26 fun middle school graduation gifts kids will love
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Whether the middle schooler in your life is having a ceremony or not, graduating from middle school is a milestone to celebrate. One way you to congratulate the young graduate from afar this year is with an 8th grade graduation gift.
Whether the teen in your life loves playing video games or enjoys studying stars, we rounded up the best middle school graduation gifts. There's bound to be something on our list that will make them smile, no matter what they're into these days.
To shop this 8th grade graduation gift guide by category, simply click on each link below:
Middle School Graduation Gifts
1. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera $59.95 at Amazon
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera $59.00 at Urban Outfitters
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera $59.99 at Best Buy
Even though your kids are probably used to taking photos on their smartphones, sometimes it’s nice to have a physical copy too. With this Fujifilm Instax Instant Camera, they can hang photos of their favorite places and people in their bedroom or high school locker.
2. Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo Switch Lite
Nintendo Switch Lite $249.00 at Amazon
Nintendo Switch Lite $224.90 at Walmart
Nintendo Switch Lite $199.99 at Game Stop
If you want to splurge, get them a Nintendo Switch Lite! The popular gaming device was designed for handheld gaming, is compatible with a wide range of games and has up to seven hours of battery life.
3. Hydro Flask Water Bottle with Straw Lid
Hydro Flask Water Bottle with Straw Lid
Hydro Flask Water Bottle with Straw Lid $49.95 at Amazon
Hydro Flask Water Bottle with Straw Lid $49.95 at HydroFlask
Hydro Flask Water Bottle with Straw Lid $44.95 at Dick's Sporting Goods
Help your graduate stay hydrated and stay on trend when they start high school with this sleek insulated water bottle from Hydro Flask. The water bottle will keep their water cold for hours and it has a straw lid top for easy access.
4. Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition
Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition
Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition $49.99 at Amazon
This kid-friendly edition of Amazon Echo is like a virtual assistant for your teen. They can ask Alexa to play music, read stories, call approved friends and family and explore a world full of kid-friendly skills. It also sets daily time limits and filters explicit songs from select music services.
5. LBell Wake-Up Light
LBell Wake-Up Light
LBell Wake-Up Light $39.99 at Amazon
With high school comes early wake up times. This unique alarm clock acts as a sunlight stimulator and gently wakes them up by slowly brightening up their bedroom. Just to be sure they’re awake, an actual alarm will go off at the end of the light’s cycle.
6. Williams Sonoma Complete Junior Chef Cookbook
Williams Sonoma Complete Junior Chef Cookbook
Williams Sonoma Complete Junior Chef Cookbook $19.99 at Amazon
Williams Sonoma Complete Junior Chef Cookbook $14.99 at Williams Sonoma
If he or she loves to help their parents in the kitchen, this junior chef cookbook from William Sonoma is a great way to give them inspiration for the summer ahead. It’s packed with 65 different recipes (many that cater towards picky eaters!) for breakfast, main courses, snacks, soups, desserts and more.
7. Sugarwish Candy & Popcorn Boxes
Sugarwish Candy & Popcorn Boxes
Sugarwish Candy & Popcorn Boxes $29.98 at Sugarwish
What 8th grader doesn’t love treats? Sugarwish is a company that sends gift boxes of assorted candy or popcorn in small portions. In just a few days, your grad will receive their cute package right to their doorstep so it’s quarantine-friendly too.
8. "Sleeping Freshman Never Lie" by David Lubar
"Sleeping Freshman Never Lie" by David Lubar
"Sleeping Freshman Never Lie" by David Lubar $7.99 at Amazon
"Sleeping Freshman Never Lie" by David Lubar $9.99 at Apple Books
"Sleeping Freshman Never Lie" by David Lubar $9.99 at Barnes and Noble
If they enjoy reading for fun, get them this freshman year-themed book to get them ready for the next four years.
This young adult fiction book is written about a young boy going through his freshman year when his mom reveals she’s pregnant. To help his unborn sibling have a more seamless freshman year than he did, he decides to create a freshman year survival manual while going through the obstacles of his first year of high school.
9. Funboy Giant Inflatable Pool Float
Funboy Giant Inflatable Pool Float
Funboy Giant Inflatable Pool Float $79.00 at Amazon
With summer just around the corner, a trendy pool float is a perfect 8th grade graduation gift. Funboy makes a bunch of fun floats including a rainbow unicorn, a flamingo, crown and more.
10. Educational Insights Moon Scope & Sky Gazer
Educational Insights Moon Scope & Sky Gazer
Educational Insights Moon Scope & Sky Gazer $54.99 at Amazon
Do they love to study the sky and learn about outer space? This Moon Scope and Sky Gazer by Education Insights is the perfect gift. This set comes with a moon scope, moon filter, a tripod and a 20-page journal so they can take notes as they discover new things.
Gift Ideas For 8th Grade Boy
1. Lightahead LED Jellyfish Mini Desktop Lamp
Lightahead LED Jellyfish Mini Desktop Lamp
Lightahead LED Jellyfish Mini Desktop Lamp $32.99 at Amazon
This mini desktop lamp includes two realistic life-like jellyfish with color-changing lights. It's designed as a calming lamp, and it's small in size so it could easily fit on a nightstand or a crowded desk.
2. Winning Moves Pass The Pigs Game
Winning Moves Pass The Pigs Game
Winning Moves Pass The Pigs Game $10.99 at Amazon
Winning Moves Pass The Pigs Game $13.54 at Walmart
Winning Moves Pass The Pigs Game $13.00 at Macy's
Pass The Pigs is a great game for all ages but we know your young grad will love it too. Each player tosses the pigs and they gain or lose points depending on how they land. Whoever reaches 100 points first wins the game. This miniature version is also portable so it’s easy to tote around.
3. Razor Scooter
Razor Scooter
With so much time spent at home lately, it’s important to get him active and outside once in a while. This razor scooter is the perfect way to get some fresh air while remaining socially distant as he cruises around.
4. The Anywhere Light by If
The Anywhere Light by If
The Anywhere Light by If $14.99 at Amazon
The Anywhere Light by If $15.25 at Walmart
The Anywhere Light by If $14.99 at Barnes and Noble
If he loves gadgets, he’s bound to smile after opening up this graduation gift. The Anywhere Light can fit inside his pocket or backpack, it’s bendable and great for late-night studying, selfie lighting or as a flashlight. Either way, it's extremely versatile.
5. Sony WH-CH510 Wireless Headphones
Sony WH-CH510 Wireless Headphones
Sony WH-CH510 Wireless Headphones $59.99 at Amazon
Sony WH-CH510 Wireless Headphones $59.99 at Walmart
Sony WH-CH510 Wireless Headphones $59.99 at Best Buy
These Sony Wireless headphones are great Bluetooth option if you don’t want to spend a fortune. They provide great sound, offer up to 35 hours of playtime with a single charge (so he won’t have to remember to charge often) and they’re budget-friendly.
6. Marky Sparky Indoor Magnetic Dart Board for Kids
Marky Sparky Indoor Magnetic Dart Board for Kids
Marky Sparky Indoor Magnetic Dart Board for Kids $29.99 at Amazon
Marky Sparky Indoor Magnetic Dart Board for Kids $34.97 at Walmart
Get him something that is fun and active. This magnetic indoor dart board is easy to hang, kid-safe and won’t damage your walls. Plus, it would double as cool room décor in his bedroom!
Gift Ideas For 8th Grade Girl
1. Dear Ava 'Oh, the Place You'll Go!' Graduation Necklace
Dear Ava 'Oh, the Place You'll Go!' Graduation Necklace
Dear Ava 'Oh, the Place You'll Go!' Graduation Necklace $34.32 at Amazon
Dear Ava 'Oh, the Place You'll Go!' Graduation Necklace $39.00 at Dear Ava
No matter what school year they’re graduating from, graduating is an important moment of growth and transition in life. This graduation necklace made by Dear Ava symbolizes the hard work she accomplished to get to the next level.
2. Casetify Star Phone Case
Casetify Star Phone Case
Casetify Star Phone Case $30.00 at Casetify
If she has a smartphone (or you’re getting her one soon) gift it with a fun phone case. This “Triple Stars” Casetify case is colorful, fun and easy to spot when it's buried in her backpack.
3. ChemCare Heart Shape LED Neon Light Sign
ChemCare Heart Shape LED Neon Light Sign
ChemCare Heart Shape LED Neon Light Sign $32.59 at Amazon
What 8th-grade girl wouldn’t love a neon light to spruce up her bedroom? This LED wall light is easy to use, budget-friendly and would look great in any room. This brand also sells LED wall lights in the shape of a cactus, ice pop, palm tree and others if she’d prefer a different shape.
4. Iscream Neon Effect Customizable Write-On Frame
Iscream Neon Effect Customizable Write-On Frame
Iscream Neon Effect Customizable Write-On Frame $28.00 at Bergdorf Goodman
Iscream Neon Effect Customizable Write-On Frame $28.00 at Neiman Marcus
This neon effect frame is another colorful way to decorate her space. She can write quotes, doodles and leave notes using the vibrant neon pens that come with the frame. You can hang it on the wall or display it upright on any flat surface.
5. Steve Madden Corina Studded Crossbody Bag
Steve Madden Corina Studded Crossbody Bag
Steve Madden Corina Studded Crossbody Bag $34.97 at Nordstrom Rack
Steve Madden Corina Studded Crossbody Bag $18.44 at Macy's
A handy crossbody bag is a great gift for any teen. This Steve Madden bag is trendy thanks to the studded detailing and it also has a secure zip closure and an adjustable crossbody strap so she can stay hands-free.
6. Madden Girl Quilted Mid Backpack
Madden Girl Quilted Mid Backpack
Madden Girl Quilted Mid Backpack $29.97 at Nordstrom Rack
Help her prepare for high school with a brand new backpack. This quilted bag made by Madden Girl has plenty of space to hold all of her books and essentials — and it’s currently on sale for almost half the original price. It comes in a light pink or black shade.
Finding the perfect gift can be a challenge, but Shop TODAY can help. Try our interactive gift finder to sort gifts by price, person and interest. And no matter who you're looking for, we have gift guides for everyone on your list, including:
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