the graduate who deserves some self-care.
Master’s or PhD
Earning an advanced degree takes years of hard work and dedication. Acknowledge their achievement with an impressive celebratory gift they’ll use now and in years to come.
Leather Briefcase
from Coach
A modern take on a professional classic. Perfect for those going into more formal workplaces, and something they’ll cherish for years to come. Bonus: get it monogrammed with their initials.
Classic Timepiece
from Timex
Nothing says ‘starting a new chapter’ quite like a watch. Depending on their career path it could be especially pragmatic, or the finishing touch on their newly elevated wardrobe.
A Gift for Any Occasion
Still not sure what to give the new grad? With 100+ gift cards to choose from (and earn Cash Back on!) in the Rakuten Gift Card Shop there’s something for every grade level and age.