19 DIY HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION GIFT BASKETS YOUR GRAD WILL ADORE

With graduation season quickly approaching, finding the perfect gift for your special graduate can be a fun challenge. A gift basket is a fantastic option! With endless possibilities to personalize, you can fill it with anything from college essentials to indulgent snacks, or even relaxing spa products. It’s a thoughtful and affordable way to make your grad feel extra special.

Whether they’re heading to college, trade school, or starting a new job, a DIY high school graduation gift basket wrapped with care will bring a smile to their face! Plus, what’s not to love about a basket filled with hand-picked goodies just for them? Here are 19 creative and thoughtful DIY high school graduation gift basket ideas to inspire you!

For Coffee Lovers

When you’re in college, noon is practically “early!” That’s why most college students become coffee drinkers (even if they swore they never would). Between early mornings and late-night study sessions, coffee is their best friend. Have some fun with this basket idea by including a bag of coffee (of course), along with a few of their favorite snacks, a cute mug or coffee cup, and anything else you think your coffee-loving grad would adore! It’s the perfect pick-me-up for their busy college life!

Late-Night Snack & Study Basket

A college survival kit like this is sure to bring some laughs to your graduating senior! This basket is packed with everything they’ll need for late-night study sessions and snack breaks. Fill it with their favorite snacks and drinks, along with something personal, like a coffee tumbler. Don’t forget to add a few messages of encouragement to help them stay motivated and ace those tests!

DIY College Survival Kit with FREE Printable Card

If your grad is heading off to college, a survival kit gift basket (complete with an adorable FREE printable card) is guaranteed to put a huge smile on their face! Just picture their reaction when you hand them this thoughtful and fun basket packed with all the essentials they’ll need for college life!

The Tassel Was Worth the Hassle Basket

Here’s a festive basket we absolutely love, and we’re sure your grad will too! You can color-coordinate the basket with your grad’s college colors or create a custom theme. Fill it with whatever you think they’ll love! We especially like the “The Tassel Was Worth the Hassle” cup with gold confetti—it’s the perfect fun touch. This gift will definitely stand out on the gift table!

Tiered Cake for Grads

We absolutely love this fun and creative tiered “cake” design for grads! It’s a clever way to stack all their study supplies, along with college essentials like Ramen noodles and an energy drink for those late-night study sessions. Tie each layer with a colorful wide ribbon and use strong double-sided tape to keep everything in place. It’s both practical and playful—your grad will adore it!

“Take Time for YOU “Personalized Basket

Whether your grad is heading to college, taking a gap year to travel, or starting a new job, life transitions can be stressful. This “Take Time for YOU” personalized basket is a perfect reminder for her to prioritize self-care, no matter how busy life gets. Fill it with things she loves, like lavender bar soap, bath salts, lotion, and body spray. Complete the theme with a matching pillow, loofah, candle, and a beautiful bow. Your grad will absolutely LOVE it!

New Beginnings Basket

New beginnings are always exciting! Whether your grad is off to college or starting a new job, they’re going to need a lot of essentials. Celebrate this exciting new chapter in their life by helping them get prepared! This basket is packed with a thoughtful variety of supplies, from laundry detergent and markers to a stapler and Ramen noodles. The chocolate, ribbon, and sunflower add the perfect finishing touches to make it extra special!

New Apartment Supplies Kit

For grads stepping into apartment life, this New Apartment Supplies gift is the ultimate starter kit they’ll appreciate! From toilet paper and paper towels to cleaning supplies and storage bags, this thoughtful and practical gift has everything they need to settle into their new place. Any apartment-bound grad will love this fun and useful gesture!

 Charming Sentiments

We just LOVE the look of this charming grad basket, filled with sweet messages and heartfelt touches. It’s easily adaptable for both girls and guys, and with a little creativity, you can personalize it with a variety of items that carry warm, meaningful sentiments. This thoughtful basket is sure to make your grad feel extra special!

Shower Caddy Gift Basket

Every college-bound student needs a shower caddy! This practical gift is perfect for both girls and guys. Fill it with essential shower and bath products like shampoo, conditioner, razors, shower gel, a brush, a comb, and more. It’s a thoughtful and useful way to help them get ready for dorm life!

Guys Essentials Basket

This cute container (perfect for desk or bath supplies!) holds a little bit of everything your special guy will need. From shaving cream and razors to body wash and laundry detergent, he’ll put all of these essentials to good use, whether he’s heading off to college or starting out on his own! And of course, we’re sure the Oreo cookies will be a huge hit too!

The Ultimate Grad Candy Basket

Add some fun to your grad’s basket by including a selection of candy bars with witty and clever sayings! Need some inspiration? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Specialty Basket Just for Guys

Don’t be fooled… guys love a bit of pampering just as much as anyone else! This “just for him” basket is a thoughtful way to remind him that a little relaxation goes a long way when life gets busy. Fill it with his favorite personal care items—like Axe body wash, specialty soap, cologne, and shaving cream—along with a soft face towel. He’ll appreciate this personalized basket made just for him!

College Survival Kit with FREE Printable

This is one of the cutest little baskets we found, and what we absolutely love about it is how easy it is to put together—simple enough for even a younger sibling to make! It’s packed with all sorts of college essentials that any grad will appreciate. Use this as inspiration or personalize it with everything your favorite grad will love!

Dollar Store Grad Basket

DIY high school graduation gift baskets don’t have to be expensive! You can create a thoughtful and affordable graduation basket using finds from your local Dollar Store. For under $15, you can fill it with everything from desk supplies and household essentials to snacks, candy, and cute knick-knacks. Add a personal touch by tying it all together with colorful wrapping, tissue paper, or a festive bow for the perfect finishing touch!

Beach-Bound Basket

Got a grad heading to the beach? Whether they’re off to college in sunny California or Florida, or starting a new job on a coastline across the globe, they’ll love this beach-bound basket! Fill it with seashell-shaped soap, a sea breeze candle, a cute sign, and fragrant “ocean-inspired” hand lotion. It’s the perfect way to send them off with a little coastal charm!

Sorority Basket

If you have a daughter or a special grad heading into sorority life, this could be the perfect basket for her! Get creative by filling it with her favorite spa products, sorority logo items, and even a cozy throw like the grey one shown here. Add a personalized sign or any other thoughtful touches, and this is one basket she’ll treasure and never forget!

Off to College Basket

Make your grad’s transition into college fun and exciting with this vibrant “Off to College” gift basket! Fill it with their favorite snacks, dorm essentials, and all the little necessities they’ll need to settle in. From practical items to fun surprises, the sky’s the limit when it comes to customizing this basket to make it special and memorable!

“Time to Put on Your Big Girl Panties” Basket

When it comes to DIY high school graduation gift baskets, this one takes the cake… literally! Your grad will be thrilled with this fun tower of gifts! Packed with everything from notebooks and pens to Ramen and energy drinks, this tower is a perfect collection of college essentials to help them power through exams. You can use any sign you like, but we think this one really says it all!

conclusion

25 BEST GIFTS FOR NEW MOMS

The birth of a baby is a special time that brings happiness and excitement, but it also requires a lot of adjustments. New moms are like superheroes starting a wonderful, but often tired, journey. To show your love and support, a well-chosen gift can make their experience easier and more enjoyable. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to pick the right present. Don’t worry! This list has 25 great gift ideas for new moms, suited to different needs and budgets.

BEST GIFTS FOR NEW MOMS

NURSING ENTERTAINMENT

When it comes to gifts for moms-to-be, nursing entertainment options can be a thoughtful and practical choice. New moms often spend long hours breastfeeding their babies, and having something to keep them entertained during those moments can make a big difference. Consider giving a subscription to audiobooks, podcasts, or streaming services so that they can enjoy their favorite shows or listen to engaging stories while caring for their little one. These gifts not only provide entertainment but also help moms relax and make nursing sessions more enjoyable.

ESARORA ICE ROLLER

The Esarora Ice Roller is a fantastic choice for new moms. This handy device offers a refreshing and soothing experience, especially during those hectic early days of motherhood. The ice roller can help reduce puffiness, soothe tired eyes, and relieve headaches, providing much-needed relief for sleep-deprived moms. Its compact size and ease of use make it convenient for quick self-care sessions whenever they need a little pick-me-up. The Esarora Ice Roller is a budget-friendly gift for women under $25 that can make a significant impact on a new mom’s well-being and self-care routine.

A HEALING BALM

Among the top gifts for women in 2022, the Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream stands out as a perfect choice for new parents. With the constant need for handwashing due to diaper changes, spit-up, and the delicate immune systems of newborns, parenthood brings a whole new level of importance to maintaining supple skin. This intensively moisturizing cream has long been a favorite of Wirecutter staff and is considered a classic in the beauty world. It combines powerful moisturizers like lanolin, beeswax, sweet almond, and sunflower seed oils to prevent water loss, along with soothing botanicals such as chamomile, viola tricolor, and calendula. 

LOULOU LOLLIPOP NEW YORK CITY DELUXE MUSLIN SWADDLE BLANKET

A classic receiving blanket, like the incredibly soft muslin one from Loulou Lollipop, is a versatile gift that can serve multiple purposes for new moms. Aside from being an excellent swaddle for the baby, it can also be used as a nursing shawl, a cover for the car seat, and a burp cloth. With its New York-themed design, it adds a touch of style and charm to any baby ensemble. This multipurpose blanket is not only practical but also a lovely and thoughtful gift for new moms.

LOW-EFFORT DINNER 

Low-effort is also on the list of best gifts for new mothers. Adjusting to life with a newborn can be overwhelming, leaving little time and energy to prepare meals. That’s why gifting a meal delivery service or a selection of pre-made frozen meals can be a thoughtful and practical choice. With these options, new mothers can enjoy delicious and nutritious dinners without the hassle of cooking. It gives them the convenience and comfort they need during this busy time, allowing them to focus on taking care of their little ones.

MOBILE PHOTO PRINTER

A mobile photo printer can be a great gift for new moms. It’s a simple device that allows them to print photos directly from their smartphones. With this handy gadget, new moms can easily capture and print precious moments with their little ones. Whether it’s a cute smile or a milestone achievement, they can instantly have physical copies of these special memories. The mobile photo printer is portable and easy to use, making it convenient for on-the-go printing. 

A ONE-HANDED WATER BOTTLE

An essential item for new moms on the go is a one-handed water bottle. This cleverly designed water bottle allows them to stay hydrated with ease, even while juggling the demands of taking care of their little one. With its innovative design, moms can open and close the bottle using just one hand, leaving their other hand free for holding the baby, pushing a stroller, or attending to other tasks. The spill-proof feature ensures that they can take a sip whenever they need it, without worrying about leaks or messes. 

BABY FOOTPRINT KIT & HANDPRINT KIT

This delightful kit is a perfect gift for new moms who want to capture and cherish those precious early memories. The setting clay allows them to create a beautiful keepsake of their baby’s tiny hands and feet, preserving them in a unique and sentimental way. With the included alphabet stamps, they can personalize the frame by adding their child’s name and birth date, making it a truly special memento that they can treasure for years to come.

TINY GOLD HOOPS

When babies begin to grab things, wearing large jewelry becomes impractical. That’s where Automic Gold’s Mini Seamless Huggie Hoops come to the rescue. These timeless and ungraspable earrings are made in New York from 14-karat yellow, white, or rose gold, which is upcycled from old electronics and jewelry. The hoops feature an invisible lock that clasps securely, requiring just a fingertip to locate the open edge for opening and closing them. Their seamless construction ensures comfort, making them suitable for wearing even during sleep, which is especially convenient for new moms who catch some much-needed rest whenever they can.

BABY’S FRIEND

If you ask any experienced parent, they’ll emphasize one important item: Sophie the giraffe. This adorable teether in the shape of a giraffe is renowned for providing comfort to babies, and it’s crafted from 100 percent natural rubber. It’s a universal favorite among babies, including both of my own daughters. There’s something about its design that makes it ideal for tiny hands and mouths. We never left home without it, as it quickly became an essential companion for our little ones.

SOOTHING NURSING PILLOWS

Soothing nursing pillows are a wonderful gift for new moms. These pillows provide comfort and support during breastfeeding sessions, making the experience more relaxed and enjoyable. They are specially designed to help moms find a comfortable position while feeding their baby, reducing strain on their back, neck, and arms. The softness and cushioning of the pillows provide a cozy nest for the baby, promoting a secure and close bond between mom and child. With soothing nursing pillows, new moms can have a more comfortable and nurturing breastfeeding experience, making it a thoughtful and practical gift choice.

A BOX OF SURPRISE

This special box is filled with a variety of surprises and treats to bring joy and pampering to the new mom. It may include self-care items like bath bombs, scented candles, face masks, or relaxing teas. It could also contain small gifts for the baby, such as cute onesies or soft toys. The element of surprise adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for the new mom, making it a truly memorable and heartwarming gift. This box of surprises is a wonderful way to show love and support to the new mom during this important and transformative time in her life.

SILICONE BREAST PUMP

This type of breast pump is made from soft and flexible silicone material, which makes it comfortable to use. It works by creating a gentle suction that helps draw out breast milk. Silicone breast pumps are compact, portable, and easy to clean, making them convenient for on-the-go use. They are especially handy for collecting milk during breastfeeding sessions or when experiencing let-down on the opposite breast. With a silicone breast pump, new moms can easily and discreetly collect breast milk, providing them with an efficient and convenient option for breastfeeding and milk storage.

BABY’S BACKPACK

If you’re seeking a practical and unexpected gift for a new mom, consider a fantastic hiking backpack that can be used for outdoor adventures or even everyday outings. This hiking baby carrier boasts padded shoulder straps and a spacious hip belt, ensuring the utmost comfort. It features convenient pockets in the hip belt for easy access to phones and wallets, as well as ample storage space for all the essential items in a diaper bag. The little one will relish the elevated and secure padded seat, the removable napping pillow, the optional sunshade, and the opportunity to view the wonders of the great outdoors. This hiking backpack is a thoughtful and versatile gift that will prove invaluable throughout the coming year.

BABY BOUNCER

These versatile and entertaining items provide a safe and comfortable place for babies to play and relax. The gentle bouncing motion can soothe and entertain little ones, giving moms a much-needed break. Some baby bouncers come with additional features like music, vibrations, and toys to stimulate the baby’s senses. They are portable and easy to move around the house, allowing moms to keep an eye on their little one while attending to other tasks. 

SELF-WATERING POTS

With a self-watering pot, new moms don’t have to worry about constantly monitoring and watering their plants. The built-in reservoir system ensures that the plants receive the right amount of water without the risk of overwatering or underwatering. This feature is especially beneficial for moms who may have limited time or experience in plant care. Self-watering pots not only bring beauty and greenery to the home but also offer a convenient and low-maintenance solution for nurturing plants.

SKINCARE GIFT

She’s probably stocked up on everything the baby needs, but it’s important to consider her own well-being too. This clean skin care set is a thoughtful gift that includes three essential items (nipple balm, body cream, and face wash) specially curated for new moms. These products are fragrance-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free, ensuring gentle and safe care for her skin during this special time.

A PERSONALIZED NECKLACE

If you’re looking for a timeless piece to last long after the days of swaddles and sleep regressions, we suggest the 14k Gold Asymmetrical Initial Necklace from Los Angeles–based jeweler Zoe Lev. Each necklace is forged from recycled yellow, white, or rose gold. It’s likely to become the kind of piece she never takes off. The sideways initial in a sans serif font has a modern appeal that’s classic enough to fit a range of styles. Zoe Lev also offers repairs and alterations—such as adding another initial down the road—for a nominal fee.

MIRACLE BABY MIRACLE BLANKET

If you’re seeking a reliable and tried-and-true swaddle option, Laura Izumikawa, a blogger, author, and mom of two, highly recommends the Miracle Blanket. This traditional-style swaddle has proven to be foolproof in her experience. According to Laura, swaddling her girls in this specific wrap brought them increased contentment and longer sleep durations.

RECORD SPECIAL MOMENTS

The early years fly by in no time! Capture all the wonderful moments with this charming baby book. The Memory Book is a 48-page keepsake designed thoughtfully for busy parents. It features simple prompts to record key milestones and provides convenient spaces to attach photos, making it effortless to document and cherish those precious memories.

SWEET READS

Attempting to encapsulate the multifaceted journey of motherhood in a single sentence, paragraph, or book is an immense task. However, Grace Farris, a doctor, mother, and author, bravely takes on this challenge in her illustrated manual, Mom Milestones. Born from her popular Instagram account, this book showcases heartwarming and insightful sketches that delve into her own humbling experiences of parenthood. From the early stages of being a Newborn Mom to navigating the world of Elementary School Mom, Farris traces the evolution of a mother with poignant reflections like “Notes I Would Send Myself” and “Tricks That Don’t Work.” Particularly for new moms, this affirming read serves as a literary road map, offering guidance through the challenging yet immensely rewarding path that lies ahead.

GIFT CARD

Takeout-delivery gift cards are always great for new parents, but there’s something to be said for having a stash of wholesome, ready-to-go frozen meals on hand when they’re feeling peckish. Ipsa, which several Strategist staffers and I swear by, allows folks to order high-end, actually delicious dishes like lasagne ai funghi and green-chicken enchilada bake à la carte.

TOTE

It’s important not to underestimate the amount of items a new mom needs to carry around. This lovely bag will become her trusted companion during errand runs, trips to the park, doctor’s appointments, and beyond. Additionally, it comes in a versatile black color that helps conceal any spills or messes that may occur along the way. With this bag, new moms can stay organized and stylish while effortlessly managing all their essential belongings.

BAD-HAIR DAYS, BEGONE

Hair claws are having a renaissance, and no demographic is better suited to embracing the trend than newly anointed moms. The Emi Jay Big Effing Clip is mom and senior editor Catherine Kast’s favorite clip for a few reasons: It’s huge, sturdy, and crack resistant, and it comes in a ton of fun shades and finishes. And it’s versatile enough for every stage of new-momhood, from the stage where the new mom doesn’t wash her hair to the stage where the little one pulls out her hair to the stage where she finally ventures out on her first, much-needed date night.

ORGANIC MIXED FRUIT

This thoughtful and nutritious gift provides a variety of delicious fruits that are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, ensuring a healthier option for both the mom and her family. Organic mixed fruit gifts often include a selection of seasonal fruits, such as apples, oranges, berries, and tropical fruits, providing a vibrant and flavorful assortment. These fruits are not only packed with vitamins and minerals but also offer natural sweetness and refreshing flavors. Offering an organic mixed fruit gift to a new mom is a delightful way to promote her well-being and provide a nourishing treat during this special time.

CONCLUSION

The 25 best gifts for new moms encompass a wide range of thoughtful and practical options that cater to their needs and celebrate this transformative journey. From luxurious self-care items to functional baby gear, these gifts aim to support and uplift new moms during this extraordinary chapter of their lives. With the best gifts for new moms, we can show our appreciation and help them navigate the joys and challenges of motherhood with love, care, and a touch of indulgence.